Crafting Christmas Magic: How to Make a Cheerful Paper Plate Elf with Your Kids

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The holiday season is the perfect time to bond with your kids over fun and festive crafts. This easy paper plate elf project is a cheerful addition to your Christmas activities, allowing little ones to let their imaginations soar.

With just a few basic supplies, you and your kids can create a whimsical elf that’s perfect for decorating your home or gifting to loved ones. Let’s get into the Christmas spirit with this simple, delightful craft!

Materials Needed

This craft only requires a few easy-to-find materials.

A Paper Plate

Markers

Googly eyes

Cotton Balls or white pom poms

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

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

Step 1: Prepare the Paper Plate:

Start with the paper plate, which will act as Santa’s face. If you have any skin-tone markers, paint, or crayons, feel free to color the center of the plate however, this step is optional.

Step 2: Create the Elf's Face:

Glue googly eyes onto the paper plate. Use a marker to draw a small button nose and a cheerful smile. If you’d like, you can use a pom pom for the nose instead to add some fun texture.

Step 3: Make the Ears

Cut two small pointed ear shapes out of white construction paper and color them the same color as the face. Attach them to the sides of the plate.

Step 4: Make the Hat:

Cut a triangle from red or green construction paper to create a fun elf hat. Glue the triangle to the top of the paper plate, pointing upward.

Glue cotton balls along the bottom edge of the hat to form the trim. Add one cotton ball to the tip of the hat for a fluffy effect.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Let your kids personalize their elf! Add glitter, stickers, or small pom-poms to the hat, or create a collar for extra holiday flair.

Make It Your Own

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

Make a Family of Elves: Create elves with different expressions, skin tones, hats, and accessories for a whole elf family!

Add a Name: Personalize your elf by writing your child’s name on the hat’s trim.

Display Ideas: Use a hole punch to add a ribbon and hang the elf as an ornament, or tape it to your front door for a festive greeting.

Storytime Fun: Pair this craft with a favorite Christmas book like The Littlest Elf or How to Catch an Elf for a cozy crafting session.

Let's Get Ready for the Christmas Season

This paper plate elf craft is more than just an art project—it’s an opportunity to create holiday memories with your children. The simplicity of the steps makes it ideal for little hands, while the customizable elements encourage creativity. Whether you’re decorating your home or making gifts, this cheerful elf is sure to spread joy and smiles.

So gather your supplies, start reading a Christmas book, and let the holiday crafting begin!