FISH TRAY SUMMER CRAFT ~ PAPER MACHE

Paper mache fish trays are easy to create and make a fun summer craft for kids.  After fish is painted and a clear acrylic top coat is added (making tray shiny and strong), tray can be used for snacks, lunch, and treats.  They also add color and style to summer tables.  Kids can paint their fish any way they choose and, time permitting, can do the paper mache part as well. If time and space are an issue, trays can be made ahead and all that is needed is paint.

 

 

MATERIALS ~

Newspaper or scrap paper for creating fish shape pattern.  I use newspaper for patterns all the time as the lines make it so easy and the weight is just right for a pattern.  You will also need torn newspaper strips for paper mache.
Cardboard for fish tray.  You can purchase sheets of cardboard from craft stores or janitorial supply stores or you can use a cardboard box. The tray we made is about 14"x8" but you can make tray any size you like. We stuck with one fish shape but you can make different fish shapes and sizes if you prefer.  Or if you are working with a group of kids, they can each design their own fish shape.  You can look at some different fish online or in books for ideas.
Liquid starch for paper mache, or any recipe you prefer.  I prefer starch as it is easy to use and dries nice and crisp.  Liquid starch can be found at large markets and Smart and Final.  An old pie tin or plastic plate or container for starch.
Masking tape, scissors, a sharp knife (not necessary but can be easier to cut cardboard with than scissors).
Wax paper. which is best for drying paper mache objects on as when object is dry, it will peel right off easily.
Acrylic paints, assortment of colors, preferably summer colors.  You can use the little inexpensive 2 ounce bottles sold at craft stores or tubes or any brand you like.  A paper plate works well for a palette.  Be sure to let kids choose their own colors. 
Paint brushes in assorted sizes.
Clear gloss acrylic top coat, any kind available. You will only need a small amount as one coat will do.

HOW TO ~

Make a fish pattern out of newspaper (or any paper handy).  Easiest way is to fold a rectangle in half and draw half of a fish, cut, open, ready to go.  Make a few different ones.

Trace fish on cardboard and cut out with scissors or a knife if you are extra careful....adults only.

For tray rim, cut a long strip about 1" high.  You may have to cut a few if you don;t have any long pieces of cardboard and piece together around fish.

Before taping the rim to the fish, bend the strip so it is flexible.  Use masking tape and tape rim to fish.

Paper mache fish with starch and torn strips of newspaper.  Dip newspaper strips in starch and squeegee with your fingers, apply to tray, making it as smooth as possible.  One coat of paper mache will do for this project.  Be sure to do the under side as well.  Put fish on wax paper to dry and add a few weights (rocks, cans, bottles etc) at either end so fish will dry really flat and won't curl. While fish is drying, move the weights around a bit so they don;t leave a mark.  When fish is dry, it will lift off wax paper easily.

When fish are dry, paint with a coat of Gesso or white acrylic paint so you will have a nice white background which makes colors brighter.  I prefer Gesso for the way it covers.  When dry, fish are ready to paint.

Make a palette for each child and let them choose their colors.  It's always a good idea to give kids a few suggestions or even make a few sketches, just to get their imaginations going.  Let them know that fish can be anything and that some good designs to use are dots, stripes, or wavy lines and they can paint their fish a color or a few to start and add designs when dry.  When paint is dry, add top coat.  Have fun!