Introducing the Mermaid Stories Sensory Tray, an eco-PLA tray designed and made in-house by SonglinesACE, featuring original artwork by Russell Brown, a Garawa and Mara man. At 23cm in diameter, the tray brings a mermaid figure to life through raised linework, surrounded by three mermaid money motifs, inviting children into storytelling and imaginative play grounded in authentic First Nations artistry.

Perfect as a sensory play base for sand, water beads, kinetic sand, or dough, the tray’s raised design lets children trace, explore, and retell the story in their own way – building fine motor skills and narrative language alongside creative, tactile play. Its generous size makes it ideal for small group activities, giving several children space to engage with the design together.

Made from durable, eco-friendly PLA, the Mermaid Stories Sensory Tray is a beautiful standalone piece or a natural companion to SonglinesACE’s other ocean and storytelling resources – ideal for early learning centres, primary classrooms, and homeschooling families wanting a genuine point of connection to First Nations storytelling through play.

Specifications:

• Material: eco-friendly PLA, made in-house by SonglinesACE
• Diameter: 23cm
• Artwork by Russell Yilamara Brown (Garawa and Mara man)
• Suitable for sand, water beads, kinetic sand, and dough-based sensory play
• Suitable for early learning centres, primary schools, and home use

Educational Benefits:

• Encourages discovery-based and inquiry-led learning
• Supports sensory play and fine motor development
• Sparks conversations about Aboriginal culture and story telling
• Promotes curiosity, observation, and critical thinking
• Suitable for Early Learning, Primary, OOSH, and homeschool settings
• Aligned with:
  • EYLF Outcomes 2, 4 & 5
  • Australian Curriculum – HASS, History & The Arts
  • Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

bout the Artist – Russell Brown

Russell Brown is a proud Garawa and Mara man from South-East Arnhem Land, NT and is Songlines Art, Culture, Education’s Co-Founder. Russell currently lives and works on Bundjalung Country, NSW. He is a skilled painter, sculptor and digital artist that has refined his traditional style and has developed a contemporary representation.

Copyright © Songlines Art, Culture, Education.