Pirate Paper Plate Craft
Ahoy, matey! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure with this adorable pirate paper plate craft that kids will absolutely love.
This fun pirate craft is the perfect way to let kids create their very own first mate—complete with a colorful bandana and shiny earring. Whether they want to make a pirate that looks like a favorite character from a book or movie, or design one that looks just like themselves, this quick and easy project is a perfect fit. With a free printable template included, making a pirate first mate has never been simpler.
Kids of all ages will enjoy this pirate craft, from preschoolers who love imaginative play to elementary-aged kids who are exploring themes of adventure and the sea. It’s a great activity to pair with a pirate-themed storytime or movie night. Boys especially will love crafting their own pirate buddy, but it’s a hit with anyone who enjoys storytelling and make-believe.
When to Make This Pirate Paper Plate Craft
- Summer fun at home
On a hot summer day, this pirate craft is a perfect indoor activity. Grab your supplies and cool off inside while kids build their crew of pirate first mates. - Pirate party activity
Planning a pirate-themed birthday party or event? Set up a crafting table with this project. Each guest can make their own unique pirate to take home as a keepsake. - Preschool and classroom craft
Teachers and caregivers can use this craft to support lessons about the ocean, adventure stories, or even a talk like a pirate day celebration. It’s simple enough for preschoolers and engaging enough for elementary students. - Rainy day boredom buster
When outdoor play isn’t an option, this quick craft keeps little hands busy and imaginations active. - Book or movie extension activity
After reading a pirate-themed book or watching a seafaring movie, have kids create a character to match the story—or make a new one to join the crew.
Why You’ll Love This Pirate Craft
This pirate paper plate craft is not only cute, it’s also fast, mess-free, and budget-friendly. You’ll love how easy it is to prep and how much fun kids will have bringing their pirates to life. With the included template for both boy and girl pirates, it’s simple to adapt the craft for every child.
Variations for This Pirate Craft
- Use yarn or paper strips to give your pirate a fun hairstyle.
- Draw on an eyepatch for a different look.
- Make a whole crew of pirates, each with a different colored bandana.
- Swap the materials for a multi-media craft. Try scraps of fabric for the pirate bandanas. Craft foam or felt would also be fun!
- Make the craft quick and easy by swapping the paint out for markers or crayons.
How to Make Your Pirate First Mate
Grab your free printable template, paper plates, and a few basic craft supplies. This step-by-step pirate paper plate craft tutorial will walk you through making your very own pirate first mate. It’s time to set sail on a creative crafting journey!
Materials:
- Paper Plate
- Wiggle Eyes
- Gold Tinsel Chenille Stems
- Craft Paint – Flesh Tone Color of Choice, Pink, Blue, Red, White
- Cardstock – Red, Blue, Black, Tan
- Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Sponge Dabber
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Black Marker
- Printed Paper Plate Pirate First Mate Pattern
Instructions:
Paint the outside of the paper plates with flesh tone color of choice. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
**You can color the paper plate with crayons or markers if you prefer.
Paint the top half of the first paper plate with red craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Download and print the pirate first mate patterns, then cut out with scissors.
To create the boy pirate, trace the scarf knot and tail patterns onto red cardstock.
**You could also use colored craft foam or craft felt for this project.
Cut out the patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
TIP: We used a glue gun and glue sticks for the tutorial, to make the craft quickly. But, you can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry between steps.
To decorate the boy pirate’s scarf dip a sponge dabber into white craft paint and stamp in a random pattern on the red cardstock patterns and the red head scarf.
STEP SIXWrap a gold tinsel chenille stem around the craft paint bottle twice, then twist the ends to secure. This will become the pirate’s earring.
Trace the boy pirate’s mustache pattern onto black cardstock with a pencil.
Cut out the mustache pattern with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Attach two eyes and the mustache to the pirate’s face with glue. Glue the scarf knot and tails to the right edge of the paper plate.
Attach the gold earring to the left edge of the paper plate with glue. Draw a smile with a black marker to create the mouth.
Paint the top half of the second paper plate with blue craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
To create the girl pirate, trace the scarf knot and tails onto blue cardstock, trace the hair onto tan cardstock.
Cut out the girl pirate patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Paint stripes onto the girl pirate’s head scarf, knot and tails with white craft paint. Let paint dry.
Attach two eyes to the girl pirate’s face with glue. Glue the scarf knot and tails to the left edge of the paper plate. Attach the hair to the edge of the head scarf using glue.
Create cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber into pink craft paint and stamping on either side of the face.
Wrap a gold tinsel chenille stem around the craft paint bottle twice, then twist the ends to secure. This will become the pirate’s earring.
Attach the gold earring to the left edge of the paper plate with glue. Draw a smile with a black marker to create the mouth.
This pirate paper plate craft is an easy and fun way to spark kids’ creativity and imagination. Whether you’re planning a themed party, looking for an educational activity, or just want to enjoy an afternoon of pirate fun, this project is a perfect pick. Once your first mate is finished, don’t forget to complete your pirate crew with even more themed crafts!
More Pirate Crafts to Try
Paper Plate Pirate Ship Craft
After you make your pirate first mate, give them a ship to sail! This paper plate pirate ship craft is full of imaginative possibilities and easy to make with common craft supplies. It’s the perfect next project to extend your pirate-themed fun.
DIY Rocking Pirate Ship Craft
This clever craft actually rocks back and forth like a real boat on the waves. Kids will love building it and pretending to sail the high seas. A fun twist on traditional paper crafts, and great for storytelling or display.
Pirate Crafts for Kids
Looking for more pirate-themed fun? Check out this collection of pirate crafts for kids, full of creative ideas to keep young pirates entertained and engaged. From treasure maps to eye patches, there’s something here for every little buccaneer.
