Origami Fish Valentine Card

Origami, an ancient paper craft, is a fun way to add interest to this year’s Valentine’s cards. Make a school of origami fish for a fun origami Valentine card kids can give to friends and family.

Looking for some simple Valentines Day ideas that kids will love? Making homemade valentines is just the thing. 

This easy valentines origami fish project is one that everyone can participate in. 

Why Make an Origami Valentine Card?

It’s tricky. Kids love to accomplish hard things. While it feels challenging at first, learning to fold origami fish is one of those great projects that kids love. I found the process to be quite therapeutic and my six year old daughter was able to fold fish right alongside me. This is a fabulous craft to do with your kids!

It’s cute. Attaching your origami projects to Valentine’s Day cards is super cute.

It’s cheap. A packet of origami paper is not expensive; neither is copy paper. That makes this origami valentine card a cheap project that kids will enjoy.

Supplies Needed

You’ll need the following supplies for this origami valentine card:

origami paper – There’s a vast array of colors and patterns to choose from. I used 6-inch paper that I also cut into halves and quarters. You can also just cut squares and rectangles from paper you already have.

sharpie or other black pen – This is optional, but kids may enjoy drawing eyes and other features on their origami fish.

cardstock or copy paper – You’ll need some paper to attach your origami fish to. It can be copy paper or regular cardstock as long as it works in your printer.

the free printable – We’ve got a free printable that you can grab with the slogans for four different origami Valentine cards. If you prefer, you can also handletter the slogans.

glue stick – You’ll need glue to attach the origami fish to the card.

optional string, tape, and paper clips – If you’d like to “hook” your fish, you’ll also need string, tape, and paper clips.

invitation envelopes – These envelopes are a great size to keep on hand as 1/4 of a sheet of letter paper fits perfectly.

Pro tip – These are all great things to keep on hand in your box of Kids Craft Supplies to Keep on Hand

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to assemble Origami Fish Valentine’s Cards:

• Watch this videos on how to fold origami fish. I sourced several different videos to learn how to fold: #1, #2, #3. You can also use an origami book for reference.
• Fold your fish according to the directions in the videos or book. You may need to cut the origami paper into rectangles to mimic dollar bills. 
• Download and print out your cards. Cut the paper in fourths.
• Adhere the origami fish however you like. You can glue them onto the cards with glue stick or tie string around a paperclip.

• Clip the paperclip to the fish. Cut a slit in the card to wrap the string through.
• Be sure to sign the cards and/or write a message on the back.

These Origami Valentine cards will fit standard invitation envelopes.

This is a great example of Good Clean Family Fun. Add it to your list of Practically Free Family Night Ideas to Try with Your Kids.

More Fun Valentine Ideas for Kids

This post was originally published on February 5, 2013. It has been updated for content and clarity.