32 Elementary Aged Crafts

There’s a unique joy in creating with our hands, especially when it involves vibrant colors and imaginative designs.

This collection celebrates the fun and wonder of DIY crafts, perfect for sparking creativity and bringing a touch of handmade magic into everyday moments.

Each project offers a delightful way to explore different materials and techniques, resulting in charming creations that are as enjoyable to make as they are to behold..

1. Colorful Paper Mosaics for Little Artists

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Transform simple paper scraps into stunning mosaic art with this engaging project.

Children can create intricate designs by cutting and arranging small paper pieces, offering a wonderful way to develop fine motor skills and explore color combinations.

The resulting artwork is a vibrant testament to their creativity, perfect for framing or displaying..

Materials Used:

  • Paper scraps
  • Construction paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Vibrant colors
  • Fine motor skill development
  • Imaginative design

Pro Tip: Encourage the use of various shades of the same color to add depth and dimension to the mosaic.

Learn How It’s Made: Colorful Paper Mosaics for Little Artists

2. Enchanting Halloween Nature Collages

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Embrace the spooky spirit of autumn by blending natural treasures with paper crafts.

This project invites little ones to gather leaves, twigs, and other fall finds to create unique Halloween-themed collages.

It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature while bringing imaginative, ghoulish scenes to life on paper..

Materials Used:

  • Cardboard or cardstock
  • Nature supplies (leaves, twigs, etc.)
  • Paper scraps
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Nature-inspired
  • Seasonal theme
  • Textural elements

Pro Tip: Use painted paper scraps in deep, moody colors to create backgrounds or spooky shapes like ghosts and bats.

Learn How It’s Made: Enchanting Halloween Nature Collages

3. Playful Cardboard Ghost Family Portraits

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Give recycled cardboard a charming makeover by crafting these delightful ghost family portraits.

Kids can design unique spectral personalities with paint, fabric, or other embellishments, then frame them for a whimsical Halloween display.

It’s a wonderfully creative way to repurpose materials and tell fun stories..

Materials Used:

  • Scrap cardboard
  • Paints
  • Fabric scraps or tissue paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Recycled materials
  • Personalized characters
  • Whimsical theme

Pro Tip: Add a shadow effect with charcoal or pastels to give the cardboard ghosts a more ethereal look.

Learn How It’s Made: Playful Cardboard Ghost Family Portraits

4. Shiny Foil Art Creations

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Explore the shimmering world of foil art, where simple cardboard transforms into dazzling masterpieces.

By drawing designs and tracing them with glue, then covering with foil, kids can create shiny canvases.

Coloring these with permanent markers reveals vibrant, textured artwork that catches the light beautifully..

Materials Used:

  • Cardboard
  • Aluminum foil
  • Hot glue gun
  • Permanent markers

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Shiny texture
  • Color exploration
  • Unique art medium

Pro Tip: Experiment with different types of foil or even colorful metallic paper for varied shiny effects.

Learn How It’s Made: Shiny Foil Art Creations

5. Luminous Blue Crayon Suncatchers

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Add a touch of serene beauty to windows with these melted crayon suncatchers.

By layering blue crayon shavings between waxed paper and ironing them, a translucent, colorful sheet is created.

Cutting these into shapes like raindrops results in luminous art that glows when the sunlight streams through..

Materials Used:

  • Blue crayons
  • Waxed paper
  • Iron
  • Scissors

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Translucent art
  • Color blending
  • Window decoration

Pro Tip: Mixing various shades of blue, from pale sky to deep ocean, creates a beautiful gradient effect.

Learn How It’s Made: Luminous Blue Crayon Suncatchers

6. Whimsical Butterfly Crafts Galore

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Discover a delightful collection of butterfly-themed crafts perfect for little hands.

From colorful coffee filter creations to upcycled toilet paper roll butterflies, these projects inspire imagination and fine motor skills.

Each craft brings these beautiful winged creatures to life in unique and playful ways..

Materials Used:

  • Coffee filters
  • Tissue paper
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Construction paper

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Animal theme
  • Variety of techniques
  • Imaginative play

Pro Tip: Use a pipe cleaner twisted into antennae for an instant charming detail on many butterfly crafts.

Learn How It’s Made: Whimsical Butterfly Crafts Galore

7. Festive Paper Lantern Luminaries

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Celebrate festive seasons with these charming paper lantern crafts.

Using simple materials like paper, popsicle sticks, and washi tape, you can create beautiful luminaries.

Adorned with mandala art, these lanterns bring a warm, inviting glow, perfect for adding a handcrafted touch to any celebration..

Materials Used:

  • Paper
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Washi tape
  • Markers
  • Glue

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Festive decoration
  • Handcrafted glow
  • Cultural celebration

Pro Tip: Add a touch of sparkle by decorating the lantern edges with metallic washi tape.

Learn How It’s Made: Festive Paper Lantern Luminaries

8. Mesmerizing Flextangle Creations

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Prepare to be captivated by flextangles, a unique paper craft that transforms with every flip.

These intricate designs, colored and assembled by hand, offer a fascinating visual experience.

They’re not only a fun artistic challenge but also provide a satisfying fidget activity..

Materials Used:

  • Flextangle templates
  • Markers or crayons
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Optical illusion
  • Interactive art
  • Fidget-friendly

Pro Tip: Score the fold lines with a ruler and a pen for cleaner, easier bends when assembling the flextangle.

Learn How It’s Made: Mesmerizing Flextangle Creations

9. Sunny Summer Sun Paintings

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Capture the essence of summer with the simple magic of sun painting.

Using diluted acrylic paints on cotton fabric and cardstock templates, the sun reveals unique designs.

This project creates beautiful, rustic prints perfect for bunting or framing, embodying a relaxed, sun-kissed aesthetic..

Materials Used:

  • 100% cotton fabric
  • Acrylic paint
  • Water
  • Cardstock templates
  • Sunlight

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Sun-activated art
  • Rustic prints
  • Outdoor crafting

Pro Tip: Water down the acrylic paint significantly for crisper lines and to prevent the cardstock from sticking.

Learn How It’s Made: Sunny Summer Sun Paintings

10. Whimsical Paper Flower Crown Craft

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This delightful craft transforms simple construction paper into a charming flower crown, perfect for adding a touch of whimsical beauty.

Imagine colorful blooms and green leaves artfully arranged, creating a wearable piece of art that brings a sense of playful joy.

It’s a wonderful way to celebrate nature’s beauty and let creativity bloom..

Materials Used:

  • Construction Paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Crayons or Markers

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Wearable Art
  • Floral Design
  • Imaginative Play

Pro Tip: Consider adding small paper butterflies or ladybugs to the crown for an extra touch of magic.

Learn How It’s Made: Whimsical Paper Flower Crown Craft

11. Festive Fall Leaf & Nature Collages

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Capture the essence of autumn with these vibrant leaf rubbing and collage projects.

By gathering colorful fallen leaves, you can create beautiful textured artwork, layering them onto paper to evoke the cozy spirit of the season.

It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and infuse your space with seasonal charm..

Materials Used:

  • Fallen Leaves
  • Crayons
  • Paper

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Nature Inspired
  • Textural Art
  • Seasonal Decor

Pro Tip: Experiment with different types of leaves for varied textures and patterns in your rubbings.

Learn How It’s Made: Festive Fall Leaf & Nature Collages

12. Artistic Recycled Paper Pulp Creations

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Transform everyday recycled paper into a unique art medium with this textured pulp technique.

By blending paper with water and glue, you can create colorful, moldable pulp to sculpt and paint with, offering a sensory and creative exploration.

The resulting art pieces have a beautiful, handmade feel..

Materials Used:

  • Recycled Paper
  • Water
  • Blender
  • White Glue
  • Paint

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Textured Art
  • Sensory Play
  • Eco-Friendly Crafting

Pro Tip: Adding different colors of paint to separate batches of pulp allows for a vibrant palette.

Learn How It’s Made: Artistic Recycled Paper Pulp Creations

13. Patchwork Pumpkin Craft

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Create charming patchwork pumpkins using a delightful mix of paper and fabric scraps.

This project embraces the beauty of upcycling, allowing you to combine various textures and colors to design a unique autumnal decoration.

It’s a cozy way to welcome the fall season with handmade flair..

Materials Used:

  • Cardstock or Construction Paper
  • Paper and Fabric Scraps
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Scrap Buster
  • Textural Collage
  • Autumnal Decor

Pro Tip: Incorporate interesting textures by using old magazine pages or decorative junk mail.

Learn How It’s Made: Patchwork Pumpkin Craft

14. Playful Paper Squishy Creations

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Bring smiles with these delightful DIY paper squishies, a fun and squishy craft for all ages.

By drawing, cutting, taping, and stuffing, you can create charming characters that are as fun to make as they are to squeeze.

It's a wonderful way to bring playful designs to life with simple materials..

Materials Used:

  • Colored Paper
  • Transparent Tape
  • Stuffing
  • Scissors
  • Markers

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Soft & Squishy
  • Character Design
  • Kid-Friendly Fun

Pro Tip: Design your own unique characters or use printable templates for a quick start.

Learn How It’s Made: Playful Paper Squishy Creations

15. Adorable Paper Collage Bunny Art

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Craft an endearing bunny using a beautiful paper collage technique.

By tearing and gluing colorful paper scraps, you can build up a textured and visually appealing bunny shape.

This project is a lovely way to use up paper remnants and create a sweet piece of art, perfect for spring or any time..

Materials Used:

  • Construction Paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue Stick
  • Paper Scraps

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Textural Collage
  • Animal Art
  • Scrap Paper Use

Pro Tip: Use a variety of paper textures and shades to give your bunny depth and character.

Learn How It’s Made: Adorable Paper Collage Bunny Art

16. Vibrant Spring Flower Art Collage

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Brighten your day with this lively spring flower art collage, created by cutting and arranging colorful magazine pages.

This project invites you to play with color and shape, assembling a blooming flower that bursts with springtime energy.

It's a wonderfully accessible way to create cheerful art..

Materials Used:

  • Magazines/Catalogs
  • Scissors
  • Glue Stick
  • Stock Paper

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Floral Design
  • Magazine Collage
  • Spring Theme

Pro Tip: Outline your flower shape beforehand to guide the placement of your colorful cutouts.

Learn How It’s Made: Vibrant Spring Flower Art Collage

17. Creative Construction Paper Crafts Collection

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Explore a treasure trove of creative ideas using construction paper! This collection offers a diverse range of projects, from playful animals and vehicles to decorative items, all designed to spark imagination.

It’s a fantastic resource for discovering new ways to bring colorful paper creations to life..

Materials Used:

  • Construction Paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Markers

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Versatile Material
  • Imaginative Projects
  • Color Exploration

Pro Tip: Combine construction paper with other simple materials like toilet paper rolls or paper plates for even more possibilities.

Learn How It’s Made: Creative Construction Paper Crafts Collection

18. Cozy Fall Crafts for Young Creators

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Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a variety of engaging fall crafts perfect for young hands.

From leaf butterflies to pumpkin decorations, these projects inspire creativity while exploring seasonal themes.

It’s a wonderful way to foster a love for making and bring the colors of fall indoors..

Materials Used:

  • Leaves
  • Pumpkins
  • Construction Paper
  • Crayons
  • Glue

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Seasonal Themes
  • Fine Motor Skills
  • Creative Expression

Pro Tip: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones and acorns for added texture and authenticity.

Learn How It’s Made: Cozy Fall Crafts for Young Creators

19. Art Inspired by Famous Masters

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Discover how art history can inspire creative making with projects influenced by famous artists.

These ideas encourage a personal interpretation of classic styles, allowing for unique artistic exploration.

It’s a journey into the world of art, celebrating both established masterpieces and individual creativity..

Materials Used:

  • Variety of Art Supplies
  • Inspiration from Art History

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Art History Inspired
  • Personal Interpretation
  • Creative Exploration

Pro Tip: Encourage children to mix colors and add their own details to personalize their inspired artwork.

Learn How It’s Made: Art Inspired by Famous Masters

20. Whimsical Foil Art with Bold Sharpie Designs

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This unique art project invites a playful exploration of texture and color.

By drawing with Sharpies on tin foil, then adding vibrant marker colors, children can create eye-catching, abstract designs with a metallic sheen.

It’s a tactile experience that encourages bold mark-making and colorful expression, resulting in a shimmering piece of handmade art..

Materials Used:

  • Tin Foil
  • Cardboard
  • Sharpie Markers
  • Washi Tape
  • Puffy Paint (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Metallic Sheen
  • Textural Contrast
  • Bold Colors

Pro Tip: Experiment with different permanent markers for a variety of color effects against the foil's shine.

Learn How It’s Made: Whimsical Foil Art with Bold Sharpie Designs

21. Textured Fall Tree with Quilled Leaves

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Bring the beauty of autumn indoors with this mixed-media art project.

A painted tree trunk sets the stage for a canopy of colorful, quilled paper leaves.

The intricate rolling and gluing of paper strips create a delightful 3D texture, while the vibrant fall palette captures the season's warmth..

Materials Used:

  • Cardstock
  • Watercolor Paints
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Paper Strips
  • Glue
  • Chopstick

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • 3D Texture
  • Autumn Colors
  • Fine Motor Skill Development

Pro Tip: Vary the tightness of the paper rolls to create leaves with different textures and shapes.

Learn How It’s Made: Textured Fall Tree with Quilled Leaves

22. Vibrant Sunset Dinosaur Silhouettes

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Create a prehistoric scene with this striking silhouette art.

Bold dinosaur shapes stand out against a gradient sunset backdrop crafted with oil pastels.

The blending technique brings the sky to life with rich colors, while the stark contrast of the black dinosaur creates a dramatic and captivating piece..

Materials Used:

  • Card Stock
  • Oil Pastels
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • White Acrylic Marker

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Dramatic Contrast
  • Color Blending
  • Dinosaur Theme

Pro Tip: Use a white acrylic marker to add subtle stars for an extra touch of magic to the night sky.

Learn How It’s Made: Vibrant Sunset Dinosaur Silhouettes

23. Creative Doodle Art Creations

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Turn spontaneous scribbles into colorful works of art with this delightful doodle project.

By drawing continuous, looping lines and then filling in the resulting shapes with color, kids can transform simple doodles into vibrant, personalized creations.

It’s a wonderful way to practice coloring skills and explore pattern and color mixing..

Materials Used:

  • Paper
  • Black Marker
  • Crayons

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Personalized Art
  • Color Exploration
  • Pattern Play

Pro Tip: Try using a white crayon to create a resist doodle, then paint over it with watercolors for a surprise reveal.

Learn How It’s Made: Creative Doodle Art Creations

24. Swirling Galaxy Chalk Pastel Art

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Journey to outer space with this mesmerizing galaxy art project.

Layering chalk pastels in vibrant blues, purples, and pinks creates a stunning celestial backdrop.

The swirling spiral effect, accented with white dots for stars, makes each creation a unique cosmic masterpiece, perfect for adding a touch of wonder to any room..

Materials Used:

  • Black Paper
  • Chalk Pastels
  • Pencil

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Celestial Colors
  • Spiral Design
  • Textural Blending

Pro Tip: Use a tray or shallow box to contain the chalk pastel dust and make cleanup easier.

Learn How It’s Made: Swirling Galaxy Chalk Pastel Art

25. Tactile Yarn Art Canvases

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Transform flat canvases into textured masterpieces with this yarn art technique.

By carefully wrapping and layering different yarns, artists can create dimensional designs reminiscent of paintings.

The interplay of colors and textures adds a unique, tactile quality, making each yarn art piece a visually rich and engaging creation..

Materials Used:

  • Canvas
  • Yarn
  • Glue

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Textural Depth
  • Yarn Art
  • Dimensional Design

Pro Tip: Combine yarns of different weights and textures, like smooth cotton and fuzzy mohair, for added visual interest.

Learn How It’s Made: Tactile Yarn Art Canvases

26. Charming Autumn Silhouette Paintings

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Celebrate the season with these adorable autumn silhouette paintings.

Using sponge dabbing with rich fall colors over a contrasting silhouette cutout, children create vibrant scenes.

The reveal of the clean silhouette against the blended colors is always magical, resulting in charming, nature-inspired artwork perfect for seasonal decor..

Materials Used:

  • Black Card Stock
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Sponges
  • Scissors

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Seasonal Theme
  • Color Blending
  • Silhouette Reveal

Pro Tip: Experiment with adding small white spots to mushroom silhouettes to mimic natural toadstools.

Learn How It’s Made: Charming Autumn Silhouette Paintings

27. Dynamic 3D Fireworks Art

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Light up your art with this explosive 3D fireworks display.

Using a watercolor resist technique for the night sky and a layered city skyline, this project creates a captivating sense of depth.

The bright crayon fireworks pop against the dark background, bringing the excitement of a fireworks show to life in a unique, artistic way..

Materials Used:

  • Watercolor Paper
  • Black Card Stock
  • Crayons
  • Liquid Watercolor Paint
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Painters Tape
  • Glue Stick
  • Scissors

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • 3D Effect
  • Watercolor Resist
  • Festive Theme

Pro Tip: For added realism, dot city lights randomly on some buildings and in neat rows on others.

Learn How It’s Made: Dynamic 3D Fireworks Art

28. Fuzzy Sponge-Painted Monsters

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Unleash creativity with these wonderfully fuzzy monster crafts.

Using sponges dipped in acrylic paint, kids can stamp and layer colors to form unique monster bodies.

Adding drawn or cut-out features brings these colorful, textured creatures to life, making each one a playful and unique handmade friend..

Materials Used:

  • Cardstock
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Sponges
  • Black Marker
  • Construction Paper

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Textural Painting
  • Monster Theme
  • Customizable Features

Pro Tip: Vary the size and length of sponge strips to create different textures and shapes for monster bodies.

Learn How It’s Made: Fuzzy Sponge-Painted Monsters

29. Autumn Birch Tree Watercolor Painting

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This project invites young artists to capture the beauty of fall with a striking watercolor birch tree painting.

Using oil pastels to resist the paint, children can create a dramatic contrast between the white tree and the rich, blended autumn colors surrounding it.

It’s a wonderful way to explore wet-on-wet watercolor techniques and the fun of adding texture with salt..

Materials Used:

  • Watercolor Paper
  • Black Oil Pastel
  • Watercolor Paints
  • Brushes
  • Salt

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Autumn Colors
  • Resist Technique
  • Textural Effects

Pro Tip: Encourage kids to experiment with different amounts of salt to see how it affects the paint's texture.

Learn How It’s Made: Autumn Birch Tree Watercolor Painting

30. Mesmerizing Salt and Glue Painting

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Watch in wonder as colors magically spread and transform in this captivating salt and glue painting project! Kids draw designs with glue, sprinkle salt over the sticky lines, and then add watercolor.

The paint travels along the salt crystals, creating unique and dazzling patterns that are a joy to behold..

Materials Used:

  • Cardstock
  • Glue
  • Table Salt
  • Watercolor Paints
  • Paintbrush or Eyedropper

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Color Blending
  • Magical Effects
  • Sensory Exploration

Pro Tip: Using an eyedropper can give kids more control over where the watercolor spreads.

Learn How It’s Made: Mesmerizing Salt and Glue Painting

31. Adorable Printable Paper Cats

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Bring a purr-fectly charming crew to life with these easy-to-make printable paper cats! Available in various breeds and colors, or as blank templates for custom creations, these freestanding figures are a delight to assemble.

It’s a wonderful craft for cat lovers of all ages to enjoy..

Materials Used:

  • Printable Template
  • Cardstock
  • Glue Stick
  • Scissors

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Paper Craft
  • Animal Figures
  • Customizable Designs

Pro Tip: Print the cats on cardstock for extra sturdiness and to make them easier to stand up.

Learn How It’s Made: Adorable Printable Paper Cats

32. Charming Folded Paper Fish

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Dive into creativity with these delightful folded paper fish, inspired by a fun tutorial! These simple yet adorable creations use basic materials like paper, glue, and scissors.

They offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to practice folding techniques and create a vibrant underwater scene..

Materials Used:

  • Colored Paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Paper Folding
  • Ocean Theme
  • Simple Assembly

Pro Tip: Add embellishments like glitter or googly eyes to give each fish its own unique personality.

Learn How It’s Made: Charming Folded Paper Fish

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