I get crafty like it’s my job. You know, because it’s literally my job. And I love to encourage my girls to be just as creative and crafty to make all kinds of fun, messy boredom busters. At first glance, all those great projects on Pinterest seem like good ideas. Then, I realize that they’re too complicated for the kids to accomplish on their own, they require no less than seven obscure craft tools, or the supply list means an expensive trip to the craft store.
Sometimes an unexpected sick day or rainy-day washout means crafting on the fly. And there’s one craft supply that we always have on hand: paper plates. Yup, paper plates are the foundation of all kinds of cool kid crafts. Here, I’ve rounded up a few of the best paper plate crafts.
More DIY Crafts for Kids:
15 Creative Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
Paper Plate Poké Balls
The Pokémon craze has officially taken over the entire planet, so there's no doubt that your kiddos would love to make their own poké balls.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Parenting Chaos
Paper Plate Little Sheep
Whether you're welcoming spring or reciting "Baa Baa Black Sheep" on repeat, this sheepish project is sure to be fluffin' adorable.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Our Crafts n Things
Paper Plate Superhero Masks
The entire superhero gang can make an appearance in your house. Tackle this fun DIY and let the kids try on Batman, Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, and Spider-Man for size.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Meaningful Mama
Paper Plate Mice
These little rodents are so cute that you'll gladly welcome them into your home.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Housing a Forest
Paper Plate Flying Saucer
Star Wars , Star Trek , and the solar system make every kid want to take a trip to space. This flying saucer makes the journey a breeze.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Crafts by Amanda
Paper Plate Walrus
Can't squeeze in a zoo trip today? Skip the mommy guilt and help your little one make his own animal friend.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: I Heart Crafty Things
Paper Plate Tambourine
Your little one already dances to the beat of her own drummer, so you might as well join in with this DIY tambourine.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Green Owl Art
Paper Plate Angry Birds
Angry Birds and Bad Piggies can fly through the playroom when they're made of lightweight paper plates.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Craft, Create, Cook
Paper Plate Food Purses
Take a bite out of these sweet little pouches. Watermelons and donuts make for playful purses.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Pink Stripey Socks
Paper Plate Flowers
Make kiddo's room bloom year round with these 3D buds.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Muslin & Merlot
Paper Plate Toucan
Kids can bring the colors of the tropics to town by making and decorating these vibrant birds.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Pink Stripey Socks
Paper Plate Sugar Skull Masks
The Day of the Dead calls for sugar skulls. Answer the call with these ornate, spooky masks.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: scrumdilly-do!
Paper Plate Peacock
Cerulean and gold make these majestic peacock plates stand out from most kid crafts.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: I Heart Crafty Things
Paper Plate Dragon
The kids are probably too young to understand any Game of Throne references, but you can still pretend to be Queen of Dragons with these look-a-likes.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Pink Stripey Socks
Paper Plate Birds
Swans, penguins, and flamingos fill a made-up menagerie.
Get the DIY here.
Photo: Handmade Charlotte