Want to transform a turkey into a mermaid? Give this mermaid turkey disguise a try, using paper, sequins, and yarn! A free printable template is included as well.
Glitter paper and sequins create a shimmering mermaid effect, although regular colored paper works just as well! You could also use glitter glue or adhesive gems.
Select any yarn color you prefer for the hair – the mermaids pictured here have magenta and peach hair, though purple or teal would be lovely choices too!
Supplies You’ll Need
- Printable mermaid templates – available at the end of this post
- Markers – (or crayons, colored pencils, or paint) for coloring the turkey
- Colored cardstock and glitter paper – for making the tail and shells. Construction paper is another option.
- Yarn – to create the mermaid’s hair
- Scissors
- Glue stick – for securing the paper pieces
- Tacky glue – or white glue, for fastening the yarn and sequins
- Sequins – in green and blue tones.
How to Create a Mermaid Turkey in Disguise
1. Color the turkeys.
Print a free turkey disguise template.
Color the turkey’s beak, wattle, head, arms, and upper body section with crayons, markers, colored pencils, or paint.
2. Prepare the paper pieces.
Print the templates located at the end of the post, then cut them out.
Trace each template onto colored paper and cut out the shapes. Pick a hair color that coordinates with the yarn you plan to use.
3. Create the hair.
Spread a narrow line of white or tacky glue along the inside and outside edges of the paper hair. Lay yarn pieces over each glued line, leaving their ends extending beyond the paper.
Add additional glue inside the hair shape, then keep placing yarn pieces.
Continue pressing yarn into the glue, trimming it when necessary and following the yarn’s direction to form flowing hair.
After the paper is completely covered, trim the yarn ends with scissors. We kept the yarn hanging slightly beyond the paper’s edge, but evened out the lengths for a neater appearance.
4. Add the tail.
Attach the tail with glue, hiding the lower section of the body.
Then glue the flippers and waist accent over the main tail shape.
5. Secure the hair.
Use a glue stick to fasten the yarn-covered hair onto the turkey.
6. Attach the shells.
With a glue stick, secure the 2 shells to the turkey’s body.
7. Decorate with sequins. (optional)
Adhere several green and teal sequins to the mermaid’s tail.
This adds extra shimmer when using plain colored paper for the tail, though you may leave it out if glitter paper was used.
After the glue dries, your turkey disguised as a mermaid is finished!
