Palm Frond Fish

So it's Palm Sunday, the family sitting next to you has turned all their palm fronds into crosses and those really cool looking fish.  Your kids are looking at you with those puppy dog eyes and asking, "Please, can you make one of those fish?" 

So here's the illustrated guide on how to make the fish. 

1. Palm fronds come in sets of two fronds, connected on one side by a "hinge".  Tear off the hinge in a long strip and set aside.  This rather stiff fibrous piece can be used later as the "fishing line" to hang your fish on.  You should have two pieces at the end of this step. 

2. Take one of the two fronds and wrap it twice around your index finger. 

3. Take the second frond and weave it through the first, alternating over and under even around the back. 

4. After coming back the first time, weave it through again.  If you started weaving the second frond under the first vertical, then make sure this course is on top (alternating).  Weave through the fronds front and back. 

5. You should have a loose weave that looks like this: 

6. Tighten the weaving by pulling gently on all four ends. 

7. Your fish is now pointing to the left.  Trim the front fins by ripping off successive strips from the trailing edge, like this: 

Voila!  Finished!