If you’re just looking for something to do with the kids or your fellow crafters on a warm summer 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 and bright 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 can’t find sparkling paints, you can use glitter or mica powder to add a twinkle.
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. If you’re using cardboard, make sure to cut the fish body along the grain of the cardboard.
Sand any rough edges and then cut the 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. We’ll be using the hole to thread the fish parts together.
If you’re making your fish from cardboard, it’s even easier, since there’s already a gap between the layers. 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. I added a wire eye. You can see how it’s made in this wirey sheep tutorial.
I so enjoyed playing around and making this bright, happy boho fish. If you’re making one with the kids or your crafty buddies, it’s fun watching how everyone adds their unique touch to the project.
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 ;-)
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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
Last update on 2026-04-15 / Source Amazon Affiliates
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