Looking for a craft that’s equal parts creative and fun? This paper plate narwhal is a simple project for a cute decoration and more. Plus, it includes a free printable template to make it stress-free.
With a few basic supplies, your kids can turn an ordinary paper plate into the “unicorn of the sea.” I’m sharing step-by-step instructions on how to create your own narwhal,. And I have some tips and ideas for using it in play, learning, and parties. Get ready for a creative project that’s easy, hands-on, and guaranteed to bring joy!
Cute Narwhal Project for Kids
Narwhals have always been a little extra special in our house.
When younger, my boys loved a song featuring these interesting creatures. It went something like, “Narwhals, narwhals, swimming in the ocean, causing a commotion…”
I have no idea where it came from, but somehow my boys knew it. They’d sing it loud and then giggle and giggle.
And then there’s the movie Elf. On his journey from the North Pole, Buddy the Elf meets a friendly narwhal who wishes him well. Our family has our very one Buddy the Elf (my oldest) and acts just like him at Christmas. One year, my younger son even drew him a sweet picture of Buddy the Elf alongside the narwhal.
So, narwhals make us smile. This paper plate narwhal craft feels like a perfect little tribute. It’s the kind of project I would have loved making with my boys when they were little. We didn’t do this exact version back then, but we made something similar. I had so much fun creating this one for you. I hope it brings bunches of joy, too!
What You’ll Need for This Paper Plate Narwhal Craft
To make your own adorable paper plate narwhal, you don’t need anything fancy. In fact, you only need a few simple supplies you may already have at home or can grab at the dollar store.
I’ve included a free printable template to make the process even easier. Customize the colors and details to make your narwhal unique. A quick paint job, some googly eyes, and a dash of creativity are all it takes to bring this “unicorn of the sea” to life!
- Paper Plate
- Wiggle Eyes
- Gray Cardstock
- Craft Paint (Lavender, Purple, Pink, Light Blue, Blue)
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Permanent Marker
- Sponge Dabber
- Free printable narwhal template
How to Make This Narwhal Craft for Kids
Prepare paper plate bases.
Gather all supplies. Basecoat the inside of the paper plate with blue acrylic craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
If making both colors, repeat with purple.
Prepare body and tail.
Print the Narwhal Pattern then cut out with scissors. Trace the narwhal body once onto the blue plate and once onto the purple plate.
Using the scraps, trace the tail pattern once onto the blue and purple painted paper plates. You could also use colored craft foam, cardstock, or craft felt for this project.
Prepare fins.
Using the scraps, trace the fin pattern twice onto the blue and purple painted paper plates. You could also use colored craft foam, cardstock, or craft felt for this project.
Add belly.
Trace the narwhal belly pattern onto the blue and purple painted paper plates using a pencil.
Paint the blue narwhal’s belly with light blue acrylic craft paint and the purple narwhal’s belly with lavender acrylic craft paint. Let dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Prepare horns.
Trace the narwhal horn pattern twice onto the gray cardstock with a pencil.
Cut out the horn patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Add eyes, cheeks, mouth. Finish horn.
Attach two googly eyes to each face with a glue gun and glue sticks. Create cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber in pink acrylic craft paint and stamping on either side of the face. Attach the tail and fins with a glue gun and glue sticks.
TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
Draw diagonal stripes onto the narwhal horns, then glue to the top center of the head. To finish, draw a smile with a black marker to create the narwhals’ mouths.
Tips and Ideas for Using and Enjoying This Craft
- Customize: Try different color combinations for your narwhal’s body and belly. Pastels, rainbow shades, or even glitter paint can give your cutie extra flair.
- Pair with a book: Read narwhal-themed books. Try books like Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima or Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton.
- Turn it into a puppet: Attach your narwhal to a wood craft stick or dowel rod. Encourage your children to put on a show with their DIY character.
- Use for learning: Read a book or watch a video about narwhals.Chat about where narwhals live, what they eat, and why their tusk is unique.
Frequently Asked Questions About This DIY Narwhal Project
This project works well for preschoolers through elementary age. Younger kids may need some help with cutting and tracing. Older kids can handle most of it independently and even add extra details.
Absolutely! While paper plates give a great shape and texture, you can also use cardstock, foam sheets, or sturdy paper if that’s what you have on hand.
Most kids can complete their narwhal in about 30 minutes (plus drying time if you’re painting).
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Narwhals bring a little magic to any day. This paper plate narwhal craft is a fun way to make one come to life. It’s quick to set up, easy to customize, and perfect for home, school, or parties.
Ready to make your own narwhal? Grab the free printable narwhal template and get started. Just print, trace, cut, and craft for instant creative fun!
I’d love to see your creative twist. Share a picture by emailing me at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com so I can cheer on your special narwhal!
