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.
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Materials You’ll Need for This Cardinal Paper Plate Craft
Print-ready templates and step-by-step instructions.
Less prep, more crafting.
How to Make This Paper Plate Cardinal Craft
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather all of your supplies.
Step 2: Paint the Paper Plate
Paint the inside of the paper plate with red acrylic craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Step 3: Trace the Cardinal Patterns
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.
Step 4: Cut Out the Pieces
Cut out the cardinal patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Step 5: Attach the Feathers, Wings, and Face
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.
Step 6: Stamp On Pink Cheeks
Create cheeks by dipping a round sponge dabber in pink acrylic craft paint and stamping on either side of the cardinal’s beak. Let paint dry.
Step 7: Draw the Nostrils
To finish, add two nostrils to the cardinal’s beak with the black marker.
All done!
Hang your finished cardinal on display!
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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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.
