Ocean-themed crafts are a favorite with kids because the ocean holds so many mysteries, and, of course, adorable sea creatures! Seahorses are among the cutest ocean dwellers, so this paper plate seahorse craft is sure to be a hit with any kids in your life. Plus, the free downloadable seahorse template makes this kids craft a breeze!
Supplies Needed to Make a Paper Plate Seahorse Craft
As with all of the paper plate crafts on Paper Plate Fun, these supplies are the ones we used in this post. Modify the supply list to suit your needs, for what you have on hand, and/or for the ages of the children with whom you’re working!
- Paper plate
- Seahorse template (click here to download)
- Scissors
- Bubble wrap
- Optional: paint brush
- Paint
- Glue
- Glitter
- Googly eyes
Instructions for Making a Paper Plate Seahorse Craft
Because we used paint on our seahorse craft, this project took about 45 minutes from start to completion. If you use crayons, markers, or other coloring mediums, your seahorse project can be finished faster.
Step One
Begin by printing the seahorse template from the supply list above. If you don’t want to print it, you can freehand draw your own template! Once printed, cut it out and trace it onto a paper plate, with the seahorse’s fin lining up with the outermost edge of the paper plate.
Step Two
Cut out the seahorse from the paper plate.
Step Three
Cut a small piece of bubble wrap to use as a stamp. Dab it in paint or apply a thin coat of paint to the bubble wrap.
TIP: We found that it works better to apply the paint to the bubble wrap with a brush, because the thin coat of paint allows the bubble pattern to be more prominent when used as a stamp. If the bubble wrap is dipped directly into the paint, the paint may go on too thick and cause the stamp not to work as well.
Step Four
Press the bubble wrap stamp onto the paper plate seahorse to create a colorful bubble pattern all over the seahorse.
Repeat this bubble wrap stamping process with different colors to create a layered color effect, much like real seahorses have in the wild!
Step Five
Apply thin lines of glue to the seahorse’s ridged fin and head, and then sprinkle with glitter. This will create a shimmering effect like seahorses sometimes have. Plus, who doesn’t love glitter? (OK, a lot of people don’t love glitter! If you’re one of them, substitute glue and glitter with pre-mixed glitter glue!)
Step Six
Glue a googly eye onto the seahorse to complete this project! Then set aside to dry.
Display a group of finished paper plate seahorses (or a “herd” of seahorses) together for a colorful under-the-sea craft!
The variations in color and texture will be beautiful together!
If you enjoyed this paper plate seahorse craft, please make sure to share it to Pinterest!
Monika says
Thank you