This rocking paper plate owl craft is such a sweet little woodland project! With big googly eyes, brown paper wings, and a bright yellow beak, this owl has plenty of personality. Give it a gentle nudge and watch it rock from side to side on its curved paper plate base.
We love a craft that kids can play with once they’ve finished making it, and this paper plate owl is a lovely example. It’s easy to put together with a few basic craft supplies and fits perfectly with fall activities, woodland animal themes, or an afternoon of crafting at home.
You can keep your owl brown like ours or let the kids choose their own colors. A whole group of these little owls would look adorable rocking away on a classroom table!
Paper Plate Owl Craft for Kids
This owl craft gives kids a chance to paint, cut, glue, and assemble simple shapes to make their own animal. Younger children can help with painting and sticking while an adult prepares the paper pieces, and older kids can practice tracing and cutting out the shapes themselves.
The rocking movement adds an extra bit of fun. Folding the plate creates a curved base, so there’s no complicated mechanism to build. Once the glue is dry, your owl is ready for a gentle wobble!
Materials for your Owl Craft
You only need a few everyday craft supplies to make your rocking owl. Brown and yellow construction paper will give you the same look as ours.
- Paper plate
- Brown and yellow construction paper
- Two large googly eyes
- Scissors
- Glue
- Brown and white paint
- Paintbrush
- Pencil for tracing
- Owl craft template
- Optional: a yellow or gold marker for feather details
If you’re crafting with younger children, supervise the scissors and small googly eyes. You can also use paper eyes if you prefer.
How to Make a Rocking Paper Plate Owl
Gather your supplies and cover your crafting surface before you begin. Start with the painting so the plate has time to dry before you add your owl’s features.
Rocking owl paper plate craft
Turn a simple paper plate into a rocking owl with big googly eyes and cute paper wings! This easy owl craft is a hoot to make and even more fun to play with.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Brown and yellow construction paper
- Two large googly eyes
- Scissors
- Glue
- Brown and white paint
- Paintbrush
- Pencil for tracing
- Owl craft template
- Optional: a yellow or gold marker for feather details
Tools
- Printer for template
Instructions
- Paint the paper plate
Mix a little brown paint with white paint to make a light brown shade. Paint half of one side of the paper plate, taking the paint right out to the curved edge.
Let the paint dry completely before folding or gluing.
- Fold the plate in half
Fold the paper plate in half so the painted section faces outward at the front. Press along the fold to make a crease.
The straight folded edge will be at the top of your owl, and the rounded edge will be at the bottom. Keep the two halves unglued so they can open slightly to help the owl stand.
- Trace and cut out the template pieces
Cut out the owl template pieces, then trace them onto the construction paper.
Use brown paper for the two curved wings and the two pointed feather tufts that sit at the top of the owl’s head. Use yellow paper for the beak.
Cut out each of the traced shapes. Before gluing, lay them against the painted plate to see where everything will go.
- Add the feather tufts and wings
Glue the two pointed brown feather tufts behind the top edge of the painted front half of the plate, with one sticking up on each side.
Next, glue a brown wing onto each side of the owl’s front. Position the wider ends near the top corners, with the pointed ends facing down toward the curved bottom edge. Leave the middle of the plate clear for the face.
- Attach the beak
Glue the yellow beak in the center of the owl’s face, with its point facing downward.
Leave enough room above it for the two large googly eyes. - Add the googly eyes
Glue the googly eyes side by side above the beak. The oversized eyes are what give this little owl such a cute, slightly surprised expression!
Press them gently into place and allow the glue to set. - Draw the feather details
For a finishing touch, use a yellow or gold marker to draw a few small, curved feather marks on the wings and lower part of the body.
Little joined curves work well for this, but kids can add dots, lines, or their own patterns to decorate their owl.
- Make your owl rock
Once everything is dry, open the two halves of the plate slightly and stand your owl on its rounded edges.
Give one side a gentle tap and watch it rock! If it tips over, adjust how far the plate opens and check that the paper wings aren’t catching on the table.
Make Your Owl Your Own
There’s plenty of room to add personality to this paper plate craft. Try different shades of brown, use white paper and pale paint for a snowy owl-inspired version, or make a colorful owl with bright paper wings.
Kids could add a little paper bow, draw extra feathers, or give their owl a name. If you’re making these with a group, it’s fun to see how different the finished owls look even when everyone starts with the same shapes.
You could also pair this activity with a favorite owl story or use it as part of a woodland animal topic. Once the owls are finished, let the kids introduce their characters and make up a little story together.
Download the Rocking Owl Craft Template PDF
Use the printable owl template to prepare the wings, feather tufts, and beak for your paper plate owl. Children can help trace the shapes onto colored paper, or you can cut out the pieces ahead of time for a younger group.
Terms of use: This printable owl template is free for personal use and classroom use
Watch the Video on Our TikTok
Watch the video on our TikTok to see how this rocking paper plate owl comes together, then follow @intheplayroom for more easy kids’ crafts and creative activities.
@intheplayroom Whooo’s ready to rock? 🦉🤎 Turn a paper plate into this adorable wobbly owl! Such a cute little fall craft to make with the kids 🍂 Find the template on In The Playroom and follow for more easy craft ideas! #Owls #paperplatecrafts #kidscraft #fallcraft #easycrafts ♬ Besties in the Forest – Peety Paws
We hope your kids enjoy making their own wobbly little owls! Each one can have its own colors, feather patterns, and funny expression, which makes the finished collection even sweeter.
More Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
Keep the crafting going with more easy paper plate animals and activities! These simple projects are a lovely way to turn an everyday craft supply into something kids can decorate, play with, and proudly show off.
- Paper Plate Mirror Craft
- Paper Plate Pilot Craft for Kids
- Paper Plate Seahorse Craft for Kids
- Garden Paper Plate Twirler Craft
- Paper Plate Pokeball and Pokemon Craft
More Owl Crafts for Kids
Whooo’s ready for more crafting? These easy owl crafts give kids even more ways to create their favorite wide-eyed woodland birds. Pick a project, gather your supplies, and make a few feathered friends together!
- Handprint Snowy Owl Craft
- Easy Handprint Owl Craft
- Super Cute And Easy CD Owl Craft
- Stained Glass Style Owl Sun Catcher
More Woodland Animal Crafts for Kids
Keep the woodland fun going with more cute animal crafts! From foxes and hedgehogs to squirrels and owls, these creative projects are perfect for a forest animal theme or a cozy afternoon of making together.
- Paper Cup Hopping Fox Craft
- Rocking Fox Paper Plate Craft for Kids
- Paper Bag Hedgehog Craft for Kids with Printable Template
- Paper Bag Fox Craft for Kids with Printable Template
- Cute And Easy Floral Animals Coloring Pages
If you enjoyed this rocking owl craft, please share this blog post with friends or save it to Pinterest so you can find it when you’re ready to get crafting.
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