Creativebug Make a Toy Baitfish
Guest Post by Cleo Papanikolas
Cleo is the author and artist behind www.cleomade.com. Check out her gorgeous work and learn more about her here.
These cute little baitfish fit into an Altoids tin like canned sardines. Hang them from a backpack, or string them up from a line outside your tent. Fashion a fishhook from a paperclip and hang it from a twig fishing pole. If you put pairs of numbers on the back of the fish, you can play Go Fish. They also make a great carnival game with prizes on the back of the fish.
All the supplies fit into a little zipper pouch. So, print out several copies of the artwork on 4” x 6” photo paper (make sure you print at 100%) and set up a crafting station on a picnic table out in the field. You can use a drill if you like, but the pin vise is great for kids.
Supplies
- Artwork printout
- #20 woodworking biscuits (these are Wolfcraft brand)
- Small clips
- Needle nose pliers
- Pin vise and 3/32” drill bit (this is Mascot brand, make sure your pin vise will hold this size bit. Some are for tiny bits)
- Scissors
- 10 mm jump rings (can be bigger)
- Tacky glue
- Ribbon or fabric scraps (selvages are nice)
Supplementary Supplies
- Block of wood
- Pushpin
- Altoids tin
- Paperclip
- Twine
- Twig
Step 1: Cut Out Artwork
Place it next to a biscuit so you can see which direction your fish is swimming. Glue on some fins and a tail. Get as fancy as you like.
Step 2: Glue
Glue the art on top of the ribbons. You may need to clip it while it dries.
Step 3: Drill
Drill a hole through the black dot but don’t get too close to the edge or the wood will break out. Little hands may need a thumbtack bumper to keep the fish from spinning.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Put a ring through the hole. For extra credit you can make a fishing pole or decorate an Altoids tin. Are you going to make some of these cuties with your kids this weekend?