Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but sometimes, kids can get bored during those long summer days. Fortunately, there are plenty of crafts and activities you can do with your kids to keep them entertained and engaged. One of the easiest and most versatile materials for crafting is the humble paper plate. Here are some summer paper plate crafts for kids that will inspire creativity and keep them busy for hours.
- Sun Catchers
Making sun catchers is a great way to bring some color and light into your home. To make them, cut out the center of a paper plate and have your child decorate the remaining rim with markers, paint, or stickers. Then, cut pieces of tissue paper or cellophane and glue them to the back of the plate. Hang the sun catcher in a sunny window and enjoy the beautiful colors.
- Animal Masks
Kids love to dress up and play make-believe, and making animal masks out of paper plates is a great way to encourage imaginative play. Start by cutting out eye holes in the plate, then have your child decorate the plate with paint, markers, or other materials to create the look of their favorite animal. Cut out ears, whiskers, or other features from construction paper and glue them onto the mask. Attach a ribbon or string to the sides so your child can wear their new mask.
- Flower Wreaths
Summer is the season of blooming flowers, so why not bring some of that beauty inside with a paper plate flower wreath? Cut out the center of the plate and have your child paint or color the remaining rim. Then, cut out flower shapes from construction paper and glue them onto the plate. Finish the wreath by attaching a ribbon or string to the top and hanging it on a door or wall.
- Bird Feeders
Encourage your child’s love of nature by making a paper plate bird feeder. Cut out two paper plates and decorate them however you like. Then, place one plate upside down and spread birdseed on it. Place the other plate on top, lining up the edges, and punch a hole in the top. Thread a ribbon or string through the hole and hang the feeder from a tree or porch.
- Fish Bowl
Get creative with a paper plate fish bowl. Cut out the center of the plate and have your child decorate the remaining rim to look like a fish bowl. Cut out fish shapes from construction paper and have your child decorate them, then attach them to the plate with string or tape. Finish the craft by attaching a ribbon or string to the top and hanging it up for everyone to admire.
- Jellyfish
Bring the ocean indoors with a paper plate jellyfish craft. Cut the plate in half and have your child decorate the flat part of the plate with paint, markers, or other materials. Cut strips of crepe paper or ribbon and tape them to the bottom of the plate to create the tentacles. Finish the craft by attaching a string or ribbon to the top of the plate so you can hang it up.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, paper plates are a versatile and affordable material for summer crafts that will keep your kids entertained and engaged. With a little creativity and some basic materials, your child can make beautiful and fun crafts that will help them explore their imagination and bring a little summer fun into your home.
