Eerdlings

The official blog of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Forty Days of Crafts: Ichthus Fish Ornament

Suggested reading: Jonah's Whale
Suggested reading: Jonah’s Whale

“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
— Matthew 16:16 (KJV)

The word ICHTHUS (ἰχθύς), which simply means “fish” in Greek, has been a symbol for Jesus since ancient times. The letters in the Greek word formed an acronym with deep theological meaning for early Christians: “Iēsous CHristos, THeou Yios, Sōtēr” — in English, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.”

Create your own reminder of the divine nature of Christ with this lovely beaded fish.

Fish_10forweb

Materials:

  • Pipe cleaner
  • Pony beads
  • A heart bead (optional)

Step 1: Thread the pipe cleaner through the heart bead. The heart bead should end up in the center of the pipe cleaner. It will be the mouth of the fish.

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Step 2: Thread beads onto both ends of the pipe cleaner until you have just enough space for a little over one more bead.

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Step 3: Roll the end of the pipe cleaner up over the last bead and tuck it inside the bead to prevent sharp edges. Repeat on the other side.

Fish_5forweb

Step 4: Bend the ends of the pipe cleaner toward each other. Then grab the two ends about 2/3 of the way down and twist them together. This will create the fish’s tail.

Fish_8forweb Fish_7forweb

 

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