Easy Boho Fish Wall Art

If you’re just looking for something to do with the kids on a warm Summer’s day, then you’re going to love making this playful boho fish. It’s easy, inexpensive, and a great way to embrace bold happy colors while getting those creative juices flowing. The perfect bohemian wall art for just a few dollars.

 

To me, nothing says bohemian quite like carefree layers of pattern, texture, and vibrant, jewel-like colors.

 

And this multi-colored, paisley patterned fish has it all?

 

And if bold, bright, and crazy isn’t quite your style, you can adapt the tutorial to suit your decor or color scheme. You can also adapt the shape and make these ornamental Christmas trees instead. Okay, before we get to all that crafty goodness, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!

What you need

For the fish body

• Balsa wood or thick cardboard
• Large beads
• Skewer
• Twine
• Sharp craft knife

 

Decorating for the boho look

• Printed paper napkin
• Mod Podge
• Wax paper
• Texture paste (optional)
• Craft paints

I used some of my Sparkling Unicorn SPiT. Not only are the colors rich and vibrant but I love the names. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to play around with a Golden Gosling or Violet Vulture 😉

 

If you prefer soft, muted colors you can go for shades of Greige or skip the paint completely and just use the pretty napkin. You could also use tattoo transfers and create your own design like we did when we made this clay, botanical wall hanging. Play around, and just have fun.

How to Make a Boho Fish

This craft idea couldn’t be easier. Grab your piece of balsa wood (or sturdy cardboard) and sketch a basic fish shape.

 

Use a sharp craft knife to cut the fish shape out. Little people will need help with this part. Sand any rough edges and then cut fish into sections as shown below. The number of sections will depend on how many colors you want to use.

 

Use a skewer or something sharp to make a hole in each of the pieces. Since I used thick balsa wood for my boho fish I made the hole all the way through each section. If you’re making your fish from cardboard, just make a small hole at the top and bottom center in each piece.

 

Apply some texture paste to each section if you want to add another layer of interest. I mixed some plaster of Paris with our homemade gesso to give the fishy sections a “bumpy” look.

 

You can leave your sections smooth if you prefer 😉 Once the paste dries, use the fishy sections as a template to cut out the napkin. Add about ½” all around so you have room to play with.

 

Place the napkin pieces on some wax paper (shiny side up). Paint each piece a different color using craft paints and a soft paintbrush. The wax paper protects your working area and it makes it easier to peel the napkin off once the paint dries.

 

I used some of my Sparkling Unicorn Spit. The colors are absolutely gorgeous, and they’re translucent which allows the pattern on the napkin to still peek through.

 

If you’re using normal craft paint, you may need to thin your paints down with a little gel medium to achieve the same luminous look. Once the paint dries, mod podge the cut napkin pieces onto each section. Seal with another layer of mod podge. Trim any excess away with a small, sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife.

 

Stringing the boho fish together

Now that all the fishy bits are done 😉 we can string them all together. Make a large knot on one end and insert wire or string into the hole in the tail of the fish, add a wooden bead, and then pass the wire or string through the next section. Repeat until all the sections have been added and make a loop at the head end to hang your boho fish. Glue or paint an eye on and you’re all done.

I so enjoyed playing around and making this bright, happy boho fish.

 

And don’t even get me started on all those pretty colors.

 

What do you think? Would you make a multi-colored boho fish or do you prefer something a little less colorful?

 

If you like the idea of making a little fishy boho wall art, don’t forget to pin it for later.

 

Sharing is caring 😉

 

Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉

Or if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then perhaps these beauties will appeal.

And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit. See you soon xoxoxo