Fold a piece of white writing paper; trace the lengthwise half of the figure on it ([Fig. 479]) and cut out the mermaid ([Fig. 480]); then cut two pieces of rather long, finely fringed paper ([Fig. 481]) for the hair, and paint them golden brown on both sides. Paint the back of the mermaid’s head and the hair around her face the same color. Mark the features with ink; when dry, color the face, arms and body pink; paint the remaining part of the figure gray. After the paint has dried mark fish scales from the waist down; then glue the straight top fringe of hair across the centre of the back of the mermaid’s head from side to side. Glue the other piece at the extreme top of the back of the head. After the mermaid is thoroughly dry, bend all of the hair out from her head. Do not allow any of it to lie down flat. Bend the body a little backward in a curve from the waist-line, the arms forward; then wax the mermaid, hair and all ([Fig. 482]). When the mermaid is in the water, the little wax children will make friends with her, and she will perhaps tell them fairy stories of the beautiful life under the waves.
| Fig. 479.—Fold the paper and cut like this. | Fig. 480.—The mermaid. | Fig. 481.—The mermaid’s hair in two parts |
Fig. 482.—The mermaid has flowing tresses.
These water toys will last a long time if well cared for and kept in a cool place where the wax will not melt.
The Process is Very Simple.