How to Make a Papier Mache Fish

Day 3

17. Cut brown paper towels into 1- to 1-1/2-inch wide strips and make an assortment of long and short lengths (5- and 10-inches).

18. Cover the entire fish with the brown paper strips for the final layer. Smooth all edges to eliminate all the wrinkles.

19. Place the fish on the cup to dry. Rotate the fish to ensure that the entire piece completely dries.

Day 4

20. Hold the fish from its dorsal fin to locate the center area for hanging. Use a grommet punch and punch it tightly to the desired spot.

21. Create a hook or use fishing leader to create a loop to hang the fish.

22. Hang the fish from a tree for painting. Spray paint the fish from all directions, under and over, behind all the fins. Be careful not to soak it. Let the paint dry according to the directions on the can. Apply a second coat.

23. Bring the fish inside and hang the fish in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry. 

Day 5

24. Apply color to the eyes, lips and swirls on the sides with acrylic paints. Let dry.

25. Glue rhinestones, jewels, buttons or any desired embellishments to the fish. 

26. Hang the fish with fishing leader. If you are hanging multiple fish in one space, hang them at different heights to add visual interest.