Paper Plate Treasure Chest Craft
Arrr, matey! Every good pirate needs a place to stash their gold, and this paper plate treasure chest craft is the perfect solution. With just a couple of paper plates, some paint, and sparkly gems, kids can make a chest full of treasure that looks ready to be discovered on a deserted island. It’s an easy project that’s perfect for pirate parties, imaginative play, or just a fun afternoon at home.
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Materials Needed for a Treasure Chest Craft
Print-ready templates and step-by-step instructions.
Less prep, more crafting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Paper Plate Treasure Chest
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather your supplies including paper plates, paint, scissors, glue, yellow paper, and colorful gems.
Step 2: Paint the Plates Brown
Paint two paper plates completely brown and set them aside to dry.
Step 3: Cut the Chest Shapes
Once the plates are dry, cut the top edges of both to create rounded chest shapes.
Step 4: Draw the Coins and Treasure
On yellow construction paper, draw circles for gold coins and a wavy strip for the pile of treasure.
Step 5: Cut Out the Coins and Treasure
Cut out the coins and the wavy treasure strip.
Step 6: Paint the Metal Bands
Paint two thick black vertical stripes on the front of the chest to represent the metal bands.
Step 7: Add the Treasure
Glue the yellow treasure strip inside one paper plate to look like coins spilling out.
Step 8: Attach the Lid
Attach the second plate piece on top as the chest lid, leaving the yellow treasure visible.
Step 9: Add the Gold Coins
Glue yellow coins onto the chest, layering some inside for a full effect.
Step 10: Add the Gems
Add colorful craft gems on top of the coins to make the treasure sparkle.
Step 11: Paint the Studs
Paint small yellow circles along the black bands to create decorative studs.
Step 12: Add the Lock
Cut and glue a small yellow rectangle with a black keyhole in the center to make the lock.
All done!
Glue down any loose edges, let everything dry, then display your treasure chest or use it for pirate play!
We'd love to see yours! Snap a photo and share it in the comments.
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