Japanese Fish Sock

Last week, we taught the kids to make a Japanese fish sock, which my Japanese student later told me it is named “koi”. First, we showed the kids images of the “koi”. They were very excited throughout the class. Then, we also explained the use of the Japanese kite & the cultural influence in the design.

Before we start, collect the materials for this project:
a toilet paper roll, art card (>165gsm) sized 6”x 7”, colourful Crepe paper, fishing string, paint, & glue.

Step 1: Gather all the materials above. Remember not to trash away your toilet paper roll when you finish using them. Recycle! Begin with rolling your art card around the toilet paper roll.

Step 2: With the help of an adult, staple the joints or glue the edges together.

Step 3: Mix 5 or 6 of your favourite paint. Are you ready?? Let’s begin by staining your fingers with one colour at a time. Remember to always start with the lightest shades, example: yellow.

Step 4: When your are done with the first layer of colour, proceed to next shade like Orange, Blue, Pink, more. (My students have always love pink) Don’t forget to explore & experiment to get multiple colours.

Step 5: Let your “koi” dry in the sun, or at least air dry for 30-60 minutes. While waiting, start to cut coloured Crepe paper into strips of ½ inch each. You will need 5 or 6 strips of these.

Step 6: Glue the strips of Crepe paper to the back of your “koi”.

Step 7: Cut the shape of fish at the other end of your “koi”.

Step 8: What is missing? Ah, yes! The eyes. Cut out 2 circles for the eyes. Be creative, you can add eye balls, lids, lash, etc.

Hope you will have fun doing this, because our kids did! Look how much fun they had!