Paper Plate Mermaid Tail Craft for Kids

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This paper plate mermaid tail craft is pure underwater magic for kids! A simple Dollar Store paper plate transforms into the most beautiful layered mermaid tail, complete with iridescent glitter glue and self-adhesive pearls that will have your little mermaids absolutely enchanted.

Materials for This Paper Plate Mermaid Tail Craft

Before you start, gather a few simple supplies for this paper plate mermaid tail craft. Most items can be found at the Dollar Store, making this a wonderful budget-friendly ocean craft for kids.

Supplies

• Paper plate
• Acrylic craft paint – four shades of blue (or any color of your choice)
• Glitter glue, iridescent
• Self-adhesive pearls
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Patterns

Once your supplies are ready, it's time to make some under-the-sea magic!

How to Make a Paper Plate Mermaid Tail Craft

This paper plate mermaid tail craft comes together with cutting, painting, and assembling. Follow the steps below to create your beautiful layered mermaid tail.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Gather all the supplies for this paper plate mermaid tail craft. Having everything ready before you begin makes the process smooth and magical.

Step 2: Trace and Cut the Tail Pieces

Download and print the mermaid tail patterns, then cut out with scissors. Trace the scalloped tail pattern once and the flipper tail pattern twice onto the inside of two paper plates with a pencil.

Step 3: Cut Out All Pieces

Cut out all the traced pattern pieces with scissors, making sure to cut inside the lines for a clean, finished look.

Step 4: Paint the Tail Pieces

Paint each tail layer a different shade of blue — lightest to darkest from largest to smallest — and paint both flippers the darkest blue. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble the Flippers

Attach the two flippers to the bottom of the smallest tail piece with a glue gun and glue sticks.

TIP: Liquid craft glue also works — just allow extra drying time.

Step 6: Layer the Mermaid Tail

Attach the first, second, and third mermaid tail pieces together in order, largest to smallest, with a glue gun.

Step 7: Attach the Flipper Section

Glue the smallest tail piece with the attached flippers to the bottom of the layered tail stack.

Step 8: Add the Glitter Outline

Outline each layer of the mermaid tail with iridescent glitter glue for a beautiful shimmery effect. Set aside to dry completely.

Step 9: Add the Pearl Accents

To finish, attach one self-adhesive half pearl to each scallop of each tail layer. You could also use rhinestones or beads for a similar sparkly look.

Your stunning paper plate mermaid tail is ready to make a splash!

Grab the Paper Plate Mermaid Tail Craftivity

Want to make this ocean craft even easier? The Paper Plate Mermaid Tail Craftivity includes printable patterns and a mini ebook with full step-by-step instructions — perfect for ocean-themed parties, homeschool, or a summer craft afternoon.

More Ocean and Under the Sea Crafts Your Kids Will Love

If your kiddos had fun making this mermaid tail craft, don't stop the fun here! Below you will find some more of our favorite ocean and under the sea crafts we have shared on the site.

Please Share This Mermaid Tail Craft

Did your little mermaids love making this mermaid tail craft? We'd love to see your beautiful creations! Share on social media and tag us, and pin this project to your ocean crafts board on Pinterest!

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