Start by cutting a piece of clay off your block that is about 1 inch thick. Flatten it into a circle. Crumple up newspaper in the center of your clay circle, then fold the circle into the shape of a taco around the newspaper.

Pinch the top of your taco together. This will be the top fin of you fish.

Choose which end you want to be the mouth of your fish. The other hand will become the tail. To add big fish lips, roll a coil of clay, then attach it to the mouth opening. Be sure to smooth out the joint. Swish the other end to make the tail. Add any fins, eye balls, or other elements you want. Be sure to slip and score the places where two pieces of clay meet. And to smooth the joint once you’ve joined them.

Add scales by pinching little balls of clay between your fingers. When you're attaching them to the fish’s body, start from the bottom and work your way up for a layered effect.

When your fishes decorated to your satisfaction, smooth the entire sculpture with water and set it aside to dry.

Once the fish is dry, remove the newspaper from inside his mouth and decorate the fish using your acrylic paint and paint pens.