How to Make a Fish Out of a Plastic Bottle

Old soda pop bottles work well for this project.

Instead of throwing away an old soda pop or water bottle, make a fish out of it. Make this craft with kids of almost any age. As long as they can use a paintbrush, they can make fish from bottles. Because you only use a thin layer of paint, light will show through the colors. Set the fish on a windowsill for a flashy decoration. Any size plastic bottle works for this project.

Things You'll Need

• Empty, clean water bottle
• Acrylic, poster or tempura paints
• Paper plates
• Paint brushes
• Water
• Paper towels
• Decorative foil
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Remove the label from the water bottle.

2. Pour quarter-sized drops of paint onto a paper plate.

3. 

   Fish come in many colors and styles.

   Dip the paint brush into the paint. Paint the water bottle with the paint brush. Paint curved lines for fins and a mouth around the cap. Add designs like strips or polka dots. Use a clean brush or wash the brush each time you switch colors. Use water and paper towels to wash and dry the brush. Do not use heavy globs of paint.

4. Set the water bottle aside to dry. Set it upright, if desired.

5. 

   Fish have large, round eyes, like googly eyes.

   Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of a googly eye. Press the googly eye on the water bottle around the end by the cap. Hold in place for about 20 seconds to allow the glue to set. Place another googly eye opposite of that one. Hold it in place for about 20 seconds.

6. 

   The tailfin on this fish is flat with a round back. Use that shape for your fin.

   Cut a fin shape out of decorative foil. Glue the fin to the bottle. Add one fin on each side and one on top, if desired. If you want it to look 3D, apply glue to the bottom edge of the fin.

References

• Artists Helping Children:Water Bottle Crafts for Kids