Crafting with kids doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, some of the best projects come from the simplest materials—like the humble paper plate. With a little imagination, glue, and paint, paper plates can be transformed into colorful animals, fun holiday decorations, imaginative characters, and so much more. At The Kids Point, we believe in encouraging creativity through hands-on activities, and paper plate crafts offer an easy and exciting way to do just that.
In this article, we’ll explore a wide variety of paper plate craft ideas suitable for all age groups. Whether you’re looking for rainy day fun, classroom projects, or party activities, these ideas will keep little hands busy and minds buzzing with creativity.
Why Paper Plate Crafts?
Before we dive into the projects, let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of paper plate crafts:
- Affordable and Accessible: You don’t need fancy supplies—just paper plates, scissors, glue, and some basic craft materials.
- Promotes Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, painting, and threading all help develop coordination and control.
- Encourages Creativity: Kids can personalize each craft, choosing colors, designs, and features.
- Great for Group Activities: Ideal for classrooms, parties, or family crafting days.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Paper plate crafts can be themed for any holiday or occasion.
Now, let’s explore some of the best paper plate crafts to delight your kids!
Paper Plate Animal Masks
Kids love pretending to be animals, and these simple masks are perfect for playtime. All you need are paper plates, markers, string, and some imagination.
Popular ideas include:
- Lions with yarn manes
- Bunnies with cotton ball noses
- Pigs with pink paint and snouts
- Owls with layered feathers
Cut out eye holes and attach string or a craft stick to wear the mask.
Rainbow Paper Plate Craft
A classic favorite! Cut a paper plate in half, paint it with rainbow colors, and glue cotton balls at each end to create fluffy clouds.
Tips:
- Use watercolor paints for a soft, blended look.
- Add glitter or sequins for extra sparkle.
- Great as a spring or weather-themed craft.
Paper Plate Tambourines
Turn a plate into a musical instrument! Staple or glue two plates together with a few bells or beads inside. Decorate the outside with stickers, paint, or markers.
Why it’s fun:
- Combines art with music.
- Kids can use them for singalongs or musical games.
- Perfect for preschool and toddler age groups.
Dinosaur Paper Plate Craft
Dinosaurs are always a hit. Cut out spikes, tails, and legs from construction paper and attach them to a painted paper plate. Add googly eyes and sharp teeth for fun.
Creative twist:
- Let kids invent their own dinosaur species.
- Use tissue paper for texture or glitter paint for flair.
Paper Plate Dream Catchers
Introduce kids to cultural crafts with this simple dream catcher. Cut the center from a paper plate and punch holes around the rim. Let kids thread yarn through the holes in a web pattern.
Extras to include:
- Beads or feathers for hanging decorations.
- Talk about the meaning behind dream catchers as part of the craft.
Paper Plate Aquarium
Make an underwater scene by painting a plate blue and adding cutouts of fish, seaweed, and bubbles. Cover with plastic wrap or a clear sheet to mimic glass.
Educational bonus:
- Pair with a lesson on ocean life.
- Let kids create different sea animals and label them.
Holiday-Themed Crafts
Paper plates are the perfect base for seasonal fun. Here are a few ideas to celebrate holidays year-round:
Halloween:
- Jack-o’-lanterns with cutout eyes
- Spider webs with yarn and plastic spiders
Christmas:
- Santa faces with cotton beards
- Wreaths made from green-painted plates and red bow cutouts
Easter:
- Bunny face masks
- Chick hatching from a paper plate egg
Valentine’s Day:
- Heart-shaped mobiles
- Cupid masks with glitter and feathers
Paper Plate Puppets
Craft characters with movable mouths using folded paper plates. Draw faces and glue on yarn hair, paper hats, or even googly eyes. These are great for storytelling or puppet shows.
Character ideas:
- Princesses, knights, and dragons
- Favorite storybook characters
- Animals with moving jaws
Spinning Paper Plate Art (Spin Art)
Using salad spinners or just rotating plates manually, kids can drip paint and watch it swirl into beautiful abstract art.
Why it’s great:
- Each creation is unique.
- Teaches about centrifugal motion in a hands-on way.
- Ideal for science + art mashups.
Paper Plate Weaving
Cut slits around the edges of a plate and use yarn or ribbon to weave through the slits in a circular pattern. Kids can create patterns, shapes, or simply enjoy the texture.
Great for:
- Teaching early math (patterns, counting)
- Developing fine motor skills
- Making wall decorations
Paper Plate Sun and Moon
Let kids create celestial crafts by painting a paper plate half yellow (sun) and half dark blue (moon). Add facial features to give each side personality.
Fun extensions:
- Attach hanging stars with string.
- Use glow-in-the-dark paint for the moon side.
Hot Air Balloon Craft
Paint a paper plate and attach a paper cup or small box underneath with string to resemble the balloon basket. This is a charming decoration and a conversation starter.
Creative ideas:
- Use cotton for clouds around the balloon.
- Add photos of the kids in the “basket.”
Watermelon Fan Craft
Fold a plate in half, color one side like a watermelon, and glue a popsicle stick inside for a fun summer fan.
Bonus use:
- Makes a cool party favor.
- Kids stay cool while playing outdoors.
Rocking Paper Plate Animals
Fold a painted paper plate in half and add legs, eyes, and tails to make it rock back and forth. Great options include pigs, tigers, or chicks.
Why kids love it:
- It moves!
- Great for pretend play or story-based crafts.
Paper Plate Space Wreath
Kids can explore the galaxy by creating a space-themed wreath. Cut the center out of a paper plate and decorate the rim with stars, planets, and rockets.
STEM bonus:
- Combine with a lesson on the solar system.
- Kids can write planet names and glue them in order.
Gumball Machine Craft
Make a pretend gumball machine by gluing colorful pom-poms onto a painted plate, and add a red base cutout.
Skills used:
- Color sorting
- Counting games using “gumballs”
- Creative design thinking
Paper Plate Lanterns
Fold and cut a paper plate to create lantern shapes. Add tissue paper or colored paper inside and hang them with string.
Holiday adaptation:
- Red and gold for Lunar New Year
- Orange and black for Halloween
- Any color combo for a festive atmosphere
Paper Plate Collage Art
Let kids freely create a collage using magazine clippings, scraps, stickers, or nature materials like leaves and petals. A great open-ended project!
Why it matters:
- Fosters creativity and decision-making
- Helps kids express themselves through imagery
- No rules—just fun!
Paper Plate Puppets With Moving Parts
Craft puppets with brads or paper fasteners to make arms or legs move. Use paper plates for the body or head and add limbs with cardstock.
Interactive fun:
- Great for character building
- Use in classroom plays or storytelling activities
Paper Plate Weather Wheel
Divide a paper plate into sections for different weather types (sunny, rainy, snowy, windy). Attach an arrow with a brad that spins to point at the day’s weather.
Educational benefit:
- Great for morning meetings in classrooms
- Encourages daily observation and discussion
Crafting Tips for Success
To make the most out of your paper plate craft sessions, consider these tips:
- Set up a craft station: Keep scissors, glue, paint, and markers in labeled bins for easy access.
- Use washable supplies: Especially important for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Allow freedom: Let kids go “off script” and create their own versions of crafts.
- Display their work: Build a gallery wall or craft board to showcase their art.
Let Imagination Take the Lead
Paper plate crafts are so much more than just a way to pass time. They are tools for learning, imagination, expression, and joy. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, providing kids with opportunities to create is one of the best gifts you can give them.
At The Kids Point, we celebrate these small, hands-on moments that spark big creativity. Try a few of these projects and watch as your child’s confidence, coordination, and creativity soar—all from a simple paper plate!