Ariel Coloring Pages (Free PDF Printables)
Every parent knows that moment when their child finishes coloring a beautiful picture and asks, “What now?” Those completed Ariel coloring pages don’t have to end up forgotten in a drawer or tossed in the recycling bin. Instead, transform them into lasting keepsakes that celebrate your child’s creativity while extending the magic of Disney’s beloved Little Mermaid.
Whether you’ve just printed free Ariel coloring pages or have a stack of finished underwater masterpieces waiting for their next life, these 12 craft ideas will help you create everything from enchanting room decorations to personalized gifts. Best of all, most projects require materials you already have at home—making these crafts budget-friendly and perfect for spontaneous rainy-day activities.
Why Crafting With Coloring Pages Matters
Before diving into our ocean of ideas, let’s talk about why repurposing coloring pages matters. When children see their artwork transformed into functional items or decorations, it validates their creative efforts and builds confidence. Studies show that children who engage in extended art projects develop better problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning. Plus, these crafts teach sustainability—showing kids that finished projects can become something entirely new. From underwater adventures to prehistoric discoveries, transforming coloring pages into crafts works across all themes—explore our T-Rex coloring pages for dinosaur-loving crafters.
Essential Supplies You’ll Need
Most of these Little Mermaid crafts use common household items:
- Cardstock or cardboard for reinforcement
- Glue sticks and liquid craft glue
- Scissors (child-safe and adult craft scissors)
- Clear acrylic spray or mod podge for sealing
- Embellishments like glitter, gems, pom-poms, and shells
- Basic craft supplies: yarn, twine, popsicle sticks, paper plates
Now, let’s explore these magical transformation ideas!
1. Enchanted Underwater Terrarium
Create a miniature ocean world that captures Ariel’s underwater kingdom in a jar. This project works beautifully as bedroom decor or a nightlight companion.
What you’ll need: Clean glass jar with lid, blue tissue paper, cardboard, puffy paint, green glitter, small craft shells, battery-operated tea light (optional)
How to create it: Have your child color their favorite Ariel scene—perhaps Ariel swimming with Flounder or exploring a coral reef. Once colored, carefully cut out the main character and mount her on sturdy cardboard for durability. Here’s where the magic happens: layer crumpled blue tissue paper inside the jar to create the illusion of ocean water. The tissue should fill about two-thirds of the jar.
Add dimension to Ariel’s hair using puffy paint in copper or red tones, and sprinkle green glitter on her tail while the paint is still wet. Once dry, position the reinforced cutout inside the jar, pressing it against the glass so she’s visible from the front. Seal the lid and decorate the exterior with tiny shells, pearls, or ocean-themed embellishments. For extra enchantment, place a battery-operated tea light beneath the jar—it creates a beautiful glow-up effect that mimics sunlight filtering through ocean water. For even more ocean adventures, explore our collection of sea creatures coloring pages featuring dolphins, seahorses, and colorful tropical fish that pair perfectly with Ariel’s underwater world.
2. Swinging Mermaid Mobile
This charming hanging decoration brings movement and whimsy to any space. It’s perfect for younger children who love watching things sway and spin.
What you’ll need: Popsicle stick, natural twine or thin rope, long craft stick or dowel, cardboard backing, decorative beads (optional)
How to create it: Start by creating the swing seat. Take a popsicle stick and tie two lengths of twine to each end—these will be your swing ropes. The twine should be long enough to create a pleasing visual proportion (usually 8-10 inches works well).
Once your child has colored and cut out their mermaid, reinforce it with cardboard and trim carefully around the edges. Apply glue to the back of the popsicle stick and position the mermaid so she appears to be sitting on the swing. For added stability, you might want to add a small piece of clear tape on the back.
Tie the top ends of both twine pieces to a longer craft stick or small wooden dowel. You can thread decorative beads onto the twine before tying for extra flair. Hang your swinging mermaid from a ceiling hook, curtain rod, or even a wall-mounted pushpin. The slightest air current will make Ariel sway gently—it’s mesmerizing!
3. Personalized Mermaid Paperweight
Turn those finished coloring pages into functional desk accessories that make homework time more magical.
What you’ll need: Smooth rock (3-4 inches), acrylic paint, seashell or piece of driftwood, strong adhesive glue, clear acrylic sealer
How to create it: This project begins with the base. You have several options: paint a smooth river rock in ocean blues and greens, use a large seashell, or even try a piece of polished driftwood. Let your child help choose and decorate the base—it makes the finished project feel more “theirs.”
After coloring Ariel, mount the image on cardboard and cut precisely around the outline. Here’s a crucial tip: create a small fold or tab at the bottom of the cutout (about a quarter-inch). This tab will be your gluing surface and will help Ariel “perch” on the rock at a natural angle rather than lying flat.
Apply strong craft glue to the tab and press firmly onto your painted base. Hold for 30 seconds to ensure a good bond. Once dry, seal everything with clear acrylic spray to protect against moisture and fingerprints. Your child now has a beautiful paperweight for their desk, or you can gift it to grandparents—they’ll treasure this personalized creation!
4. Mix-and-Match Mermaid Paper Dolls
This interactive craft offers endless play possibilities and encourages creative storytelling.
What you’ll need: Multiple Ariel coloring pages, colorful construction paper, cardboard, various embellishments (glitter, gems, sequins, metallic markers), small brads or paper fasteners (optional)
How to create it: The genius of this craft lies in its versatility. Have your child color one Ariel figure that will serve as the “base doll.” Mount this on sturdy cardboard and cut out carefully. Now for the fun part—trace just the tail section onto different colored construction papers. Cut out 5-6 different tails.
Let your child go wild decorating each tail differently: one with blue glitter for an icy look, another with pink gems for a princess vibe, maybe one with scales drawn in metallic gold marker, and another covered in tiny sequins. When cutting out the decorative tails, leave a small tab at the top (where it would connect to the body). These tabs can fold over the base doll’s tail, or you can get fancy and use small brads to make the tails truly interchangeable.
This project teaches color theory, pattern creation, and provides hours of imaginative play. Children love having control over Ariel’s appearance and often create elaborate stories about why she needs different tails for different occasions.
5. “I Am Ariel” Self-Portrait Craft
This personalized project allows children to insert themselves into Ariel’s world—a dream come true for any Little Mermaid fan!
What you’ll need: Coloring page with Ariel’s face clearly visible, construction paper in various skin tones, markers or colored pencils, picture frame (optional), puffy paint for name personalization
How to create it: Choose a coloring page that shows Ariel’s face prominently—perhaps one where she’s looking directly forward. After your child colors the hair, tail, and outfit, carefully cut out just the face area, creating an oval opening. This is a job for adult scissors to ensure clean edges.
Mount the colored page onto construction paper that matches your child’s skin tone. Position it so the oval opening shows the backing paper clearly. Now your child draws their own face in that space—eyes, nose, mouth, freckles, glasses, whatever makes them uniquely themselves!
For extra personalization, have them write their name at the bottom using puffy paint: “Mia as Ariel” or “Ocean Princess Emma.” This creates a sense of ownership and pride. If you’re feeling ambitious, frame the finished piece. It makes an adorable addition to a bedroom gallery wall and becomes a cherished memory of childhood.
6. Whirling Mermaid Circle Dance
This stunning mobile-style decoration creates movement and visual interest while showcasing multiple coloring achievements.
What you’ll need: 4-6 completed coloring pages, embroidery hoop or homemade ring from pipe cleaners, fishing line or thin ribbon, additional decorative elements (paper fish, starfish, bubbles)
How to create it: Start by having your child color multiple mermaid figures—these can be all Ariel, or mix in Flounder, Sebastian, and other sea characters for variety. Encourage using different color schemes for each tail to create visual diversity when spinning.
Cut out each figure and reinforce with cardboard. Using a hole punch, make a small hole at the top of each cutout’s head. Cut varying lengths of fishing line (ranging from 6 to 12 inches) and tie one to each character. The different lengths create visual depth when hanging.
Attach the other ends of the fishing line around your embroidery hoop or pipe cleaner ring, spacing them evenly. You can add extra ocean magic by cutting small fish, bubbles, or starfish from colored paper and attaching those between the main characters. Hang from a ceiling hook, and watch as air currents make your underwater friends dance in circles. This is especially beautiful hanging near a window where sunlight creates moving shadows.
7. Classroom Celebration Banner
Perfect for birthday parties, classroom decorations, or themed events, this collaborative craft works wonderfully with groups.
What you’ll need: Multiple coloring pages, hole punch, colorful yarn or ribbon, letter cutouts or markers for messaging
How to create it: This project scales beautifully—use it with just a few pages for a simple banner, or engage an entire classroom to create an impressive display. Each child colors their own Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, or Flounder page. After cutting out the characters, punch holes on both the left and right sides of each cutout.
Thread sturdy yarn or decorative ribbon through the holes, creating a chain of characters. You can space them evenly or cluster them in groups. For birthday banners, alternate character cutouts with letter circles spelling “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” For classroom displays, this creates an engaging visual that celebrates every student’s artwork equally.
The banner looks fantastic stretched across a chalkboard, over a doorway, or along a wall above coat hooks. After the event, children can take home their individual character to preserve the memory.
8. Diving Mermaid Diorama
This three-dimensional craft creates the illusion of a mermaid diving beneath ocean waves—it’s surprisingly sophisticated for such simple materials!
What you’ll need: Paper plate, blue craft paint or markers, blue glitter (optional), cardboard reinforcement, clear contact paper or laminating sheets
How to create it: Cut a paper plate in half horizontally. The straight edge will become the “water line,” so position it facing upward. Have your child paint or color the plate in various shades of blue—lighter at the top, darker toward the bottom creates a realistic water effect. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle blue glitter for sparkle. Your child can also draw small fish, bubbles, or seaweed on the plate.
After coloring Ariel, cut her out and mount on cardboard. Here’s the clever part: position Ariel so her head and upper body are below the straight edge of the plate (underwater) while her tail fin extends above the edge (as if she’s diving down). Glue her in place, making sure the composition looks like she’s mid-dive.
For a professional finish, seal the entire piece with clear contact paper or laminating sheets. This protects the artwork and gives it a glossy, water-like finish. The diorama can be displayed on a shelf leaning against a wall, or mount it on a full piece of cardboard to hang on the wall.
9. Standing Mermaid Cylinder Dolls
These adorable 3D figures stand independently and are perfect for imaginative play or shelf decoration.
What you’ll need: Empty paper towel tubes, colored construction paper, yarn (for hair), scissors, glue
How to create it: This craft transforms flat coloring pages into standing figures—kids love this dimensional transformation! After coloring, cut out the mermaid figure. Measure the paper towel tube’s circumference and trim the cutout if necessary to wrap around it properly. The mermaid’s body should wrap around the tube with the face visible on the front.
Secure with glue, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles. Now add dimensional hair using yarn. Cut 10-15 strands of red, auburn, or orange yarn (each about 6-8 inches long). Gather them into a bundle and glue at the center point to the top of the doll’s head. The yarn can flow down like Ariel’s signature long hair.
For the fins, cut simple tail shapes from metallic or glittery construction paper. Make small vertical slits (about an inch long) on opposite sides of the bottom of the tube. Slide the fin pieces into these slits—they’ll hold firmly and make the doll stand upright. Children can create an entire cast of characters using different coloring pages, then stage their own Little Mermaid performances!
10. Birthday Cake Topper Keepsake
Transform a coloring page into a personalized birthday decoration that doubles as a treasured keepsake.
What you’ll need: White poster board, puffy paint, clear acrylic sealer, wooden dowel or thick craft stick, strong glue
How to create it: Have the birthday child color their favorite Ariel image. Cut it out precisely and mount on white poster board, leaving a 1-2 inch border around all edges—this creates a “frame” effect that makes the topper more substantial.
Use puffy paint to add the child’s name across the top of the poster board and their age number somewhere prominent—maybe have Ariel “holding” a large number 5 or 7. You can also add messages like “Happy Birthday” or “Make a Wish!” in coordinating colors. Let the puffy paint dry completely (usually 24 hours).
Seal everything with clear acrylic spray—this is essential because cake toppers may encounter some moisture. Once dry, attach a wooden dowel or thick craft stick to the back using strong craft glue. The stick should extend several inches below the poster board to anchor securely into the cake.
This cake topper becomes a cherished keepsake, often saved in baby books or memory boxes long after the birthday passes. Some families use it year after year, making it a beloved birthday tradition.
11. Ocean Window Catchers
Let sunlight bring your underwater scenes to life with these translucent decorations that look stunning in any window.
What you’ll need: Contact paper or laminating sheets, tissue paper in ocean colors, hole punch, ribbon or suction cups
How to create it: This craft creates beautiful stained-glass effects when backlit by natural light. After coloring Ariel and any ocean friends, cut out the figures carefully. Here’s the technique: cut two pieces of clear contact paper slightly larger than your cutout. Peel the backing from one piece and lay it sticky-side up. Place your colored cutout in the center.
Now tear small pieces of blue, green, and purple tissue paper. Arrange them around the cutout, overlapping them to create depth and texture—these represent water and will allow light through. Place the second contact paper sheet on top, sticky side down, and press firmly to seal everything together. Trim the edges for a clean finish.
Punch a hole at the top and add ribbon for hanging, or attach small suction cups directly to the contact paper. Hang in a sunny window and watch the colors dance when light shines through. Multiple window catchers create an impressive underwater scene across a whole window.
12. Mermaid Treasure Memory Box
This functional craft becomes a special place to store small treasures, creating lasting value beyond the initial project.
What you’ll need: Small wooden or cardboard box, acrylic paint, Mod Podge or diluted glue, clear sealer, embellishments (shells, pearls, gems)
How to create it: Begin with a plain small box—wooden craft boxes work beautifully, but even a sturdy cardboard box will do. Paint the exterior in ocean colors: deep blues, sea greens, or sandy beiges. Let your child help with this step; even messy painting adds charm.
After the paint dries, have your child color a special Ariel scene. Cut out key elements—maybe just Ariel herself, or include Flounder, Sebastian, and some shells. Arrange these cutouts on the box lid in a pleasing composition. Using Mod Podge or diluted white glue, brush over the cutouts to adhere them to the lid and seal them in place. Apply 2-3 coats, letting each dry completely.
Decorate the edges and sides of the box with small shells, flat-backed pearls, or gemstones. Once everything is dry, apply a final coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect the artwork. Your child now has a special box to store treasures—small toys, jewelry, secret notes, or collected shells from beach trips. This box often becomes a cherished item that travels with them through childhood.
Tips for Craft Success With Ariel Coloring Pages
Choose Quality Printables: Start with high-resolution coloring pages that print clearly. Free PDF printables from reputable sources ensure crisp lines that are easier for children to color and cut.
Prep Your Workspace: Cover tables with newspaper or plastic tablecloths. Have wet wipes handy for quick cleanups, especially when using glitter or paint.
Let It Dry Completely: The biggest craft mistake is rushing. Glue, paint, and puffy paint need adequate drying time. Plan projects over two days if necessary.
Age-Appropriate Adjustments: Younger children (ages 3-5) need pre-cut pieces and simple assembly. Older children (ages 8+) can handle intricate cutting and more complex construction.
Embrace Imperfection: The beauty of these crafts lies in their handmade charm. Crooked cutting and outside-the-lines coloring add personality—don’t stress about perfection.
Document the Process: Take photos of your child working on these projects. Years later, these process photos become as treasured as the finished crafts themselves. Many of these craft techniques, from greeting cards to dioramas, work wonderfully with our summer coloring pages for seasonal celebrations and beach-themed parties.
Making the Most of Your Little Mermaid Craft Time
These 12 craft ideas transform simple Ariel coloring pages into meaningful creations that extend learning, creativity, and play. Each project offers opportunities to develop fine motor skills, practice following multi-step directions, and experience the satisfaction of creating something unique.
The real magic happens when children see their colored pages become something more—a decoration that beautifies their room, a gift for someone special, or a toy they can actually play with. This transformation teaches them that creativity doesn’t end when the coloring is done; it’s just the beginning of something even more wonderful.
Whether you tackle one project on a rainy afternoon or work through all 12 over summer vacation, these crafts celebrate both Disney’s timeless character and your child’s individual creativity. So print those free Ariel coloring pages, gather your supplies, and dive into an ocean of creative possibilities. Your little mermaids and mermen will treasure both the crafting experience and the magical keepsakes you create together. Discover even more free printables, crafts, and coloring pages by exploring our homepage at CPFK.
