Turn a paper tube into a cute paper fish craft. Perfect for pretend play, a fishing game, or for adding to other projects.
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These paper fish are so cute and easy to make! They would be a fun activity for Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss’s birthday) on March 2.
You could also make paper tube fish as part of a beach or ocean activity.
Paint them any colors you like, add stripes and spots, or use stickers and washi tape to embellish your fish. You could even use sequins!
Some creative fish for inspiration:
Or try making your fish look like real ones you’ve seen in a fish tank or the aquarium!
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How to make paper fish
Supplies
- empty toilet paper or paper towel tubes
- scissors
- glue
- craft paint, any colors
- 1-inch sponge brush
- plastic wiggly eyes
Instructions
1. Cut 2 triangles for a tail.
Start by creasing one end of the tube to make it flat. Use the scissors to cut a small triangle shape from either side to create a tail. Save those pieces! Add glue to the end of the tube to close the tail.
2. Attach the fins.
Take each of the small triangles you cut in the first step and glue them to either side of the tube to make fins. They should be about in the middle. Let the glue dry completely.
3. Paint the fish.
Use the sponge brush to apply paint to the outside of the cardboard tube. Dab around the seams to get the paint in any small spaces. You may or may not need a second coat. Set the tube on a protected surface until the paint dries.
4. Attach the eyes.
Use a small dab of glue to attach a pair of eyes to the face area. Let that glue dry, then your fish is complete!
Paint your paper fish craft in a whole bunch of different colors! You can decorate them as simple or detailed as you like.
Printable instructions
Paper Tube Fish
Materials
- empty toilet paper or paper towel tubes
- scissors
- glue
- craft paint, any colors
- 1-inch sponge brush
- plastic wiggly eyes
Instructions
- Cut 2 triangles for a tail.
Start by creasing one end of the tube to make it flat. Use the scissors to cut a small triangle shape from either side to create a tail. Save those pieces! Add glue to the end of the tube to close the tail. - Attach the fins.
Take each of the small triangles you cut in the first step and glue them to either side of the tube to make fins. They should be about in the middle. Let the glue dry completely. - Paint the fish.
Use the sponge brush to apply paint to the outside of the cardboard tube. Dab around the seams to get the paint in any small spaces. You may or may not need a second coat. Set the tube on a protected surface until the paint dries. - Attach the eyes.
Use a small dab of glue to attach a pair of eyes to the face area. Let that glue dry, then your fish is complete!
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