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



Step-by-step guide to make a cute pufferfish
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
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


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


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