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This simple paper plate elephant craft is a fun way to learn about this amazing animal or how shapes can work together to make something different! It’s a fun project when kids are learning the letter ‘E’ too. It’s not just for preschool, though. You can make this really with any child by adjusting the steps and helping as needed.
One of my favorite things about this craft is that you can make it with two paper plates. By cutting out the center of one plate and using it for another part of the project or something else entirely you can teach kids about how versatlie paper plate crafts for kids can be.
I love projects with classic, easy-to-find supplies like popsicle sticks, toilet paper rolls, and paper plates. There is something nostalgic and timeless about them.
Why kids love paper plate crafts
If you’re looking for ways to use basic supplies, we’re so glad you’re here and are cheering you on! Getting creative can feel way more daunting than it is, and the more you make, the more ideas you’ll have! Kids love paper plate crafts for a lot of the same reasons we do!
- Easy to find supplies are everything! Easy to find, easy to make, easy on parents and easy for kids.
- The best kind of kids projects are things you already have in your home, or can easily grab on your next grocery store trip.
- If you mess up it’s very easy and possible to start over.
- They can paint or color the plates and make their elephants as happy or silly as they want! Letting them get creative with it is the best part.
Supplies for your Paper Plate Elephant
- Paper plates
- Scissors (remember to do the cutting if your child isn’t ready to yet.)
- Googley eyes
- Construction paper scraps or cardstock
- Markers, crayons or paint
- School glue
Steps for Your Elephant Craft
Begin by painting or coloring your plate grey. If you’re wanting this to be a faster craft you can use markers, crayons or colored pencils. You could also pre-paint plates too.
You may want to have our heart template handy! I used it for the snout of the elephant. It’s very similar to how I used the heart template to make a cardstock elephant for Valentines’s Day.
Take your painted grey paper plate and cut out the center. I cut through the edging and trimmed around it. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
Cut the remaining piece in half, then cut one of the halves in half again. This will give you three pieces that will turn into the trunk and the ears.
Glue on the ears and trunk, then add a cut out cardstock heart onto the trunk.
The last thing you’ll do is add googley eyes. You could also draw on eyes, or cut out small hearts to be eyes too!
Allow all the glue to dry before moving, otherwise it may not stick together.
Tips for Making a Paper Plate Elephant:
- Use leftover scraps of paper from other projects. You could even use the center of the plate as the heart at the end of the trunk!
- If you’re making this with a younger child who can’t cut with scissors yet, it may be helpful to prep the paper pieces for the wings in advance.
- If you have a kiddo who will want to craft right away, you can even pre-paint the plate so that they can start assembling without having to wait for the paint to dry.
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- 1 piece cardstock paper (pink)
- 2 Tbsp paint (grey or in desired color)
- 2 pieces googley eyes
- 1 bottle glue (or gluesticks)
Instructions
- Begin by painting or coloring your plate grey. If you're wanting this to be a faster craft you can use markers, crayons or colored pencils. You could also pre-paint plates too.
- Allow paint to dry.
- You may want to have our heart template handy! I used it for the snout of the elephant. It's very similar to how I used the heart template to make a cardstock elephant for Valentines's Day.
- Take your painted grey paper plate and cut out the center. I cut through the edging and trimmed around it. It doesn't have to be perfect!
- Cut the remaining piece in half, then cut one of the halves in half again. This will give you three pieces that will turn into the trunk and the ears.
- Glue on the ears and trunk, then add a cut out cardstock heart onto the trunk.
- The last thing you'll do is add googley eyes. You could also draw on eyes, or cut out small hearts to be eyes too!
- Allow glue time to dry.