Make dinosaur decor plates
Decorate paper plates with paint, markers, and cut-out dinosaur shapes to create colorful dinosaur decor plates for bedroom or party display.
About this activity
Decorate paper plates with paint, markers, and cut-out dinosaur shapes to create colorful dinosaur decor plates for bedroom or party display.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all materials and bring them to a clear table.
- 2
Step 2
Cover the work surface with newspaper or a table covering.
- 3
Step 3
Choose a dinosaur design and pick two to three paint colors for your plate.
- 4
Step 4
Paint a base color on the front of a paper plate.
- 5
Step 5
Set the painted plate aside so the paint can start to dry.
- 6
Step 6
Draw dinosaur shapes on construction paper with a pencil.
- 7
Step 7
Cut out the dinosaur shapes carefully with scissors.
- 8
Step 8
Add details to each dinosaur cut-out using markers.
- 9
Step 9
Glue the dinosaur cut-outs onto the dry painted plate.
- 10
Step 10
Decorate the plate background with markers stickers or glitter glue.
- 11
Step 11
Let the entire plate dry completely.
- 12
Step 12
Hang or display your dinosaur decor plate in your bedroom or at your party.
- 13
Step 13
Share a photo of your finished dinosaur decor plate on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make dinosaur decor plates?
To make dinosaur decor plates, start by covering your work surface and laying out paper plates. Paint a base color and let dry. Trace or draw dinosaur shapes on colored paper, cut them out (adult help if needed), then glue to plates. Add details with markers, puffy paint, or googly eyes. Seal with a clear, non-toxic craft sealer or Mod Podge. Punch a hole and tie ribbon if you want to hang the plates for bedroom or party display.
What materials do I need for dinosaur decor plates?
You'll need plain paper plates, tempera or acrylic paints, paintbrushes, washable markers, colored construction paper for dinosaur cut-outs, child-safe scissors, white glue or school glue, glue stick, and optional googly eyes, puffy paint, glitter, and stickers. Add clear sealant or Mod Podge to protect finished plates and string or ribbon for hanging. Choose non-toxic, washable supplies and cloth or newspaper to protect surfaces.
What ages is this dinosaur decor plates activity suitable for?
Suitable for ages 3–10 with adaptations: toddlers (3–5) can paint plates and help stick pre-cut dinosaurs with close supervision; preschoolers benefit from large, simple shapes. School-age kids (6–8) can cut shapes, add details, and personalize plates independently. Older children (9–10+) can design complex patterns, mix media, or lead a small group activity. Always supervise scissors, small decorations, and sealants.
What are the benefits of making dinosaur decor plates?
Making dinosaur decor plates boosts creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination as children paint, cut, and glue. It encourages planning and following steps, builds confidence when displaying finished work, and offers a sensory experience with textures and colors. As a group activity, it promotes sharing and communication. Finished plates double as room decor or party displays, giving children a sense of pride and ownership.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
Can I substitute materials if I don't have construction paper or paper plates?
If you don't have construction paper or paper plates use recycled cereal boxes or thin cardboard for the dinosaur cut-outs and a sturdy dinner plate or a cardboard circle as the base, then follow the same drawing, cutting, painting, and gluing steps.
What should I do if the paint or glue won't dry and the dinosaur cut-outs won't stick?
If the paint or glue stays wet, apply thinner paint layers when you paint a base color on the plate, let the plate dry longer or speed drying with a hair dryer, and use tacky glue or double-sided tape to attach the cut-outs securely.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children have an adult pre-cut the dinosaur shapes and use washable paint and stickers for decorating, while older kids can draw more detailed dinosaur shapes on construction paper, add fine marker details, and layer glitter glue for texture.
What are some ways to make my dinosaur plate extra special or more durable?
To personalize and strengthen the project, add folded paper tabs or foam pieces under the glued dinosaur cut-outs for a 3D effect, write names or labels with marker, seal the finished plate with clear glue or Mod Podge, and punch a hole to hang it with ribbon as in the display step before sharing a photo on DIY.org.