Transform a simple dollar store paper plate into an adorable whale with this fun and budget-friendly craft!
This creative project combines easy folding, painting, and decorating with colorful cardstock details, perfect for kids who love ocean animals and creating keepsakes.
Dollar Store Paper Plate Whale Materials
Gather these supplies to create your adorable whale craft:
Essential Supplies:
- Paper plate – Dollar Store
- Wiggle eyes – Dollar Store
- Cardstock in bright blue and light blue
- Craft paint in bright blue, pink, and white
- Glue gun and glue sticks – Dollar Store
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Permanent marker, black
- Whale patterns
Step-by-Step Dollar Store Paper Plate Whale Instructions
Recommended Age: This craft is perfect for ages 4 and up with adult supervision for glue gun and paint use.
Follow these simple steps to create your whale craft:
Step 1: Fold and Cut the Paper Plate
- Fold the paper plate so the bottom edge meets the top edge of the circular indent and score firmly
- Cut the paper plate with scissors along the folded line
Step 2: Basecoat the Whale Body
- Measure and mark a line 2″ up from the bottom cut edge of the whale body
- Basecoat the outside top of the paper plate with bright blue acrylic craft paint
- Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary
Step 3: Prepare Your Patterns
- Download and print the whale patterns, then cut out with scissors
- Trace the pattern pieces onto cardstock: tail fluke once onto bright blue, pectoral fins twice onto bright blue, and water spout once onto light blue with a pencil
- You could also use colored craft foam, construction paper, or craft felt for this project
Step 4: Cut Out All Pattern Pieces
- Cut out the patterns with scissors
Step 5: Attach Fins and Eyes
- Attach the tail fluke and pectoral fins with a glue gun and glue sticks
- Glue two wiggle eyes to the right and left side of the whale's face
- TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry
Step 6: Basecoat the Tail Fluke
- Basecoat the tail fluke with bright blue acrylic craft paint
- Set aside to dry
Step 7: Add Dotted Pattern to Tail
- Stamp a dotted pattern on the tail fluke by dipping the end of a paintbrush in white acrylic craft paint
Step 8: Add Cheeks
- Create cheeks by dipping a round sponge dabber in pink acrylic craft paint
- Stamp on either side of the whale's eyes
- Let paint dry
Step 9: Add Facial Features
- Using a black marker, draw a smile on the whale's face
- Add vertical lines to the white portion of the whale
- Draw a wiggly line around the light blue cardstock water spout
Step 10: Finish with Water Spout
- Glue the water spout to the whale's head
- Draw a half circle at the base of the water spout with a black marker
- Your adorable whale is ready to swim!
Final Thoughts on This Dollar Store Paper Plate Whale Craft for Kids
This is a fun activity to keep the kiddos busy with painting, coloring, and motor skills while creating a special keepsake!
Make this super cute paper plate Whale kids craft in just about 30 minutes!
Ready for more fun arctic and winter crafts? Check out these favorites:
- 25 Amazing Winter Science Experiments for Kids
- 25 Fun Winter Crafts for Kids
- 23 Adorable Snowman Crafts For Kids
Explore our kids craft blog for even more creative winter craft projects that create lasting memories!
