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Paper Plate Triceratops

Arty Crafty Kids - Craft - Paper Plate Dinosaur

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Learn how to make this Paper Plate Triceratops with our step-by-step tutorial and video! As far as paper plate dinosaur crafts go, this is one of my favorite designs. The paper plate creates the impression of a fabulously grand head frill and the 3D mouth brings the dinosaur to life.

Children will love the process of cutting, painting and sticking to transform their paper plate into an impressive looking dinosaur. The 3D toothy grin adds an interactive element to the craft that will encourage children to play with their dino creations.

So whether you’re looking for a fun and engaging dinosaur craft at home or are looking for a project to cover dinosaur topic within the classroom, our paper plate triceratops will most certainly be a hit!

How to Make a Paper Plate Triceratops:

Materials:

2 Paper Plates
Paint
White Card Stock
Glue Stick
Scissors
Pencil
Marker Pen

Image showing two paper plates, paint, paint brush, glue stick, scissors and pencil.

Watch the How to Make a Paper Plate Dinosaur Video:

Let’s Make a Paper Plate Triceratops!

Image showing half of the rim of a paper plate being cut off.

Remove the Paper Plate Rim

Our paper plate triceratops has two defined parts; A mouth with a toothy grin and a bold head frill. To create these two distinct areas, remove one half of the paper plate rim – this will become the bottom half of our triceratops head.

Image showing a pair of scissors cutting a bumpy edge into the remaining rim of the paper plate.

Create the Triceratops Head Frill

Cut a bumpy shape into the other half of the paper plate. For guidance, I would recommend drawing a faint bumpy line first.

Image showing the paper plate being painted green and blue.

Paint the Triceratops

Next, paint the paper plate. To create definition, paint the face and frill two different colors.

Image showing a semi-circle cut out from a paper plate being painted green.

Create a Mouth Flap

Using the inner section of the section paper plate, cut out a semi-circle.

Paint the semi-circle.

Image showing a pink semi circle being painted onto the main paper plate.

Paint the Inside Mouth

Using a pencil, trace around the upper mouth piece from the pervious step and paint this area a lovely bright pink. This will become the inside of our triceratops mouth.

Image showing a toothy grin being stuck to the pink mouth.

The Toothy Grin

Use the remaining area of the 2nd paper plate to create a toothy grin. As we’re using paper plates of the same size and the same areas, each part should fit nicely.

Learn how to make a paper plate dinosaur with our paper plate triceratops tutorial. A fun and easy dinosaur craft that will inspire creativity.

Completing the Triceratops Mouth

Gently fold the straight edge of the upper mouth and apply lots of glue to the flap.

Learn how to make a paper plate dinosaur with our paper plate triceratops tutorial. A fun and easy dinosaur craft that will inspire creativity.

Glue the upper mouth just above the toothy grin. This will create a fabulous 3D open mouth!

Learn how to make a paper plate dinosaur with our paper plate triceratops tutorial. A fun and easy dinosaur craft that will inspire creativity.

Add Some Features

Using a piece of white cardstock, cut out three triangles – these will become the triceratops horns.

From the same piece of card stock, cut out two circles and use a marker to draw pupils.

Learn how to make a paper plate dinosaur with our paper plate triceratops tutorial. A fun and easy dinosaur craft that will inspire creativity.

The Paper Plate Triceratops is Complete

Secure the horns and eyes to the dinosaur to finish off the triceratops!

I hope your Arty Crafty Kids have a roar-some time making their very own triceratops. As all always, we love to see their creativity in action so be sure to share with us on social media!

Learn how to make a paper plate dinosaur with our paper plate triceratops tutorial. A fun and easy dinosaur craft that will inspire creativity.

More Dinosaur Resources for Kids:

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About

Creative and fun art & craft ideas for parents and educators of children 3-8 years old.

Art and Craft projects and printable templates, activities, how-to-draw guides, coloring pages and more in the Arty Crafty Kids Members Area!

Happy Crafting!

Helen x

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