Paper Plate Treasure Map Craft for Kids
X marks the spot! This paper plate treasure map craft is such a fun pirate craft for kids. Painted paper plates become an aged treasure map, then your little ones add colorful cutout islands, a pirate ship, and a big X to mark where the treasure is buried.
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Materials for This Paper Plate Treasure Map Craft
Print-ready templates and step-by-step instructions.
Less prep, more crafting.
How to Make a Paper Plate Treasure Map Craft
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather all the supplies for this paper plate treasure map craft. Having everything ready before you begin makes the process smooth and fun.
Step 2: Paint the Paper Plates
Basecoat the outside of both paper plates with light brown acrylic craft paint to create an aged, parchment look. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat if necessary.
Step 3: Flatten the Plates
Once dry, flatten both paper plates so the patterns can be traced evenly onto the surface.
Step 4: Trace and Cut the Map Shapes
Download, print, and cut out the treasure map patterns. Trace the top map pattern onto the first paper plate and the bottom map pattern onto the second paper plate.
Step 5: Cut Out the Map Pieces
Cut out both map shapes with scissors, making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished look.
Step 6: Join the Map Pieces
Attach the top and bottom map pieces together using a glue gun and glue sticks.
Step 7: Prepare the Map Images
Download and print the treasure map image sheet onto white cardstock, featuring islands, a treasure chest, ocean waves, and a pirate ship. Color in all the images with colored pencils, crayons, or markers.
Step 8: Cut Out the Map Images
Cut out all the colored images with scissors.
Step 9: Arrange and Glue the Images
Arrange and dry fit the images on the treasure map. Once happy with placement, attach each image using a glue stick. Trim any excess from the edges.
Step 10: Add the Scroll Details
Using a black marker, draw scroll details at the top and bottom edges of the map. Add the N, S, E, and W letters to the compass rose, as well as the path to the treasure.
Your paper plate treasure map is complete — X marks the spot! Now go find that treasure!
All done!
Your treasure map is ready for a pirate adventure!
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 Paper Plate Treasure Map Craft
Did your little pirates love making this paper plate treasure map craft? We'd love to see your maps! Share on social media and tag us, and pin this project to your pirate crafts board on Pinterest!
