Paper Plate Hedgehog Craft for Kids – Free Template
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Paper Plate Hedgehog Craft for Kids – Free Template
If your little ones love woodland animals, this paper plate hedgehog craft is going to be an instant hit! With two-toned brown painting, pink rosy cheeks, and real paper quills cut right from the plate, this adorable hedgehog comes together with just a paper plate and a handful of simple supplies. Whether you're exploring forest animals at home, planning a woodland unit in the classroom, or looking for the perfect fall craft activity, this little guy is sharp in every sense of the word.
Why Kids Love This Craft
What makes this hedgehog extra special is the quills — kids actually cut them right out of the paper plate, which feels really satisfying and makes the finished craft look incredibly realistic. The two-toned painting technique is also a fun skill builder, helping kids practice staying in the lines and blending colors. It's a great craft for fine motor development through cutting, painting, and detail work, and the finished hedgehog is so cute kids will want to name it on the spot.
What You'll Need
- 6-inch paper plate or paper
- Scissors
- Coloring tools (dark brown, light brown, pink)
- Black pen or thin marker
- Googly eyes (¼ inch)
- Glue
How to Make a Paper Plate Hedgehog
Step 1 — Paint the hedgehog's body light brown. Color or paint the center body area of the hedgehog light brown using the template as your guide.
Step 2 — Paint around the body darker brown. Fill in the quill zone around the body with a darker brown to create a natural contrast between the soft belly and the spiky back.
Step 3 — Paint the ears and cheeks pink. Add a touch of pink to the ears and cheeks to give your hedgehog that sweet, rosy look.
Step 4 — Cut the dotted lines to make the quills. Using scissors, carefully cut along the dotted lines around the outer edge of the plate. These cuts create the hedgehog's signature spiky quills — the more precise the cuts, the better the quills look!
Step 5 — Add the eyes. Glue on ¼-inch googly eyes for extra personality, or use the template eyes for a drawn-on look instead.
Step 6 — Draw the finishing touches. Use a black pen or thin marker to draw a small nose, a cute smile, and little arms on the body. Let everything dry completely.
Your totally sharp paper plate hedgehog is ready to show off! 🦔
Tips for Making It Even Better
- Take your time on the quill cuts — slow, careful snips make the quills look much cleaner and more realistic.
- Two shades of brown make a huge difference in how the finished hedgehog looks, so use both if you can!
- This hedgehog pairs perfectly with other woodland animal crafts for a cozy fall-themed classroom or bedroom display.
More Fun Animal Crafts You'll Love
https://craftyyak.com/collections/animals