Making an origami fish is a fun and creative way for kids to explore the art of folding paper! Today we’ll learn how to make a colorful paper fish with just a few easy folds, perfect for kids of all ages. This origami fish tutorial is a great activity to do at home or in the classroom.
If you’re looking for a fun and simple craft that you can do without much prep, any time, this origami craft is just for you! Our origami fish craft is suitable for beginners and kids aged 6 and up, with some help from an adult for younger children. The best part is that kids can personalize their paper fish by choosing their favorite colors and adding fun details like googly eyes!
Materials Needed:
- A square piece of paper (origami paper works best, but any square will do!)
- A small square of colored paper for the fish’s tail
- Glue
- Markers or googly eyes
- A little bit of patience!
Step 1
Take your square piece of paper and place it on the table with the colored side on top.
Step 2
Fold your paper in half diagonally to make a triangle. Unfold it.
Step 3
Fold the paper diagonally in the other direction, creating another triangle, and unfold.
Step 4
Turn the paper over.
Step 5
Fold the paper in half from bottom to top and open it again.
Step 6
Now fold the paper in half from left to right and open it up.
Step 7
Pinch the sides of the paper and squash it down to form a smaller square.
Step 8
Take the right flap and fold it inward along the middle crease.
Step 9
Fold the left flap inward along the middle crease, so both flaps meet in the center.
Step 10
Turn the paper over to the other side.
Step 11
Just like before, fold the right and left sides inward toward the middle crease, so your origami looks like a kite.
Step 12
Turn the paper over once more.
Step 13
With the figure upside down, fold the top flap down so you can see the back layers.
Step 14
Fold the back right flap outward to make the fish’s right fin.
Step 15
Now, fold the back left flap outward to create the fish’s left fin, and unfold the front layer.
Step 16
Cut a small square from another piece of paper. Fold it in half diagonally, then cut along the crease to form two triangles.
Step 17
With the colored side facing up, glue one of the triangles to the back of your fish to form the tail.
Step 18
Draw an eye or glue on a googly eye to complete your fish!
Tips for Your Origami Fish
To make your origami fish even more special, you can try using patterned or multicolored paper. You can make a rainbow origami fish, for example! Try adding decorations such as glitter, stickers, or markers to make your fish stand out from the rest {giggles}.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Estimated Cost
Less than $5
Materials
- A square piece of paper
- A small square of colored paper for the fish’s tail
- Glue
- Markers or googly eyes
Instructions
- Take your square piece of paper and place it on the table with the colored side on top.
- Fold your paper in half diagonally to make a triangle. Unfold it.
- Fold the paper diagonally in the other direction, creating another triangle, and unfold.
- Turn the paper over.
- Fold the paper in half from bottom to top and open it again.
- Now fold the paper in half from left to right and open it up.
- Pinch the sides of the paper and squash it down to form a smaller square.
- Take the right flap and fold it inward along the middle crease.
- Fold the left flap inward along the middle crease, so both flaps meet in the center.
- Turn the paper over to the other side.
- Just like before, fold the right and left sides inward toward the middle crease, so your origami looks like a kite.
- Turn the paper over once more.
- With the figure upside down, fold the top flap down so you can see the back layers.
- Fold the back right flap outward to make the fish’s right fin.
- Now, fold the back left flap outward to create the fish’s left fin, and unfold the front layer.
- Cut a small square from another piece of paper. Fold it in half diagonally, then cut along the crease to form two triangles.
- With the colored side facing up, glue one of the triangles to the back of your fish to form the tail.
- Draw an eye or glue on a googly eye to complete your fish!
Notes
To make your origami fish even more special, you can try using patterned or multicolored paper. You can make a rainbow origami fish, for example! Try adding decorations such as glitter, stickers, or markers to make your fish stand out from the rest {giggles}.
WANT MORE ORIGAMI PROJECTS? Try these ideas from kids activities blog
Did you enjoy making this origami fish?
