Hands On Crafts for Kids

By Patty Cox
Requires Adult supervision

Ireland

When you see the “helping hand” symbol on a project, it means you may need adult supervision to do the project. Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like wax paper or plastic. Always use care when using tools or a heat source. Be careful and safe!

Main supplies:

1/4 pkg SculpeyIII® emerald oven-bake-clay
1/4 pkg SculpeyIII® tan oven-bake-clay
1/4 pkg SculpeyIII® yellow oven-bake-clay
1/2” shell -
toothpicks
sculpting tools or plastic knife

Instructions:
1. Tail: Roll emerald clay into a 15” long snake. Fold snake in half. Lift the right side, form a loop, bring tail to left. Lift left side, form a loop, bring tail to right. Make three loops on each side. Fold each tail inward. Flatten each fold to form fins. Use sculpting tool to mark impressions of fin. Lightly press all looped clay together.
2. Torso and head: From tan clay, form a 3/8” ball for head, 3/4” teardrop for torso, and a 4” x 3/16” snake for arms. Press pieces together. Insert a toothpick through top of head, through torso, and into top of mermaid tail Cut excess toothpick top. Form two 1/8” balls from emerald clay. Press onto mermaid bodice. Using a toothpick, poke two small eyes and a curved mouth on mermaid face.
3. Hair: takle small pieces of yellow clay and roll into 2-3 inch snakes. Place on head top. Poke hair ‘roots’ into head top. Arrange hair around face and head and curl into loops. Lightly press together.
4. Bring hands to body front. Place shell in hands. Lightly press clay together.
5. Place mermaid on cookie sheet. Bake in 275o oven 15 minutes per 1/4” of thickness.