Categories: Activities for Kids

How to Make a Paper Mache Fish

Are you ready to learn how to make paper mache fish? This project is a great summer craft for kids of all ages because you can adjust the difficulty as you go.

Our step-by-step instructions will show you how to build a fish body using a balloon as a base and adding all the necessary parts.

*This post contains affiliate links*

Love summer and all the fun that comes with it? Let your kids color our extensive collection of fish coloring pages; We think they’ll love these designs!

They can also be inspired when creating the fins and tails of fish.

We love the paper mache technique – it turns simple materials into beautiful works of art. And it’s economical!

You can bring your colorful fish to life with just a few basic supplies and a little creativity.

Ready? Let’s start!

How to make paper fish

What you need:

  • paper mache glue (we have the best paper mache glue recipe)
  • big bubble
  • duct tape (masking tape, masking tape, duct tape – anything)
  • cardboard or cardboard
  • old newspapers or magazines
  • handmade foam balls
  • drag
  • pencil
  • paint and brush
  • knife
  • artificial eyelashes (optional)
  • black marker (optional)
  • thread or piece of string

Step-by-step instructions

The first thing to do is make paper mache glue if you don’t use store-bought glue (homemade glue is easy to make, don’t waste money on store-bought glue).

Body

Blow up a giant balloon to the desired size for the fish’s body and seal the mouth of the balloon with tape.

Fins and tail

Draw the fins and tail on paper, then trace the parts onto cardboard.

Cut off pieces that have marks.

You should have a dorsal fin, pelvic fins, two pectoral fins and a tail.

Create a fish shape by attaching the cardboard tail with tape.

We glue the tail to the lip of the balloon.

Use additional cardboard cutouts as fins.

Secure them in place with duct tape.

Make sure the ball is securely attached to the cardboard tail and wings.

Eyes

Use a knife to cut the craft foam ball in half.

Place the two halves of the fish on the front of the fish between the pectoral fins using tape.

The mouth

Cut a piece of cardboard and create a ring.

Seal it with duct tape.

Use tape to position the mouth a little lower and in the middle of the eyes.

We are ready to apply the first layer of paper mache.

Tear old newspaper or magazines into strips or small pieces and start sticking them all over the fish.

Repeat the process by applying the strips to the surface of the fish’s body, lightly overlapping them to form a smooth layer.

Let the fish dry completely.

It may take several hours or overnight, depending on the thickness of the layer and the humidity in the air.

We can start drawing the fish once the paper mache is completely dry.

Choose any color your child desires.

We wanted to create beautiful eyes for our fish so we first painted them white.

Use a smooth brush to add eye details, such as the pupils and irises.

Outline the eyes and mouth with black paint to highlight them.

We paint the inside of the mouth red.

Weigh

Use a pencil to mark the details of the fish’s scales, fins and tail.

Paint the scales with different shades of blue.

Paint the fins and tail the same way.

Eyelash

Apply artificial eyelashes to make your eyes cute.

You have successfully colored your paper mache fish.

Outline

It’s time to create borders to make the fish neat!

Outline all proportions with black paint.

You can use a black marker to make sketching the proportions easier.

We’ve also outlined the fins and tail!

yarns

Make a hole at the tip of the dorsal fin and thread a piece of yarn or wire through it.

You’re done!

We love how our papier-mâché fish turned out!

You can proudly display or use your fish as a decoration in your home or classroom.

Make as many as you want with various shapes and colors!

Want instant access to all of our printable crafts, activities and resources?

With thousands of crafts, activities, worksheets, coloring pages, and drawing guides to print, you’ll always have the resources you need at hand. Perfect for both parents and teachers!

Sign up now and start printing!

Categories: Activities for Kids
Source: fetb.edu.vn

Matthew Oldham

Name: Matthew Oldham Title: Author and Professional Illustrator Biography: Matthew Oldham is an accomplished author and illustrator, renowned for his engaging educational books published with Usborne. With a background in English literature, he has a flair for making complex subjects accessible and enjoyable for young readers. Before his writing career, he worked with the BBC, where he produced comedic radio programs. His transition into illustration allowed him to combine his love for storytelling with his artistic talents. Skills and Interests: Matthew’s illustrations are characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate details, bringing life to the subjects he writes about. He is an avid cyclist who enjoys exploring the outdoors, often drawing inspiration from nature for his artwork. On quieter days, he can be found lounging with a good book or sketching new ideas for his next project. Contributions: Matthew’s books cover a wide range of topics, from history and science to the wonders of the Earth. His illustrations not only complement his writing but also stand alone as works of art, exhibited in galleries and used in educational materials worldwide. His dedication to both writing and illustrating has made him a beloved figure in children’s literature and art education.

Share
Published by
Matthew Oldham

Recent Posts

Easy Yarn Caterpillar Craft

Use leftover yarn and make some adorable yarn art with your kids. This easy caterpillar…

1 week ago

How to Draw a Flower – Step by Step Drawing Tutorial

Let your child's drawing skills grow with this easy-to-follow flower drawing tutorial. Just follow a…

1 week ago

Printable Dinosaur Puppets (PDF Template)

Are your kids ready for the coolest craft they'll make this year? We just know…

1 week ago

Swirly Paper Rocket Craft for Kids

Aim for the stars with our swirly paper rocket game for kids. If your kids…

1 week ago

Free Printable Months of the Year Coloring Pages

What better way for your children to learn the names of the months than to…

1 week ago

How to Draw a Helicopter – Step by Step Drawing Tutorial

If you think drawing a helicopter is difficult then we have great news for you…

1 week ago