You’re going to love these paper plate crafts for kids! Get tons of ideas for animals, fish, dinosaurs, flowers, cool crafts, and more.
Have you ever crafted with a paper plate? I’m thinking I didn’t do it enough as a child!We did a lot of easy crafts when I was little, but I have to admit that we didn’t use paper plates that much. Maybe there was a shortage in the 80s?
The internet didn’t exist for the common folk back then, so the ideas weren’t as copious. I’m amazed with the sheer number of genius paper plate crafts available, things that even I (as an adult) would love to make!
Can you make a dinosaur with a paper plate? Yes. Can you make a llama with a paper plate? Yes. What about a spider web? YES!
The great thing about these craft ideas is that they are easily achievable by any age. Whether you have a toddler or an 8-year-old, you’re going to find something here.
These are a great place to start if you want to introduce your child to crafting, and have the added benefit of improving/working on fine motor skills at the same time (great for the little littles).
The projects also use basic kids’ craft supplies, so you’re not going to need anything fancy. You might have a lot of the supplies on hand already.
Keep reading to get the list of paper plate craft ideas; they are broken up by section. We’ve got Basics, Animals, Fish, Dinosaurs, Halloween, and Christmas. For the holiday craft ideas you’ll want to scroll down toward the bottom. Enjoy!
1
Leslie Manlapig
Hyper Colorful Painted Flowers
Think a paper plate can't be beautiful? I love how pretty these flowers are . . . great for kids to make but also perfect for parties!
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2
Jodi Burgholder
Colorful Painted Paper Vases
So maybe these vases can't hold water and real flowers, but that doesn't make them any less cute. Slip a real plant pot inside after kids decorate them with the colors of their choice.
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3
Agnes Hsu
Mix and Match Faces
These fun mix and match felt paper plate faces are an easy, open-ended activity to do with the kids. The materials are so simple, and the results are colorful!
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4
firstpalette.com
Crown Fit for a King or Queen
Transform a paper plate into an easy crown. Make it into a prince or princess crown, or decorate it for special occasions like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, or even Mardi Gras!
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5
Shelly Lloyd-Samson
Springy Flowers
Get ready for a different type of plate flower – bright, colorful, and easy enough to make for a spring bouquet.
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6
ourkidthings.com
Hot Air Balloons
Up, up, and away! While you can't take a ride on these balloons, they'll make you think of sunny days and beautiful skies.
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7
craftcornerdiy.com
Cookie Monster Puppet
C is for cookie! I love this paper plate Cookie Monster puppet, complete with toilet paper roll eyes and a dessert in his mouth.
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8
Cassie Osborne
Space Theme Wreath
Space is a favorite theme that kids always seem to come back to. Learn the solar system as you make these cute wreaths to celebrate the universe and beyond.
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9
thekindergartenconnection.com
Paper Fan Watermelons
Keep the kids cool this summer with this paper fan watermelon craft for kids! They will enjoy some fun summer crafting and you’ll love how frugal and easy it is!
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10
Louise McMullen
Colorful Rainbows
This paper plate rainbow is the perfect activity for playdates, toddler groups, classrooms, or even just a fun activity at home.
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11
paperplatefun.com
Gumball Machine
Gumball machines are kid magnets, so it’s no surprise that this craft is a HUGE hit with children! Supplies are simple and the mess is minimal.
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12
Leslie Manlapig
Working Tambourine
It never occurred to me that a musical instrument could be made out of plates – but this craft proves me wrong. Are you ready to shake this tambourine like a Polaroid picture?
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13
Maggy Woodley
Star Twirler
Do you call these twirlers or whirligigs? Personally, I think whirligigs is a bit more fun – but either way, I call them magical! There is something so captivating about watching these twist in the wind.
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14
Stacey Gibbon
Paper Plate Beach Camper
Get your children in the summer spirit with this camper kid craft idea! Everybody can make THEIR own version of what a travel trailer should look like when you take it to the beach.
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15
Leslie Manlapig
Patriotic Purses
Celebrate your nation's flag with a cute version made out of a paper plate! You can use a national flag, a state flag . . . or any other flag you choose. Perfect for the 4th of July or Independence Day.
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16
Shelly Lloyd-Samson
Masks Using a Watercolor Resist
Do your littles love to dress up? These paper plate masks are simple yet super fun, perfect to get those amazing little imaginations warmed up and ready for some imaginary play.
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17
Baker Ross
Summer Fruits
Quick and easy to create, kids will have great fun transforming colored paper plates into their favorite summer fruits. It would be fun to make a ton of these for a fun beachy photo shoot!
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18
Jodi Lynn Burgholder
Woven Bowl
Once you get the hang of it weaving can be a relaxing process and can make some pretty amazing finished products! This DIY bowl is one of the most genius paper plate crafts I've ever seen.
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19
Andreja Vučajnk
Rainy Umbrella
What better craft to make on a super rainy day than an umbrella paper plate craft? This one even has a whole bunch of little beaded rain drops! The beads stringed on the thread makes this craft a great fine motor workout for your kids!
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20
Michelle McKinley
Eeyore Face
Michelle was challenged to make a Disney character out of kitchen items – I don't think this Eeyore could be any cuter!
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21
nontoygifts.com
Sailboat on the Water
A sailboat craft is a fun summer idea! Take up a challenge and make one that floats, or use paper for a simple version for preschoolers. This craft combines a yarn sewing project with a free printable template.
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22
Leslie Manlapig
Summer Symbols
I dunno about you, but when I imagine summer, I see outdoor picnics, grill outs, and beach adventures. Leslie captured all those ideas in these fun paper plate crafts for warmer weather!
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23
Angie Holden
Flying Kites
You probably have everything on hand that you need to make these paper plate kites! That is my kind of summer activity. And guess what . . . they really fly!
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24
www.allabouthope.net
Festive Masks
Create colorful Mexican masks for Cinco de Mayo using paper plates, paint and embellishments.
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25
diycandy.com
Spin Art
Make your own spin painter by using a household item as a spin painter! This DIY spin art machine is so fun for kids to do – it’s a budget friendly splatter paint technique and easy to set up.
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26
www.momdot.com
Captain America Shield
Grab a paper plate, some paint, and some popsicle sticks! Kids can craft their own Captain America shield using this simple tutorial.
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Paper Plate Animals
27
Baker Ross
Lovely Llama
This paper plate llama is a great craft for children of all ages. Add some bright coloured pom poms for a pop of color to your new animal friend's outfit.
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28
ourkidthings.com
Silly Sloth
Who doesn’t love a sloth? They’re just so cute, and quite funny. And, well, slow. I mean, what’s the rush, anyway? There should be a rush to make this darling craft, though, because it’s just too adorable not to.
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29
Rachel Nipper
Pretty Peacock
This paper plate peacock craft was inspired by a fun turkey craft Rachel made last fall. The colors are striking.
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30
Angela Milnes
Easy Unicorns
I think the reason people love unicorns so much is because they allow us to use our imagination and express our creativity. Embrace your inner unicorn and make a paper plate version with your favorite colors.
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31
Sarah Dees
Wise Owls
I have an owl tattoo on my ankle – they are very special to me! One time someone told me that they are "good bad birds" and I couldn't agree more. I think they're smart too! Make your own version for fall.
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32
Rachel Nipper
Simple Butterfly
This simple paper plate butterfly craft for kids is super easy and quick to create using printed plates. Create your own cute version for spring or summer using pom poms or cotton balls.
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33
Flying Dragon
This dragon paper plate craft is fun for kids and adults alike! It's easy to make with simple supplies.
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34
theresourcefulmama.com
Hero in a Half Shell
I love that the shell of this cute turtle was decorated with colorful circles! Kids get to use circle punches and a little imagination to personalize their own fun reptile.
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35
Andreja Vučajnk
Spinning Fox
Foxes are believed to be tricky and cunning – but this paper plate fox is just simply cute! I love that it spins, you'll never get tired of watching it in the wind.
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36
Carrie Wells
Perky Penguin
I can't believe how easy it is to make a penguin out of a paper plate! With a little folding, painting, and gluing, you can have a penguin family of your very own.
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37
Emma Smith
Handprint Lion Masks
Are your kids wildlife fans? Children will love making and wearing these adorable handprint and paper plate lion masks. These easy to make animal masks are super fun for the dressing up box and a great way to inspire dramatic play and storytelling.
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38
Stacey Gibbon
Tissue Paper Giraffe
Giraffes are majestic creatures – capture a bit of the magic with this cute craft idea! I'd love to extend this idea further by making a plate body with a neck and legs. So cute!
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39
Sam Thomason
Big Eyed Bee
Looking for a fun and easy spring craft for kids to make? This bee craft is perfect! Learn how to make a little pollinator out of paper plates.
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40
kidscraftroom.com
Rocking Snail
We love how bright and colorful this snail is with its pom pom spiral shell and googly eyes! You’ll love how easy these paper plate snails are to make, and how they rock forwards and backwards when you give them a little tap.
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41
Leslie Manlapig
Tropical Toucan
I'm a big fan of tropical, colorful birds! This toucan would be a fun kids' craft after a zoo trip, or for a study lesson on rainforests or South America.
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42
thejoysharing.com
Frog With Moving Tongue
Frogs are fascinating animals for children. They come in so many colors and have quite a few entertaining characteristics! Capture one of the most fun abilities of frogs (their elastic tongues!) with this cute craft idea.
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43
abcdeelearning
Bottle Cap Crabs
Turn plastic bottle caps into crabs playing on the beach! You'll need a paper plate, paint, pipe cleaners, and wiggle eyes.
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44
diycandy.com
Turkey
Learn how to make a colorful paper plate turkey craft with kids for Thanksgiving! It’s a great craft for preschoolers, kindergarten, and elementary age children. There’s also a free template available for the feathers and parts.
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Paper Plate Fish
45
thesimpleparent.com
Puffer Fish
This is a fun twist on a basic fish craft for preschoolers. The addition of the toothpicks turns it into a craft that is blowing up with personality!
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46
Amanda Formaro
Tiny Aquarium
Create a miniature underwater world with a paper plate, colorful paper, and cereal. The classic paper plate aquarium has stood the test of time because it’s fun to make and cute to look at!
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47
Stacey Gibbon
Tropical Fish
This paper plate fish craft is inspired by the book Rainbow Fish. It’s an award-winning book about a beautiful fish who finds friendship and happiness when he learns to share. The colors in the book are vibrant and beautiful, and so is Stacey's version of the start of the book!
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48
Emma Smith
Shark Puppets
Are your kids shark fans? Then they’ll adore this interactive paper plate shark puppet craft! These teeth-y fish have movable jaws so kids can have great fun biting, chomping and munching with them. There won’t be a safe finger in the house!
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49
Andreja Vučajnk
Colorful Fish Scales
My favorite part of this colorful, rainbow fish is simply the possibilities! What color of fish do you think can be found under the sea? Kids can let their imaginations run wild!
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50
Leslie Manlapig
3D Swimmers
This paper plate craft reminds me of looking into a koi pond! These aren't just any fish – they are dimensional fish. So if you're seeking a bit of a different version, this one is a fun idea.
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51
krokotak.com
Spouting Whale
Whales are such beautiful creatures! It's hard to capture them in a kid's craft, but I think this three dimensional paper plate whale does a pretty good job. Plus I love the colors!
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52
Andreja Vučajnk
Cupcake Liner Fish
Combine these two fun materials and make a paper plate and cupcake liner fish! Fun to make for aquatic themed birthday party decor.
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Paper Plate Dinosaurs
53
Baker Ross
Dinosaur Mask
Young dinosaur fans will have a roaring time transforming a plate into a triceratops mask! Great party activity that you can make in a variety of colors.
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54
supersimple.com
Brontosaurus in the Trees
Brontosaurus was a super tall, plant-eating dinosaur also known as apatosaurus. It only ate plants, so that's why this paper plate dino is so cute! No need to be afraid of any chompers!
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55
Jessica Roe
Soaring Pterodactyl
I'm not sure if this guy really flies like the original dino, but he sure is cute! Use your plate surface to give your new pterodactyl friend built in wings.
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56
Rachel Nipper
Colorful Dino Trio
Do you have kids who love anything dinosaur related? If so, this fun dinosaur craft is going to bring a huge smile to their faces. The secret to the textures? Bubble wrap (don't surprised if there is popping while crafting!).
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57
Katie Wylie
Smiling Stegosaurus
These paper plate stegos are a great craft for dinosaur loving kids! Grab a few supplies around the house to make your favorite prehistoric friends. The colors you can make are unlimited!
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58
Helen Drew
Fun Dino Faces
What do I love about these dinosaur friends? Well, they are colorful – but they also have moving mouths! Watch out so you don't get a dino bite!
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Paper Plate Halloween Crafts
59
Andreja Vučajnk
Paper Plate Pumpkin
Ready for the coolest paper plate pumpkin craft ever? This looks almost like a real carved pumpkin! The wonderful little electric tea light makes the magic happen.
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60
ourkidthings.com
Ghost Lacing
This is a fun way to get a dual activity out of one idea! Kids will make the cutest Halloween ghost craft, while also practicing their lacing skills (hand eye coordination). Great for kids of all ages.
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61
nontoygifts.com
(Not) Spooky Witch
This paper plate witch craft follows the same pattern. It’s a funny, non-spooky witch, with beads in her hair and a flower hat. Nothing scary about that, right?
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62
Rachel Nipper
Bunches of Spiders
Are you scared of spiders? Well don't worry – these guys are the friendly kind! So cute for Halloween, and I just adore their wiggly eyes.
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63
Mariah Moon
Spider Web That Sparkles
I can't get enough glitter for Halloween! The holidays are perfect for glitter, so decorate a spider web on a paper plate in the glitter color of your choice.
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64
thepinterestedparent.com
Flying Ghost In a Window
Guess what – the ghost in this paper plate window really flies around! Yes, this craft is a Halloween puppet of sorts. Such a cute idea and so easy to make.
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65
pjsandpaint.com
Friendly Frankenstein
Learn how to make this super cute Frankenstein paper plate craft. Using minimal supplies, you can create a fun Halloween craft the kids will love!
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Paper Plate Christmas Crafts
66
Jen Walshaw
Giant Christmas Decorations
These paper plate baubles are simple, mess-free and perfect for younger children, plus they look amazing. Can you imagine a giant tree with these ornaments; perhaps in a classroom?
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67
Angela Milnes
Elf On The Shelf
Are you a fan of Elf on the Shelf? If so, you will love this easy elf craft idea for kids. This guy is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit!
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68
Rachel Nipper
Christmas Tree
Try this paper plate Christmas tree craft to start out your holiday crafting! I love that this idea adds a bit of learning skills into it with some lacing practice.
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69
Stacey Gibbon
Christmas Wreath
This cute Christmas wreath is easy enough for kids of all ages to make! Plus it uses one of favorite craft supplies of all time . . . big sparkly pom poms! This would be cute in a winter version as well.
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70
Helen Drew
Santa Claus
Can you have Christmas crafts without Santa? I don't think so! Kids will adore the process of painting, sticking, cutting and curling to create adorable paper plate Santas!
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71
Sam Thomason
Happy Reindeer Craft
Who is at the front of Santa's sleigh? Why Rudolph of course, with his bright and shiny nose! I love this idea, and if I were feeling sassy I might even add a bit of red glitter for some serious bling.
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72
Leslie Manlapig
Easy Pop Up Nativity
This pop up nativity idea using a plate is way too cute for Christmas! When the plate is opened, you'll get a design that kids can use markers to draw in details like the star, manger, baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
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73
Terri Thompson
Christmas Trees with Poms
Any time I get to use pom poms, I'm in heaven! These cute Christmas trees made from plates feature pom pom ornaments and are great for toddlers and up.
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74
Victoria Armijo
Smiling Grinch Face
It's not really Christmas without the Grinch! Celebrate the crankiest holiday hero with this cute Grinch paper plate craft idea.
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75
www.smartschoolhouse.com
Paper Plate Poinsettia
We love paper plate Christmas crafts around here! These florals were made with red paper plates. They look really pretty hanging as DIY holiday decor.
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Now that you’ve looked at these ideas, I’d love for you to let me know your favorites in the comments! Which ones do you want to try? I’d also love for you to visit the following craft collections I think your littles will enjoy:
Boredom Busters • Bottle Caps • Camping • Cardboard • Clothespins • Crafts for Boys • Crafts for Girls • Crafts at Home • Crosses • Easter • Egg Cartons • Mod Podge • Painting • Paper Mache • Paper Towel Rolls • Pipe Cleaners • Poinsettias • Popsicle Sticks • Recycled • Superhero