If your kids love the wonders of the underwater world, they’re going to be thrilled with our latest project: a paper plate fish craft!

This fun and vibrant activity combines simple materials with a creative twist—using bubble wrap dipped in paint to create realistic scales on a paper fish.

With our free template, your little ones can craft their very own colorful fish that will bring a splash of ocean magic into your home.

This engaging craft is perfect for an afternoon of artistic exploration, helping children develop fine motor skills while they play with textures and colors.

It’s easy to set up and allows kids to get hands-on with painting and printing in a way that’s both educational and delightful. So, gather your supplies, download the template, and let’s dive into making these beautiful fish together!

Fish Paper Plate Craft

Materials

Fish craft template (available for download below)
Paper plate
Paint
Bubble wrap
Glue
Scissors

First, download and print out the fish craft printable, available at the bottom of this page.

Next, cut out all the pieces on the template.

Now trace the outline of the fish body and the upper and lower fins onto the paper plate, leaving a little space in between the fish body and the fins.

Pick the colors that you want for the body and the fins and paint over those parts of the fish.

Note that for an easier option you can also make the body and fins of the fish the same color. Just paint the entire plate one color and then trace the body and fins onto the painted plate.

Place the nose and tail template pieces over the nose and tail on the paper plate. These pieces will act as a guard to prevent paint from the scales from getting on the nose and tail of the fish. You can tape them down if you think they might move while your child is adding the scales.

Cut out a small piece of bubble wrap and spread a thin layer of paint on a plate. Dip the bubble wrap in the paint and press gently until all the bubbles have paint on them. Then gently press the bubble wrap onto the center of the fish.

Continue doing so until the entire middle part of the fish is covered in “scales”.

Cut out the body and fins of the fish. Use a paintbrush to add stripes to the tail if desired.

Glue the fins to the back of the fish and attach the fish’s eye.

Use a black pen to draw a smile on your fish.

Now your cute paper plate fish is complete!

Crafting this paper plate fish with bubble wrap scales has been a splash of creativity and fun!

This project not only brings the colorful world of fish to life but also offers a wonderful hands-on experience that enhances your kids’ fine motor skills.

I hope you and your little ones enjoyed making these charming, textured fish as much as we did.

Fish Paper Plate Craft

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Make your own adorable paper plate fish craft, using bubble wrap to make the scales!

Materials

Fish craft template
Paper plate
Paint/paintbrush
Bubble wrap
Glue
Scissors

Instructions

Download and print out the fish craft printable.
Cut out all the pieces on the template.
Trace the outline of the fish body and the upper and lower fins onto the paper plate, leaving a little space in between the fish body and the fins.
Place the nose and tail template pieces over the nose and tail on the paper plate. These pieces will act as a guard to prevent paint from the scales from getting on the nose and tail of the fish. You can tape them down if you think they might move while your child is adding the scales.
Cut out a small piece of bubble wrap and spread a thin layer of paint on a plate. Dip the bubble wrap in the paint and press gently until all the bubbles have paint on them. Then gently press the bubble wrap onto the center of the fish. Continue doing so until the entire middle part of the fish is covered in "scales".
Cut out the body and fins of the fish. Use a paintbrush to add stripes to the tail if desired.
Glue the fins to the back of the fish and attach the fish's eye.
Use a black pen to draw a smile on your fish.