Paper Plate Pirate Ship Craft
Sail away on an imaginative adventure with this fun and easy paper plate pirate ship craft!
This quick and easy project is perfect for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to tweens. Using simple supplies like a paper plate, jumbo craft stick, paint, craft paper, and glue, kids can create their own ship to set sail on a pretend pirate voyage. A free printable template makes it even easier to get the sails just right.
Once the crafting is done, the fun continues with hours of pretend play as your young pirates explore imaginary seas. For even more swashbuckling fun, check out these other exciting pirate crafts for kids.
This pirate craft for kids is great for parents looking for a simple at-home activity, teachers planning a themed classroom project, or camp counselors wanting to add a hands-on craft to the schedule. It’s also perfect for grandparents, babysitters, or anyone who wants to keep kids engaged in a creative, screen-free activity. The finished ships make adorable decorations for a pirate-themed event, or they can become the centerpiece of epic storytelling adventures.
When to Make this Paper Plate Pirate Ship Craft:
- Pirate themed birthday party – Set up a crafting station where guests can create their own ships, then use them as party favors to take home.
- Library craft – Pair this craft with a pirate storytime session, letting kids build their own ships after the tale is told.
- Classroom craft – Add this project to a history or literature lesson about pirates, encouraging both creativity and learning.
- Talk Like a Pirate Day – Celebrate the day in style by making ships, dressing like pirates, and practicing pirate lingo.
- Summer camp – A great rainy-day or themed activity that combines creativity with imaginative play.
Why You’ll Love this Pirate Ship Craft
This craft combines the simplicity of a paper plate craft with the excitement of pretend pirate adventures. It’s budget-friendly, adaptable for different age groups, and gives kids a chance to create something they can play with afterward. The free printable pattern makes it quick to set up, and the design can be customized with different colors, decorations, and sail shapes.
How to Make a Pirate Ship with a Paper Plate
Let’s get started making your own paper plate pirate ship. Grab the free template, gather your supplies, and follow along with our step-by-step directions below.
Materials:
- Paper Plate
- Jumbo Craft Stick
- Craft Paint – Brown & Black
- Cardstock or Colored Craft Papers– Black, White, Tan, Red, &Grey
- Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Black Marker
- Printed Paper Plate Pirate Ship Pattern
Instructions:
Paint the outside of the paper plates with brown craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
*For less mess, you can color the paper plate with brown marker or crayon.
Download and print the pirate ship Patterns, then cut out with scissors.
Trace the ship’s hull onto the brown paper plate with a pencil, then cut out with scissors.
Attach two jumbo craft sticks together, end to end, with glue, to create the mast. Glue the mast to the ship’s hull.
* We use a glue gun and glue sticks for the tutorial. You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
Trace the sail onto black paper, trace the portholes onto tan paper, trace the skull onto white paper, trace the flag onto red paper, trace the anchor onto grey paper.
*You could also use colored craft foam or craft felt for this project.
Cut out the pirate ship patterns with scissors.
Using a black marker, draw the face onto the skull and crossbones, outline the portholes, flag, and anchor.
Attach the portholes to the center of the ship’s hull with glue.
Paint a stripe above and below the portholes with black craft paint. Let paint dry.
Attach the skull and crossbones to the sail with glue.
Glue the sail and flag onto the mast, and secure the anchor to the back of the ship.
Whether for a party, classroom, or a quiet afternoon at home, this paper plate pirate ship craft is sure to spark creativity and bring big smiles. With simple supplies, a free template, and plenty of room for personalization, it’s a perfect activity for kids who love adventure and hands-on fun.
More pirate craft ideas you might enjoy:
- Pirate Paper Plate Craft – Another fun way to turn a paper plate into a pirate-themed creation.
- DIY Rocking Pirate Ship Craft – Make a ship that actually rocks on the waves for even more playtime fun.
- Printable Pirate Finger Puppets – Perfect for storytelling and imaginative play.
- Pirate Puppet Craft for Kids – Create your own pirate characters to join your ship on its adventures.
