RECYCLED BARBIE MERMAID TAIL

Transform your child’s playtime into an underwater adventure with this super easy mermaid tail! Using materials you already have at home, your little one can dive into a world of magic and imagination.

Of course we always have a stash of TP and paper towel rolls laying around for crafting. One day when Mighty was about 3, I saw her putting her Barbie in an empty paper towel roll and taking her out, over and over again. We realized that the Barbie fit PERFECTLY inside. Combine that with the fact that Mighty was absolutely OBSESSED with mermaids at the time, and the first Barbie mermaid tail made from recycling was created! Mighty loved creating the tails so much that we couldn’t go through paper towels fast enough! LOL

The best part is, these really can be as simple or fancy as you’d like, so it is a great craft for kids as young as 3. (You can assemble the tail for them to paint and they can use use a glue stick to add paper details.) And if your kiddo’s mermaid phase grows with them like Mighty’s did, the mermaid tails get more and more elaborate. You can use a hot glue gun to add sparkly pipe-cleaner edges, use paint pens to draw on scale details, use scrapbook paper to wrap the tube, etc. You can check out some of Mighty’s mermaid tails designs for inspiration, but remember to look around your house for things that you already have and put your own spin on it.

Let’s get started so your kiddos’ dolls can enjoy FIN-tastic transformation!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• empty paper towel roll
• thin cardboard/ cardstock/ craft foam (anything thin but sturdy)
• paint & paintbrush
• printable template
• scissors
• scrapbook paper, pipe cleaners, jewels, puff paint, etc. to add extra details (optional)

LET’S CREATE!

1. First, we need to prep the paper towel roll. Use the free template to trace some curves (or freehand them) on one end of the roll. This will be the top. The important part is to trim the sides down a bit so that your Barbie’s arms can still move freely.

2. Carefully smash about an inch of the other end so it lays flat. Place a line of glue on the inside and hold until it dries.

3. Find the center of the bottom. Use the fin template to trace and cut out 2 fins from cardstock or craft foam.

4. Glue the fins (one on each side) to the bottom of the paper towel roll.

5. Now that your base is done, it’s time to personalize and decorate! You can use anything! Paint your mermaid tail and use paint pens to add details. You can also glue pipe-cleaners to define edges. Add glitter for sparkle! Use rhinestone stickers to create a fun design. You could also just wrap it in beautiful scrapbook paper. It really is soo easy to customize, so the possibilities are endless!

6. Slide your Barbie into their beautiful new tail to complete their transformation!

Did your little one enjoy creating their own mermaid tail? Just a heads up, this craft is highly addictive and could lead to a full-blown mermaid takeover in your home. Soon enough you’ll have a whole crew of mythical sea creatures swimming through your living room. (And if they love this upcycled doll costume, don’t miss out on our Barbie dresses made from recycled materials.) Even better, it’ll cost you next to nothing for hours of magical fun! What other enchanting makeovers are on your wishlist? Share your wildest ideas in the comments below!

Check out some of our favorite mermaid books to add your little one’s library!

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