Bald Eagle Paper Plate Craft
Turn simple craft supplies into an adorable American symbol with this Bald Eagle Paper Bag Craft for kids! With big brown wings, bright yellow talons, and a bold white head, this eagle puppet is full of personality and easy enough for toddlers and preschoolers to help make.
Whether you’re planning a Fourth of July craft, a patriotic classroom activity, an Isaiah 40:31 craft, or a fun homeschool project on American symbols, this bald eagle paper bag puppet is one kids will love to assemble and play with all summer long.

Bald Eagle Paper Plate Craft
This eagle paper plate craft uses a few simple materials like a paper plate, construction paper, scissors, and glue to create a cheerful bird design that looks great hanging on a wall or displayed on a bulletin board.
It’s a wonderful activity for kids who enjoy cutting, tracing, and assembling pieces while practicing fine motor skills.

Whether you’re preparing a patriotic craft for the 4th of July, creating a Memorial Day project, or simply searching for creative crafts for kids, this project is such a fun idea to try.
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Supplies You’ll Need:
This bald eagle paper plate craft keeps the material list nice and simple.
- Paper plate
- Brown construction paper
- White paper
- Yellow paper
- Black paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Marker
- Printable template
- Cardstock for tracing the template pieces

You can also use paint if you’d rather color the pieces instead of cutting colored paper. Some people even like attaching the eagle onto a popsicle stick to turn it into a fun puppet-style decoration.
How to Make a Bald Eagle Paper Plate Craft
This paper plate eagle comes together in just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Cut Out the Template Pieces
Start by using the free template to trace all of the eagle pieces onto colored paper. You’ll need wings, a body, feet, a beak, eyes, and eyebrows.

Carefully cut out each craft template piece before setting them aside.

This printable template makes the project much easier because all the shapes are already prepared for you. If you enjoy using free printables for projects, this is definitely one to save and download later.
Step 2: Prepare the Paper Plate
Cut the paper plate in half to create the eagle’s head and wing shape. The curved edge gives the finished project a soft feather look that works perfectly for this bird design.

This simple step instantly transforms the plain plate into the project’s main feature.
Step 3: Assemble the Wings and Body
Attach the brown wings and lower body pieces onto the back of the paper plate using a glue stick. Position the wings so they spread outward from each side.

Next, attach the feet underneath the body section.
The brown paper pieces help the eagle stand out while keeping the design simple and easy for a kid to assemble.
Step 4: Add the Beak and Face
Glue the yellow beak into the center of the white paper plate section.

Then glue the eyes above it before adding the thick black eyebrows.

These oversized eyebrows give the eagle a bold, expressive face, making the whole project extra fun.

You can also outline the feet or eyes using a marker if you want darker details.
Step 5: Display Your Finished Eagle
Once everything is dry, your paper plate bald eagle is ready to display. Hang it on a wall, place it on a classroom board, or use it as part of a patriotic holiday decoration.

This eagle paper craft also looks adorable grouped together with other bird-themed projects.
A Fun Patriotic Craft for July
This bald eagle paper plate craft idea fits perfectly with July celebrations because the bald eagle is such an important American symbol. It works beautifully for the Fourth of July, Independence Day lessons, or even Memorial Day classroom themes.
Pair the craft with an American flag lesson or patriotic decorations to create a full themed activity for kids. Some people even like combining it with projects inspired by Uncle Sam or fireworks to create a complete holiday-craft day.

Because the materials are inexpensive and easy to find, this diy project works well for larger groups too.
Ways to Customize Your Eagle
One thing that makes this plate bald eagle craft idea so enjoyable is how easy it is to personalize. Every finished eagle can look a little different depending on the colors and details you add.
Here are a few fun ways to customize it:
- Add extra feather details using markers
- Use paint instead of colored paper
- Attach googly eyes for a playful look
- Add glitter for a festive patriotic touch
- Mount the eagle onto a popsicle stick puppet
- Use larger wings for a dramatic appearance

These little changes help encourage creativity while allowing each child to create something unique.
Educational Benefits of This Craft
This bald eagle paper plate craft is more than just a fun afternoon project. It also helps children practice several important skills while creating something hands-on.
Cutting along the template lines supports fine motor skills. Tracing shapes encourages hand control and coordination. Following each instruction step by step also helps improve focus and sequencing.

Crafting activities like this can even build confidence because kids get to see a finished project come together from simple materials.
Since this eagle paper plate craft uses multiple pieces, it gives children a chance to practice patience and problem-solving as they assemble everything correctly.
Perfect for Classrooms and Home
This activity for kids works wonderfully both at home and in group settings. Teachers can easily prepare craft supplies in advance and organize the pieces at stations.
Because the project doesn’t require complicated materials, it’s also a great last-minute craft option when you need something simple but engaging.

The project photographs beautifully too, making it fun to share on Pinterest, Facebook, or other social media platforms for inspiration. Parents and teachers often love posting their finished eagle creations online during patriotic celebrations.
Tips for the Best Results
A few simple tricks can make your paper-plate eagle even easier to assemble.
- Print the free template onto cardstock for sturdier tracing pieces
- Pre-cut smaller shapes for younger children
- Use a glue stick instead of liquid glue for less mess
- Allow the plate to dry flat before displaying
- Keep extra craft supplies nearby in case pieces tear

If you’re working with very young children, you can also prepare the shapes in advance so they can focus mainly on assembling and decorating the eagle.
More Paper Plate Craft Ideas for Kids
If you enjoyed making this Bald Eagle Paper Plate Craft, here are a few more paper plate activities that bring plenty of color, creativity, and hands-on fun to craft time.
- Boba Fett Paper Plate Craft – A fun character-inspired craft that’s perfect for kids who enjoy space adventures and themed activities.
- Sun Paper Plate Craft – A bright and cheerful craft idea that fits beautifully with weather lessons, summer themes, or sunny day fun.
- Valentine’s Themed Paper Plate Monkey Craft – A sweet monkey craft with a Valentine’s twist that adds extra charm to holiday crafting.
- Hot Air Balloon Paper Plate Craft – A colorful craft project that lets kids make their own hot air balloon using simple supplies and fun details.
- Fourth of July Color by Number
- Patriotic Handprint Art Printables
- Red, White and Blue Slime

There’s just something about this cheerful little bird that makes kids smile. The oversized eyes, dramatic eyebrows, and bright yellow beak give it a playful personality that instantly stands out.
It’s simple enough to avoid frustration but detailed enough to still feel exciting. That balance makes it one of those crafts for kids that holds attention from beginning to end.
Is this a good Fourth of July craft for kids?
Absolutely! The bald eagle is one of the most recognized symbols of the United States, making this craft a perfect fit for Fourth of July parties, patriotic classroom activities, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or any American symbols unit study. The red, white, and blue background makes it extra festive for Independence Day celebrations.
Can this craft be used as a puppet?
Yes! Because it is built on a paper bag, children can slip their hand inside and use the bald eagle as a puppet during storytime, dramatic play, or classroom presentations. It makes learning about American symbols interactive and fun.
What can I teach kids about bald eagles while making this craft?
This is a great opportunity to talk about why the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird and symbol of the United States in 1782. You can discuss how bald eagles are known for their strength, freedom, and sharp vision, and how they were once endangered but have made a remarkable comeback. For Bible lessons, this craft also pairs beautifully with Isaiah 40:31 — “They will soar on wings like eagles.”
Can I use this craft for a Bible lesson?
Yes! This bald eagle craft pairs wonderfully with Isaiah 40:31, which promises that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles. It works well for Sunday school lessons on faith, strength, and trusting God, making it a versatile craft for both patriotic and faith-based settings.
Is a printable template available?
Yes! A free printable bald eagle template is available with this post, including the wings, head, beak, talons, and feather details. The template makes cutting and assembling the pieces much faster and easier, especially for large classroom or Sunday school groups.
Bald Eagle Paper Plate Craft
This Bald Eagle Paper Plate Craft is a fun activity that turns a simple paper plate into a bold bird craft. Kids can build the eagle using colorful paper shapes, feathers, and facial details. It’s a great project for bird lessons, patriotic themes, or classroom crafting. The finished eagle looks bright, expressive, and fun to display. This activity also gives kids extra practice with cutting, tracing, and assembling.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Construction paper (brown, white, yellow & black)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Marker
- Printable template
Tools
Instructions
1. Cut Out the Template Pieces
Use the template to trace the eagle shapes onto the colored paper. Cut out all the needed pieces, including the wings, body, feet, face details, and other small parts.
2. Prepare the Paper Plate
Cut the paper plate in half to form the base of the eagle. The curved shape of the plate will create the head and main wing section of the craft.
3. Assemble the Wings and Body
Attach the brown body and wing pieces onto the paper plate, spreading the wings outward on each side. Glue the feet underneath the body section to complete the lower part of the eagle.
4. Add the Face Details
Place the yellow mouth piece in the center of the white plate area, then attach the eyes above it. Add the black eyebrows and use a marker to draw extra details or outlines if desired.
5. Let It Dry and Display
Allow the craft to dry completely before moving it. Once finished, display your eagle on a wall, bulletin board, or holiday craft table.






