Crafts
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What are Some Paper Plate Crafts?

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Versatile and readily available, paper plates are an easy and fun source to turn to when the crafting mood strikes. Children of all ages can create paper plate crafts. Add in just a few more supplies and a bit of imagination and ideas for plate creations are endless. They can be cut, glued, stapled, folded, painted and turned into anything from art to hang on the wall to actual objects for play.

An especially easy and functional project is a tambourine. This requires two plates per child, bottle caps, a stapler, a hole punch, yarn, and paint. First, have each child paint the back of his or her plates. When the paint dries, put one plate a table and toss some bottle caps on it. Put the other plate on top of it so that the two insides meet. Staple all around, then use the hole punch to evenly punch holes around the perimeter. Let the child thread the yarn through the holes to jazz it up a bit. Tie off the yarn and the tambourine is ready to go.

Pipe cleaners come in a variety of colors and can be used in many crafts.
Pipe cleaners come in a variety of colors and can be used in many crafts.

Paper plate crafts can also be used for learning activities. Teach children to tell time with a paper plate clock. Each child will need one paper plate, a brad fastener, construction paper, and a marker or crayon. First, help the child write the numbers on the clock face, and make the marks to show the hours and minutes. Cut out "hands" from the construction paper, then pierce the ends of the hands and the center of the paper plate with the brad fastener. Fasten the hands and that's it - instant clock!

Children of all ages can create colorful paper plates using not-toxic paint.
Children of all ages can create colorful paper plates using not-toxic paint.

Paper plate crafts can be more elaborate and suitable for older children as well. Hand puppets are an excellent way to stimulate the imagination of an older child. One type of puppet can be made with two paper plates, an egg carton, paint, Easter grass, and a stapler. Cut one paper plate across the center of the plate, being careful not to cut all the way through. It should be a slit in the middle with about an inch of uncut plate on each side.

Paper plate crafts are often finished by coloring in the final touches.
Paper plate crafts are often finished by coloring in the final touches.

Next, cut out a section of egg carton that includes two "bubbles" to use for eyes. Leave a bit of an edge on them, and use the edge to staple them to the plate. Place this plate on another untouched plate, and staple all around the perimeter. Decorate by coloring or painting and when the child is ready, the plate is folded at the slit so the child's hand can slide in and the puppet is ready to go.

There are so many paper plate crafts that sometimes it's fun just to set out supplies and let the children make their own creation from scratch.

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

Learn more...
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

Learn more...

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    • Pipe cleaners come in a variety of colors and can be used in many crafts.
      By: Stephanie Connell
      Pipe cleaners come in a variety of colors and can be used in many crafts.
    • Children of all ages can create colorful paper plates using not-toxic paint.
      By: Andriy Petrenko
      Children of all ages can create colorful paper plates using not-toxic paint.
    • Paper plate crafts are often finished by coloring in the final touches.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Paper plate crafts are often finished by coloring in the final touches.
    • Many types of crafts use wool yarn.
      By: Claudia Paulussen
      Many types of crafts use wool yarn.