3D Rainbow Trout

Create some gorgeous, colourful 3D Rainbow Trout pattern art. The fish is leaping out of the water with a joyful splash!

This is part of our freshwater animal pattern art series. It follows on from our 3D Pattern Art Platypus. Stay tuned for another freshwater animal project next week.

Get the template here

Trout fishing is popular in Australia, but did you know that trout are an introduced species? I didn’t know this before creating this project. I swear, crafting teaches me something new every week!

Rainbow trout are native to North America and were brought here in the late 1880’s for recreational fishing. They are not a perfect fit for our ecosystem (like most introduced species), but they thrive happily in our high-elevation rivers, creeks and dams.

And… they’re rainbow. I know, this can’t make up for the havoc they wreak amongst native fish species, but it does make for a fun art project, right?

Anyway, Rainbow Trout never asked to be introduced here. You can’t blame fish for simply existing, and these ones spread rainbows and colour wherever they go.

There are two rainbow trout template options. One has pre-drawn sections for easier patterning. The other has been left blank for creative freedom.

I’ve used alcohol markers similar to these (affiliate link) for colouring. I like them for the range of colours and shades available. There are tons of brands out there, and many are not that expensive. Beware that these go through the page just like any permanent markers, so you need to put scrap paper beneath your artwork to protect your furniture.

For patterning, I’ve used Sharpie fine-liners and paint pens (affiliate links). The paint pens are great for drawing lighter colours over dark. These materials are optional; you can use whichever markers you prefer or stick to whatever you have at home.

Age suggestion is 8 and up. Older kids, teens and adults will be able to create more complex patterns. Younger kids can still do this project with some adult help.

Cardstock is recommended for this craft.

Are you ready to get started?

How to make a 3D Rainbow Trout

You will need

• Cardstock in white – 2 sheets per artwork
• Card stock in blue – 1 per artwork
• Markers – permanent or graphic markers work best
• Fine liners for detailed patterning (optional)
• Acrylic paint markers (optional)
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• The 3D Rainbow Trout template, available in our printables store and TPT store

How To

Print the template as per the instructions in the download.

Colour the fish and water. If using the sectioned template, colour each section a different colour on the fish and use several shades of blue for the water.

Use fine liners or paint pens to draw patterns on each section.

Cut the shapes out.

Cut the support strips out, then fold and glue them into squares. 
 
Glue 7 support squares to the back of the water, then glue the water into place at the base of the page. 

Glue 3 support squares to the back of the fish’s body on the top and middle of the shape. Glue the fish into place so it appears to be leaping out of the water. Add some glue to the part that overlaps the water to hold it in place securely. 

Glue the tail piece flat to the page. 

Note: Optionally, you can swap the 3D effect around by sticking the fish’s body flat to the page and have the tail raised on support squares. The example on the far left has been arranged this way. 

Arrange the water splashes on either side of the fish. Raise 1-2 on support squares for a 3D effect and keep at least one water droplet flat to the page. They can overlap the edges like a real splash!

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