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:
- 101 Easy & Fun Kids Crafts
- 31 Ridiculously Epic Baby Food Jar Crafts
- 15 Affordable DIY Rock Projects 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.
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.
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.
Photo: Meaningful Mama
-
Paper Plate Mice
These little rodents are so cute that you'll gladly welcome them into your home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: Craft, Create, Cook
-
Paper Plate Food Purses
Take a bite out of these sweet little pouches. Watermelons and donuts make for playful purses.
Photo: Pink Stripey Socks
-
Paper Plate Flowers
Make kiddo's room bloom year round with these 3D buds.
Photo: Muslin & Merlot
-
Paper Plate Toucan
Kids can bring the colors of the tropics to town by making and decorating these vibrant birds.
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.
Photo: scrumdilly-do!
-
Paper Plate Peacock
Cerulean and gold make these majestic peacock plates stand out from most kid crafts.
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.
Photo: Pink Stripey Socks
-
Paper Plate Birds
Swans, penguins, and flamingos fill a made-up menagerie.
Photo: Handmade Charlotte