How to Make Toys Made From Paper Plates

Paper plate crafts are a good remedy for rainy day boredom.

During seemingly endless summer days and rainy afternoons alike, children need things to do. Paper plates are available almost anywhere and are an inexpensive and versatile craft medium that most families have in their cabinets. Projects can be created using normal paper plates or recycled Styrofoam plates that have been cleaned with soap and water.

Things You'll Need

• Paper plates
• Scissors
• Flat 1 inch wide ribbon
• Staples
• Glue
• Paint
• Glitter
• Stickers
• Newspaper
• 4 bowls
• Easter egg dye or food coloring
• Ice pick or nail
• 24 basket-style coffee filters
• Towel
• Hair dryer
• Popsicle stick
• Small handful of beans or gravel

Instructions

Purse

1. Fold a paper plate in half and cut along the folded edge.

2. Staple or glue the round edges of the two plate halves together, forming a pocket. Leave the flat edges open. This will be the body of your purse.

3. Cut a 12-inch length of flat silk ribbon. Staple or tape each end to one sides of the paper plate pocket to form the purse handle.

4. Decorate the purse with paints, glitter, and stickers.

Paper Plate Bridal Bouquet

1. Cover your workspace with several sheets of newspaper. Fill four small disposable shallow containers with water. Add one color of Easter egg dye or food coloring to each, according to package directions.

2. Place six coffee filters into each container and allow the dye to saturate them. Lay them flat on a towel to dry. The Love to Know Craft website suggests using a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.

3. Have an adult punch 12 holes into a paper plate with a screw punch, ice pick or nail so that they are scattered over the surface.

4. Place two coffee filters together, one inside the other, to create each flower. Gather in the center. Use a pencil or the end of a paintbrush to gently poke the center of each flower through a hole in the plate so that it sticks upright. Tape the paper that is sticking out to the under side of the plate.

5. Paint a popscicle stick white. Cut a small slit in the center of the plate for the stick. Put it through the slit and secure it with tape; it is the bouquet holder. This flower bouquet can be used for dress-up and pretend weddings.

Sunshine Shaker

1. Paint a sunshine design on the bottom of two paper plates, using the outside rim for “rays”. Allow to dry.

2. Glue the plates together at the edges, leaving a 2-inch opening. Allow glue to dry.

3. Pour a small handful of beans or gravel into the opening. Glue or staple shut the hole so that none of the beans can fall out.

4. Shake the plates, like a tambourine, to make music. Or place on a flat surface and pat on the top like a drum.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear gloves and protect your clothing when working with dye.

References

• Crafts Love to Know: Dying Coffee Filters