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One plain white paper plate, a splash of red paint, and a pair of googly eyes – that’s really all it takes to spark a full afternoon of Thanksgiving fun. Add a few giggles and a good story, and you’ve got a craft worth remembering.
This project was inspired by the sweet children’s book The Cranky Cranberry, a Thanksgiving tale all about gratitude and friendship. After reading it together, kids will be eager to make their very own cranberry character to keep.
It’s simple, it’s colorful, and best of all, it works for busy homes and buzzing classrooms alike. Let’s get crafting!
Craft Supplies:
Gather these supplies before you start. Most of them are probably already in your craft bin.
- 1 large white paper plate (per child)
- Bright red paint (washable is best!)
- Red loose craft glitter
- 2 large googly eyes
- Newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your table
That’s it! No fancy tools, no complicated steps.
Directions:
Step 1: Set Up Your Space
Lay down newspaper or a tablecloth to catch any drips. Give each child a paper plate and roll up those sleeves. If you’re working with a group, set out paint and glitter in shared spots so everyone can reach.
Step 2: Add the Paint
Fold your paper plate in half. Open back up and squeeze a few blobs of bright red paint on one side of the paper plate. You don’t need to cover the whole thing. Random dots and splats work perfectly and give the cranberry its bumpy, real-life texture.
Step 3: Splat and Squish
Now for the best part. Have kids gently fold the plate back together, while they smoosh and squish the paint inside.
When they are done, go ahead and help them open it back up to reveal the “splat” design inside.
Mess-free option: Slide inside of our traditional “paint splat” technique, place the paper plate into a large ziplock bag, then squeeze the paint blobs inside before sealing it up. Kids can press and smoosh the bag to spread the paint, and their hands stay totally clean!
Step 4: Sprinkle the Glitter
While the paint is still wet, sprinkle red glitter over the top. The wet paint acts like glue and holds the sparkle in place. Shake off the extra over a piece of paper so you can pour it back into the container. Now your cranberry is shimmering and festive!
Step 5: Glue On the Googly Eyes
Once the glitter is settled, add a dab of glue near the center of the plate and press on two large googly eyes. Just like that, your cranberry comes to life with a friendly, silly face. Let everything dry completely before moving it.
Step 6: Show It Off
Prop your finished cranberry on a windowsill, tape it to the fridge, or line up a whole batch on the classroom wall. Each one will look a little different, and that’s what makes them special.
RELATED —> Paint Splat Pumpkin Craft Idea
GRAB THE CRANKY CRANBERRY BOOK VIA OUR AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK
Crafts like this are about so much more than paint and glitter. They’re about slowing down, laughing together, and making something to be proud of. As kids press on those googly eyes, you might chat about what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving, just like the story reminds us to do.
When you’re done, snap a photo and share your cranberry creations with family and friends. We’d love to see how yours turn out! Every splat, sparkle, and silly face is a little celebration of your child’s creativity, and that’s something worth being grateful for.
Happy crafting, and happy Thanksgiving!
Paper Plate and Paint Splat Cranberry Craft Idea For Fall
Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:
Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!
Directions:
- Lay down newspaper or a tablecloth to catch any drips. Give each child a paper plate and roll up those sleeves. If you're working with a group, set out paint and glitter in shared spots so everyone can reach.
- Fold your paper plate in half. Open back up and squeeze a few blobs of bright red paint on one side of the paper plate. You don't need to cover the whole thing. Random dots and splats work perfectly and give the cranberry its bumpy, real-life texture.
- Now for the best part. Have kids gently fold the plate back together, while they smoosh and squish the paint inside.
- When they are done, go ahead and help them open it back up to reveal the "splat" design inside.
- Mess-free option: Slide inside of our traditional "paint splat" technique, place the paper plate into a large ziplock bag, then squeeze the paint blobs inside before sealing it up. Kids can press and smoosh the bag to spread the paint, and their hands stay totally clean!
- While the paint is still wet, sprinkle red glitter over the top. The wet paint acts like glue and holds the sparkle in place. Shake off the extra over a piece of paper so you can pour it back into the container. Now your cranberry is shimmering and festive!
- Once the glitter is settled, add a dab of glue near the center of the plate and press on two large googly eyes. Just like that, your cranberry comes to life with a friendly, silly face. Let everything dry completely before moving it.
- Prop your finished cranberry on a windowsill, tape it to the fridge, or line up a whole batch on the classroom wall. Each one will look a little different, and that's what makes them special.
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