Looking for a simple Christmas craft for your whole family? This paper plate poinsettia craft is easy, turns out beautifully, and makes a great decoration. Make these now and enjoy their cheerful color all Advent and Christmas season long!
These paper plate poinsettias are easily adjusted to suit different ages and ability-levels. This was a really fun craft for our family to do together last year, with kids ages 3 to 7.
The Inspiration
This tutorial from Deep Space Sparkle was the inspiration for my paper plates, but was a little too advance for my household. The basic idea is the same – cut and paint paper plates to make poinsettias, but the execution is more advanced. She uses sponges to add texture to her petals, and uses yellow tissue paper for the center of the flowers. They are beautiful! One day, we’ll get there, but for now, we’ll stick to our simple version.
Supplies for the Paper Plate Poinsettia Craft
- White paper plates in 2-3 different sizes
- Paint (red, green, and yellow)
- Scissors
- Paintbrushes
- A round object to trace for the center of the poinsettias (you could also free-hand the circles – this craft is very forgiving)
Notes on Supplies
- For this craft, cheaper is better. Thin paper plates will curl a bit when painted, and will look more flower-like. Go for the cheapest, flimsiest paper plates you can find! I was only able to find two sizes of paper plates, and the craft worked beautifully. If you are able to find three sizes of plates, it will add even more interest and dimension to your poinsettias.
- If you are not in a paint-season at your house, feel free to use crayons, colored pencils, or markers. The flowers will not “curl” as much (the wet of the paint causes this effect), but the flowers will still be lovely, and you may save yourself some chaos.
How to Make the Paper Plate Poinsettia Craft
Cut your paper plates
Start by prepping your paper plates. You will need three paper plates for each poinsettia. I used two large plates and one small plate for each flower. If you have three sizes of plates, you will use one of each size for each flower. Draw or trace a circle in the center of each plate. I used a slightly larger circle on one of my larger plates. Truth be told, I’m not sure that was necessary.
I drew the flowers for all of my kids, but older kids would be able to draw their own flowers. I wouldn’t worry about perfection with this paper plate poinsettia craft. Imperfection will only make the flowers look more realistic.
Cut the plates
In our house, the two oldest kids (8 and 6) cut their own plates. I cut out the flowers for my 3 and 4 year old. As with all steps of this craft, you can adjust the involvement level based on the ability level of your kids.
When you are done cutting, you are ready to paint!
Paint your poinsettias!
Paint one of the large plates (or your largest plate, if you have three sizes) green. The whole thing.
Paint the other large plate (or the medium sized plate, if you have three sizes) red. The whole thing. Easy as pie.
Paint the smallest plate yellow in the center, and red on the petals. The small plate will be on top when your flower is assembled, so we want a beautiful yellow center on this plate.
Assemble the poinsettias!
Once your paint is dry, you are ready to glue the plates together. The green leaves go on the bottom. Glue the larger red petals on the green leaves. Finally, glue the small red petals (with yellow center) on the very top.
Enjoy your handcrafted Christmas decorations
There is something extra sweet about homemade decorations, especially when the whole family works together. Last year, we loved having the kids’ art on display. The kids were tickled to see their art used as “real” decorations. When the season was done, we recycled the them and moved on, but you could also store them for use next year, or keep them as an art-keepsake.
Here’s to a simpler Christmas!