Fun and Easy Winter Craft: How to Make an Adorable Paper Plate Penguin with Your Kids

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Winter is the perfect time to huddle indoors and let creativity take center stage. This adorable paper plate penguin craft is a fun and easy winter craft to keep your kids entertained during chilly days while embracing the frosty theme of the season.

With just a few simple materials, your child can create their very own penguin pal. Whether you display it on the fridge or make a whole flock for a winter display, this craft is sure to bring smiles and laughter!

Materials Needed

The craft only requires two main materials, a paper plate and construction paper; however, feel free to get creative and use additional supplies if you have them.

A Black Paper Plate

Markers

Googly eyes

Optional Supplies: Glitter, yarn, felt, pipe cleaners, cotton balls, or pom poms

Easy Paper Plate Penguin Craft Materials

Step by Step Tutorial on How to make a Paper Plate Penguin

Step 1: Create the Penguin Body

Start with the paper plate as the penguin’s body. We used a leftover black paper plate for Halloween, so we cut out a white oval shape to be the main part of the body and glued it to the paper plate.

If you are starting with a white paper plate, cut a large oval from black construction paper to form the penguin’s outer feathers. Glue it onto the plate, leaving the middle section of the white plate exposed in the center to represent the penguin’s belly and face.

Step 2: Create the Penguin Face

Glue the googly eyes towards the top of the plate. If you don't have any googly eyes, you can cut out circles from white and black construction paper and create your own eyes instead.

Cut out a small orange triangle for the beak and glue it under the penguin's eyes.

Step 3: Make the Wings and Feet

Cut two long oval shapes from the black construction paper to create the penguin’s wings. Glue one wing on each side of the plate, angling them slightly upward or downward for a playful look.

Cut out two circles or get a bit creative and create foot shapes like we did out of orange construction paper and glue them to the bottom of the paper plate.

Step 4: Personalize Your Penguin

Now it’s time for some creative flair! Let your kids decorate their penguins with accessories like a tiny paper scarf, earmuffs, or even a bowtie. They can use markers to add extra details, like snowflakes on the wings or rosy cheeks on the face.

Make It Your Own

Encourage your kids to customize their penguins with these fun ideas:

Colorful Penguins: Instead of black feathers, make a rainbow penguin with colored construction paper for a unique twist.

Winter Scene: Use construction paper as a background and decorate it with snowflakes, glitter, or cotton ball snow.

Penguin Family: Create penguins in different sizes using smaller or larger plates to represent a family of penguins.

Let's Create a Winter Friend

Crafting a penguin out of a paper plate is a delightful winter activity that’s simple, fun, and full of possibilities. It’s a wonderful way to bond with your kids, spark their creativity, and add a little winter charm to your home. Plus, it’s a great way to explore winter themes and learn about penguins in a hands-on, creative way.

So grab your supplies, gather around the table, and let the penguin crafting adventure begin! Your child’s creation will be the cutest addition to your winter decorations.