To make the mermaid scales, recycled plastic bottles are cut into ovals and then attached to a princess skirt. Some extra tulle was used to create a train, and a standard tank top was embellished with faux pearls, trinkets, and ribbons.
Tools and materials:
sleeveless top and princess skirt
toy necklaces and jewelry
2 liter soda bottles
oval hole punch
utility knife
fabric glue
tulle
headband
stapler
elastic band
scissors
Rinse and remove labels from bottles.
Use a knife to cut off the top and bottom of the bottle so you are left with a cylinder.
Cut the cylinder in half and lay the plastic as flat as possible.
Use an oval shaped hole punch to cut the scales out of the plastic. We use clear and green bottles to add color and help the scales shine.
Starting at the top of the skirt, staple the scales in rows. Place the next row below the previous row to hide the staples.
Our skirt is nylon with a layer of tulle on top. We split the front of the skirt so our little mermaid can walk. Where the skirt was cut, the fabric was folded and glue was applied along the seam to prevent fraying.
At the back of the skirt, we gathered the layer of tulle about 2/3 of the way down the skirt and secured it with an elastic band. This is where we are going to tie the tail. To make the tail, several strips of tulle were tied to a ribbon. The ribbon was then tied around the rubber band that was used to gather the back of the skirt.
Ribbon is glued to the top of the tank to add some ruffle details. Imitation pearls and light rhinestones are attached to the tank top with hot glue.
Add the same ribbon used for the tail to a headband or crown to complete the look.
