15 Paper Plate Crafts for Preschoolers (Easy DIY)

By Maria Gonzalez · September 27, 2026

Why Paper Plate Crafts Are Perfect for Preschoolers

Paper plates are inexpensive, easy to cut, and provide a sturdy base for all kinds of creative projects. They help preschoolers practice cutting, gluing, and painting — all essential fine motor skills.

15 Easy Paper Plate Crafts

1. Paper Plate Sun

Paint the plate yellow, then cut triangular rays from yellow construction paper and glue around the edge. Add a smiley face with markers. A cheerful wall decoration.

2. Animal Masks

Cut eye holes in the plate, then decorate as any animal. Add paper ears, a felt nose, and yarn whiskers. Use popsicle sticks as handles or elastic bands to wear.

3. Paper Plate Flowers

Cut the plate into petal shapes, paint in bright colors, and layer two plates for a 3D effect. Add a green paper stem and leaves for a complete bouquet.

4. Tambourine

Staple two plates together with dried beans or pasta inside. Decorate with ribbons and stickers. Kids love shaking their handmade instruments during music time.

5. Paper Plate Clock

Write numbers 1-12 around the plate edge. Cut arrow shapes for hour and minute hands, attach with a brass fastener. A great tool for teaching time-telling.

6. Fish Bowl Craft

Cut the plate in half to make a bowl shape. Add blue tissue paper "water," paper fish, and pebbles. Hang on the wall as a 3D art piece.

7. Paper Plate Wreath

Cut out the center to make a ring. Wrap with green yarn or attach paper leaves and flowers. Seasonal versions work for every holiday.

8. Dreamcatcher

Cut out the center, wrap the ring with yarn, and create a web pattern inside using string. Hang feathers and beads from the bottom for an authentic look.

9. Paper Plate Turtle

Paint the plate green for the shell. Add a paper head, four legs, and a tail. Draw hexagon patterns on the shell for a realistic turtle effect.

10. Paper Plate Pizza

Paint the plate red for sauce, add yellow paper cheese, and top with felt or paper "toppings." Cut into slices for a fun pretend play activity.

11. Paper Plate Umbrella

Fold the plate in half, decorate with patterns, and add a pipe cleaner handle. Perfect for spring-themed art projects.

12. Paper Plate Lion

Cut fringe around the plate edge for a mane. Paint the center yellow-brown for the face. Add googly eyes and a drawn nose and mouth.

13. Paper Plate Guitar

Cut a sound hole in the center, stretch rubber bands across for strings. Attach a paper towel tube as the neck. A surprisingly functional mini instrument.

14. Paper Plate Butterfly

Fold the plate in half, paint one side, then press together for a symmetrical print. Add pipe cleaner antennae and googly eyes when dry.

15. Paper Plate Globe

Paint the plate blue, then add green paper continents. Label oceans and countries for an educational geography craft that doubles as room decor.

Supply List

Paper plates (white, various sizes), washable paint, markers, scissors (child-safe), glue sticks, construction paper, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, yarn, and stickers.

Tips for Success

Pre-cut tricky shapes for younger children. Use washable everything. Lay out newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. Let kids lead the creative direction — imperfection is part of the fun.