With summer time approaching, we’re dreaming about all the crafty things we can do while the kids are out of school!
We’ve already done tons of fun crafts , but there’s never too many craft ideas, right?
Since there are 2 boys in our home, most of our activities are gender neutral or slightly focused on the boy end of the spectrum.
Today we’re changing things up and making an easy girls’ craft perfect for summertime! This photo mermaid craft is so sweet and fun to make too.
Be sure to check out our collection of other photo crafts for kids that we’re sure will put a smile on their faces!
Easy Mermaid Paper Craft
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
- Colored card stock (in mermaid colors and skin tone colors)
- Glue stick (this one is my favorite when working with heavy paper)
- Markers
- Scissors
- Photo of your child’s face (about 3″ wide)
- Mermaid craft template
Directions
Download the mermaid template. There are 2 templates included in the file. One is for a single child and the other is formatted for multiple children or classes.
Use the template of your choice and cut out all the pieces on the coordinating colored card stock. This is where you can really encourage your child to use their imagination!
We used pinks and purples, but have them try lots of different color combinations and see which one they like best.
Place some glue along the top of the mermaid tail and glue to the bottom of the body piece.
Attach the swim top to the main body and glue in place.
Use the scissors to cut out the child’s face from the photo. Place the bangs piece of the hair on top of the photo and glue in place.
Attach the child’s photo to the front of the neck like in the picture below.
Put glue along the back of the photo and glue it on top of the main piece of hair.
Use the markers to make scales on the mermaid tail and hair marks throughout the hair.
That’s all you need to do to create your own mini mermaid of your child!
We’re certain little girls will want to make endless combinations of photo mermaids for themselves and all their friends.
In fact, this craft is a perfect activity to do at sleepovers, play dates or even at a mermaid themed birthday party!
Don’t forget to enter your email in the form at the end of the page to download the free mermaid craft template.
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 themed crafts, check out some of our favorite below:
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!
Photo Mermaid Craft
Transform your child into this cute little mermaid with this easy photo mermaid craft idea!
Materials
- Colored card stock
- 3" photo of child's head
- Markers
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Instructions
- Download the mermaid template. There are 2 templates included in the file. One is for a single child and the other is formatted for multiple children or classes.
- Use the template of your choice and cut out all the pieces on the coordinating colored card stock.
- Use the scissors to cut out the child's face as well.
- Assemble the mermaid by gluing the body piece behind the mermaid tail. Glue the swim top over the chest area. Attach the child's photo to the front of the neck. Secure the front piece of the hair in front of the child's photo, then attach the back piece of the hair to the entire head, neck and the top portion of the body.
- Use the markers to make scales on the mermaid tail and hair marks throughout the hair.
Free Mermaid 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.
Martha
Sunday 11th of August 2024
Would love photo mermaid template thanks!
Sam
Monday 12th of August 2024
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you. Once you've been confirmed as an email subscriber (by clicking the link in the first email), you simply enter your email in any of the forms and it'll automatically redirect you to the download page.
Julie Briones
Monday 29th of July 2024
My granddaughters will love this, Sam! So cute. My one grand just saw Little Mermaid (animated) for the first time a few weeks ago! I'm happy to be featuring your post at Tuesday Turn About this week!
Sam
Wednesday 31st of July 2024
Oh, so glad to hear that. That was one of my favorite movies as a kid! Thanks for the feature ◡̈
Janet
Tuesday 27th of April 2021
Mermaid Template
Sam T
Tuesday 27th of April 2021
All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of the post to have the link sent to you ?
Lynn
Friday 21st of August 2020
This is such a cute idea for girls! I’m having trouble finding where I download the template
Sam T
Friday 21st of August 2020
Thanks! There's a form you can enter your email at the bottom of the post. The link will be emailed to you :)
Rachel
Wednesday 10th of June 2020
Boys like mermaids too. Inclusive language is important.
Sam T
Saturday 13th of June 2020
Great point! This just says girls because I didn’t make a template for boys.