Paper Plate Caterpillar Craft
There’s just something about caterpillars – colorful, wiggly, and always on their way to becoming something magical. This paper plate caterpillar craft lets kids paint, glue, and decorate their way to a bright new buddy who’s perfect for springtime, storytime, or a Very Hungry Caterpillar–themed activity.
It’s fun, simple, and so cheerful you’ll probably want to make more than one. (Trust me, a whole line of caterpillars crawling across a bulletin board? Instant classroom hit.)
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What You’ll Need for This Paper Plate Caterpillar
Print-ready templates and step-by-step instructions.
Less prep, more crafting.
- Paper plate Shop
- Acrylic paint (red, purple, yellow, teal, orange) Shop
- Green construction paper Shop
- Googly eyes Shop
- Pink paint Shop
- Black pipe cleaners Shop
- Purple pipe cleaners Shop
- Yellow pom poms Shop
- Glue gun or school glue Shop
- Black marker Shop
- Paintbrush and sponge dauber Shop
- Scissors Shop
How to Make a Paper Plate Caterpillar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather your supplies. You’ll need a paper plate, paint, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, pom poms, scissors, glue, and a black marker to bring this cheerful caterpillar to life.
Step 2: Paint the Rainbow Rim
Start by painting sections of the rim on the paper plate in bright rainbow colors. Use red, purple, yellow, teal, and orange to create fun stripes that will become the caterpillar’s body.
Step 3: Cut the Caterpillar Body
Once the paint is dry, cut the plate in half and set aside the other half. Then from the half you painted, cut out the center to create the curved caterpillar body.
Step 4: Trace the Head
Trace a large circle onto green construction paper for the caterpillar’s head.
Step 5: Cut Out the Head
Cut out the green circle.
Step 6: Add the Eyes and Cheeks
Use glue to attach two big googly eyes near the top of the green circle. Then, dip your sponge dauber in pink paint and add rosy cheeks to give your caterpillar a friendly smile.
Step 7: Cut the Legs
Next, cut a black pipe cleaner into several short pieces. These will be the caterpillar’s little legs.
Step 8: Attach the Legs
Glue the pipe cleaner legs along the bottom edge of the back of the painted paper plate. Be sure to space them out evenly so your caterpillar looks balanced.
Step 9: Add the Antennae
Make the antennae by cutting a purple pipe cleaner in half. Glue a yellow pom pom to the end of each piece, then attach them to the back of the caterpillar’s head.
Step 10: Attach the Head
Glue the green head onto the front of the paper plate body. Make sure it lines up nicely so your caterpillar looks complete.
Step 11: Draw the Smile
Use your black marker to draw a big smile on the caterpillar’s face. This small detail brings the whole project to life!
All done!
Let everything dry, and your colorful caterpillar is ready to crawl across the table or hang on the wall!
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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