During early development for The Little Mermaid (1989), several different designs were considered for Ursula, the movie’s antagonist, including exploratory takes inspired by manta rays and scorpion fish. It was director and screenwriter Ron Clements who ultimately made the decision to design the dramatic sea witch as an octopus with six tentacles and two arms, to make the animation less complex. Originating as a nameless character with a minimal part in the 1837 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Ursula was revamped for the movie into a vengeful, manipulative villainess bent on using Ariel to overthrow King Triton and seize control of Atlantica. Brought to life through the vocal talents of actress Pat Carroll, who turned in a legendary rendition of the song “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” Ursula was called the “most satisfying villainess since the witch in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by film critic Roger Ebert.

Channel your inner sea witch by knitting yourself a replica of Ursula’s magical seashell necklace, which she uses to steal Ariel’s voice and later enchant Prince Eric. Starting with a two-stitch i-cord, this easy accessory is increased out quickly to six stitches, then spiraled around itself and whipstitched into place on the wrong side, forming a sparkly shell. The yarn tail is wrapped around the outer edge for added detail, then the shell is secured on black cording or the necklace of your choice.