Make a cute pufferfish by @OrangeDIY - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make a cute pufferfish by @OrangeDIY

Follow @OrangeDIY to make a cute pufferfish craft using paper, paint, pom-poms, and glue while practicing cutting, assembling, and decorating skills.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a cute pufferfish

What you need

Paper, paint, paintbrush, pom-poms, glue, scissors, pencil, black marker, googly eyes or extra paper for eyes, adult supervision required

Step 1

Follow @OrangeDIY on your favorite app so you can show them your pufferfish later

Step 2

Gather all materials and put them on a clean flat workspace

Step 3

Use your pencil to draw a large circle on the paper for the pufferfish body

Step 4

Cut out the circle carefully with scissors

Step 5

Paint the cut circle a bright color you like

Step 6

Let the paint dry completely before touching it

Step 7

Arrange the pom-poms around the edge of the circle to pick where they will go

Step 8

Glue each pom-pom around the edge of the circle one at a time and press gently to stick

Step 9

Glue googly eyes or glue two paper circles to make the eyes on the front of the fish

Step 10

Draw a smile and any face details with the black marker

Step 11

Add spots stripes or extra decorations with paint or marker

Step 12

Let all glue and decorations dry fully so everything stays in place

Step 13

Share a photo of your finished pufferfish on DIY.org

Help!?

I can't find pom-poms, googly eyes, or craft paint—what can I substitute so I can still make the pufferfish?

Use cotton balls or scrunched tissue as spikes instead of pom-poms, stickers or buttons in place of googly eyes, and crayons, markers, or colored construction paper instead of paint while following the same drawing, cutting, arranging, and gluing steps.

What should I do if the pom-poms won't stick or the paint keeps smudging while I'm making the pufferfish?

Press each pom-pom firmly for a few seconds and switch to a stronger craft glue (or have an adult use hot glue) for the pom-pom gluing step, and allow the painted circle to dry completely or use a low-heat hair dryer before touching or arranging decorations to prevent smudges.

How can I adapt this pufferfish activity for different ages?

For younger children, have an adult pre-cut and pre-paint the circle and use big pom-poms with glue sticks or double-sided tape for them to press on, while older kids can add detailed stripes, spots, extra decorations like sequins, or make a whole pufferfish family of different sizes.

What are some fun ways to enhance or personalize the finished pufferfish?

After the glue and paint dry, personalize the pufferfish by adding glitter or sequins to the pom-pom spikes, writing the child's name on the back, creating a painted ocean background, or attaching a magnet or string so it can be displayed.

Watch videos on how to make a cute pufferfish

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Use bubble wrap at home and your kids to make cute little pufferfish! #diy #painting

3 Videos

Facts about paper crafts for kids

🐡 Pufferfish can puff up quickly by gulping water or air to become a big, bouncy ball as a defense!

🦴 Porcupinefish wear spines that stand out when they inflate, making them look prickly and scary to predators.

☠️ Many pufferfish carry tetrodotoxin, a super-strong poison — they’re beautiful but dangerous to eat!

✂️ Papercraft turns flat paper into fun 3D models, masks, and toys using cutting, folding, and glue.

🧶 Pom-poms are playful little balls made from yarn, felt, or tissue paper and are perfect for decorating crafts.

How do I make a cute pufferfish craft by @OrangeDIY?

To make the cute pufferfish by @OrangeDIY, start by following @OrangeDIY's step-by-step tutorial. Trace and cut a round body from cardstock, paint a base color and let it dry. Glue pom-poms around the edge for spines, add paper fins, and attach googly eyes or draw a face with markers. Finish with details like scales or glitter. Supervise cutting and allow glue to dry fully before playing.

What materials do I need for the pufferfish craft by @OrangeDIY?

Materials you'll need: cardstock or sturdy paper, washable paint and brushes, assorted small pom-poms, white craft glue or a low-temperature glue gun (adult use only), child-safe scissors, pencil, googly eyes or markers, and optional glitter, sequins, or stickers. Newspaper or a tray protects surfaces. For younger kids use large pom-poms and glue sticks; for a sturdier craft use hot glue applied by an adult. Substitute recycled cereal boxes for cardstock.

What ages is the @OrangeDIY pufferfish craft suitable for?

Suitable for ages 3–10, with adjustments. Toddlers (3–4) can paint and stick large pom-poms with close adult help for cutting and small parts. Kids 5–7 can practice cutting, painting, and gluing with supervision. Ages 8–10 can follow the @OrangeDIY tutorial mostly independently and add detailed decorations. Note small pom-poms and googly eyes are choking hazards for under-3s—always supervise and choose age-appropriate supplies.

What are some safety tips, benefits, and fun variations for the pufferfish craft?

This craft builds fine motor skills, color recognition, following instructions, and creativity. Safety tips: supervise scissors, avoid tiny pom-poms for toddlers, and use non-toxic paint and glue. Variations: make a pufferfish mobile from several fish, use tissue paper or egg-carton pieces instead of pom-poms, turn it into a magnet or greeting card, or add glow-in-the-dark paint. Encourage kids to design their own colors and faces for learning and confidence.

Ready to create?