Mermaids are kind of having a moment. Actually, they’ve been having a moment for like, the last decade, and I’m not mad about it. There’s just something about that iridescent tail and the whole “vibing under the sea” aesthetic that gets me every time. My own living room has slowly turned into a shrine to mermaid-core, and honestly? No regrets.
If you or your little ones are obsessed with all things scaly and oceanic, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve rounded up eight of my absolute favorite DIY mermaid crafts that are perfect for a rainy afternoon, a birthday party activity, or just because you need a little magic in your life. These projects are all tested by me (and my very opinionated seven-year-old, who is the real critic), so you know they’re good.
Ready to get glittery? Let’s do this.
1. Sparkly Mermaid Paper Plate Aquariums
This is the craft that started it all for me. We were looking for something to do one Sunday that didn’t involve a screen, and this project was so simple, even my coordination-challenged self could handle it.
What You’ll Need
- Heavy-duty paper plates (the flimsy ones get soggy with glue)
- Blue cellophane or plastic wrap
- Mermaid stickers or cut-outs from old magazines
- Blue and green tissue paper
- Glitter (because, obviously)
- Scissors and tape
Putting It Together
First, cut a large circle out of the center of one paper plate, leaving just the rim. This is your “window.” Tape a piece of blue cellophane to the back of the rim—this is your “water.”
Now, grab the second paper plate. This is the background. Let the kids go wild! They can glue on torn tissue paper to make seaweed, sprinkle glitter for that magical shimmer, and arrange their mermaid stickers. I personally love using foam stickers because they pop off the page.
Once the background scene is dry, tape or staple the front rim (with the cellophane) to the back plate. Hold it up to the light, and bam—you’ve got your own little aquarium. I have one hanging in my kitchen window, and it catches the light in the most charming way. It never fails to make me smile. 🙂
2. Easy Mermaid Tail Blankets (No-Sew!)
Okay, so “no-sew” is a little misleading because technically, you still have to tie a bunch of knots. But if you, like me, break out in a cold sweat at the sight of a sewing machine, this one is for you. I made one of these for my niece last Christmas, and she basically lived in it for a month.
The Magic of Minky Fabric
You’ll want to grab some minky fabric for this. It’s that impossibly soft, plush stuff. It’s a bit pricier than regular fleece, but IMO, it’s totally worth it for the cozy factor. You’ll need about two yards, depending on the height of the person you’re making it for.
Step-by-Step Knots
- Cut the fabric into a large triangle shape. The wide part is the top, and the point is where the fins go.
- Cut the bottom edge into a scalloped “fin” shape.
- Cut vertical slits about 4 inches long and 1 inch apart along both straight sides of the triangle.
- Now for the fun part. Simply take a strip from the front and a strip from the back and tie them together in a double knot. Work your way all the way up both sides.
- Leave the top open, obviously, so they can get in.
The first time I did this, I made the slits too close together and the whole thing looked a mess. Learn from my mistakes: keep those slits evenly spaced! The end result is a warm, snuggly tail that makes for the best movie-night accessory. Ever wondered why kids love these so much? It’s the combination of being wrapped up tight but still having their feet free. Total sensory win.
3. Painted Rock Mermaid Friends
We have a rock problem in our house. We come home from every walk with pockets full of them. This craft was invented out of pure necessity to deal with the rock pile on our porch.
Finding the Perfect “Canvas”
You want rocks that are relatively flat and smooth. River rocks are perfect. If they’re bumpy and weird, they just become “abstract mermaids,” and that’s cool too.
Bringing Them to Life
This is where you can get super detailed or keep it simple. I usually paint the whole rock with a skin-tone acrylic paint first. Once that’s dry, I paint on the hair. For the scales on the tail, I use the back of a paintbrush to dot on little circles.
Here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: always use a sealer when you’re done. Nothing is sadder than a beautifully painted rock that washes away in the first rain. I use a clear gloss spray sealer to make them shine. We keep a little bowl of them on our bookshelf, and they look like a tiny, stationary mermaid village. They also make adorable paperweights or garden decorations.
4. Toilet Paper Roll Mermaid Puppets
I know, I know. Another toilet paper roll craft. But hear me out! This is one of those DIY mermaid crafts that requires almost zero skill, which is my favorite kind.
Gather Your Scraps
You’ll need:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Acrylic paint or markers
- Yarn (for hair)
- Scrap fabric or construction paper
- Googly eyes (is there any other kind?)
Adding Some Personality
Paint the roll whatever color you want the mermaid’s top to be. For the tail, cut a fin shape out of cardstock and glue it to the inside bottom of the roll. For the scales, you can either paint them on, or do what I do and cut out small circles from glitter foam sheets and glue them on. The 3D effect is chef’s kiss.
Glue on the googly eyes, draw a smile, and add some yarn hair. The best part? You can stick your fingers in the bottom and make them “swim.” I won’t tell you how many times I’ve used these to entertain a fussy toddler. They are a parenting lifesaver.
5. Sparkly Mermaid Slime
Alright, full disclosure: I hate slime. I hate the mess, I hate the sticky feeling, and I hate finding it dried into the carpet three weeks later. BUT… my kids freaking love it. So, I suck it up and make it. And this mermaid version is the only one that doesn’t make me immediately regret my life choices.
The Perfect Recipe
Forget the complicated stuff with Borax. I use the saline solution and baking soda method. It’s way more forgiving.
- Empty a bottle of clear glue into a bowl.
- Fill the empty glue bottle with water, add it to the bowl, and mix.
- Add a dash of baking soda and mix again.
- Add your magic: fine glitter in blues, purples, and pinks.
- Add a few drops of saline solution and stir. It will immediately start to come together.
- Knead it with your hands until it’s no longer sticky.
The clear glue lets the glitter shine through, making it look like actual ocean water. I like to throw in some little plastic sea creatures or beads to make it extra special. The kids call it “treasure slime.” Just, whatever you do, keep it away from the carpet. You’ve been warned.
6. Seashell Mermaid Ornaments
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, or if you have a stash of craft-store shells like I do, this is a gorgeous project. It feels a little more sophisticated than some of the other crafts, but it’s actually super simple.
The Face is the Tricky Part
You need a large, intact shell for the body. I like scallop shells because they already look like a dress or a tail. For the head, you can use a small wooden bead or even a smaller shell.
- Use a hot glue gun to attach the head to the inside of the big shell.
- Paint a sweet little face on the bead.
- Glue on some tiny shells or beads for a bikini top.
- For hair, you can use natural fibers like jute, or even better, some coarse doll hair from a craft store.
I made a bunch of these one year and hung them on the Christmas tree. They were the only ornaments that didn’t get broken, and they added such a unique, coastal vibe. They also look fantastic hanging in a sunny window with a simple ribbon.
7. Ombre Mermaid Canvas Art
This is the craft for the grown-ups, or for older kids who have a bit more patience. It’s basically paint-by-numbers for mermaid lovers, and the result is actually frame-worthy.
The Technique
You’ll need a canvas, painters tape, and three shades of paint—say, dark blue, medium blue, and a seafoam green. Painters tape is your best friend here.
- Tape off sections of your canvas in a herringbone or scale-like pattern. Don’t overthink this; random is good.
- Paint each section a different color, creating an ombre effect from dark at the top to light at the bottom.
- While the paint is still wet, you can sprinkle a little fine glitter onto some sections for a shimmer.
- Once it’s completely dry, carefully peel off the tape.
The clean lines of the tape with the blended colors looks so professional. I have one hanging in my bathroom, and it makes me feel like I’m stepping into a spa every morning. It’s a great way to add a pop of color without having to commit to a whole mural.
8. Mermaid Mason Jars
Last but not least, we have the classic mason jar. Is there anything it can’t do? We turned these into mermaid luminaires for a backyard “ocean” party, and they were the star of the show.
Layering the Color
You’ll need Mod Podge, food coloring, and some cosmetic sponges.
- Mix your Mod Podge with a few drops of blue or green food coloring.
- Use the sponge to dab the colored Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar. Don’t brush it on smoothly; dab it to create a textured, scale-like effect.
- While it’s still wet, press on some iridescent glitter.
- Let it dry completely. You might need two coats.
- To finish, tie some jute or ribbon around the rim and glue on a small shell or pearl bead.
Drop a tea light or a set of fairy lights inside, and the light flickering through the textured, glittery glass is pure magic. They create such a warm, whimsical glow. I keep a couple on my patio, and they make summer nights feel extra special.
So there you have it! Eight DIY mermaid crafts that are guaranteed to bring some under-the-sea vibes into your home. Whether you’re a crafting novice or a glitter-worn pro, there’s something on this list for you. I’d love to know which one you try first. Personally, I’m already planning my next trip to the craft store to grab more shells for those little mermaid ornaments. They’re just too cute to resist.
Happy crafting, you magnificent mer-people! 🧜♀️
