My daughter was Ariel for Halloween and ever since have been very into mermaids. When I asked her on a rainy Friday what she wanted to make her answer was “Mermaids” and I was stumped. So while she played I cut up a cereal box in 5 different ways trying to make something. The problem was I couldn’t draw the arms and face. Then I saw the American Girl catalog on the counter and inspiration struck! My daughter loved this craft and that’s what this craft is all about, having fun!
Gather your materials. You will need a doll catalog, construction paper, cardboard ( we used a cereal box), paint , glitter glue, scissors, and glue. 
Start by painting the sea. We used blue paper and blue and green paint but who says the sea can’t be pink or orange. 
While your child is painting draw a few tails on the cardboard 
and cut out the dolls from the catalog. 
Give them the tails to paint and cut out .
Glue the dolls on . My daughter had a whole story to go with hers. I love listening to her tall me stories. While they glue cut the tails out. 
Glue the tails on.
Add glitter glue! 
She obviously loved this one. 
Trim the top into a wave! 
Tracy says
This is too funny that you just posted this!!!! My son is 3 and his infant twin sisters were mermaids for Halloween and he has been talking about them non stop!!! I tried to show him a the Little Mermaid but its not on Netflix, so I ended up putting on the show called Mako Mermaids. It’s like a teen show but he loves it, we had to watch all the episodes!!! He plays mermaids all the time! It’s too funny. He will love this craft, I will have him make a merman too! Haha!
Allison McDonald says
So funny! Yes a merman for sure!
Mary says
This activity took me back in time! When I was young my grandmother and I would make paperdoll families out of catalog cutouts. We would also fashion doll houses for the paper doll families out of boxes we lined in wallpaper. I had many of hours of enjoyment and now warm and special memories of these moments with my dear “gigi”. Thanks for sharing.
Allison McDonald says
Oh Mary I am so happy to have sparked that memory!
Kathy Easley says
Great idea! My granddaughter is 8,still a huge
Ariel fan and now she is starting to write short stories. I think this “mermaid” theme would be a great way to do her ” illustrations”.
Allison McDonald says
Oh I love that!
Jeanine says
My daughter looked and said ‘I want that’ lol! So were off to make a craft like this of her very own! THANK You so much for the Early Saturday Morning activity inspiration!