Bring a little magic to your day with this paper plate unicorn craft!
This easy unicorn project uses only a few supplies and is perfect for kids of all ages. It comes together quickly with the free printable template. If you’re planning a unicorn-themed party or lesson or looking for a cheerful rainy day project, this craft will have everyone smiling.
I was so excited to display our DIY unicorns! And I loved having a hands-on activity for my boys to work on creativity, fine motor skills, and color recognition. Get my step-by-step instructions, pictures, and extra tips to make your unicorn unique. So grab your supplies, gather the kids, and get ready to craft some magical memories!
Creative and Cute Unicorn Project for Kids
I’ve always had a soft spot for unicorns. To me, they’re such beautiful, mythical creatures that are full of magic, wonder, and possibility. When I was a little girl, I had unicorns on my sweatshirts, posters, pencils, and notebooks. I even had a big unicorn stuffed animal that my dad won for me at the boardwalk!
It’s a big reason why I love sharing unicorn-themed resources, from coloring bookmarks to perler bead crafts. And as I’ve been creating more paper plate crafts and other hands-on projects, this unicorn design popped into my mind. I knew I had to make it happen!
It brought back memories of crafting something similar with my boys when they were younger. I know that little-me would have been over the moon for this project. And grown-up-me had just as much fun creating it! I hope you and your crew enjoy making this unicorn as much as I enjoyed creating it.
What You’ll Need for Your Unicorn Craft
Before you start crafting your unicorn, make sure you’ve got everything ready to go. Having your supplies prepped means you can jump right into the fun without any last-minute searches for scissors or glue! You’ll need:
- Paper plate
- Acrylic craft paint (light pink and bright pink)
- Cardstock (golden yellow, white, light pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- Glue gun and glue sticks (or liquid craft glue)
- Sponge dabber
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Permanent black marker
- Free printable unicorn template
How to Make This Paper Plate Unicorn
Prepare paper plate base, ears, and horn.
Gather all supplies. Base coat the bottom half of the inside of the paper plate light pink acrylic craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Print the Unicorn Patterns then cut out with scissors. Trace the outer ears twice onto white cardstock, trace the horn once onto golden yellow cardstock, and trace the inner ears twice onto light pink cardstock. You could also use colored craft foam or craft felt for this project.
Cut out the Unicorn patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
Finish horn and ears.
Draw diagonal lines on the unicorn horn with a black marker.
Attach the light pink inner ears to the white outer ears with a glue gun and glue sticks. Glue the ears to the back of the paper plate and the horn in the center. TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
Make paper strips and add rainbow mane.
Cut strips from light pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple cardstock that are approximately one inch wide by eleven inches long.
Cut each strip in half lengthwise. Flip the paper plate over and attach the rainbow pieces to the back with a glue gun and glue sticks. Start at the ear and overlap the colors to create the Unicorn’s mane.
Add cheeks, eyes, eye lashes, nostrils, and smile.
Create cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber into bright pink acrylic craft paint and stamping on either side of the face.
To finish, draw two half circle shaped closed eyes and eye lashes, two nostrils, and a smile from cheek to cheek with a black marker.
Creative Ideas for Using Your Paper Plate Unicorn Craft
This paper plate project works for weaving learning into fun and for DIY decorations. For example, pair it with a hands-on activity (like these unicorn playdough mats) and you have a mix of delightful fun. Here are some more ways to enjoy this craft for kids:
- Storytelling and Creative Writing: Name your unicorn. Create a short story about it. Younger children can narrate their story to you to jot down.
- Mythology and Folklore Connection: Explore the legends of unicorns in different cultures. Encourage kids to share what they learned.
- Unicorn Party Decorations: Make multiplic unicorns. Hang on walls or string them together for an adorable party banner.
- Rainy Day Magic: A perfect craft to brighten a dreary afternoon with a splash of color and sparkle.
- Dress-Up and Pretend Play: Attach a craft stick or wood dowel to the bottom. Use it as a unicorn mask for imaginative play.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Unicorn Craft for Kids
Absolutely! You can swap in construction paper, craft foam, or felt for different textures and looks.
Yes, but younger children may need help with cutting and using a glue gun. If you prefer, you can use child-safe scissors and liquid craft glue (just allow extra drying time).
Around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a short afternoon activity or a classroom craft session.
Make Your Own Unicorns!
Now that you’ve seen how easy (and fun!) it is to bring this paper plate unicorn to life, it’s time to gather your supplies and start crafting! Whether you’re making it for an afternoon activity, a party decoration, or just because unicorns make everything better, this project is sure to bring smiles.
To make it even easier, I’m sharing this free printable template. No tricky measuring or guessing – just print, trace, cut, and create!
Get your free unicorn template now and start your craftivity today!
Do you have any questions for me about how to make this paper plate unicorn? And what ideas do you have for using? Please share in the comments area below!
