Paper plates serve more than just sandwiches and chips. They also serve up hours of entertainment in the form of craft projects. The versatility of these plates provides the base for a variety of creative projects for kids. Structured craft projects get the kids going, but soon they'll think of new uses for paper plates.
Noise Maker
A paper plate creates a musical instrument for kids when filled with dry beans. Paint the bottom of a paper plate in any color. Allow it to dry fully. Fold the plate in half and place about 1/2 cup of dry beans inside. Rice or other small items work well too. Make multiple noise makers with different fillings to compare the resulting sounds. Place a line of hot glue around the edge of the plate and press the two halves together to hold the filler material inside. When the hot glue is set, add other decorations to the outside of the noise maker, such as glitter, sequins, drawings or streamers along the edge.
Mask
Homemade masks allow children to participate in dramatic play activities. A paper plate is an ideal size and shape for many mask ideas. Help the kids cut eye holes and a mouth hole in the paper plate. Let them decorate the plates using paint, markers, construction paper, yarn and other craft supplies. Ideas for the mask design include animals, people, aliens or other make-believe creatures. Punch a hole in each side of the mask and tie a string between them. A craft stick glued to the bottom of the mask is another idea for holding it in front of the face.
Hanging Pocket
Two paper plates work together to create a hanging pocket. Cut one of the plates in half. If several children are participating, share the cut plates between the kids to conserve materials. There are two options to consider for holding the plates together to form the pocket. The first is to hot glue them together. Run a line of hot glue along the rounded edge of the half plate. Put the half plate and the full plate together, with the fronts of them facing each other to create an open pocket. The other option is to use yarn to "sew" them together. Place the half plate and full plate together with fronts facing each other. Use a paper punch to make holes through both plates along the edge. Leave about 1/2 inch between the holes. Put the string through the first hole and knot the end to hold it in place. Have the kids weave the string through the holes, pulling it tight to hold the halves together. Tie the string at the other end to hold it in place. Decorate the pocket with markers, paint, glitter and other craft supplies. Punch a hole in the top of the full plate and tie a string loop through it for hanging.
Flower
A small paper plate serves as the center of a paper flower. Paint the plate yellow and allow it to dry. Trace each child's hand on construction paper. Cut out enough of the hand shapes to stretch around the perimeter of the plate to form the petals. Start with five or six hands for each child, making more as necessary. Glue the hand cut-outs with the fingers pointing away from the plate around the perimeter. Cut a stem and leaves from green construction paper and glue them to the back of the flower.
Related posts
Thanksgiving craft projects help little kids learn about the holiday and participate in the celebration. The craft projects create an active learning experience that helps keep children interested...
Paper turkeys are a fun and easy seasonal craft.Thanksgiving is an exciting time of year symbolized by the colors of the autumn season and by turkeys. Children will love celebrating this time of y...
Cover your work area with newspaper for a quick and easy cleanup.Toilet paper rolls are a great resource for making crafts, and more than likely, you can gather a few around your house. Instead of...
On a hot summer day, even a bit of a breeze to make the difference between sweltering, uncomfortable heat and relaxing warmth. What better way to take the edge off than with your own homemade craf...
A paper sack can be used to make Thanksgiving turkey crafts.A paper sack is a great base for a Thanksgiving turkey craft. There are a variety of ways to make a turkey out of a paper sack, though....
