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Title-Paper-Plate-Crab.jpg
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Paper Plate Crab

This Paper Plate Crab is a simple craft that even very young kids can make. To make this craft, you only need a few supplies for and my free printable claw template. Follow along with these simple instructions to make this adorable crab. If you want to, have fun and decorate it how ever you want.
Keyword crab craft, paper plate crab, paper plate craft, washi tape
Prep Time 30 minutes
Dry time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 1 crab
Author Cindy Hopper

Equipment

  • Pair of Scissors
  • Paintbrush
  • Crab arm template

Ingredients

  • 1 each think paper plate (Cheap thin white paper plates are best.)
  • 2 each wiggly eyes
  • red washi tape
  • 1 each 12" red pipe cleaner
  • 1 piece red construction paper
  • 1 each crab arm template

Instructions

  • Fold the paper plate in half.
    Folded paper plate
  • Open the paper plate and cut on the line. The deep groove provides a guide to cut along and make a straight cut.
  • Paint one half of the plate and set the other half a side for a future project. Make sure to cover all the white spots with the red paint. Allow the paint to dry.
    Half of paper plate painted red
  • While the paint is drying print a copy of the crab arm template. Click on this link, https://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/crab-claws-template.pdf, to download and print it on red or white cardstock.
  • Once printed cut out the template. If you print on white card stock, you can color them red or you can trace the image on red construction paper and cut them out.
    Crab arms traced on to red construction paper
  • Tape the arms to the bottom sides of the painted paper plate half.
    Painted half of paper plate with crab arms taped on circular side of the of the back of the plate
  • Fold the red pipe cleaner in a V shape.
    Red pipe cleaner folded into a V and wiggly eyes
  • Attach the wiggly eyes to each end of the pipe cleaner with Washi tape.
    Red pipe cleaner folded into a V with wiggly eyes attached to the two ends
  • Tape the bottom of the pipe cleaner V to the back of the paper plate with more Washi tape and you have your Paper Plate Crab!
    The base of the V taped to the back flat edge of the paper plate with crab legs taped to the rounded side
  • There's one more thing needed, a smile. Grab a black marker and give the Paper Plate Crab a smile!
    Smile added to red paper plate crab

Notes

Great craft for preschoolers and early elementary kids.