Cardinal Paper Plate Craft
There’s just something about a bright red cardinal that makes kids stop and go, “WHOA, LOOK AT THAT BIRD!” So of course we had to turn that moment into a craft…and surprise, it’s adorably easy. This cardinal paper plate craft is big, bold, and full of personality – giant googly eyes, fluffy handprint wings, and that iconic little yellow beak.
It’s one of those projects where kids dive in, get paint everywhere (in a cute way), and end up with a bird that somehow looks both majestic and slightly unhinged. Which, honestly, feels exactly right for a cardinal.
Perfect for winter units, bird studies, or just a “we need something fun to do” afternoon.
Materials You’ll Need for This Cardinal Paper Plate Craft
Gather your goodies! This little red bird comes together with just a handful of simple craft supplies:
- Paper plate
- Wiggle eyes
- Cardstock in black, red, and yellow
- Acrylic craft paint in red and pink
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Black permanent marker
- Cardinal craft patterns (grab them in the shop!)
How to Make This Paper Plate Cardinal Craft
Ready to get crafting? Find the instructions below!
Cardinal Paper Plate Craft
Make this bright and charming cardinal paper plate craft using paint, cardstock, and simple template pieces. A fun winter or bird-themed activity kids can personalize with handprint wings and bold colors.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Wiggle eyes
- Cardstock in black, red, and yellow
- Acrylic craft paint in red and pink
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Pencil
- Black permanent marker
- Cardinal craft patterns
Tools
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
Instructions
- Gather all supplies.
- Paint the inside of the paper plate with red acrylic craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
- Download and print the cardinal patterns, then cut out with scissors. Trace the beak once onto yellow cardstock. Trace the wings twice and the head feather once onto red cardstock. Trace the eye mask once onto black cardstock with a pencil. You could also use colored craft foam, construction paper, or craft felt for this project.
- Cut out the cardinal patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
- Attach the head feather and wings to the edge of the paper plate with a glue gun and glue sticks. Glue the eye mask and beak to the inside of the paper plate. TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry. Attach two wiggle eyes to the cardinal’s face with a glue gun and glue sticks.
- Create cheeks by dipping around sponge dabber in pink acrylic craft paint and stamping on either side of the cardinal’s beak. Let paint dry.
- To finish, add to nostrils to the cardinal’s beak with the black marker.
- Hang your finished cardinal on display!
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Why Kids Will Love This Cardinal Paper Plate Craft
This little cardinal brings big energy to the craft table – bright colors, goofy eyes, and wings made from actual handprints? Kids are instantly hooked.
Here’s what makes it a total kid-favorite:
They get to paint a giant red circle and call it a bird. Zero rules, maximum satisfaction.
Those handprint wings? Kids adore anything that involves tracing their own hands — it’s like leaving their signature without signing anything.
The finished cardinal ends up looking ridiculously cute… in a slightly chaotic, “I made this and I love him” kind of way.
Plus, googly eyes. That’s it. That’s the whole reason.
This is one of those crafts that turns into instant fridge art, instant classroom display, and instant kid-pride.
Get This Paper Plate Cardinal Craftivity Now!
Use code CARDS at checkout to snag this packet for 25% off.
Please Share This Cardinal Paper Plate Craft
If your kiddo had fun making this bright red cardinal, feel free to share it! Pin it to your favorite craft board or pass it along to a teacher or friend who could use a simple, colorful project. Every share helps more families find easy crafts that are actually fun to make.
