DIY Toilet Paper Roll Fish Craft

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Let's dive into a fun and creative craft project perfect for kids (and kids at heart!): making adorable little fish from recycled toilet paper rolls! This simple yet charming craft is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity, utilize readily available materials, and teach children about recycling and repurposing. It's a wonderfully engaging activity that requires minimal supplies and produces delightful results – think shimmering scales, playful eyes, and maybe even a cheeky grin on your finished fishy creations. This project is ideal for rainy days, school projects, or simply a fun afternoon activity.

Making these delightful fish is easier than you think! Below, you'll find a detailed, step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process, from preparing the toilet paper rolls to adding the finishing touches that truly bring your little fish to life. Get ready to gather your supplies and transform those humble cardboard tubes into a school of vibrant, ocean-dwelling friends!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Toilet paper roll
  • Green paint
  • Paper
  • Glue
  • Reinforcement labels/rings
  • Googly eyes
  • String
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially for younger children, to prevent accidental ingestion of small craft materials.
  • Use non-toxic paints, glue, and other craft supplies to ensure safety. Always check labels before use.
  • Dispose of used materials responsibly. Do not flush painted or glued toilet paper rolls down the toilet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish Body

    • Wrap toilet paper into a ball and place it inside the toilet paper roll.
    • Make sure the ball is flat. Cut the toilet paper roll in half.
    • Paint the toilet paper ball with green paint.
    Paint the toilet paper ball with green paint.Paint the toilet paper ball with green paint.Paint the toilet paper ball with green paint.
    Prepare the Fish Body

  2. Create the Fish Shape

    • Cut out a piece of paper to fit around the fish, glue it, and wrap it around the toilet paper tube.
    Cut out a piece of paper to fit around the fish, glue it, and wrap it around the toilet paper tube.
    Create the Fish Shape

  3. Add Fins and Details

    • Cut out two shapes for the arms and glue them to the back.
    Cut out two shapes for the arms and glue them to the back.
    Add Fins and Details

  4. Add Facial Features

    • Add reinforcement labels, rings, or googly eyes for the fish's face.
    Add reinforcement labels, rings, or googly eyes for the fish's face.
    Add Facial Features

  5. Add Dorsal Spines

    • Cut string into small pieces.
    • Glue the string pieces onto the top of the fish to create spikes.
    Glue the string pieces onto the top of the fish to create spikes.Glue the string pieces onto the top of the fish to create spikes.
    Add Dorsal Spines

Read more: DIY Toilet Paper Roll Rockets: A Fun and Easy Craft Project

Tips

  • Cut a ring and attach it to create the mouth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Glue Gun Burns

Reason: Using a glue gun without proper adult supervision or care can lead to accidental burns.
Solution: Always have an adult help with the glue gun and use caution to avoid touching the hot glue.

2. Uneven Paint Application

Reason: Rushing the painting process or using too much paint at once can result in an uneven and messy finish.
Solution: Apply thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another.

3. Weakly Attached Fins or Body Parts

Reason: Insufficient glue or incorrectly applying glue to the fish's parts may result in them falling off easily.
Solution: Use a generous amount of glue and ensure a good surface area contact for every component.

FAQs

What kind of paint should I use for the fish?
Acrylic paints are ideal because they dry quickly and are vibrant. Tempera paints also work well. Avoid watercolors, as they can make the cardboard soggy.
My toilet paper rolls are a bit flimsy. How can I make them sturdier?
Before painting, consider applying a thin layer of Mod Podge or white glue to the entire roll. This will seal the cardboard and prevent it from becoming too soft or tearing easily during the crafting process.