Axolotl Paper Plate Craft
Axolotls might just be the cutest little creatures under the water, and now your kids can make one without needing an aquarium! This paper plate axolotl craft is bright, pink, and ridiculously adorable, making it the perfect mix of fun and learning.
It’s quick, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed hit with preschoolers, elementary learners, or anyone who loves quirky animals.
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What You’ll Need for This Axolotl Paper Plate Craft
Print-ready templates and step-by-step instructions.
Less prep, more crafting.
How to Make a Paper Plate Axolotl
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather your supplies. Round up your paper plate, paint, googly eyes, and all your pink supplies—it’s axolotl time!
Step 2: Paint the Plate Pink
Paint the paper plate. Cover the entire plate with a soft pink acrylic paint. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Step 3: Trim the Edges
Trim the edges. Cut off the outer ridges of the plate so your axolotl has a smooth, rounded face shape.
Step 4: Trace the Gills
On pink construction paper, draw several feathery shapes for the axolotl’s gills.
Step 5: Cut Out the Gills
Cut out all of the gill shapes.
Step 6: Layer the Gills
Layer and glue the gills. Glue darker pink paper frills onto lighter pink bases to give them that iconic axolotl look.
Step 7: Add Pipe Cleaner Details
Add pipe cleaner details. Glue pipe cleaners down the middle of each frill to make them stand out and look extra fun.
Step 8: Add the Eyes and Cheeks
Add the googly eyes. Glue two large googly eyes onto the middle of the plate. The bigger, the cuter!
Give it rosy cheeks. Use a sponge dauber (or paintbrush) to add pink circles under the eyes.
Step 9: Attach the Gills
Attach the gills. Glue the finished frills to the sides of the plate—three on each side works perfectly.
Step 10: Draw the Smile
Draw a smile. With a black marker, draw a simple curved smile right between the cheeks.
All done!
Show off your axolotl! Your adorable pink friend is ready to display or play with.
We'd love to see yours! Snap a photo and share it in the comments.
Grab the Printable
Skip the prep and grab the print-ready templates for this craft from my shop.
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