Paper plates may seem like ordinary things, but they can actually be transformed into fun, crafty projects. With enough creativity, paper plates can turn into various things. Just add a little color and pizzazz and you have got yourself a new decorative piece. With the holidays approaching, the possibilities are endless to create colorful ornaments, wall hangings, and gifts!
The following is a list of some fun holiday craft ideas using paper plates!
Bat Cup
For Halloween, this batty creation will bring plenty of smiles. Here are the materials that you will need:
• Tin can
• Paper plate
• Black and white paint
• Wiggle eyes
• Glue
• Scissors
• Paint brush
First, start off by painting the tin can and the plate black. Using the white paint, add a mouth. Then, glue on the wiggle eyes. Once the paint is dry, cut the paper plate in half. Cut scalloped edges along the straight sides of the paper plate to create wings. The last and final step is to glue the wings to the can! Enjoy!
Bunny Mask
Although Easter could be a-ways away, it is never too early to be prepared once spring comes around again. Making a bunny mask is a lot of fun. Here is what you need:
• Paper plate
• Pink paint
• White pipe cleaner
• Pink card
• Elastic thread
• Glue
• Black pen
The first step is to paint the back of the paper plate with the pink paint. Let it sit to the side until it is completely dry. Once it’s dry, cut out two eye holes. Cut the pipe cleaner into three separate pieces and twist together at the center. Glue it to the center of the paper plate (face).
Cut out the bunny’s nose from the pink card and glue it onto the pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners should stick out like whiskers. Cut out two ears from the pink card and glue to the top of the paper plate. Use the black pen to draw the bunny’s mouth. Use the butt of the pen to punch two holes on either side of the face. String the elastic thread through for the final step of the mask.
Snowman
For those cold, wintry days, make a little snowman to keep you company. Here is what you need:
• Two paper plates
• Red and black construction paper
• Orange pipe cleaner
• Hole punch
• Crayons
• Scissors
• Glue
• Yarn
Cut off the rim of one of the plates, to make it smaller. Punch a hole near the rim on both plates. Using the yarn, tie the plates together. Draw and cut out a hat and two boots from the black construction paper. Draw and cut out mittens from the red paper. Glue the pieces onto the snowman.
The last steps are to draw eyes, a mouth, and buttons. The orange pipe cleaner can be poked through the top plate for the nose.
How to Encourage Kids to Make Crafts On Their Own
Making crafts with your kids is a lot of fun, but sometimes you need them to occupy themselves when you're busy. If you want your kids to take the initiative to make crafts on their own, there are a couple of things you can do. Here are our suggestions.
First, you need to make sure you have a wide variety of crafting supplies around the house for your child to use. Make sure that any crafting supplies are ones that they can safely use on their own. For example, young children shouldn't be using a hot glue gun or especially sharp scissors.
Markers, crayons, colored pencils, pipe cleaners, construction paper, glue, and paint are just a few examples of crafting supplies that your child can have on hand for their use. Make sure you also provide some old newspaper for preventing messes, especially if your child wants to paint.
You can encourage your children to do crafts with simple prompts. For example, encourage them to try to make a drawing or sculpture of the family pet. Or, ask them to paint the weather on a given day. These simple prompts can help guide your child in the right direction. Hopefully, with time they'll start coming up with ideas on their own!
Having crafting supplies on hand for your children will allow them to express and explore their creativity. A child who can use their imagination is a happy child. Plus, who knows- you might encourage a flourishing art career!
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