We always seem to have a few paper plates left over after a picnic or party, but not enough for another event. So we use them to make some fun craft projects! Little artists like using paper plates to make projects because they give big results.

So gather up five paper plates and art supplies, and let’s get started with these five projects.

Our first project was inspired by our favorite comic book hero. With this project you can glue construction paper straps to the back and wear it on your arm just like in the book.

Captain’s Shield Comic Book Craft Project

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Supplies:

1. Star pattern
2. Card stock
3. Paper plate
4. Blue paint
5. Sponges
6. Small paper plates
7. Scissors

Directions:

1. Print out star pattern onto card stock.
2. Cut out star.
3. Place star on the back of a paper plate.
4. Pour small amount of blue paint onto small paper plate.
5. Sponge paint around star.
6. Remove card stock star to reveal the Captain’s shield.

Our second project takes us all the way to Africa to make this elephant. This project is a great opportunity to teach how the African elephant has big ears, while the Asian elephant has small ears. Your little artist is sure to love making this gentle giant.

Elephant Craft Project

Supplies:

1. Copy of Elephant
2. Paper plate
3. Grey paint
4. Sponge
5. Scissors
6. Glue

Directions:

1. Print a copy of elephant.
2. Pour small amount of grey paint onto paper plate and sponge paint elephant and plate.
3. Let dry.
4. Cut plate in half.
5. Glue half-plates for ears.

Our third project has your little artist making a giant bat. It is also called a flying fox in some parts of the world. When done, this project is almost two feet wide.

Bat Craft Project

Supplies:

1. Copy of bat body
2. Uncoated paper plates (2)
3. Black paint
4. Sponge
5. Scissors
6. Glue

Directions:

1. Print copy of bat.
2. Pour small amount of black paint onto one of the paper plates.
3. Use the sponge to paint the bat and one paper plate.
4. Let dry, and cut the paper plate in half.
5. Cut out bat body.
6. Glue the bat parts together to make the giant bat.

Our fourth project will give your little angel his or her very own halo. Little artists love making and wearing things they make. They are sure to love this project.

Halo

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Supplies:

1. 2 paper plates
2. Sponges
3. Gold paint
4. Scissors
5. Newspaper

Directions:

1. Cover work surface with newspaper.
2. Pour small amount of gold paint onto one paper plate.
3. Place the second plate face down on newspaper.
4. Teach your little artist to sponge paint the bottom of the paper plate.
5. Allow to dry completely.
6. Cut the center of the paper plate out.
7. Wear your halo.

Our final paper plate project has us heading over to the farm. This Rooster project will have your artist crowing.

Rooster

Supplies:

1. Copy of rooster
2. Crayons or Markers
3. Paper plate
4. Glue
5. Scissors or Safety scissors
6. Feathers (Optional)

Directions:

1. Have the children color the head, tail and plate.
2. Cut out the parts when they have finished.
3. Let them glue the head and tail to the plates.
4. Glue on optional feathers.

We hope you had fun making these paper plate inspired craft projects. We know you will be telling your little artist, “You’re so creative!”