There’s just something about holiday crafts that makes Christmas so much fun! Especially when cotton balls are involved. This adorable paper plate Santa craft is an easy Christmas craft for kids that uses cheap, simple supplies you probably already have tucked away in cabinet somewhere. Go grab a paper plate, a little paint, glue, and a handful of cotton balls to make the cutest little Santa Claus craft for Christmas!
I think preschoolers will have the most fun with this one because they get to glue on Santa’s big, fluffy beard. And let’s be real, what little kid doesn’t love playing with cotton balls and glue? They can pile them on, squish them together, and give Santa the fluffiest beard you’ve ever seen.
Supplies Needed
- white paper plate
- red, white & brown paint
- small paint brush
- pencil
- craft glue
- cotton balls
Step 1For younger kids, use a pencil to lightly outline the bottom of Santa’s hat and draw his nose before they start painting. This gives them an easy guide to follow so they know exactly where to paint each color.
Step 2Now let the painting begin! To create Santa’s skin tone, you’ll need to mix a few paint colors together. Start with mostly white paint, then add a tiny bit of red and brown. Mix everything together, adding small amounts of each color until you get the shade you like. For Santa’s eyes, simply use paint, a marker, or a pair of googly eyes!
Step 3Once the paint has completely dried, it’s time to give Santa his big, fluffy beard and decorate the trim of his hat! You can pull the cotton balls apart into smaller pieces if needed, especially along the bottom of his hat. Simply apply glue to the areas where you want the cotton balls, then let the kids have fun sticking, stacking, and fluffing them up. The fluffier the beard, the better!
If you’re looking for a fun Christmas craft for kids to keep little hands busy over winter break, this is such an easy one to pull together at home without spending a bunch of money on supplies. It’s also simple enough for a preschool or kindergarten classroom project, especially if you prep the paper plates ahead of time. Once they’re finished, hang these jolly little Santas on the fridge, display them on a bulletin board, or use them as homemade Christmas decorations. Nothing beats decorating for the holidays with something your kids made themselves!
