Creative and Fun Paper Plate Crafts for Every Occasion

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!

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.

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!

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!

Get ready for a different type of plate flower - bright, colorful, and easy enough to make for a spring bouquet.

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.

C is for cookie! I love this paper plate Cookie Monster puppet, complete with toilet paper roll eyes and a dessert in his mouth.

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.

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!

This paper plate rainbow is the perfect activity for playdates, toddler groups, classrooms, or even just a fun activity at home.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Michelle was challenged to make a Disney character out of kitchen items - I don't think this Eeyore could be any cuter!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

This paper plate peacock craft was inspired by a fun turkey craft Rachel made last fall. The colors are striking.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This dragon craft is fun for kids and adults alike! It's easy to make with simple supplies.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

Combine these two fun materials and make a paper plate and cupcake liner fish! Fun to make for aquatic themed birthday party decor.

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.

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!

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.

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!).

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!

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

It's not really Christmas without the Grinch! Celebrate the crankiest holiday hero with this cute Grinch paper plate craft idea.