Paper plates might seem ordinary, but in the hands of a preschooler, they turn into anything—masks, animals, sun catchers, and more. A single plate can spark a child’s imagination, transforming craft time into an adventure. But what makes paper plate crafts so special? They’re easy, affordable, and perfect for little hands still learning how to cut, glue, and paint.
Creating crafts isn’t just about having fun. It’s also about learning. Whether it’s improving fine motor skills, recognizing shapes, or experimenting with colors, each project helps kids grow in small but important ways. Let’s get into some unique and exciting crafts that will keep preschoolers engaged while allowing them to express their creativity.
Animal-Themed Paper Plate Crafts
Kids love animals, and turning paper plates into their favorite creatures makes crafting even more exciting. These projects encourage storytelling, role-playing, and learning about different animals in a hands-on way.
Paper Plate Lion Mask
A lion mask isn’t just fun to make—it’s perfect for pretend play. Kids can roar like a lion while showing off their artwork.
- Paint the plate yellow or orange.
- Cut strips of construction paper and glue them around the edges for the mane.
- Cut out holes for the eyes.
- Use a black marker to draw a nose and mouth.
- Attach a craft stick or use string to turn it into a wearable mask.
Fluffy Sheep with Cotton Balls
This one’s great for sensory play, letting kids explore different textures.
- Paint the plate black or white as the base.
- Glue cotton balls all over to create a fluffy effect.
- Cut out small black construction paper ears and glue them on.
- Stick on googly eyes or draw eyes with a marker.
Wiggly Octopus with Dangling Legs
This is perfect for kids learning to count. Each leg gives them a chance to practice numbers.
- Paint the plate a bright ocean color.
- Cut eight strips of construction paper for tentacles.
- Glue them around the bottom of the plate.
- Add small suction cups with stickers or pom-poms.
- Draw or stick on googly eyes and a smiling face.
Interactive Paper Plate Crafts
Some crafts go beyond decoration. They move, spin, or can be worn, making them even more engaging for little ones.
Spinning Color Wheel
A fun way to introduce color mixing to preschoolers.
- Divide a paper plate into sections with a pencil.
- Paint each section a different color (red, blue, and yellow work best).
- Attach a brass fastener in the center to another plate with a cut-out window.
- When kids spin the top plate, they can see different color combinations.
Paper Plate Puppet Theater
This turns a simple plate into an entire stage for storytelling.
- Cut the center out of a plate to create a “window.”
- Decorate the frame with markers, stickers, or glitter.
- Attach a popsicle stick to small paper characters and slide them behind the window for a puppet show.
Paper Plate Sundial
A fun way to introduce the concept of time and shadows.
- Paint the plate with bright colors.
- Poke a hole in the center and insert a straw or pencil.
- Take it outside and let kids watch how the shadow moves throughout the day.
Seasonal Paper Plate Crafts
Tying crafts to the seasons helps kids understand changes in nature and traditions.
Spring: Rainbow and Cloud Craft
A cheerful decoration that helps with color recognition.
- Paint half of the plate white and glue on cotton balls for the cloud.
- Cut strips of colored paper for the rainbow.
- Glue the strips to the back of the plate and let them dangle down.
Summer: Sun Catchers
A great way to brighten up windows with colorful light reflections.
- Cut out the center of a paper plate.
- Use tissue paper and glue to fill in the hole, creating a stained glass effect.
- Hang it in a sunny window and watch the colors shine.
Fall: Paper Plate Pumpkin Mask
A fun craft that also works as a festive costume piece.
- Paint the plate orange.
- Cut out eye holes and a jagged mouth.
- Attach a green pipe cleaner at the top for the stem.
- Add a stick handle to hold the mask up.
Winter: Snowflake Plate Art
A simple yet beautiful craft for the colder months.
- Paint the plate blue or leave it white.
- Use a glue stick to draw snowflake shapes.
- Sprinkle glitter on top, then shake off the excess.
- Hang it up for a snowy decoration.
Educational Paper Plate Crafts
Crafting can be a hands-on way to introduce early learning concepts.
Alphabet Spinner
A great way for preschoolers to recognize letters and sounds.
- Write letters around the edge of a plate.
- Cut a small window in another plate and attach them together with a brass fastener.
- As kids spin the top plate, they see a new letter and can practice saying the sound.
Number Caterpillar
Perfect for counting practice.
- Cut a plate into circles.
- Paint each circle a different color and write numbers on them.
- Glue them together in a caterpillar shape.
- Add googly eyes and antennae for fun.
Shape Matching Game
An easy DIY game to help with shape recognition.
- Cut different shapes from construction paper.
- Draw the matching shapes on a plate.
- Have kids match and glue the shapes in the right spots.
Final Thoughts
Paper plates might be simple, but they open up a world of creativity for preschoolers. They’re cheap, easy to find, and versatile enough to create everything from animal masks to interactive spinners. Plus, each craft is a chance for kids to learn—whether it’s about colors, numbers, or just practicing fine motor skills.
Next time you need an activity, grab a paper plate and some supplies. A little glue, paint, and imagination can turn it into something magical.
