![Two people holding up their completed project. Two people holding up their completed project.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/Oby4wQTZ8IYRbw5zZV6nwg/GXwcPBgTzXjdBb1aqRcCkw/Original%20file/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo8.jpg)
![Char Miller-King contributorImage](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/ES1eh1Sl_fYaeznOwe3VQQ/je0Dno8GwD2LhGkzCQoCPA/Original%20file/CharMillerKingHeadshot.jpeg)
A Note From The Home Depot
Are you looking for a fun and easy to follow DIY project to do with your kids? Follow along as Char of Wooden Maven shows a step-by-step on how to make DIY portholes!
How To Make Portholes
![Three people about to make portholes. Three people about to make portholes.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/4cDfPESIyyyxSHWeCx9AyA/qzcUCagJPvM-xeLlEQ_OiA/Original%20file/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo0.jpg)
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States and the only aquarium in North America to house manta rays and great whale sharks. It boasts a whopping ten million gallons of water on its campus. Having an annual pass to see, learn and do is definitely worth it!
Until you can get to the Georgia Aquarium, here’s a fun activity inspired by the under the sea life at the aquarium. This fun and easy aquarium themed project provides children with a hands-on experience that is sure to engage and spark creativity. DIY portholes give you a peak into ocean life and can be made with items purchased at The Home Depot.
These DIY portholes have a great mix of things an adult should help with and items that allow children to make it feel like their own design.
Steps an Adult Should Complete
![A person spray painting planter trays. A person spray painting planter trays.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/TDEzg0rHokkfyrBVMPaS8Q/lHfX0SNJGkwjeHkAbUsg_w/Original%20file/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo1.jpg)
Step 1. Spray paint one planter tray blue and one brass as well as the hex nuts.
![Three people showing the blue cardboard cutout. Three people showing the blue cardboard cutout.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/m4w2HtcpxhFQ9J3cegnDFA/L-E8BzDxe9VLkbKz4lXf9A/Original%20file/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo2.jpg)
Step 2. Spray paint the round cardboard cutout with shades of blue to mimic the ocean.
![A person cutting the bottom of a brass tray. A person cutting the bottom of a brass tray.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/wQfuhwnUD4aWHVNcHyplHQ/jxtrKnowle0r15TNoSGhJw/Original%20file/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo3.jpg)
Step 3. Cut the bottom out of the brass tray, leaving only the rim.
![A person using a hot glue gun. A person using a hot glue gun.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/IpaUNkQDcuCU3oI-cTw3NQ/ZTD_Pb0BJ0YXM2vh3ksKoA/optimizedFile/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo4.jpg)
Step 4. After placing the cardboard cutout in the blue tray, begin to add embellishments using the hot glue gun. Add sea moss and cut the pool noodles into coral reef shapes and sea grass.
![Two people using hot glue guns. Two people using hot glue guns.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/rNpBd7p13gYEYQ_sHea7Fw/NXAy1qN2LbvvIr_yLUFs2g/optimizedFile/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo5.jpg)
Step 5. A school of origami fish can be made from free paint sample cards from The Home Depot, the larger eight-by-eight sheets are best. Glue your fish down.
![Overview of the origami fish. Overview of the origami fish.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/AnVP_l53VkaKms_ubiMRsA/kjLLPy0WbNAD5Vgo0MW4ew/optimizedFile/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo6.jpg)
Step 6. Cover the tray with a round piece of acetate or plastic wrap and place the brass rim on top, securing it with hot glue. Lastly, glue the hex nuts on.
![A close-up of the tray with the brass rim. A close-up of the tray with the brass rim.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/P3Ir4WmWp3FiARWrWn6S5A/eDKm9EGIgqho47wFO-Q7rw/Original%20file/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo7.jpg)
Step 7. Optional, make a submarine from a large piece of cardboard and paint it yellow or any color that suits you. Attach your portholes to the submarine with glue.
![Two people holding up their completed project. Two people holding up their completed project.](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/Oby4wQTZ8IYRbw5zZV6nwg/GXwcPBgTzXjdBb1aqRcCkw/Original%20file/CharMillerKing-HowToMakePortholes-FY2023Workshops-Photo8.jpg)
Now, sit back and pretend you’re on an under the sea adventure at the Georgia Aquarium!