This paper plate craft is a super fun and colorful activity that toddlers and preschoolers will love! After cutting a simple paper plate into a wiggly shape, little hands can have fun gluing bright pom-poms all the way down the caterpillar’s body and adding silly googly eyes and curly antennae with a pipe cleaner.
Made with common household items and inexpensive craft supplies, this is an easy, low-prep project that’s perfect for keeping kids busy on a rainy day while encouraging creativity and lots of smiles.
Supplies Needed
- paper plate
- colorful pom-poms
- a pipe cleaner
- googly eyes
- scissors
- craft glue
Step 1Start by grabbing a paper plate and cutting it into a long, wiggly caterpillar shape. If freehand cutting isn’t your thing, simply sketch the outline with a pencil first and then follow the lines with your scissors.
Step 2Using the tip of your scissors, make two small holes near one end of the paper plate where you want the caterpillar’s head to be. Thread a pipe cleaner through the holes so both ends stick up, then bend or curl the ends to create the caterpillar’s antennae.
Step 3Now it’s time for the most exciting part! Let your little ones cover the caterpillar with colorful pom-poms, gluing them all the way down its wiggly body. For the best results, start with the first pom-pom just above the pipe cleaner antennae to create the caterpillar’s head, then keep adding pom-poms until the entire body is covered.
What are you going to name your new pet caterpillar? We decided to call ours Mr. Wiggles! Once the craft is finished, the fun doesn’t have to end. Kids will love carrying their adorable little caterpillar around, giving it a personality, and pretending it’s their very own paper pet.
It’s the kind of simple craft that sparks imagination and helps kids appreciate the fascinating world of bugs—because let’s be honest, caterpillars are usually a lot cuter when they’re made from paper and colorful craft supplies!
If you like this easy craft idea, check out this Big List of Cheap Crafts For Kids. 😃
