Step 5: To make the fish scales I am going to use that soda straw we had out of the table a while ago. Cut the straw at an angle to remove one-half of the open edge. Place a small amount of pale purple on your palette. Dip the cut edge of the straw into the paint, tap it on the palette, then place the straw end at the highest point on the fish’s back with the open edge of the straw against, or slightly over the tape, press.
Work one row of scales at a time, working both sides of the row. When you move to the next row place one open edge of the straw at the center point of the first arch. This will stagger the rows.
Step 6: Let your scales dry completely. This is a good time to hang your fish with the straight pin from the cardboard box flap.
Step 7: Before your remove the tape wash your shader well and load it with a small amount of clean water, tap the excess water from the bristles. Remove the tape by cutting it with an exacto knife then gently and slowly pull is away from the protected edge.
After the tape is removed you can use the damp shader brush to lift any paint that escaped into the honey brown area. Touch the brush tip in a honey brown area near the spot and slowly push the brush into the protection line. This will cleanly lift the escaped paint.
SECRET – Craft quality acrylics and artist quality acrylics act differently in the way they bond together on your carving. Craft paints tend to be small, independent particles of color but artist quality acrylics will sheet – bond into one layer area.
If you are using tape as a protective edge and artist quality acrylics, before you lift the tape you can lightly score along the edge of the tape with an exacto knife to separate the paint on the tape from the paint on your carving.