Unicorn Paper Plate Craft (Free Unicorn Template)
This Unicorn Paper Plate Craft turns an ordinary afternoon into a burst of creativity and fun. Kids will love bringing their unicorn to life with a bright rainbow mane, a shiny horn, and an adorable face that makes this craft impossible to resist.
With its bright rainbow mane, shiny horn, and adorable face, this unicorn craft for kids is guaranteed to spark imagination and smiles.
This unicorn paper plate craft works well for preschool, classroom art time, birthday parties, or a creative afternoon at home. The project encourages imagination while giving kids practice with cutting, gluing, and arranging the pieces.
No matter the reason, this craft is a great activity to set up when you want something creative, colorful, and simple enough for kids of all ages, even preschoolers.
Unicorn Paper Plate Craft
This unicorn project is one of those crafts that truly brings out imagination. Kids get to cut, glue, draw, and design their own paper-plate unicorn using their favorite colors.
They can give it a classic pink muzzle, a bold rainbow unicorn mane, or even add glitter and texture if you want to make things extra sparkly.
This is also a craft for kids that encourages decision-making and creativity. They choose how the hair pieces are arranged, where the ear pieces go, and how expressive the eyes should look.
Want a sleepy unicorn? Go for it. Want a unicorn that looks like it just drank three lemonades? Absolutely adorable.
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Supplies You Will Need:
Here’s your quick supply list to make a paper plate unicorn:
- Paper plate
- Cardstock in various colors (pink, yellow, blue, purple, etc.)
- Paint (we used red for the heart-shaped base)
- Glue
- Scissor
- Marker
- Printable template (optional, but helpful)
- Hole punch (if adding hanging holes)
- A bit of glitter if your unicorn wants to sparkle
This is a great moment to mention: if you love non-toy gifts, crafts like this are an amazing option. They’re thoughtful, personal, and kids get to enjoy the process instead of just the product.
How to Make a Unicorn Paper Plate Craft
Here comes the heart of the craft—your step-by-step instruction guide. Don’t worry, it’s all super doable and doesn’t take much time at all.
1. Make a Paper Plate Heart
Start by shaping your paper plate into a heart.
This gives your paper plate unicorn its unique and adorable base.
The moment kids see this, they already know they’re making something special.
Use scissors to cut out the heart shape, then paint it. You can choose any color, but we went bold with red. Let it dry before moving on.
2. Prepare Your Templates
Download or print your template pieces (like the ear, muzzle, horn, and hair pieces).
Trace each template onto cardstock, then cut them out.
This is also where you can combine various colors to make your unicorn as colorful as you want.
3. Attach the Ears and Horn
Start building your unicorn! Using glue, attach the outer ear pieces, then the inner ear pieces.
Next, place the bright yellow horn at the top center.
The unicorn is already taking shape, and kids love seeing it come to life!
4. Add the Mane
Here’s where creativity shines. Glue the pink, blue, and purple sections so they sweep across the unicorn’s forehead. If you want more texture, you can replace some pieces with colorful yarn too.
This step alone makes the whole project feel magical.
5. Add the Muzzle
Cut a round pink muzzle from cardstock (or use the printable). Glue it near the bottom center of the unicorn’s face.
6. Draw the Eyes
If you’re not using a printable template, you can also draw your own unicorn eyes with a marker.
Kids love this part because they get to choose the unicorn’s expression.
7. Final Details
Use your marker to add nostrils, a tiny smile, or little decorative lines.
If you want a sparkly look, add a bit of glitter to the horn or hair pieces.
If the project will hang on a wall, use a hole punch to create a hole, then thread ribbon or yarn through it.
And that’s it—your easy paper plate unicorn is complete!
Why Unicorn Crafts Are Such a Hit
A unicorn craft instantly pulls children into a world of imagination. They love choosing their color combinations, personalizing the face, and watching all the shapes transform into something adorable.
This is also an awesome addition to your unicorn activity library. It’s great for classrooms, homeschool settings, quiet afternoons, or themed birthday parties. If you work with preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary groups, this craft absolutely shines.
Plus, if you’re looking for a memorable DIY paper plate craft for kids, this one checks every box. It encourages creativity, builds scissor skills, and leaves children feeling proud of what they’ve made.
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Tips for Making This Craft Even More Fun
Here are a few ways to make the experience easier and more enjoyable:
- Use thicker cardstock so the horn and hair pieces hold their shape.
- Prep some template pieces ahead of time for younger kids.
- Add glitter after everything dries to avoid smudging.
- Encourage little ones to create different versions—maybe a pastel unicorn, a neon unicorn, or even a themed unicorn like a galaxy or forest creature.
- Try using hole punch dots as tiny decorative accents across the forehead section.
More Unicorn Crafts to Enjoy
If you loved making this Unicorn Paper Plate Craft, here are more magical and creative unicorn-themed activities your kids will have fun exploring next.
- Disguise a Turkey as a Unicorn Printable Craft – A whimsical printable that turns a classic turkey craft into a sparkly unicorn.
- Unicorn Crafts for Kids: How to Make Fluffy Unicorn Slime – A soft, fluffy slime recipe that adds a fun, unicorn-magic touch.
- How to Make Unicorn Slime – A colorful slime activity that’s simple, stretchy, and full of sparkle.
- Unicorn Diorama Craft – A charming 3D craft scene where kids can create their own tiny unicorn world.
- Jellyfish Paper Plate Craft
Whether you’re planning a themed day, prepping for a unicorn-themed classroom event, searching for a plate unicorn craft for kids, or simply looking for an easy, low-prep, high-reward paper plate activity, this project delivers.
So gather your supplies, set out your bright cardstock, grab your marker, maybe sprinkle in a little glitter, and get ready to make a paper plate unicorn that your young ones will absolutely treasure.
What age is this unicorn paper plate craft best for?
This craft works well for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary-age children. Younger kids may need help cutting out the smaller pieces, while older children can decorate their unicorns independently.
What supplies do I need to make a paper plate unicorn?
You will need a paper plate, colored paper or cardstock, glue, scissors, markers or crayons, and the printable unicorn template. Optional supplies include glitter, yarn, stickers, sequins, or pom-poms.
Can I make this unicorn craft without a printable template?
Yes. You can draw and cut out the ears, horn, eyes, and mane by hand. The printable template simply makes the pieces easier to size and assemble.
How can I make this craft easier for preschoolers?
Cut out the unicorn pieces in advance and place the supplies in small trays. Preschoolers can then focus on gluing, arranging the mane, and decorating the face.
How can children personalize their unicorns?
Kids can choose different colors for the mane and horn, add eyelashes, draw rosy cheeks, write their name, or decorate the plate with glitter, stickers, flowers, and gems.
Can this craft be used for a unicorn birthday party?
Yes. It makes a fun party activity that children can complete and take home. Preparing the pieces before the party will make the activity easier for a group.
Unicorn Paper Plate Craft
This Unicorn Paper Plate Craft is a magical project that turns a simple heart-shaped plate into a bright and colorful unicorn. Kids love choosing colors for the mane, horn, and face, making each unicorn look completely unique. It’s a cheerful craft that feels fun from start to finish and makes a sweet decoration when it’s done.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Cardstock in various colors
- Paint
- Glue
- Scissors
- Marker
Instructions
1. Make a Paper Plate Heart
Cut your paper plate into a neat heart shape to create the unicorn’s base. Paint the plate in any color you like and let it dry fully before adding the next pieces. The heart shape makes the design instantly cute and gives the craft its special look.
2. Prepare Your Templates
Trace the template pieces—ears, muzzle, horn, and mane—onto your cardstock. Cut them out carefully, mixing and matching colors to create a bright and playful set of pieces. This step lets kids customize their unicorn’s look.
3. Attach the Ears and Horn
Glue the outer ear shapes in place, then add the inner pieces on top. Position the horn at the center top of the heart so it stands tall. The unicorn’s face will start to take shape right away.
4. Add the Mane
Glue the colored mane pieces so they sweep across the top of the unicorn’s head. You can also use yarn for added texture and movement. This is one of the most creative parts and gives the unicorn its magical style.
5. Add the Muzzle
Cut a round muzzle shape from cardstock or use the printed template. Glue it near the bottom of the face to complete the unicorn’s features.
6. Draw the Eyes
Use a marker to draw simple, cute unicorn eyes, or glue on pre-cut eye pieces. Kids enjoy choosing the expression—sleepy, happy, or excited.
7. Final Details
Add nostrils, a little smile, or decorative marks with a marker. Sprinkle a bit of glitter on the horn or mane if you want sparkle. If you plan to hang the unicorn, punch a hole at the top and add ribbon or yarn.
