Mermaid Costume

Shiny scales fashioned from flattened cupcake liners are the secret behind this stylish undersea look. The costume ties on like an apron, so it's not constricting.

Download a complete materials list and illustrated step-by-step directions.

Materials

White or clear (13-gallon) tall kitchen drawstring trash bag
Duct tape (silver or white)
4 large paper clips
Double-sided tape
60 standard-size silver foil baking cups
40 standard-size white baking cups

Clear tape
2 (9-inch diameter) lightweight white paper plates
4 rubber bands
Clear fishing line
Needle
Headband

Instructions

The Apron: Lay the trash bag flat and cut it as shown (A). Pull out the drawstring and discard. Seal the cut edge with duct tape to create the rectangular base of your apron.
Cut two strips of duct tape, each 4 inches longer than your child's waist measurement.
Sandwich the apron's top edge between the strips as shown (B). Have your child try on the apron, using the paper clips to hold the waistband closed. If needed, trim the skirt's hem so that it ends 1 inch above the tops of her shoes. Have her take off the apron.
Fold back and tape the bottom corners to create a tapered bottom (C). Apply rows of scales, using double-sided tape and flattened baking cups as shown. Completely cover the apron front, positioning the rows so that each
one overlaps the row below it. Fold any overhanging scale edges to the apron's back side and tape them to secure.
The Flippers: Turn the plates facedown and cut a flipper shape from each as shown (D). Use double-sided tape to cover each flipper with overlapping rows of flattened
silver baking cups. Fold any overhanging scale edges to the flippers' back sides and tape them to secure.
With duct tape, attach two rubber bands to the center of each fin's underside so that the bands can slip over your child's shoes.
The Necklace and Crown: Fold 7 to 10 silver and white baking cups in half, then roll each into a cone, securing it with tape. Use the needle to string the shells onto the
fishing line, knotting it on either side of each shell. Knot the necklace to fit your child and trim any excess thread. For the
crown, fold a silver baking cup over a headband.