Paper Plate Pirate Craft

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Get ready to set sail on a swashbuckling adventure with this fun and easy pirate paper plate craft for kids!

This pirate paper plate craft is a quick and simple activity kids will love. With a free printable pattern for both a boy and girl pirate captain, children can create their own swashbuckling characters inspired by their favorite pirate stories. Whether they imagine a fearsome pirate from a favorite book or movie—or want to make a pirate that looks just like themselves—this craft makes it possible.

It’s a fantastic preschool craft idea that appeals to a wide age range. Preschoolers can enjoy the painting and gluing with a little help, while older kids can get creative with details and personal touches. Boys especially will love diving into pirate-themed play with this craft, though it’s perfect for anyone who dreams of high-seas adventure.

There are so many great occasions to make this pirate paper plate craft:

• Summer vacation fun – Keep kids entertained during summer break with a hands-on craft that sparks imaginative play. Pair it with a favorite pirate book or movie for an afternoon of themed fun.
• Pirate-themed birthday parties – This craft makes a fantastic party activity. Set up a craft station where each child can make their own pirate to take home as a keepsake or use it as a creative party favor idea.
• Preschool or classroom ocean units – Add this pirate craft to your lesson plan when studying the ocean, boats, or community helpers like captains and sailors. It encourages creativity while reinforcing the theme.
• Talk Like a Pirate Day – Celebrate this quirky holiday on September 19 with a themed craft that gets everyone into the pirate spirit. It’s a great way to mix fun with learning and storytelling.
• Rainy day indoor activity – When outdoor play isn’t an option, this quick and easy craft is a great way to keep kids busy and smiling indoors. Just gather a few supplies and let creativity take over.

There are plenty of variations to make this craft even more fun. Kids can design their pirate captain to resemble a favorite movie character or storybook hero. They can change the hair color, skin tone, and clothing details to make a pirate that looks like themselves or create an entirely unique character. Try adding glitter, stickers, or even an eye patch made from felt for extra flair. Once they’ve made their pirate paper plate craft, they can complete the set by crafting a first mate and a paper plate pirate ship.

You’ll love how this pirate paper plate craft sparks imagination and creativity with very little prep. With just a few simple supplies, kids can make a playful pirate to lead their next adventure. The free template makes it easy to get started, and the results are always fun. It’s also a great way to tie into favorite stories, celebrate themed events, or simply enjoy a creative afternoon.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make the pirate paper plate craft go smoothly. If working with preschoolers, you can cut out the template pieces in advance to make things easier. Use washable paints or markers for less mess. Encourage kids to personalize their pirates with craft scraps you have on hand—like yarn for hair or fabric for clothes. Let the finished pirate dry fully before displaying or playing.

Ready to get started? Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions along with a free printable pattern to make your own pirate paper plate craft.

How to Make a Paper Plate Pirate Captain

Materials:

• Paper Plate
• Wiggle Eyes
• Craft Paint – Flesh Tone Color of Choice & Pink
• Cardstock – Black, White, Brown, & Yellow
• Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
• Sponge Dabber
• Paintbrush
• Scissors 
• Black Marker
• Printed Paper Plate Pirate Captain Pattern

Instructions:

Paint the outside of the paper plates with flesh tone color of choice craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Download and print the pirate captain patterns, then cut out with scissors.

To create the boy pirate, trace the hat and eye patch onto black cardstock, trace the hair onto brown cardstock, trace the skull onto white cardstock. You could also use colored craft foam or craft felt for this project.

Cut out the boy pirate patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.

Using a black marker, draw the face onto the skull and crossbones. Attach the brown hair to the black hat with glue.

Attach one wiggle eye and one eye patch to the boy pirate’s face with glue. Glue the hair and hat to the paper plate. Secure the skull and crossbones onto the hat.

Draw the eye patch string and a smile with a black marker.

To create the girl pirate, trace the hat and eye patch onto black cardstock, trace the bangs and ponytails onto yellow cardstock, trace the skull onto white cardstock.

Cut out the girl pirate patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.

Using a black marker, draw the face onto the skull and crossbones.

Attach the skull and bangs to the hat, then the ponytails to the bangs using glue. Glue the hat and hair combination onto the paper plate.

Attach one wiggle eye and one eye patch to the girl pirate’s face with glue. Create cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber into pink craft paint and stamping on either side of the face.

To finish, draw the eye patch string and a smile with a black marker from cheek to cheek to create the mouth.

Once your pirate captain is finished, don’t forget to keep the fun going by making a first mate and building a pirate ship for your crew!

Related crafts to try next:

• Paper Plate Pirate Ship Craft
  This creative paper plate pirate ship craft is the perfect companion to your pirate paper plate craft. With simple materials and a fun painting process, kids can build their own ship to sail the high seas with their handmade pirates.
• DIY Rocking Pirate Ship Craft
  Add motion to your pirate adventures with this rocking pirate ship craft. Made from basic craft supplies, this ship really rocks back and forth, adding an extra level of imaginative play to your pirate-themed day.
• Pirate Crafts for Kids
  Looking for even more pirate-themed fun? This collection of pirate crafts for kids features a variety of creative projects to keep little buccaneers busy and entertained. From ships to treasure maps, there’s something for every young pirate.