Make your own Sumo Salt Shaker
Decorate and assemble a mini sumo salt shaker using a plastic bottle, paper, markers, and glue, practicing creativity, fine motor skills, and safe crafting.
About this activity
Decorate and assemble a mini sumo salt shaker using a plastic bottle, paper, markers, and glue, practicing creativity, fine motor skills, and safe crafting.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Find a small clean plastic bottle with a screw cap to use as your salt shaker.
- 2
Step 2
Peel off the bottle's label so the surface is smooth for decorating.
- 3
Step 3
Wash the bottle and cap with water and dry them completely.
- 4
Step 4
Cut a strip of paper about as tall as the bottle to make your sumo body wrap.
- 5
Step 5
Use markers to draw a sumo face and a mawashi (belt) on the paper strip.
- 6
Step 6
Trim the paper strip so it fits the curve of the bottle without overlapping too much.
- 7
Step 7
Wrap the decorated paper around the bottle so the sumo drawing faces forward.
- 8
Step 8
Apply a thin line of glue to one short edge of the paper.
- 9
Step 9
Press the glued edge onto the paper to secure the wrap around the bottle.
- 10
Step 10
Unscrew the bottle cap to prepare for filling.
- 11
Step 11
Pour salt into the bottle using a small funnel or a folded-paper funnel until nearly full.
- 12
Step 12
Screw the cap back on tightly so the salt stays inside.
- 13
Step 13
Share a photo of your finished mini sumo salt shaker on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a mini sumo salt shaker with my child?
To make a sumo salt shaker, rinse and dry a small plastic bottle, then remove any labels. Cut paper to wrap as the wrestler’s body and mawashi (belt). Color the paper with markers and glue it around the bottle, then draw a face and hair. Use a small funnel to add salt or fine seasoning, leaving room to shake. Secure the cap tightly with glue or tape and let dry before play.
What materials do I need to make a sumo salt shaker?
You’ll need a small clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting cap, plain paper or lightweight cardstock for the mawashi and decorations, washable markers, scissors, and craft glue (or hot glue used by an adult). Also have a small funnel or paper cone, table salt or fine seasoning, and clear tape for extra sealing. Optional extras: stickers, colored paper, and a permanent marker for fine details.
What ages is the sumo salt shaker craft suitable for?
This craft is best for children ages 4-10 with adult supervision. Preschoolers (4-6) enjoy decorating and gluing pre-cut pieces while an adult handles cutting, filling, and any hot glue. Ages 7-10 can do more of the assembly and design work independently. Always supervise around small parts, scissors, and hot glue; adjust difficulty by pre-cutting shapes or offering templates for younger kids.
What are the benefits and safety tips for making a sumo salt shaker?
Benefits include boosting creativity, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and following step-by-step instructions. It’s a low-cost sensory craft that encourages imaginative play. Safety tips: use washable markers, supervise scissors and hot glue, ensure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent spills, keep salt and small parts away from very young children who mouth objects, and let glue dry fully before play. Try variations like different sizes or colored sand.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a small funnel or a clean plastic bottle with a screw cap?
If you lack a funnel, fold paper into a funnel as the instructions suggest for 'Pour salt... using a small funnel or a folded-paper funnel', and if you don't have a small plastic bottle with a screw cap (step 1) use a clean spice jar or a recycled travel-size shampoo bottle with a tight lid instead.
The paper wrap won't stay flat or the glue won't hold—what should I do?
If the wrap won't lie flat or glue won't stick (steps 2–8), remove any label residue with soapy water, trim the paper strip narrower to fit the bottle curve, apply a thin even line of glue, and hold the glued edge firmly for 30 seconds to set before filling.
How can I adapt this Sumo Salt Shaker activity for different ages?
For younger children have an adult pre-wash and pre-cut the paper and pour the salt for them (steps 1, 3, 9), while older kids can draw detailed faces and mawashi, trim complex shapes, and try different fillings (steps 4–6, 9).
How can we improve or personalize our finished mini sumo before sharing it on DIY.org?
To personalize and protect the finished shaker (steps 4–8, 11), cover the paper wrap with clear tape or a thin coat of Mod Podge, glue on foam or felt arms, and make a set with varied colored mawashi for a fun photo to upload.