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Looking for a fun and simple fall craft idea? This paper plate owl craft is the perfect activity for kids of all ages. It’s quick to make as no paint is required, and can be adapted for fall themes, school units, or even science lessons on animals.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
- No template required – though we’ve included one for you at the end if you’d like extra guidance.
- Budget-friendly – only paper plates, construction paper, and glue.
- Versatile – works for fall decorations, owl-themed study units, or even as a fun activity in a classroom or homeschool setting.
Supplies You’ll Need
- 9″ Brown Paper Plate
- Construction paper in yellow, orange, and black (for beak, feet, and eyes)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Optional: googly eyes, crayons, or markers for extra details
Step-by-Step Instructions
We made this owl craft using a brown paper plate, but you can also paint a white plate brown—or try other colors to create fun, colorful owls!
Cut the Owl Body pieces
Cut out or prepare eyes, a beak, ears, and feet from construction paper (or use the provided template).
Prepare the Owl Face
Start with one brown paper plate. This will be the owl’s main body. Paste the eyes, Beak, and other pieces onto the paper plate:
- Eyes in the centre top
- Beak just below the eyes
- Ears on the top edges
- Feet at the bottom
Add the Owl Wings
Take another brown paper plate and cut it into four equal sections (like quarter slices). These will form the owl’s wings and feathers. Paste two of these “quarter pieces” behind the owl’s body to look like wings.
Finish and Decorate
Once the glue dries, your paper plate owl craft is ready! You can leave it simple, or let kids add extra details with markers, glitter, or even feathers.
That’s it! With just a paper plate and some colourful paper, you and your kids can make an adorable owl in minutes.
Ideas to Use the Paper Plate Owl
- Fall Decorations: Hang them on walls or classroom bulletin boards.
- Story Time Props: Perfect to go along with owl-themed books like Owl Babies or The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark.
- Science Tie-In: Use during a unit on nocturnal animals or birds.
More Owl-Themed Activities
- Turn a toilet paper roll into a cute little owl with Paint and a few paper pieces.
- Handprint Owl Keepsake – Use your child’s handprints to make an adorable fall-themed owl craft you’ll treasure for years.
- Explore over 40 fascinating owl facts—fun, educational, and perfect for kids who love animals.
- We even made a No-sew owl costume that’s simple to create and absolutely beautiful. Don’t miss it!
- Another fun way to make a Paper Plate owl by folding – Check out this Owl Craft
More Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
Paper Plate Farm – Build a whole farm scene on a paper plate! Add fields, a barn, a pond, and little animals (figurines work perfectly)—a super creative project, especially great for classrooms.
Paper Plate Spider – Turn two paper plates into a spooky (or cute!) spider. Perfect as a Halloween craft or as fun room decorations.
Paper Plate Cow – A fun farm-themed project that can even be turned into a cow mask for pretend play.
Paper Plate Sheep – A simple craft with fluffy cotton balls that kids always enjoy.
Free Owl Template
If you prefer cutting with a guide, the owl craft template is provided below. Print, trace, and cut out the shapes for eyes, beak, ears, and feet.