Easy Paper Plate LION Craft for KIDS (With Free Template)

Are your little ones roaring with boredom, yearning for a fun and engaging activity? Look no further than this amazing paper plate lion craft for kids.

This fantastic project is the perfect way to unleash your child’s inner artist while keeping them entertained for hours.

Paper Plate LION Craft for KIDS (finished project)

With just a few simple materials and our downloadable template, your child will be crafting their very own majestic lion masterpiece.

Imagine the excitement as they transform a humble paper plate into a ferocious king of the jungle, complete with adorable eyes, and a playful grin.

Not only is this craft a blast to create, but it also helps develop your child’s fine motor skills and sparks their imagination.

So, gather your supplies, download the template, and prepare to be amazed by the roaring creativity your little lion brings to life.

Materials Needed For Paper Plate Lion Craft

  • Paper Plate: Grab a sturdy paper plate as the base for your lion masterpiece. Opt for a standard-sized plate to ensure ample space for your child’s creativity to shine.
  • Printed Template (On A4 size paper): Ensure you have the downloadable template printed on A4 size paper. This template will serve as a guide for cutting out the lion’s features, making the crafting process easier and more precise.
  • Scissors: Equip your little crafter with a pair of child-safe scissors to safely cut out the lion’s features from the printed template. These scissors are designed with small hands in mind, making it easier for kids to handle and maneuver.
  • Glue: Choose a child-friendly glue that’s safe and easy to use. A glue stick or white school glue works well for this craft, allowing your child to attach the lion’s features securely to the paper plate without any mess or fuss.

Step 1: Preparing OR Downloading the paper lion template

Step 1 - Preparing OR Downloading the paper lion template

First things first, download the ready-made template for this adorable paper plate lion craft.

No need to worry about designing anything yourself, I’ve got you covered.

Simply download the template from here and get ready to unleash your creativity.

Step 2: Cut Out the Shapes

Step 2 - Cut Out the Shapes

Once you’ve downloaded the template, grab a pair of scissors and carefully cut out the shapes according to the outlines provided.

Step 3: Assemble the Facial Structure

Step 3 - Assemble the Facial Structure

Now it’s time to bring our paper plate lion’s face to life.

Start by sticking the ears onto the face, positioning them just right for maximum cuteness.

Once the ears are in place, carefully paste the face onto the center of the paper plate, creating the perfect canvas for our majestic lion.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

With the facial structure in place, it’s time to add the details that will truly make our lion shine.

Step 4 - Add the Finishing Touches

Attach the eyes above the face, giving our lion a playful and endearing expression.

Step 4 Add the Finishing Touches (Nose)

Next, carefully affix the nose and other facial features, paying attention to placement for that extra dose of charm.

Step 5: Get Creative

Step 5 - Get Creative

Now that the basics are in place, it’s time to let your child’s creativity run wild.

Encourage them to add their own personal touches to their lion craft, whether it’s drawing a whimsical mustache or adding colorful accents, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity.

In this case, I drew a mustache for our paper plate lion using a sketch pen.

Here’s how our completed paper plate LION project looks like:

Final look of the simple paper plate lion

Enhancing the paper plate lion craft with textures and details

You can easily take this paper plate lion craft to the next level by adding some texture and extra details.

Here are some quick tips to make it better and look beautiful:

Textured Mane

To give our lion that extra touch of realism, consider adding a textured mane.

You can achieve this by cutting out strips of yellow or orange construction paper and gluing them around the edge of the paper plate.

Use Colorful Accents

Get creative with colorful accents to make your lion truly stand out.

Whether it’s adding vibrant paper flowers around the mane or gluing on sequins and glitter for some sparkle, let your child’s imagination guide the way.

Use Natural Elements

For an extra touch of authenticity, consider incorporating natural elements into your paper plate lion craft.

Try using dried leaves or twigs for the lion’s whiskers, or even small stones or pebbles for added texture on the mane.

Personalized Touches

Finally, don’t forget to add some personalized touches to make your lion craft uniquely yours.

Whether it’s adding your child’s name in colorful letters or including a heartfelt message on the back of the paper plate, these small details will make your craft even more special.

Video Walkthrough of Paper Plate Lion Craft Project

Final Thoughts

Beyond the practical benefits of developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, this craft fosters:

  • Imagination: Children can personalize their lions, giving them unique names, personalities, and even backstories (This encourages imaginative play and storytelling).
  • Problem-solving: Adapting the craft to different materials or using the template as inspiration for freehand drawing challenges problem-solving skills.
  • A Sense of Accomplishment: Seeing their completed lion, a product of their own creativity and effort, instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in young children.

This simple paper plate craft can be the catalyst for further exploration of the animal kingdom, sparking curiosity about lions and their habitats.

It can also be a stepping stone to more complex craft projects as children gain confidence and hone their skills.

In closing, I would like to emphasize the critical importance of adult supervision regardless of the craft project you and the kids undertake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is this paper plate lion craft suitable for?

This paper p[ate craft is ideal for children aged 3-8 years old. Younger children might need some assistance with cutting and gluing, while older children can enjoy more independence and creativity.

What if I don’t have child-safe scissors for this paper plate craft?

Adult supervision is crucial when using any scissors. If you don’t have child-safe scissors, you can help your child cut out the shapes or pre-cut them yourself before starting the craft.

Are there any substitutions for the materials listed for this paper plate lion?

Absolutely! Here are some alternatives with which you can craft a stellar paper plate lion craft:
Paper plate: You can use a cardboard plate or even a sturdy paper – bowl.
Scissors: If child-safe scissors are unavailable, use regular scissors with adult supervision.
Glue: You can use double-sided tape or any other child-friendly adhesive.
Construction paper: Use colored cardstock, cardboard cutouts, or even tissue paper for the mane and features.

How can I make this paper plate lion craft more challenging for older children?

Encourage older children to design their own lion features instead of using the provided template. They can also try adding more details like whiskers, tongue, or even a background scene.

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