Make a wriggling catfish

Pink paper catfish against a yellow background

You will need:

  • A rectangular piece of paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Pens or pencils

Creating first crease for paper catfish

1. Lay your paper out horizontally and fold down the top right-hand corner so that it lines up neatly with the bottom edge. Then unfold it to leave a crease.

Creating second crease for paper catfish

2. Fold the right-hand edge of the paper towards the middle crease and unfold.

Creating third crease for paper catfish

3. Fold the left-hand edge of the paper towards the middle, crease and unfold.

Shaping the catfish body

4. Fold the top right-hand corner down to the bottom again and draw a semi-circle next to the bottom section and then a straight line up to the top.

Basic shape of paper catfish

5. Cut away all the paper to the left of your line and put it to one side for later.

Cutting the catfish body to make it flexible

6. Make small cuts along most of the folded edge of your paper, making sure they reach all the way down to the crease.

3D shape of catfish body

7. Stick the left-hand section under the right and you should see the shape of your catfish's body.

Catfish body from above with shaped head

8. Cut the top of the catfish’s body into a rounded shape.

Creating the catfish tale from scrap paper

9. Cut out a tail, fins and whiskers from the discarded paper and stick them to your catfish.

Paper catfish with tail, fins and whiskers attached

10. Decorate with eyes and any other details you'd like to add!