Who knew something as simple as a paper plate could spark so much creativity? Whether you've got a rainy afternoon to fill or just want a screen-free activity that actually keeps little hands busy, these paper plate crafts are pure magic.
They're affordable, easy to prep, and you probably already have everything you need, just grab a stack of paper plates, some glue, scissors, paint, and a sprinkle of imagination.
From silly animals to cheerful flowers and everything in between, these 25 fun and easy ideas turn everyday supplies into art your kids will be proud of.
Made from a simple red-painted paper plate with the center cut out, this craft becomes an irresistible frame for little faces, turning any child into the apple of your eye.
You can make these during an apple-themed week in September. The kids will parade around the classroom holding up their apple masks, giggling through the holes and practicing their letter A sounds.
Step 1. Start by carefully cutting out the inner circle of the plate to leave a hollow ring.
Step 2. Cover the plate rim in a bright, apple-red color.
Step 3. Cut out a green leaf and a brown stem from construction paper. Then, glue them to the top of the plate to mimic a real apple.
Step 4. Tape or glue a craft stick to the bottom back of the plate so kids can hold it like a mask.
With their bright wings and fuzzy bodies, these fluttery little friends feel like springtime joy you can hold in your hand. Plus, it’s fun and easy for kids to do with a bit of guidance and trust me, the pom-poms bring big smiles.
Step 1: Cut the paper plate in half, then shape each half into a wing by trimming a small inward curve from each side. You’ll need two of these wing shapes for one butterfly.
Step 2: Let your child paint or color the wings however they like. Watercolors create a dreamy, soft effect while markers pop with bold energy.
Step 3: Line up the three pom-poms in the center where the wings meet and glue them together to form the butterfly's body.
Step 4: Add googly eyes to the top pom-pom, and twist a pipe cleaner into a gentle V shape for antennae, gluing it behind the head.
If you've ever wanted to turn an ordinary afternoon into a full-on flower fest, this project is pure magic.
Furthermore, these 3D paper plate flowers bloom with color and texture, layering painted petals to create a garden that never wilts. Best of all, it’s super budget-friendly, using materials you likely already have around the house.
Step 1: Begin by painting both paper plates with a rainbow of watercolors or bright acrylics.
Step 2: Once dry, cut out petal shapes from one plate and slightly smaller petal shapes from the second. You'll want 2-3 layers of petals to stack and stagger for fullness.
Step 3: Gently bend each petal upward from its base to give it that lovely 3D pop. Then start gluing the largest petals in a circle to form your flower base. Continue to add the medium-sized layer next, then finish with the smallest petals in the center.
Step 4: Finally, decorate the flower’s center with markers, dot stickers, or anything sparkly.
I loved watching my kids light up as they painted and blended their plates. Bonus, they’re incredibly cheap to make, especially if you already have some watercolors and glue lying around!
Step 1: Cut your paper plate into a seashell shape. If you’re doing this with younger kids, you can draw the outline first for them to follow.
Step 2: Use watercolors to create dreamy, tie-dye blends across the shell. You can also color it in with washable markers and spritz with water to make the colors run and blend.
Step 3: Once the plate is dry, draw thin vertical lines from the base to the top to mimic real shell ridges. You can use a fine paintbrush with white paint.
Step 4: Finally, glue a faux pearl bead at the base of the shell.
Whether you’ve got a backyard filled with blooms or a small bouquet from the store, this DIY lets you turn delicate petals and leaves into something magical.
The result is that you get a floral suncatcher brightening any window and reminding you of nature’s gentle, colorful rhythm.
Step 1: Cut out the center of the paper plate to create a frame. You can use scissors or a craft knife, just be careful around the edges.
Step 2: If your plate isn’t already colorful, now’s the time to paint it.
Step 3: Cut a circle of clear contact paper slightly larger than the hole. Then stick it to the back of the plate so the sticky side faces forward through the opening.
Step 4: Gently press petals, leaves, or tiny flowers onto the sticky surface.
Step 5: Punch a hole in the top and tie a piece of twine or ribbon through it. Now your nature-framed masterpiece is ready to hang in the window and catch the light.
These rainbow jellyfish are bright, cheerful, and full of personality. Kids absolutely love how the colorful tentacles wiggle with the slightest breeze.
In this project, you don’t need to live near the ocean to bring a splash of underwater happiness into your home or classroom.
Step 1: Cut a paper plate in half to form the top of the jellyfish. Let your child choose their favorite paint color and cover the rounded side with a nice even coat.
Step 2: While the paint dries, cut long strips of tissue or crepe paper in various rainbow colors. Let the kids mix and match however they like.
Step 3: Once the plate is dry, glue the colorful strips to the flat side of the plate so they hang down like jellyfish tentacles.
Step 4: Add the googly eyes to the top and, if you want to hang them, punch a hole at the top and tie a string through.
This one’s sweet, simple, and bursting with color! Turning a humble paper plate into a juicy slice of watermelon is a summertime win that needs no baking, just a splash of paint and a little snipping fun.
Step 1: Cut the paper plate cleanly in half to create your watermelon slice shape. Then paint the inner side with candy pink craft paint, covering most of the surface.
Step 2: While the paint dries, help your child cut out squares of green and light green paper for the watermelon rind. Then, cut tiny black square seeds from black paper.
Step 3: Once the plate is dry, start gluing the green squares around the curved edge of the slice to make the rind. You can mix the shades randomly for a fun and playful look.
Step 4: Finish by gluing the black seeds across the pink section.
Who says you need diamonds to feel fabulous? These sparkling paper plate necklaces bring out the glitter queen in every child.
Moreover, this project is perfect for birthday parties, playdates, or just a rainy-day project that ends with a fashion show down the hallway.
Step 1: Cut the center out of a paper plate, leaving a U-shaped crescent, then smooth any rough edges with your scissors or fold slightly for safety.
Step 2: If you'd like to add some color, paint your necklace and let it dry completely. Even light watercolor stripes add personality.
Step 3: Use gems, sequins, buttons, or anything that sparkles. You should encourage your child to create patterns or mix and match for a joyful mess of color.
Step 4: Punch a hole on each end of the crescent and thread ribbon through. Then tie it into a bow.
If there's one project that can instantly brighten a rainy afternoon, it's these cheery paper plate birds. Kids can go wild with patterns, mix and match feathers, or layer tails that flutter like streamers.
Step 1: Fold a paper plate in half to create the base body of your bird. If you'd like a splash of color, paint it before folding and let it dry fully.
Step 2: Cut feather strips from construction paper, each should be about 1 inch wide and 4-6 inches long. Snip the ends into fringe and glue them inside the back curve of the plate, so they stick out like a tail.
Step 3: Cut a small triangle from yellow or orange paper and glue it on as the beak. You want to add a googly eye, or draw one if you're short on supplies.
Step 4: Create wings using any patterned or colored paper. Then fold and layer pieces to give your bird dimension, then glue them onto the body.
Have you ever let your kids combine bright colors, beads, feathers with a simple paper plate yet?
These playful versions are perfect for kids, combining creativity and calmness in one satisfying project. Your kids can make these in classrooms and rainy afternoons at home, and each one cost just about $1-$2.
Step 1: Cut a large hole in the center of the paper plate to create a ring. Then, punch 8 evenly spaced holes around the inner circle. You can paint the outer rim any color and set it aside to dry.
Step 2: Once the paint is dry, take the black yarn and start weaving it randomly through the holes to mimic the web pattern of a traditional dreamcatcher.
Step 3: Cut 4 lengths of yarn and attach them to the bottom holes of the plate. Next, string beads along each one, leaving space at the end to glue on colorful feathers. You can add stickers or glitter to the rim if you want some sparkle.
Step 4: Finally, tie a ribbon or piece of yarn to the top for hanging.
Do you know these seagulls are on the budget, just under $1 per bird if you already have basic supplies and high on charm.
With just a couple of plates, a splash of gray-blue paint, and a bit of imagination, you and your little ones can create a whole flock of seagulls ready to soar across your windowsill or classroom wall.
Step 1: Fold your paper plate in half and lightly sketch out the wing shapes and the body. Then, cut the wings from the curved edge of the plate and the body from the center.
Step 2: Use the leftover scraps to cut out the tail feathers. Then cut a tiny triangle from orange paper for the beak and small curved pieces for the feet.
Step 3: Paint the tips of the wings and tail feathers with gray or ocean-blue.
Step 4: Assemble your seagull by gluing the wings behind the body and adding the feet and beak to the front. Finally, you just draw a little eye with black marker.
These paper plate witch hats are more sweet than spooky, perfect for little ones who love playing pretend or gearing up for a not-so-scary Halloween celebration.
With some pink and lavender paints, paper stars, and gold glitter, the whole table transformed into a mini magic workshop.
Step 1: Cut the paper plate in half, one half will form the base brim of the hat. From the other half, cut a triangle to form the cone part.
Step 2: Paint your triangle and brim in any combination of pastel, black, or glitter paint. Let them dry completely, this is the perfect time to snack or read a magical tale.
Step 3: Glue the triangle on top of the brim so it looks like a witch’s hat, then add a glitter paper across the bottom of the triangle for a hat band.
Step 4: Finally, stick on stars with big, small, glittery, matte.
These paper plate crowns turn a basic afternoon into a full-blown coronation of creativity. Bonus, they're easy, delightfully messy, and wildly fun to personalize.
You’ll love watching kids dive into bowls of tissue scraps, pompoms, and tape with full artistic freedom. Best of all is that it costs next to nothing but brings maximum delight.
Step 1: Cut a starburst-style slit in the center of the paper plate, then bend the triangle flaps upward to form crown spikes.
Step 2: Tear or cut pieces of tissue paper and washi tape, then glue them onto the plate and spikes to decorate.
Step 3: Add pom-poms to the tops of the spikes for extra flair. Press them down firmly with glue and let dry.
Step 4: Fit the crown to each child’s head and secure with tape if needed. Let everyone admire their sparkly, spiky masterpiece!
If your little one has ever spun in circles pretending to be a mermaid or whispered secrets to the sea, this craft is the perfect outlet for that underwater imagination.
Additionally, it instantly transported us to a sunlit cove where shells sparkle and sea creatures dance. The process is soothing and just messy enough to feel magical.
Step 1: Cut scallop shapes from the paper plates to mimic mermaid scales. You’ll want at least 5 cut pieces to stack into a cascading tail. Also, use one full plate at the end for the tail fins, cutting it into two teardrop shapes.
Step 2: Paint each piece a shade of green or turquoise. Let your child experiment with ombré tones from light mint at the top to deep emerald at the tail.
Step 3: Once dry, add glitter along the scalloped edges for a glistening underwater shimmer. We used a thin line of glue first, then gently sprinkled the glitter like fairy dust.
Step 4: Stack the scales slightly overlapping and glue them together, then add the two fin pieces at the bottom in a V-shape.
These paper plate crescent moons shimmer like they’ve been kissed by stardust. And of course, you and your kids can make these in the weekend with a little one who love the moon.
Step 1: Fold a paper plate in half and cut out a crescent moon shape by trimming away the inner curve.
Step 2: Choose your favorite color and paint the surface of the moon.
Step 3: Once the paint is dry, brush on glitter glue or sprinkle loose glitter while the paint is still tacky. Don’t forget to dot the moon with silver stars.
There’s something magical about the sea as its rhythm, its mystery, the way it invites daydreams. With this cheerful sailboat scene, your child can capture that sense of adventure using just a paper plate and a bit of creativity.
Step 1: Start by painting the entire paper plate blue. You can add different shades or white streaks to mimic waves.
Step 2: Cut a circle from yellow paper for the sun and create rays using small triangles. Then, glue them to the upper corner of the plate.
Step 3: Fold a small boat shape using craft paper (a basic origami boat works wonderfully). Then cut two small white triangles for the sails and glue them to a black mast. Now, you attach the boat near the bottom of the plate.
Step 4: Add finishing touches like birds in the sky with black pen, foam dots for windows, swirls of glitter for waves. Finally, punch a hole at the top and tie your ribbon through to make it hangable.
I remember doing this project with a classroom full of kindergartners during a spring unit on weather. As the rain drizzled outside, the kids giggled while picking their favorite colors for raindrops.
Step 1: Fold the paper plate in half, then trim a wavy edge along the flat side to mimic an umbrella shape.
Step 2: Next, paint or color your jumbo craft stick, then glue it to the center bottom of the curved plate to make the handle.
Step 3: Glue tissue paper dots all over the surface. You can layer them or place them randomly.
Step 4: Once dry, this umbrella craft makes an adorable bulletin board display or a fun piece to hang in a window.
Made from a single folded paper plate, these fox faces are perfect for kids learning about animals, forest habitats, or just enjoying a fun seasonal activity.
I once used this fox craft during a fall nature week in preschool. We read The Gruffalo and followed it with this project, every kid gave their fox a name and had it sneaking through the forest during storytime reenactments.
Step 1: Fold the paper plate in half to create the fox’s head shape, with the curve forming the top.
Step 2: Paint one half of the plate orange, this becomes the fox’s fur, then leave the inner eye area white for contrast.
Step 3: Cut two small triangles from orange paper and glue them on as ears. You continue to cut out three black circles including two for eyes, one for the nose and glue them in place.
Step 4: Once everything is glued down and the paint is set, your fox is ready to come to life!
This paper plate spring flower wreath is a cheerful burst of color that instantly lifts your spirits. It’s like inviting sunshine and blooming gardens into your home, even if it's still chilly outside.
In addition, kids love it because they get to mix painting, coloring, and cutting, while you’ll love how easy it is to prep and hang up as a joyful seasonal display.
Step 1: Cut the center out of a paper plate to leave just the outer ring, then you paint the ring green and let it dry completely.
Step 2: On white paper, draw flower shapes in various sizes. Let kids color them with markers. You can pre-draw the outlines or use templates for younger kids.
Step 3: Cut out the flowers and let the kids decide how to arrange them around the wreath.
Step 4: Glue each flower to the wreath ring. Let it dry, then add a loop of string or ribbon to hang it on a door, window, or wall.
These hanging apple slice crafts are perfect for decorating a classroom or home during back-to-school season or autumn harvest themes.
More specially, what I love most is how they look like real apple cross-sections, painted red around the edge with soft cream centers and simple brown seed shapes in the middle. Kids can also get a craft that’s both whimsical and educational.
Step 1: Have the kids paint the outer rim of each plate red. Once dry, paint the center a pale cream or light yellow to mimic the inside of an apple.
Step 2: Cut out or paint two to three small brown teardrop shapes in the center of the plate.
Step 3: Cut green leaves and brown stems from construction paper, then glue them to the top back of the plate.
Step 4: Punch a hole at the top, thread a short piece of string through, and hang with clothespins along a display line or window area.
This cheerful Earth craft is perfect for Earth Day or any time you're celebrating love for our planet.
With its wide arms and heart in the center, this happy Earth reminds kids that a little love can go a long way in taking care of our world. Plus, it's ridiculously fun to make.
Step 1: Let kids go wild with blue paint to color the entire surface of the paper plate, this will represent the ocean.
Step 2: Glue on random green pieces across the plate. You don't need geographic accuracy, just aim for texture and contrast.
Step 3: Cut out long black strips. Accordion-fold the leg pieces and glue them to the bottom of the plate. Then, attach the arms straight across the middle, one on each side.
Step 4: Cut out a simple red heart and glue it in the center of the arms, so it looks like Earth is giving a big hug.
Step 5: Add two googly eyes near the top and draw a big happy smile underneath. Kids can personalize with extra details like eyebrows, cheeks, or even a tiny nose.
These whimsical paper plate mushrooms are the perfect blend of fairy tale charm and kid-friendly fun.
Whether you're exploring woodland themes or just need an easy, engaging afternoon activity, these toadstools are a hit with little hands.
Step 1: Cut the paper plate in half to form the mushroom cap, then paint the outer side red and set aside to dry.
Step 2: Punch or cut small white circles from regular paper. If you don’t have a punch, tracing coins works great too.
Step 3: Cut a rounded rectangle or oblong shape from brown paper to act as the mushroom’s stalk.
Step 4: Glue the stem to the back center of the painted paper plate half. Then glue the white dots onto the red cap.
Wow, these paper plate calla lilies are a beautiful spring craft that children can proudly display or gift. With just a few supplies, you can create a stunning bouquet that lasts forever.
Step 1: Start by painting the entire front of a paper plate in the color of your choice.
Step 2: Once dry, roll the plate into a cone shape, overlapping one side to form the classic curved calla lily bloom. Then secure the overlapping edge with tape.
Step 3: Fold a yellow pipe cleaner in half and twist it gently. Then, stick it down inside the flower so it pokes out a little from the center.
Step 4: Tape a green straw to the base of the flower to create the stem.
Step 5: Bundle the calla lilies in a jar, tie them with ribbon, or let kids create their own bouquet in a decorated vase.
Bright, bold, and bursting with personality, this paper plate parrot is the ultimate tropical craft for preschoolers. Plus, the tail feathers are just too fabulous to resist!
Step 1: Start by painting the entire plate red. Let it dry completely. Once dry, fold it in half to create the parrot’s body shape.
Step 2: Cut a large triangle or semi-circle from yellow or orange paper and glue it onto the folded edge as the parrot’s beak.
Step 3: Place a big googly eye just behind the beak, this gives your parrot a lot of personality!
Step 4: Cut several long strips of tissue paper. You can curl them slightly by running scissors along the edge. Then glue them to the inside bottom of the parrot so they hang down like a fabulous tail.
Perfect for preschoolers, this activity lets kids play with color, shape, and a touch of personality. They can turn ordinary paper plates into scoops of fun with this sweet and silly ice cream cone craft!
Step 1: Start by cutting paper plates in half to form the top of your ice cream scoops. Then paint each half in your favorite flavor like strawberry pink, vanilla white, or chocolate brown.
Step 2: Cut triangles out of tan construction paper. You can use a marker to draw criss-cross lines to mimic waffle cone texture.
Step 3: Glue on googly eyes and buttons for cheeks. Now, cut tiny strips of colored paper for sprinkles and glue them on top, then add a red pom-pom cherry if desired.
Step 4: Draw on cute smiles and lashes for extra charm. Finally, glue the painted plate scoop onto the top of the cone.
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