Create Quirky DIY Soda Tab Fish Wall Art for Home

Thirty to fifty soda tabs, a piece of cardboard, and some paint become a quirky fish for the wall. Rinse the tabs, paint them, dry them, then arrange them into a fish silhouette on the cardboard and hot-glue them down. It’s a slow, rhythmic kind of making — the tabs clink softly as you gather them, and the painting is where the personality comes in.

Hot glue sets fast but give the whole thing a few hours to cure before hanging. A command hook or a simple nail works for display; a well-lit spot lets the tabs catch the light.

What You’ll Need

Empty soda tabs (approximately 30–50)
A sturdy piece of cardboard (for backing)
Acrylic paint (assorted colors)
Paintbrushes (one for larger areas, one for detail)
Hot glue gun with glue sticks
Scissors
Optional: beads or small decorative items (for eyes or body)

Step 1: Clean the Tabs

Rinse the soda tabs under cool water and let them dry completely.

Step 2: Cut the Fish Shape

Cut a fish silhouette from the sturdy cardboard — a sleek shape that mirrors the grace of fish in water.

Step 3: Paint the Tabs

Paint the soda tabs in your favorite colors. Let each tab dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Arrange

Arrange the dried tabs on the cardboard, creating the fish shape. Play with colors and patterns — enjoy the visual rhythm.

Step 5: Glue

When satisfied, glue the tabs in place with the hot glue gun.

Step 6: Embellish (Optional)

Add beads for the fish’s body or eyes — their weight and texture add dimension.

Step 7: Display

Once everything is secure, hang in a well-lit spot. Let it bring subtle joy to your space.

Make It Your Own

Sea creatures: octopuses or starfish instead of fish.
A school: multiple fish telling a story on the wall.
Textures: dried seaweed or sand for an oceanic feel.
Symbols: paint designs that represent special memories.
Craft together: share the experience with a friend.

FAQs

Other materials? Bottle caps, cardboard shapes, or plastic lids all work.

How to hang? Command hooks or a simple nail — make sure it’s secure.

Repairs? Reapply a bit of hot glue if a tab comes loose.

Kids? A delightful activity with supervision — mind the hot glue and small parts.

Glue cure time? Hot glue sets quickly; allow a few hours for everything to cure perfectly.

Care

Store in a safe, dry place — a box lined with soft fabric protects from scratches. If you ever wish to repurpose, the fish can become a mobile or part of a larger piece of art. Nothing is static in the crafting world.