Tutorial: Ang Pow Fish Decorations

Back in my first Chinese New Year post >HERE< I promised you guys I'd show you how to make the Ang Pow Chinese New Year Fish Decorations! True to my word, I made a step by step tutorial for you. These cute decorations are a great use for those dozens of unused red packets laying around the house, or if you're too sentimental to throw out the pretty packets received from your Aunty's.

This year my family over here taught me to make these fish, and we made millions heaps and put them on the walls around the house. They were a hit and admired by many of our visitors, and they are surprisingly easy to make.

You will need: 2 Ang Pows, scissors and a stapler (or an adhesive if you prefer)

1) I've created a stencil for you to trace the shape of your fish (click picture to enlarge). The JPEG size is the exact size on-screen needed to make the fish. Print the same size as the image appears on screen, and cut out the two sections (also cutting the red marked lines). Left is the Fish Tail and Right is the Fish Body.

2) Cut open your Ang Pow and lay flat. Trace the shape of the Fish Body stencil onto the inside and cut out, including the red marked lines.

3) Place the Fish Tail stencil on a closed Ang Pow (do not cut open), and trace the shape. Ensure the tail ends are at the sealed sides and corners of the packet, so when the shape is cut the two red sides of the Ang Pow remain held together. 

4) At the cuts at the head of the fish body, fold one side over the other and staple in place to create a curved head. Repeat on both sides.

5) Place the point of the Fish Tail fin through the slit at the end of the fish body. Fold sides of the fish body over the tail section and staple into place.

Your Ang Pow fish is now complete! Stick to the wall by placing some blue-tac/double sided tape on the two side fins of the fish. The fish look even nicer if you mismatch the Ang Pow patterns of the head and tail sections.