Paper Plate Koala Craft for Kids – Free Template (You're Totally Koala-fied!)
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Totally Koala-fied Paper Plate Koala Craft for Kids
If your little ones are wild about animals, this paper plate koala craft is going to be an instant favorite! With a fluffy gray face, fuzzy cotton ball ears, and the sweetest little smile, this adorable koala comes together with just a paper plate and a handful of simple supplies. Whether you're exploring Australian animals at home, planning a zoo unit in the classroom, or just looking for a creative afternoon activity, this craft is totally koala-fied to impress.
Why Kids Love This Craft
There's something really special about this koala — those fluffy cotton ball ears make it look almost real, and kids absolutely love the texture. It's a great craft for building fine motor skills through cutting, coloring, and gluing, and the step-by-step process is simple enough for toddlers with a little help while still being fun and satisfying for older kids. The finished koala looks so cute it'll go straight from the craft table to the wall!
What You'll Need
- 6-inch paper plate or paper
- Gray paint, marker, or crayon
- Paper for ears and nose
- Googly eyes (½ inch, or use template eyes)
- Cotton ball
- Black marker
How to Make a Paper Plate Koala
Step 1 — Cut out the template. Cut out all the pieces from the template — the ears, nose, and any eye pieces you plan to use.
Step 2 — Color the plate and ears gray. Paint or color the paper plate and ear pieces gray. Let them dry completely before moving on.
Step 3 — Color the nose black. Color the oval nose piece black using paint or a marker.
Step 4 — Glue the ears and nose onto the face. Position the ears on the left and right sides of the plate and glue them in place. Then glue the black nose to the center of the face.
Step 5 — Add the fluffy ears. Pull a cotton ball apart slightly to spread it out, then glue it onto the inner part of each ear. This gives your koala that signature soft, fluffy look!
Step 6 — Glue on the eyes. Attach googly eyes just above the nose for extra personality, or use the template eyes instead.
Step 7 — Draw the finishing touches. Use a black marker to draw eyelashes above each eye and a small curved smile below the nose. Let everything dry completely.
Your totally koala-fied paper plate koala is ready to hang up and show off! 🐨
Tips for Making It Even Better
- Gray paint gives the most even, realistic color — but gray crayon or marker works great for younger kids who aren't ready for paint yet.
- Pulling the cotton ball apart before gluing gives a more natural fluffy look than leaving it bunched up.
- Make a whole Australian animal display by pairing this koala with other wildlife crafts for a fun themed wall!