Paper Plate Elf Craft {Free Template}

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Kids love making Christmas crafts and decorations! Not only is it a fun holiday activity, but it also gives them a chance to take part in the festive season in a creative way.

One of the easiest and most delightful projects for preschoolers is making a Paper Plate Elf Craft. With just a few supplies, little ones can create their own cheerful elf to decorate the classroom, home, or Christmas tree corner.

To make things easier, I’ve included a free printable Elf Template at the end of this post.

Encourage your kids to get creative and try this craft along with other Christmas paper plate projects, such as a Paper Plate Santa, Paper Plate Reindeer, or Paper Plate Wreath, for a full set of holiday fun!

Supplies you will need to make the paper plate Elf

9″ Paper plates
Crayola Washable paint
Elf Template (Free Download at the end of the post)
Scissor and Glue
Black marker

Directions: How to Make a Paper Plate Elf Craft

Cut the paper plate

Start by trimming away about one-quarter of the paper plate (see picture below).

Cut a Quarter of the Paper Plate as shown

Paint the centre

Paint the middle of the plate in a skin-tone shade.

We mixed red, yellow, and white to create a soft peach colour, but you can use ready-made skin-tone paint if you prefer.

Prepare the rim

Once the paint dries, cut off the rim of the plate. (Tip: You can do this step before painting if you like.)

Print and cut the template

Download the free Elf Template at the bottom of this post.

Print it on cardstock for sturdiness, cut out the pieces, and use them to trace and cut the hat, ears, and nose.

Pieces of Elf Face cut from the ELF template

Assemble the hat

Glue the three hat pieces together to form a festive elf hat.

Attach the ears and hat

Glue the ears to the sides of the paper plate.

Add the hat on top.

Note: If your hat seems slightly larger than your face, don’t worry! Paper plate sizes vary (the template is designed for US Letter paper, but may need a small adjustment for A4).

Add facial features

Glue the nose in place. Add eyes—either draw them on, use googly eyes, or cut out circles from paper.