This DIY mermaid tale is everything you need to make your child's summer dreams come true. Okay, you may need a few other things, but when you make your own mermaid tail, the imaginative pretend play will take off!
Inspired by her picture book, Mermaids on Parade, author-illustrator Melanie Hope Greenberg has easy instructions for how to make a mermaid tail. In fact, the instructions are so easy your child can make it right now. This instant!
I will demonstrate how easy it is to make a mermaid tale with Melanie's technique using an unsuspecting action figure as a model. (Who is this action figure? I have no idea. But she come courtesy of the enormous collection that lives in my home.)
First, since you want to turn off the computer (recommended) while you and your child make matching (also, recommended) mermaid tails, go ahead and get the convenient printable instructions.
Print the pdf (by clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service; see end of post for details*): Mermaid tale pattern and instructions
MAKE A MERMAID TAIL
- Research mermaid tails
First read Melanie Hope Greenberg's book, Mermaids on Parade. Get inspired by all the mermaid costumes!
- Gather your supplies
You need:
* a large piece of craft paper, or fabric
* scissors
* tape
* markers and/or crafty items like sticker, sequins etc. (and glue) - Mark out the pattern
Observe the outline for the mermaid tail as drawn by Melanie. Then, with your child laying down on the fabric or paper, mark out the outline as shown.
- Cut out pattern and decorate
Cut out the pattern and then decorate with markers or crafty supplies as desired.
- Don your tail
Wrap the upper tabs around waist and tape in place. Masking tape will hold better than cello tape. If you used fabric, a safety pin is perfect.
Voilá!
Easy, right? Now go make your own mermaid tail!
More mermaid fun:
Meet the Main Mermaid
Melanie Hope Greenberg is an award winning author and illustrator and mermaid of more than 15 children’s books. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is.
Melanie's iconic book, Mermaids on Parade, was selected as a Bank Street Best Book, and for the Texas Reading Club and PBS Kids Summer Reading Lists. It was named one of the Top Reprints of 2019 by Fuse#8.
MERMAIDS ON PARADEÂ written and illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg. Read the reviews and testimonials on Melanie's Blog.
*Terms of Service: this coloring page is used with permission from Melanie Hope Greenberg and is for non-commercial use ONLY. You many print out as many copies as you like for personal, library or classroom use. If you would like to share this coloring page, you MUST link to this blog page. It is expressly forbidden to link directly to the coloring page pdf file.
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