The Island Day Nursery, Newport, Isle of Wight

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Papier Maché Fish Money Box

You will need:
  • A pile of old newspapers
  • Packet of wallpaper paste
  • Large pear-shaped balloon
  • Small yoghurt carton for base
  • Piece of cardboard cut to a tail shape
  • Water
  • Bucket or large bowl
  • Decorating brush & Painting brush
  • Poster colours or model-makers' acrylics
  • Clear varnish
This is what you do:
  1. Blow up your balloon according to the size of money box you want and tie a secure knot.
  2. Place about 2 pints (1 litre) cold water into the bowl and gently shake in some paste a little at a time, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. When the mixture starts to get thicker. Leave it for 5 - 10 minutes to swell then test again for a nice pasty consistency.
  3. Cover your table with several layers of newspaper and tear up at least 1 newspaper into strips about 2" wide.
  4. The idea is to paste each strip of newspaper and thoroughly cover the balloon with strips going all ways until you have made about 6 layers. It may be too heavy to complete this all in one go, so it's better to do about 3 layers and leave it to dry for a few days before putting on another 3 layers.
  5. Attach the upturned yoghurt carton to the bottom of the fish with strips of pasted paper until it is well secured. You may feel it needs a little extra weight, so you could put some plasticine or a small stone inside the yoghurt pot before you attach it to the fish. Attach the cardboard tail to the end of the fish and cover well with strips of pasted paper to make it strong and secure.
  6. Leave the model to thoroughly dry out. This could take up to a week.
  7. Cut a rectangular hole in the top of the fish large enough to take coins. Make sure the hole is large enough to get your money out again without ruining your fish. If the edges are jagged, add a few narrow strips of pasted paper around the hole. Gently remove the balloon from the inside of the model.
  8. When dried out paint and decorate the money box then coat with clear varnish for added shine and protection.

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