Christmas Paper Plate Craft: How To Make This Holiday Luminary

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This Christmas paper plate craft is a frugal way to enjoy a festive and fun activity with kids.

If you'd like a DIY project that helps you light up your holiday celebration, this customizable craft is perfect. With only a few supplies, your children can create a cute decoration. I've done this activity with all of my boys for Christmas fun and it's always a big hit.

I've got some awesome tips and creative ideas for making and using. I hope this simple craft helps you and your students have a delightful time as you make the season merry and bright!

Cute Way to Light Up Your Christmas Celebration

Are you search for a simple and frugal craft to enjoy with kids for holiday fun? You'll love this Christmas paper plate craft. The final product is so cute and actually lights up. Plus, your children can customize it and add their own unique touches.

Decorating for the holidays is a big thing around here. My boys love to make our home shine when the seasons change and for special events. I used to be the one that dashed around and adorned our home (especially our homeschool space a.k.a. dining room) with decorations. When my boys got older, they took over the job and do a much better job than I ever did!

As I started planning and preparing for another round of Christmas homeschool fun activities, I was sifting through our boxes of DIY holiday decorations (because my boys have made a bunch of cute crafts over the years). When I unpacked their DIY Christmas tree luminary crafts, I knew that I had to recreate it and share with you!

Suggested Supplies for This Christmas Craft

Prior to starting this holiday craftivity, I encourage you to take some time to make sure that you have all of the materials that you need. This paper plate luminary uses a few supplies so it shouldn't take too long. In this list, I've included the basic materials:

• Paper Plates
• Green Felt
• Pom Poms
• Glue
• Scissors
• White Tissue Paper

Want to take this DIY project to the next level? Consider adding these ideas and extra decorations:

• Different colors of felt: Go for a more modern looking Christmas tree in white, pink, purple, or favorite color.
• Multiple colors of tissue paper (or party streamers): Use the white tissue paper as a base (or clear contact paper) and use small pieces of tissue paper in a variety of colors for a stained glass window effect.
• Use paint or tempera paint sticks to add color to the paper plates. Washi tape and stickers work well, too!
• Extra decorations: Sequins, foam stickers, small buttons, string or yarn

Use these free printable Christmas tree templates from One Little Project if you prefer not to draw your own. OR you can use other holiday shapes, like bell, present, star, or more.

How to Make This Christmas Paper Plate Craft

01

Prepare paper plates

Placing the two plates together, rim to rim, cut off a section about an inch thick in a straight line.

On one plate, draw a window, leaving about a one-inch border from the edge of the plate.

Cut the window out of the plate.

02

Prepare tree shape

Lay the plate with the window on the felt sheet to determine the proportions for the Christmas tree (or other holiday shape).

Draw a tree shape on the felt inside the window.

03

Cut out tree

Cut the tree (or other holiday shape) out.

04

Add decorations

Glue on pom poms (or other decorations, if desired) on the tree as ornaments.

05

Add decorations

Flip the window plate over and lay the tissue paper on it to cover the window.

Cut the tissue paper out in the shape of the window but slightly larger to overlap the frame. Glue the tissue paper window in place.

Flip this back over and glue the tree to the front. 

06

Glue plates and add light

Glue the two plates together, leaving the cut on the bottom unglued.

Put a flameless tea light into the space between the two plates.

Ideas for Making and Using Your Christmas Tree Luminary

Remember to add your student's name and date (month and year works well) on the back of the luminary so you'll have it to mark the occasion on this keepsake.

Want to keep this project simple and traditional? Follow the tutorial above. If you have time or want a different look, think outside the box! What colors and patterns can your kids use? Use a rainbow of colors, favorite colors, or other combination. Oh, and glitter glue can add a sparkly effect!

Need some more inspiration for ideas for using your glowing Christmas paper plate craft. Here are a few ideas :

• by a candy bowl
• on a window sill
• near Christmas cards
• at your front door
• as a table centerpiece
• on your fireplace mantle
• under your Christmas tree

Create Your Own Christmas Paper Plate Luminary!

Don't you think this easy-to-make craft is delightful for Christmas fun with kids? I truly hope that your children and you have a blast making these luminary crafts!

What ideas do you have for making and enjoying these crafts? Let me know your questions and ideas in the comments area at the bottom of this post 🎄

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