Mermaid fans unite! There’s never too many mermaid crafts and activities to do, right?
If you agree, you’ll want to make this easy mermaid paper bag craft with your kids.
We’re giving you a free printable template to make it super simple to recreate, plus it comes with a mermaid and a merboy version.
This craft is perfect for ocean themed or summertime! Watch our quick video tutorial below or read our step by step directions to see how to make this fun craft.
Don’t forget to look through all of our fun mermaid activities for kids for more great ideas!
Mermaid Puppet
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure policy.
Supplies
- Brown paper bag
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Mermaid template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you)
Directions
Download the mermaid template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
Optional: Glue the ocean background to the main portion and flap of the brown paper bag.
Create the mermaid or merboy head by gluing the hair to the top of the page.
Take the completed head and glue it to the flap portion of the brown paper bag.
Assemble the body by gluing the arms to the back of each side of the torso.
If you’re making a mermaid, glue the seashells to the chest area.
Glue the top portion of the mermaid tail to the bottom portion of the torso.
Next, glue the torso to the mermaid tail.
Finish creating the tail by gluing the end of the tip of the tail.
Place the entire lower body on the main portion of the paper bag and glue it in place.
Use a marker to draw the scales on the mermaid tail.
That’s it! Isn’t this such a fun craft?
More Ocean Ideas For Kids
Want to add this mermaid craft to themed unit study? Check out some of our favorite ideas below!
We love borrowing books from the library or buying some to add to our home collection. Reading is a great way to introduce a new unit and as you know, has tremendous benefits! Below are some of the top rated ocean books for kids!
The Snail and the Whale– Julia Donaldson, author of the famous book The Gruffalo, brings kids another fun book about an unlikely set of friends. Snail and Whale have lots of fun together in this colorful book!
Shark Lady– This children’s book is based upon the true story of Eugenie Clark, aka, The Shark Lady. Learn about her love of sharks, her discoveries, and the inspiring message of going after what you want in life.
The Rainbow Fish -This is a classic children’s book with a wonderful message for children. In it, a fish learns to share his favorite possession, his glittery scales, with his friends!
For more ocean crafts, check out some of our favorite below:
- Humpback Whale Headband Craft – Kids who love headband crafts will want to make this cute ocean animal craft.
- Paper Plate Crab Craft – This bright and colorful craft is simple and fun to create!
- Mermaid Handprint Craft – We love how sweet this handprint craft turned out!
This ocean sensory bin is great for when you want something done for you. If you prefer the DIY route, try out this frozen ocean sensory bin.
The ocean playdough kit is a great way for kids to get hands-on with their play. Plus, the pre-made dough is ready to go, so all you need to do is open the box and start playing.
It’s a fun way to explore the ocean world without getting wet, and it’s also a great way to develop fine motor skills. So whether your child is a beach bum or a landlubber, the ocean play dough kit is sure to be a hit!
Share With Us
Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!
Mermaid Paper Bag Craft For Kids
Materials
- Brown paper bag
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Mermaid template
Instructions
- Download the mermaid template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Optional: Glue the ocean background to the main portion and flap of the brown paper bag.
- Create the mermaid or merboy head by gluing the hair to the top of the page.
- Take the completed head and glue it to the flap portion of the brown paper bag.
- Assemble the body by gluing the arms to the back of each side of the torso.
- If you’re making a mermaid, glue the seashells to the chest area.
- Glue the top portion of the mermaid tail to the bottom portion of the torso.
- Next, glue the torso to the mermaid tail.
- Finish creating the tail by gluing the end of the tip of the tail.
- Place the entire lower body on the main portion of the paper bag and glue it in place.
- Use a marker to draw the scales on the mermaid tail.
Mermaid & Merboy Template
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.
RuthNair
Friday 4th of April 2025
Pls send me
Kamille - Community Support Assistant
Sunday 6th of April 2025
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the confirmation link sent to you. Or if you’re already a subscriber, you just need to enter your email in the form at the end of the post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page ◡̈
RuthNair
Friday 4th of April 2025
May I have this template
Kamille - Community Support Assistant
Sunday 6th of April 2025
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the confirmation link sent to you. Or if you’re already a subscriber, you just need to enter your email in the form at the end of the post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page ◡̈
Susier
Thursday 19th of September 2024
May I please have this template
Sam
Monday 23rd of September 2024
Since you’re a subscriber, you just need to enter your email in the form at the end of the post. After that, it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page ◡̈
Lois
Tuesday 30th of July 2024
Hello would love the mermaid patterns. Trying to make with my grandson for my daughter’s birthday. He wants to make mommy a mermaid puppet Thank you
Sam
Wednesday 31st of July 2024
Hi! Since you’re already an email subscriber, all you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page ◡̈
Palav
Monday 28th of August 2023
My child will love this one. Thanks
Sam
Friday 1st of September 2023
Yay! So glad ◡̈