Summer days bring the perfect chance to create fun memories and get a little crafty. We love projects that double as sweet keepsakes, and this mermaid craft does exactly that. By using your child’s handprint to create flowing mermaid hair, you freeze a tiny moment in time while making an adorable piece of art.
This simple activity uses basic supplies you probably already have in your craft bin. It keeps little hands busy, encourages creativity, and brings a touch of ocean magic right into your home.
Craft Supplies:
Gather these supplies before you sit down to craft:
- Jumbo Craft Sticks – one per craft
- Cardstock or Construction Paper
- Paint Markers
- School Glue
- Kid-safe Scissors
Directions:
Step 1: Create the Handprint Hair
Grab your red cardstock and trace your child’s hand onto the paper. Cut out the handprint carefully. The fingers will act as the mermaid’s beautiful, flowing hair.
Step 2: Paint the Mermaid Body
Take one wooden popsicle stick. Use paint or markers to color the top third of the stick red to create the mermaid’s top. Color the remaining bottom section green to form the mermaid’s tail. Let the stick dry completely.
Step 3: Make the Face and Fin
Cut a small oval shape from the light beige paper for the mermaid’s face. Use your black marker to draw closed eyes with long eyelashes, a cute little nose, and a happy smile. Next, cut a small “V” or heart shape from the green paper to serve as the tail fin. Draw a few lines on the fin to give it texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Mermaid
Place the red handprint upside down or sideways so the fingers flow outward. Glue the beige face right onto the palm area of the handprint. Next, glue the painted popsicle stick just below the chin so the body extends downward. Finally, attach the green paper fin to the very bottom tip of the popsicle stick.
Step 5: Design the Ocean Background
Take your light blue cardstock to build the scene. Glue your fully assembled mermaid right in the center. Use a blue marker to draw simple, wavy lines around her to look like ocean water.
Step 6: Add a Sweet Message
To finish this delightful keepsake, use your black marker to write a fun pun. Write “you are” at the top of the blue paper, and “mer-mazing!” at the bottom. Add any other embellishments you see fit and display proudly for all to see!
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You now have a wonderful summer craft that celebrates the season. Hang this cheerful artwork on the fridge, or send it to a grandparent as a thoughtful, handmade greeting card. Happy crafting, my friends!
Popsicle Stick & Handprint Mermaid Keepsake Craft Idea
Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:
- Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Cardstock or Construction Paper
- Embellishments
- Paint Markers
- School Glue
Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!
Directions:
- Grab your red cardstock and trace your child's hand onto the paper. Cut out the handprint carefully. The fingers will act as the mermaid's beautiful, flowing hair.
- Take one wooden popsicle stick. Use paint or markers to color the top third of the stick red to create the mermaid's top. Color the remaining bottom section green to form the mermaid's tail. Let the stick dry completely.
- Cut a small oval shape from the light beige paper for the mermaid's face. Use your black marker to draw closed eyes with long eyelashes, a cute little nose, and a happy smile. Next, cut a small "V" or heart shape from the green paper to serve as the tail fin. Draw a few lines on the fin to give it texture.
- Place the red handprint upside down or sideways so the fingers flow outward. Glue the beige face right onto the palm area of the handprint. Next, glue the painted popsicle stick just below the chin so the body extends downward. Finally, attach the green paper fin to the very bottom tip of the popsicle stick.
- Take your light blue cardstock to build the scene. Glue your fully assembled mermaid right in the center. Use a blue marker to draw simple, wavy lines around her to look like ocean water.
- To finish this delightful keepsake, use your black marker to write a fun pun. Write "you are" at the top of the blue paper, and "mer-mazing!" at the bottom. Add any other embellishments you see fit and display proudly for all to see!
CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE DIRECTIONS FOR THIS CRAFT