Create the paper mache paste on the stove before beginning the project. Add 3 cups of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour in 1 cup of all-purpose flour into the water once it begins to boil, then mix with a large plastic spoon until smooth.
Place the flame on low and continue to stir until the paste thickens, then turn off the stove. Allow the paste to cool for 10 minutes to 15 minutes before using.
Set a plastic bag over a flat surface such as a table or work desk. Place a sheet of newspaper over the plastic bag and cut the newspaper into 1-inch by 1-inch squares with scissors. Stack the cut newspaper squares into one pile.
Lay one square of newspaper over the plastic bag and apply glue over the entire square's top surface with a paint brush. Place another newspaper square over the top of the first sheet, then apply glue over the second sheet's top surface. Add two more top layers of newspaper, then allow the layered sheets to dry for two hours.
Draw an arc inside the layered newspaper square with a black marker. Begin drawing a line up from the bottom left corner of the square, then create a curve at the top of the square. Curve back down and continue the line until you reach the right bottom corner. The end result will be a bell shape inside of the square.
Cut the fish scale out of the layered paper mache square with scissors, using the drawn arc line as a guide. Brush white acrylic paint over the front and back of the fish scale and allow it to dry for 30 minutes.
Paint the fish scale with colored acrylic paints, such as blue or red, and allow it to fully dry. Repeat Steps 4 to 7 to create additional fish scales.