8 of 15

Write now Article Tools

This is a fun and easy paper plate craft not just for the kids, but the whole family, and can also be a great decoration for the easygoing, homey types! All you need is some regular paper plates (not styrofoam or wax coated), crayons or markers, a hole punch, some yarn, and a common theme.

Start by giving a paper plate to each person who's interested in making some paper plate art. Talk about what you'd like your theme to be (be sure to let the kids have their say) - a forest, the beach, or maybe a portrait of the family. Once you have a common theme to go from, just... well, colour away! Let everyone express themselves however they want, and if the kiddos start going off-theme, that's ok, kids are often more creative than us adults anyway. *grin* Oh, and don't forget to sign them, so everyone will know who made which piece!

Once everyone is finished with their masterpiece, take the hole punch (if you don't have one, an awl or pair of pointed scissors will do) and punch four holes in each plate - 2 at the top, 3 inches apart, and 2 at the bottom, also 3 inches apart. Once you've got the holes punched, cut about 12 inches of yarn for each set of top and bottom holes. This is very important, you'll want enough yarn to string all the plates together! Starting with the plate at the top, put the yarn through the bottom holes of that plate and the top holes of the next plate and tie it off, so that the plates are connected. Do that with each plate down to the last one. When you've got all of your pictures tied together, cut a 6 inch piece of yarn for the top holes in the top plate, to make a hook to hang it with. If you like, you can also tie bells or other small decorations to the bottom plate, to not only make it more decorative but give your creation more stability so it'll be more heavy and lie better.

Now comes the tricky part - figuring out where to put it! Do you hang it in the family room, on display for all to see? Maybe the kitchen? Or maybe the kids will want to hang it in their rooms? If that's the case, why not make more? A set for each kiddo!

Not only is this a fun activity, but it creates wholesome family time with lots of interaction and it encourages creativity on everyone's part!

Learn more about this author, Luna Kay.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Easy paper crafts for kids?
We want to hear your view. Write now!