Easy & Fun Origami Paper Fish Craft for Kids With YouTube Tutorial

Looking for a simple and fun paper fish craft for kids? Whether you’re planning summer activities, an ocean unit study, or just a rainy day project, this origami fish craft is the perfect creative activity. It’s quick, mess-free, and uses just a few basic supplies like colored paper, glue, scissors, and a pencil. Plus, it includes a YouTube step-by-step video tutorial to make crafting even easier!

Why Choose a Paper Fish Craft?

Fish crafts are a hit with kids of all ages, and here’s why: there are over 30,000 fish species in the world, each with their own shapes, colors, and patterns. This makes fish crafts for preschoolers and older children an exciting opportunity to explore colors and textures while practicing fine motor skills and creativity.

Watch the Origami Fish Tutorial Video

We’ve created a YouTube video tutorial to guide you step-by-step through the process of folding and assembling your paper fish. Be sure to watch the video before you start, it’s super helpful, especially for beginners or younger kids. Watch the step by step instruction video below before you start crafting. 

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Craft Supplies Origami Paper Fish Craft

• Origami paper (or square-cut colored paper)
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Funny Googly Eyes (optional, for fun personalization)

Tip: If you don’t have origami paper, just cut a square from regular printer paper. We used 15×15 cm for easy folding with little hands.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make an Origami Paper Fish

Step 1: Gather all your craft supplies listed above.

Step 2: Choose your favorite origami paper (or square-cut paper from about 15×15 CM).

Step 3: Fold the paper diagonally to form a triangle.

Step 4: Place the triangle with the folded edge at the top and open ends at the bottom.

Step 5: Using a pencil and ruler, mark lines about 1.5 cm apart along the edges.

Step 6: Cut along the marked lines, stopping before the top edge, see image A. 

Step 7: Unfold the paper and begin folding the strips inward toward the center, see image C above for reference. 

Step 8: One by one, glue each strip in the middle to create a woven, 3D fish body. See images D and E above. 

Step 9: Fold the fish tail, to flatten the edges, see image F above. You can give it a little cut if preferred. 

Step 10: Add a rounded diamand shape paper for the head, see image F. This will make the face of your fish. 

 

Step 11: Add googly eyes and a heart-shaped mouth for personality, see images below. 

More Fun Ocean and Paper Fish Crafts To Try With Kids!

Finished your DIY origami fish? Great job! Now try some of our other easy ocean crafts for kids:

• Paper-weaving rainbow fish craft
• Watercolor manta ray craft
• Toilet paper roll whale project

These make perfect additions to an ocean-themed week, homeschool lessons, or kids’ summer craft camps!

 

Ocean-Themed Craft Printables, Ready to Use and Fun to Make!

Short on prep time? We’ve got you covered! Our printable ocean craft packs are designed to make creative time simple, fun, and stress-free. Each pack comes in both full color and black-and-white coloring page versions, so kids can customize their creations and add their own flair.

Here are a few of our most-loved ocean printables, see pictures above. You can purchase them on our website, Etsy Store and Teachers Pay Teachers:

1. Sea Turtle Shell Weaving – A perfect blend of fine motor skills and creative play.

1. BIG Mermaid Puppet Bundle – A magical favorite packed with movement and sparkle!

2. Swimming Shark Puppet – Always a hit with shark fans and full of ocean action. 

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or homeschooler, these print-and-go craft kits are perfect for engaging little learners in a creative underwater adventure! 

 

 

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