DIY : Handmade Fish Decorations

These handmade fish decorations were intended for Christmas. Like, many decorations they have stayed up well past the holly and ivy. As we’re in Pisces season they feel seasonally appropriate to share.

I love having ‘quirky’ (not my favourite word) bits around the house. Often handmade and a bit random, they make me smile. In such an aesthetically pleasing world. Random off kilter decorations feels like a quiet rebellion. A regain of power. I’m doubtful this will be the post that goes viral but I want to share all the same. These were made over a few weeks. My ten year old whose fishing tackle box inspired them, helped me along the way. That alone feels special to me, as a Mum, I’m in competition with friends and tablets. Simple time together is always treasured.

These handmade fish are easy to make and use a few essential materials from my craft stash; airdry clay, white acrylic paint, Mod Podge, silver leaf, a glue gun, beads and fine wire. It sounds a lot BUT you can make so much will all of it.

To make, take some clay, about the the size of a big grape. Gently shape it into a long oval. About 1/3 or 1/4 from the end make a pinch. Then, shape the short end of the clay shape into a tail. You might find it helpful to cut the tail shape with a craft knife. Smooth off all the edges and using a skewer make a hole through the centre of the body (top to bottom). Leave to dry. Depending on the season drying can take a couple of days.

Once dry, coat each of the fish with a thin layer of acrylic paint. This step can be skipped if needed. Once dry, this won’t take long, use a small paint brush to coat the fish in layer of Mod Podge. Once tacky add the silver leaf sheets to the fish. I do a few at a time. Leave to dry properly, it’s very tempting to dust the leaf off before the glue is dry, be patient! Using a soft brush, this can be a big paint brush or even a blusher brush, dust the silver leaf off the fish.

You can stop here but for this DIY I really wanted the fish to feel bedazzled. I used a selection of sequins and gem stones in my stash, take a look in your craft box or jewellery box there could be something ready to be reused. I am talking costume jewellery, not family heirlooms!

To finish, add a mix of sequins and gem stones to the sides of the fish. For this I just used my hot glue gun, don’t over think it, have fun playing with colours. Then taking a length of wire, make a small loop at one end. Thread a couple of beads and sequins then the fish, and then a few more beads and sequins. Create a big loop of wire to finish.

Obviously you can stop here but for one extra touch add some ribbon, velvet is my current favourite. Hang on a ‘good stick’ and you are done.