Engaging your child in craft activities using everyday materials like empty toilet roll tubes is a fantastic way to promote creativity, encourage recycling, and spend quality time together. In this fun and imaginative project, you and your child will transform ordinary toilet roll tubes into colorful fish and create a beautiful float fish mobile to hang and admire. Below are guidelines to help you assist your child in crafting these delightful creations:

Materials Needed: 

1. Empty toilet roll tubes

2. Scissors

3. Acrylic paint or markers

4. Paintbrushes

5. Construction paper or cardstock

6. Googly eyes

7. Glue

8. String or fishing line

9. Needle or hole punch

10. Optional: Glitter, sequins, yarn, beads, or other decorative materials

Instructions

Making Toilet Roll Tube Fish:

1. Cut the Tubes: Begin by cutting the empty toilet roll tubes into smaller sections to form the bodies of the fish. You can experiment with different lengths to create fish of varying sizes.

2. Shape the Fish: Use scissors to make diagonal cuts at one end of each tube section to form the tail of the fish. Encourage your child to get creative and experiment with different tail shapes and sizes.

3. Paint or Decorate: Let your child's imagination run wild as they paint or decorate the fish using acrylic paint, markers, or other decorative materials. They can create patterns, stripes, scales, or whatever designs they fancy. Add googly eyes to bring the fish to life.

4. Add Fins: Cut fins out of construction paper or cardstock and glue them onto the fish. You can create dorsal fins, pectoral fins, and tail fins to give the fish a realistic appearance.

5. Let Dry: Allow the painted fish to dry completely before handling or adding any additional decorations.

Creating a Float Fish Mobile:

1. Prepare the Fish: Once the painted fish are dry, thread a piece of string or fishing line through the top of each fish using a needle or hole punch. Make sure the string is securely attached to the fish so they can hang without falling off.

2. Create the Mobile Base: Cut a piece of string or fishing line to the desired length for the mobile base. Tie the ends of the string to a stick or dowel rod to create a horizontal support for hanging the fish.

3. Attach the Fish: Using smaller pieces of string or fishing line, tie each fish to the mobile base at different heights to create a visually appealing arrangement. Space the fish evenly along the length of the base.

4. Hang and Enjoy: Hang the float fish mobile in a prominent place where it can catch the light and gently sway in the breeze. Encourage your child to admire their handiwork and share their creation with family and friends.

Benefits of Crafting:

• Encourages creativity and imagination.

• Promotes recycling and sustainability by repurposing household materials.

• Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

• Fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride in creating something beautiful.

We hope this guide inspires you and your child to embark on an exciting crafting adventure together. 

Happy crafting!