Paper Plate Narwhal Craft
Make a magical ocean friend with this adorable narwhal paper plate craft that kids will love creating.
This easy paper plate craft transforms a simple paper plate into a whimsical narwhal complete with a friendly smile, wiggle eyes, and a fun horn. Using paint, craft paper, and a few basic supplies, kids can create their very own ocean friend to display proudly. Whether they make their narwhal realistic or go wild with colors and patterns, each finished piece is as unique as the child who made it.
This is a wonderful craft for kids of all ages. Preschoolers will love the painting and gluing steps, while older kids can take more creative liberties with colors, patterns, and embellishments. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will appreciate how budget-friendly and simple the craft is, while still producing a result kids are excited to show off.
There are so many fun occasions to make this narwhal craft:
- Ocean themed unit study – If you’re teaching kids about marine life, this is the perfect hands-on activity to reinforce learning about the “unicorn of the sea.”
- For narwhal loving kids – If your child adores narwhals, this craft lets them create their very own to display or play with.
- Birthday party craft – Keep kids entertained at an ocean or under-the-sea themed party with a mess-friendly project they can take home as a party favor.
- Summer camp – A great group activity for camp that encourages creativity and works for a variety of ages.
- Classroom or at home – Whether you’re a teacher looking for a preschool paper plate craft or a parent wanting a rainy-day activity, this project fits the bill.
You’ll love this craft because it’s low-cost, quick to set up, and uses materials you probably already have. The free template makes it foolproof, and the steps are easy enough for younger kids but still engaging for older ones. Plus, every narwhal turns out a little different, making them fun to display together.
Variations for the narwhal paper plate craft:
- Add glitter or sequins for extra embellishments.
- For an extra easy craft, swap the paint for crayons or markers.
- If you don’t have wiggle eyes, just draw the eyes on with markers.
- Swap the craft paper for card stock, craft felt, or foam.
- Get creative with colors or patterns to make your own unique narwhal.
Ready to make your own narwhal? Follow the simple steps below and use the free template to create this ocean craft idea in no time.
Materials:
- Paper Plates
- Wiggle Eyes
- Grey Cardstock
- Craft Paint – we used lavender, purple, pink, light blue, & blue
- Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Permanent Marker
- Sponge Dabber
- Printed Pattern for the Paper Plate Narwhal
Instructions:
Paintthe inside of the paper plate with blue craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Paint the inside of the paper plate with purple craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Download and print the Narwhal Pattern, then cut out with scissors.
Trace the narwhal body once onto the blue plate and once onto the purple plate.
Cut out the narwhal pattern with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Using the scraps, trace the tail pattern once onto the blue and purple painted paper plates.
*You could also use colored craft foam, cardstock, or craft felt for this project.
Cut out the narwhal tail pattern with scissors, cutting inside the traced lines for a clean finished project.
Using the scraps, trace the fin pattern twice onto the blue and purple painted paper plates.
Cut out the narwhal tail pattern with scissors, cutting inside the traced lines for a clean finished project.
Trace the narwhal belly pattern onto the blue and purple painted paper plates using a pencil.
Paint the blue narwhal’s belly with light blue craft paint and the purple narwhal’s belly with lavender craft paint. Let dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Trace the narwhal horn pattern twice onto the grey cardstock with a pencil.
Cut out the horn patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Attach two wiggle eyes to each face with glue. Create cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber in pink craft paint and stamping on either side of the face. Attach the tail and fins with glue.
Draw diagonal stripes onto the narwhal horns, then glue to the top center of the head. To finish, draw a smile with a black marker to create the narwhals’ mouths.
With just a paper plate and a few craft supplies, kids can turn an ordinary afternoon into a magical narwhal-making adventure. It’s a fun, affordable project that encourages creativity and imagination while also providing a cute decoration or keepsake.
More fun ideas for kids:
- Ocean Crafts for Kids – A collection of fun, creative, and educational ocean-themed projects perfect for preschoolers through older kids.
- Narwhal Craft for Kids – A colorful paper narwhal craft with a free template that’s great for ocean-loving kids and classrooms.
- Narwhal Corner Bookmark – A cute origami bookmark that turns into a smiling narwhal to keep your place in your favorite book.
- Narwhal Ornament – A sweet DIY narwhal decoration made from felt and embroidery, perfect for Christmas or year-round display.
