This torn paper apple craft is a sweet and simple activity that’s as fun as it is frugal!
It’s made with a paper plate, some torn paper, and your child’s handprint. This project is awesome for an apple theme or unit, celebrating back-to-school season, or a screen-free afternoon activity.
I’m sharing my tips and ideas for enjoying this kids craft. My boys and I had such delightful times making and using it and I hope you do, too!

Awesome Fun with A Hands-On Apple Project
Apples have always been one of our favorite themes, especially during fall and back-to-school season. When my boys were little, we used apple-themed activities for our Letter of the Week adventures for toddler time and homeschool preschool.
And that learning fun just kept growing right along with them! As the boys got older, apples gave us so many opportunities to explore and enjoy.
We’ve gone down many rabbit trails about all things apple, like discovering the life cycle, learning fun apple facts, taste-testing different varieties, and (of course!) whipping up tasty treats together in the kitchen.
This torn paper apple craft was a way that we could extend that learning fun. It’s super simple, budget-friendly, and has a special personalized touch with a handprint paper leaf. I love that it’s one of those easy crafts that turns into a keepsake and a sweet reminder of just how fun learning can be.
What You’ll Need to Make This Simple Apple Craft
You don’t need anything fancy for this easy apple craft. You probably have these simple supplies already in your craft stash or around the house or classroom. This project is perfect for using up leftover construction paper. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Paper plates
- Red construction paper
- Brown construction paper
- Green construction paper
- Glue stick or white glue
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Black marker

How to Make This Torn Paper Apple Craft
Prepare and place the red paper pieces.
Tear red construction paper into small pieces. Glue the red paper pieces around the outer edge of the paper plate to create the apple’s skin.

Add seeds and make stem.
Use a black marker to draw apple seeds in the center of the plate. Cut out a stem shape from brown construction paper.

Make handprint leaf and add to apple.
Trace a handprint on green construction paper and cut it out to make the leaf. Glue the stem and handprint leaf to the back top edge of the paper plate.

Creative Ideas for Making and Using Your DIY Apple
Here are some easy ways to make the most of your fun with this apple craft. Think outside the box when you’re creating and using your paper apples!
Ideas for Making:
- Try different apple colors: Use red, green, yellow, or mixed colors of construction paper to make a variety of apples.
- Add textures: Use other materials, like tissue paper, felt or fabric scraps, or even crumpled paper for a 3D effect.
- Decorate the handprint leaf: Write your child’s name, age, and date on the leaf.
Ideas for Using:
- Create a display: If you’re making several apples or working with a group, you can tape them to a wall, window, or bulletin board for an autumn decoration.
- Pair with a book or two: Use it along a favorite apple-themed book (like Ten Apples Up On Top or The Apple Pie Tree).
- Use for Letter of the Week: This craft is a great addition to your letter A fun.
- Celebrate Apple Day on October 21
Also, it can be so much fun to try other apple-themed crafts and compare your experiences. This apple popsicle stick craft is such a cute one!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Paper Apple Craft
This torn paper apple craft is great for toddlers through early elementary! Little ones will love the tearing and gluing. Older kids can get creative with patterns, textures, or even turning it into a mixed-media project.
No construction paper? No problem! Try using colored tissue paper, leftover scrapbook paper, or even pages from old magazines. It’s a great way to reuse and recycle!
Enjoy Amazing Apple Craft Fun
This torn paper apple craft using a paper plate is a cute project and a meaningful way to slow down and get creative. I love how it’s a simple way to sprinkle in some fun-focused learning.
Oh, and please donโt stress about making it perfect! I encourage you to let go and have fun with the process! Let your kids tear, glue, laugh, and make it their own. And when you’re done, youโll have a sweet keepsake with that precious handprint leaf to look back on and smile.
Have questions or want to share how your torn paper apple craft turned out? I’d love to hear from you! And if you found this craft helpful or fun, please share it with a fellow parent, teacher, or caregiver who might enjoy it too.
Sending you lots of cozy apple season vibes and wishing you a bunch of happy crafting moments!






