How to Make a Rainbow Fish

I'm starting a new "artist in residence" program tomorrow.  I've been busy sourcing supplies, making samples, PowerPoint's, etc all while finishing off projects at my other school...whew!

One of the projects we will be doing is mixed media Rainbow Fish in Kindergarten.

March seems to be "Rainbow Fish" month for many Kinders out there.  It all starts by reading Marcus Pfister's book "The Rainbow Fish". 
















MATERIALS REQUIRED:

- corrugated cardboard
- Dry Dek or drywall compound
- toothpick, spoon
- liquid tempera paint
- clear gems
- shell
- glitter glue
- sequins
- Aleene's Tacky glue
- black sharpie
- Mod Podge, optional

PROCEDURE:

I drew out a Rainbow Fish shape on corrugated cardboard and then used it as a template to trace out.....oh 40 more.

Cut out.

Have the kids spread Dry Dek or regular drywall compound over the cardboard.  It's kinda like icing a cookie.

You want enough to be able to add some texture.

Using a toothpick draw some lines in the tail and fins.

Then using a spoon you can make some scale depressions.  You can also just use your finger.  The compound is a bit sticky so you might need a tissue or 2.



Start at the tail and work your way back.  Leave some area plain for the face.

Let the drywall compound set, about 8 hrs. or so.

Meanwhile you can paint your shell, this is the special scale, silver.

You can then add some glitter glue to make it really sparkle.

When your fish is dry paint with liquid tempera.  Bright colors work best.

To make the fish eye I found these glass gems at the Dollar Store, you know the decorative ones for vases.

They have a flat side to them.

Trace around one and then add a black circle (pupil) with sharpie or marker.

Cut out and glue or tape to the bottom.  I used Mod Podge but any acrylic medium would also work.

Glue into place on the fish with tacky glue.

Glue the special scale (the shell) into place as well.

You can add lips at this time as well with marker or sharpie.


Paint in for some color.

You can then add a few large sequins for some extra sparkle.  You know those Kinders, gotta have some bling.

Finally you can seal the whole thing with some Mod Podge for a nice glossy finish and you're done.



To hang on the bulletin board attach a wire loop to the back with some duct tape and then hang with push pins or thumbtacks.


That's it.

Some other fishy projects you might want to try:

FISH PRINTS

PAINTED FISH

CLAY FISH LIGHTS











See you soon.