Make a splash with this cute and colorful paper plate fish craft. Kids will love using a cardboard tube and paint to stamp bright, playful scales on their fish!
Paper Plate Fish Kids Craft
If you are looking for an easy, cheerful, and low-prep activity for children, this paper plate fish craft is a wonderful choice. It uses simple craft supplies, encourages creativity, and gives kids plenty of room to design a fish that looks completely their own. Paper plate crafts are especially helpful because they are inexpensive, easy to set up, and fun for a wide range of ages.
This colorful fish craft is made with a painted paper plate, a cardstock tail fin, a googly eye, and stamped scales. The scales are created by dipping the end of a cardboard tube into paint and pressing it onto the plate. It is a simple technique, but it creates a bold pattern that kids really enjoy making. They can use one color for the scales or mix several colors for a bright underwater look.
One of the best parts about this kids craft is that every finished fish can look different. Children can choose their favorite paint colors, add as many scales as they like, and draw a silly, happy, or surprised mouth. This makes it a great rainy day activity, classroom art project, summer camp craft, ocean-themed lesson, or simple afternoon project at home.
Because this paper plate fish craft includes painting, cutting, stamping, and gluing, it also gives kids a chance to practice fine motor skills in a fun and relaxed way. Younger children may need help cutting the tail fin, while older kids can trace and cut the pieces on their own. The finished fish can be displayed on a wall, bulletin board, refrigerator, or craft table for a bright pop of color.
Supply List
Gather your supplies before you begin so kids can move easily from painting to stamping and decorating.
- Tail fin template, or draw and cut your own tail fin shape
- Paper plate
- Craft paint in assorted colors
- Cardstock in assorted colors
- Large googly eye
- Cardboard tube, such as an empty toilet paper roll
- Scissors
- Glue
- Black marker
Instructions
- Paint the entire top surface of the paper plate with your favorite color of craft paint. Set the plate aside and allow the paint to dry completely before adding the scales.
- Dip one end of a cardboard tube into a different color of craft paint. Press the painted end onto one half of the paper plate to stamp circle-shaped scales. Repeat with additional colors if desired, then allow the stamped paint to dry.
- Use the tail fin template to trace the fin shape onto colorful cardstock. Cut out the cardstock tail fin. If you do not have a template, simply draw a wide tail shape by hand and cut it out.
- Glue the tail fin to the back of the paper plate so the larger end of the fin is visible from the front. Press firmly and let the glue set.
- Glue a large googly eye near the front of the fish. Use a black marker to draw a mouth. Let everything dry before displaying your finished paper plate fish craft.
Prep Tips
- Plates – Plain paper plates work best for this craft because they absorb paint more easily. Coated or foam plates may cause the paint to slide around or take longer to dry.
- Cardboard Tubes – Empty toilet paper rolls are ideal for stamping fish scales. You can also use a paper towel roll cut into smaller sections so children can hold it more comfortably.
- Painting – Painting with kids can get messy, so cover your work surface before you begin. Old newspapers, craft mats, or washable table covers are helpful. It is also a good idea for children to wear old shirts or art smocks.
- Drying Time – Let the base coat of paint dry before stamping the scales. This helps keep the colors from smearing together and gives the fish a cleaner, brighter look.
- Customization – Encourage kids to choose their own color combinations. They can make rainbow fish, tropical fish, silly fish, or even a whole school of fish in different sizes and colors.
More Paper Crafts for Kids
- Paper Chain Octopus Craft
- Handprint Caterpillar Craft
- Galaxy Handprint Spritzer Art
- Construction Paper Turkey Craft
- You Are My Sunshine Paper Plate Craft
- Easter Egg Kids Craft
- Christmas Present Pop-Up Card
Printable Directions
If you tried this paper plate fish craft and enjoyed it, keep these simple directions handy for the next craft day.
Paper Plate Fish Craft
Equipment
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Scissors
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Glue
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Black marker
Materials
- Tail fin template or hand-drawn tail shape
- Paper plate dinner plate size
- Craft paint
- Cardboard tube such as a toilet paper roll
- Cardstock
- Large googly eye
Instructions
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Paint the top of the paper plate and let it dry.
-
Dip a cardboard tube into paint and stamp scales on one half of the plate. Let the paint dry.
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Trace and cut a tail fin from cardstock, then glue it to the back of the plate.
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Add a googly eye and draw a mouth with a black marker.
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