Penguin Paper Plate Craft
Our house has entered its penguin era…and this penguin paper plate craft was the highlight. Big eyes, big feet, big personality. This guy basically built himself while my kid narrated an entire National Geographic documentary about him.
It’s fast, it’s fun, and it turned into the perfect mix of winter vibes, fine-motor practice, and absolute silliness. Grab a plate and let’s make a penguin with some attitude.
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Materials for Your Penguin Paper Plate Craft
How to Make This Paper Plate Penguin Craft
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather all of your supplies.
Step 2: Paint the Penguin Body
Draw an arch through the middle of the outside of the paper plate with a pencil. Paint the outside of the arch with black acrylic craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Step 3: Trace the Penguin Patterns
Download and print the penguin patterns, then cut out with scissors. Trace the head once and flippers twice onto black cardstock. Trace the beak once and the feet twice onto orange 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 patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Step 5: Attach the Head, Flippers, and Feet
Attach the head, both flippers, and both feet with a glue gun and glue sticks. TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
Step 6: Add the Eyes and Beak
Attach two wiggle eyes and the orange beak to the penguin’s face with a glue gun and glue sticks.
Step 7: Draw the Nostrils
To finish, draw two nostrils at the top of the penguin’s beak with a black marker.
All done!
Hang your finished penguin 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.
More Arctic Animal Crafts for Kids
See all Arctic Animal Activities for Kids →
Please Share This Penguin Paper Plate Craft
If you enjoyed making this little penguin, I’d love for you to share it! Pin it to your favorite craft board or pass it along to a parent or teacher who might be looking for an easy winter project. Every share helps more families find simple, creative activities their kids will actually enjoy.
