Two simple folds turn a plain paper plate into an adorable reindeer face, and little hands make the antlers.
This folded paper plate reindeer is one of our favorite holiday crafts because it’s quick, low-mess, and uses supplies you probably already have. It works for a cozy afternoon at home, a classroom craft table, or a storytime activity.
Kids love seeing a flat circle become a pointy reindeer snout. You’ll love how easy it is to set up.
GRAB “JINGLE: HOW THE LITTLEST REINDEER EARNED HER BELLS” BOOK VIA OUR AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK
Craft Supplies:
- 1 white paper plate (standard 9-inch works best)
- Brown paint (washable tempera or acrylic)
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Black construction paper
- Pencil or white crayon (for tracing on black paper)
- 2 googly eyes
- Stapler
- Scissors
- Glue (white school glue or a glue stick)
A quick safety note: An adult should handle the stapler, and younger kids may need help with scissors.
Directions:
1. Paint the paper plate brown
Lay the plate face-up and paint the entire plate brown.
Let the paint dry completely, about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how thick it goes on.
2. Trace your child’s hands on black paper
While the paint dries, have your child place one hand flat on the black construction paper with fingers spread wide. Trace around it with a pencil or white crayon, which shows up better on black. Repeat with the other hand, or trace the same hand twice.
Wide-spread fingers make the best antlers, so encourage a big, stretchy “jazz hands” pose.
3. Cut out the handprint antlers
Cut along the traced lines. Older kids can do this on their own. For little ones, an adult can cut out the fingers while the child tackles the easier palm area.
Set the two handprints aside.
4. Fold the sides of the plate inward
Once the paint is dry, hold the plate painted side up. Fold the left side in toward the center at a diagonal, so the fold line runs from the upper left down toward the bottom middle. Press firmly to crease.
Repeat on the right side. The two folded flaps should meet near the bottom of the plate and form a point.
5. Staple the folds in place
Staple each folded flap near the top edge so it stays put. Add one more staple at the bottom where the two sides overlap to lock in the point.
Paper plates like to spring back open, so don’t skip this step. Two or three staples is plenty.
6. Attach the handprint antlers
Flip the reindeer over. Glue or staple the handprints to the back of the plate along the top edge, one on each side, with the fingers pointing up and out.
Turn it face-up again and check your antlers. Adjust the angle now if one looks lopsided.
7. Add a black paper nose
Cut a circle from black construction paper, about 1.5 to 2 inches across. Staple or glue it to the bottom point of the folded plate.
Want a Rudolph version? Swap in red paper for the nose.
8. Glue on the googly eyes
Place a dot of glue on the back of each googly eye and press them onto the brown center, just below where the top folds sit. Hold each one for a few seconds so it sticks.
Let the glue dry before hanging or displaying your reindeer.
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BTW – this craft is perfect after reading a holiday picture book. We loved pairing it with Jingle by MacKenzie Cadenhead, illustrated by Erin Kraan. It’s a sweet story about a little reindeer. Read it together first, then let kids make their own reindeer to bring the story to life.
GRAB “JINGLE: HOW THE LITTLEST REINDEER EARNED HER BELLS” BOOK VIA OUR AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK
We’d love to see your folded paper plate reindeer! Snap a photo and tag @GluedToMyCrafts so we can cheer on your little crafters. Save this tutorial for your next rainy day or holiday party, and follow along for more easy kids’ crafts all season long.
