All art projects & crafts require adult supervision. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy.
Crafting with kids is always fun, and when the craft involves turning everyday items into colorful creations, the fun multiplies! Our Toilet Paper Roll Fish Craft is an excellent example of how recycling can lead to delightful and imaginative projects. This simple and eco-friendly activity is perfect for young crafters, offering a great way to explore creativity while learning about marine life. Let's dive into this exciting craft and transform those humble toilet paper rolls into vibrant, swimming fish!
Why This Craft is Perfect for Kids
Toilet Paper Roll Fish Crafts are a fantastic way to keep kids engaged and entertained. The materials are easily accessible, and the steps are simple enough for even the youngest crafters to follow. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach kids about recycling and the importance of repurposing items.
This craft not only sparks creativity but also fosters a sense of environmental responsibility. It pairs well with our toilet paper roll crab craft.
Materials Needed
Before we start, let's gather the materials:
Empty toilet paper rolls
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun
Elmer's School Glue
Googly eyes
Paint
Glitter
Washable Markers
Gold and silver paint markers (substitute with permanent markers)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Toilet Paper Roll Fish Craft
Prepare the Toilet Paper Roll
Ensure that all remnants of toilet paper are removed from the roll. This is optional, but I found that trimming about half an inch off the toilet paper roll gives the fish a shorter, more appealing body. While not necessary, it can enhance the overall look of your craft.
Step 1: Paint the Toilet Paper Roll
Begin by painting the toilet paper roll in vibrant colors. Apply several layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before adding the next.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to paint the inside of the toilet paper roll for a more finished look!
Step 2: Draw Scales on the Toilet Paper Roll
Once the paint has dried completely, use gold and silver acrylic paint markers to carefully draw the scales onto the toilet paper roll. This adds a shiny, textured detail that makes your fish come to life. Don’t have acrylic paint markers? You can also substitute permanent markers for this step.
Step 3: Prepare Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are going to be used to create the fish's fins. Instead of using plain white coffee filters, let's add some vibrant colors to brighten up the fish! Start by taking an unused coffee filter and using washable markers to color it. Use different colors to create variation. This step is a lot of fun—experiment with colors and patterns.
Once the coffee filter is colored, spray it with water. Watch as the colors blend together, creating a tie-dye look. Let the filter dry completely.
Step 4: Create the Fins
Once the coffee filter has dried, fold it in half and cut along the fold line to create two halves. You will now use on the halves to make the tail fin.
Take one half of the coffee filter and pinch it in the middle, creating a fold while the opposite tips stick out. This will form the shape of the fish's fins, giving them a vibrant and dynamic appearance.
Have an adult use a hot glue gun to attach the coffee filter fin inside the bottom of the toilet paper roll. Make sure the toilet paper roll is glued shut around the coffee filter, securing the fin in place. This step ensures the fins are firmly attached and gives your fish a finished look.
Hot Glue Disclaimer: This step involves using a hot glue gun, which can cause burns and injuries if not handled properly. Only an adult should perform this step. Kids should never use a hot glue gun. Always supervise children closely when using any type of glue, and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Now it's time to make the pectoral fins that will go on the sides of the fish. Here's how:
Take the unused half of the coffee filter and fold it in half.
Cut along the fold line.
Take one of the two pieces and discard it.
Take the remaining piece and fold it in half again.
Cut along the fold line once more. These two pieces will be the pectoral fins.
Trim the top of the triangles as shown in the photo above.
Fold the tips in and glue one piece to each side of the fish, using hot glue for a secure hold.
Step 5: Add the Eyes
Glue googly eyes near the top of the toilet paper roll to give your fish a friendly face. If you don’t have googly eyes, you can also draw eyes with markers or cut out small circles from white paper and draw the pupils.
Step 6: Make The Lips
To create the fish's lips, start by finding a disposable container, such as a plastic cup, and pour some Elmer's School glue at the bottom. Take the toilet paper roll and dip the top section into the glue, ensuring an even coating around the edge.
Next, immediately dip the glued edge into glitter, covering it completely to create a sparkly mouth. Let the glitter-covered edge dry completely before handling. This will give your fish a fun, glittery touch!
The Toilet Paper Roll Fish Craft is a wonderful way to spend time with your kids, encouraging creativity, recycling, and learning all in one fun activity. Gather your materials, follow the steps, and watch as your child's imagination brings their fish to life.
Don't forget to check out our other toilet paper roll crafts for more creative inspiration. Happy crafting!
Fun Facts About Fish
As you craft, share some fun facts about fish with your kids to make the experience educational too:
Fish have been on Earth for more than 500 million years.
There are over 33,000 known species of fish in the world.
Fish use their gills to breathe underwater.
Some fish can change color to blend into their surroundings.
The largest fish in the ocean is the whale shark, which can grow up to 40 feet long.
Explore More Toilet Paper Roll Crafts
Our blog is bursting with creative toilet paper roll crafts that will spark your child's imagination and provide hours of crafting fun! Dive into the ocean with our adorable toilet paper roll crab, or buzz around with our colorful bumble bee and butterfly creations. For a touch of spooky fun, try making the vampire, perfect for Halloween.
If you're looking for something a bit prickly, our cactus craft is a delightful choice. With so many options, from seasonal favorites to everyday characters, there's a toilet paper roll craft for every occasion. Explore all these and more on our blog and get ready to transform your recycled materials into charming masterpieces!
Our blog is a treasure trove of fun and engaging crafts that kids will love! If you're a fan of owls, you'll be delighted to know that we have more owl-themed crafts like our Handprint Owls. We also have several other puppets that are perfect for sparking imaginative play and storytelling adventures. And if coffee filter crafts have captured your heart, you can explore a variety of projects, from the delicate beauty of Coffee Filter Butterflies to the buzz-worthy charm of Coffee Filter Bees. Each craft is designed to be simple yet captivating, ensuring hours of creative fun for kids of all ages.
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Maybe it's time to embark on a nautical adventure with our Shark Cootie Catcher, a playful twist on the classic fortune teller game that will have kids giggling and guessing. Or set sail with our Pirate Paper Bag Puppets, perfect for swashbuckling fun and imaginative play. Our blog is filled with a wide array of crafts that cater to every interest and season, ensuring that you'll always find something new and exciting to create. Dive in and let the crafting adventures begin!
Comments