DIY Cardboard Fish- A Fun Upcycled Craft with Texture and Color

 

Dive into creativity with this eco-friendly cardboard fish craft! It’s a wonderful project for kids, parents, or anyone wanting a relaxing, tactile experience. Using recycled cardboard and a splash of color, this fish will look charming on a wall or even as part of a mobile.

⸻

✂️ Materials Needed:

• A piece of cardboard (from any box)

• Pencil and scissors

• White glue or glue stick

• Colorful craft paper scraps (or tissue paper, magazine cutouts, or old wrapping paper)

• Markers or paint (optional for detailing)

• Googly eye or black marker

• String (if you want to hang it)

• Optional: aluminum foil for shiny fins

⸻

🧭 Instructions:

1. Draw and Cut the Fish Shape

Sketch a simple fish on cardboard — big round body, triangle tail. Cut it out. 

Download and print the fish design. Just click on it!

2. Create Scales

Cut circles or teardrop shapes from colorful paper. Overlap and glue them to form scales across the body.

3. Add Fins and Tail

Glue extra cardboard or foil cutouts for the tail and fins to give them texture.

4. Add an Eye

Stick on a googly eye or draw one with a marker.

5. Detail and Finish

Use markers or paint to add dots, gills, or outlines. You can also punch a hole at the top and tie a string to hang your fish.

⸻

💡 Creative Tip:

Each fish can have a personality! Try making a whole school of fish in different colors and sizes—great for classroom decorations or home art corners.

⸻

🎯 Why It’s Therapeutic:

This project invites focus through cutting, layering, and arranging—excellent for calming the mind and boosting creativity.

Crafting your own cardboard fish is not only a fun and colorful activity, but it’s also a beautiful way to upcycle and spark creativity. Whether you’re doing this project with kids or as a relaxing mindful moment for yourself, we hope it brought a splash of joy to your day!

💬 Did you try this craft at home?

We’d love to see your creations! Feel free to share your pictures in the comments or tag us on social media. Your version might inspire others too!