Paper Plate Owl Craft for Kids

Looking for a fun and easy fall craft? This Paper Plate Owl Craft is the perfect project for kids to celebrate the cozy season! Using just a few simple materials, children can turn an ordinary paper plate into an adorable owl with big eyes and cute wings. It’s a great craft for preschoolers, classroom activities, or weekend family fun.

Paper plate owl craft template with printed shapes next to a finished brown owl made from a paper plate.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Colored cardstock paper
  • Paper Plate Owl Template- Purchase below or grab it from our membership library!
  • Paper plate
  • Acrylic paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Sharpies

Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Paper Plate

Start with one paper plate for the owl’s body. You’ll also need half of another plate to make the wings.

Step 2: Cut the Shapes

Cut a small curved section off one side of the full plate to shape the owl’s head. Then, cut out two wing shapes from the second plate.

Step 3: Trace the Outline

Flip the main plate over and lightly sketch your owl shape on the back using a pencil.

Plain white paper plate ready for crafting.
Paper plate with an owl body shape lightly traced on it.
Cut paper plate pieces separated for owl body, wings, and feet.

Step 4: Paint the Owl

Use acrylic paint to color the owl’s body and wings. Choose shades of brown, tan, or even fun fall colors like orange and yellow! Let it dry completely.

Step 5: Attach the Wings

Glue the two painted wings to the sides of the owl’s body plate.

Step 6: Add the Face

Trace and cut out the eye bases, beak, and little pink blush circles from colored cardstock. Glue the eyes near the top, the beak in the center, and the blush circles just below the eyes.

Owl face parts including large eyes, orange beak, and pink cheeks cut out.
Painted paper plate with attached wings and face area.
Owl body with wings and feet arranged before gluing.

Step 7: Add Details

Once the glue dries, use a marker or Sharpie to add feather lines or outlines for extra detail.

Completed paper plate owl craft with big eyes, orange beak, and pink cheeks, assembled and painted.

Craft Tips

  • Try mixing and matching colors for a bright, whimsical owl!
  • Add glitter or patterned paper for extra fun.
  • This craft pairs perfectly with story time — try reading Owl Babies or Goodnight Owl afterward!

Why We Love This Craft

This Paper Plate Owl Craft helps kids build fine motor skills, express creativity, and learn about shapes — all while having fun! It’s simple, adorable, and perfect for any fall day or animal-themed craft session.

Connection doesn’t have to be complicated. With our Print Play Fun Membership, you’ll have screen-free activities at your fingertips—ready to turn everyday moments into memories.

👉 PS. This printable is waiting for you inside the membership!

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