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    Home » Spring Activities

    Paper Plate Rainbow Craft

    Published: Mar 31, 2023 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    1029 shares
    • 18
    Jump to Craft Jump to Video

    We just did the most fun rainbow craft! It was easy and fun and the results were so eye catching. Every time you make a Paper Plate Rainbow Craft it turns out a little different, which means this is one of those spring activities for kids that they can do again and again.

    When our rainbow crafts had dried, my kids even used them to make other things by adding pipe cleaners and buttons. They were inspired by this post of 20+ Pipe Cleaner Crafts and Activities.

    circular rainbow paint print

    If you are looking for more ways to make rainbows with paint check out these Black Glue and Salt Watercolor Rainbow.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐Why This Craft is Awesome
    • 🖍️Supply Notes
    • 📋Step by Step Instructions
    • ✂️Expert Tips
    • 🤷🏻‍♀️Craft FAQs
    • 🌷Related posts
    • 🎨Craft Tutorial

    ⭐Why This Craft is Awesome

    • Fun activity for kids of all ages from a preschooler to adult!
    • This spring craft works for St Patrick's Day.
    • Uses supplies you probably already have at home.


    🖍️Supply Notes

    • Sturdy paper plate - if you use thin plates, the paint will bleed through
    • Tempera craft paint - in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
    supplies for a rainbow craft


    📋Step by Step Instructions

    STEP 1: You will be painting on the back of the plate and only on the flat portion. Using your paint, squeeze a ring of each color onto the back of the paper plate. Spread each ring with a brush to evenly cover the plate.

    red paint on paper plate

    STEP 2: Paint can dry rather quickly, so make sure you put a thick enough layer on your plate. It takes a few minutes to get all the paint on the plate and if you don't use enough paint the early colors may dry.

    red and orange paint on back of paper plate

    STEP 3: When you finish painting your plate, check to see if any of the paint has dried. If it has, go back and add some more.

    paper plate rainbows

    STEP 4: Press the painted plate onto white paper and using your hands to twist it make a colorful print.

    child making craft with paper plate

    STEP 5: We did one full rotation of the plate, but you can twist it as much as you want. When you are done, carefully peel off the plate to reveal your beautiful rainbow craft.

    rainbow crafts for kids

    I think the rainbow looks like it has a tie dye effect. They were so vibrant and pretty!

    circular rainbow print

    I hope you enjoy making these as much as we did!

    paper plate kids crafts

    ✂️Expert Tips

    Tip 1: The more you move your plate around the paper, the more variations you will get in your rainbow. Also, if you use a large piece of white paper you will have more room to maneuver the plate.

    Tip 2: Some children will be able to do this activity themselves, but some will need me to hold down the white paper while they twist the plate. We also enjoyed these Paper Plate Baby Farm Animals..


    🤷🏻‍♀️Craft FAQs

    Can I use a styrofoam plate for this colorful activity?

    The paint will not adhere to the styrofoam plate so I do not recommend it.

    Can I only make one print from a painted paper plate?

    We found we were able to make a few prints without adding more paint.


    🌷Related posts

    • Crushed Cereal Rainbow Bottle
    • Fine Motor Straw Necklace
      Fine Motor Straw Necklace
    • Making a Sensory Rainbow with Straws
      Making a Sensory Rainbow with Straws
    • How to Make a Cereal Rainbow Craft

    🌟If you try this craft, leave a star rating below or a review in the comment section. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get my latest crafts!


    🎨Craft Tutorial

    Print
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    Paper Plate Rainbow Craft

    Paper Plate Rainbow Craft - You won't believe how simple this is to make. Great for St. Patrick's day or Spring!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Active Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Author: Vicky

    Materials

    • Sturdy paper plate
    • Tempera paint in all the colors of the rainbow
    • Paintbrush
    • White paper

    Instructions

    • You will be painting on the back of the plate and only on the flat portion. Using your paint, squeeze a ring of each color onto the back of the paper plate. Spread each ring with a brush to evenly cover the plate.
    • Paint can dry rather quickly, so make sure you put a thick enough layer on your plate. It takes a few minutes to get all the paint on the plate and if you don't use enough paint the early colors may dry.
    • When you finish painting your plate, check to see if any of the paint has dried. If it has, go back and add some more.
    • Press the painted plate onto white paper and using your hands to twist it make a colorful print.
    • We did one full rotation of the plate, but you can twist it as much as you want. When you are done, carefully peel off the plate to reveal your beautiful rainbow craft.

    Video

    Notes

    • The more you move your plate around the paper, the more variations you will get in your rainbow. Also, if you use a large piece of white paper you will have more room to maneuver the plate.
    • Some children will be able to do this activity themselves, but some will need me to hold down the white paper while they twist the plate.

    More Spring Activities

    • SPRING FINE MOTOR SKILLS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
      Spring Fine Motor Activities For Preschoolers
    • Spring Movement Cards
    • spring activity book printable
      Kids Spring Activity Book Printable
    • rainbow painted handprint
      Rainbow Activities for Kids

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    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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