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Bring a little bit of nature into your craft time with this adorable and easy-to-make paper plate caterpillar. Perfect for young crafters, this project is not only simple but also allows for plenty of creativity and personalization.
DIY Paper Plate Caterpillar Craft
Using basic craft supplies and a dash of imagination, you can create a colorful caterpillar that’s perfect for decorating a classroom or sprucing up a child’s playroom. Let’s get started on this fun crafting journey!
Materials Needed To Make Paper Plate Caterpillar
- 4 dessert-sized paper plates
- Green paint (classic primary green is what we used)
- Large eyes (use our free eye template or googly eyes
- Black cardstock
- Pink cardstock
- Sharpie
- Pom poms (1-inch size is what we used)
- Glue
- Paintbrush
How To Make a DIY Paper Plate Caterpillar Craft
Step 1: Paint the Paper Plates
Begin by painting all four paper plates green. You might find that one coat of paint isn’t enough to cover the plates completely, so feel free to add a second coat once the first one dries. This will give your caterpillar a vibrant and even look.
Step 2: Prepare the Caterpillar’s Body
Once the paint has dried, arrange the plates in a line, slightly overlapping each other to form the caterpillar’s body. Glue the plates together in this formation to ensure they stay in place.
Step 3: Add Antennae and Feet
Cut out two antennae from black cardstock along with six feet from the same cardstock. Glue the antennae to the first plate (the head of the caterpillar) and attach three feet on each side of the body.
Add your paper eyes and two pink cheeks cut from pink cardstock.
Use a Sharpie to draw a smile or any other expression you like on the caterpillar’s face.
Crafty Tips & Classroom Use
- Variations: Feel free to use different colors for each plate to make a multicolored caterpillar or add patterns with additional paint or markers. You can also use Do A Dot Markers, buttons, and other crafting supplies in place of the pom poms.
- Educational Twist: Use this craft to teach kids about the life cycle of a butterfly, starting from the caterpillar stage. It’s a great way to combine art with learning.
- Displaying Your Craft: Once completed, you can hang the caterpillar in a classroom or use it as a decorative piece in a themed party. It’s also perfect for spring and nature-themed decorations.
