Creating a paper plate rainbow is super simple with this torn-paper method! Children can develop fine motor abilities while putting together their rainbow. Best of all, it’s virtually mess-free!
RELATED: Paper Plate Snail
Hold on to leftover paper from previous craft projects, since those tiny scraps can become torn-paper artwork! This paper plate rainbow is an ideal way to use assorted bits and pieces of extra paper.
You can also make a paper plate snail with this very same method! If recycled crafts are your favorite, be sure to explore my book – Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials.
There are so many reasons we enjoy this project – it strengthens fine motor skills, repurposes scrap paper and creates very little mess!
Rather than using torn paper, you could create this paper plate rainbow with regular paint or puffy paint. Simply use the same instructions, allowing children to paint their rainbow instead.
Materials Required
- Glue – use a glue stick for the paper and tacky glue for attaching the cotton balls
View the Video Guide
Making a Paper Plate Rainbow
1. Begin by slicing your paper plate down the middle.
This leaves you with the ideal semicircle shape for your project.
2. Collect your scrap paper, or trim it into small pieces for the craft.
Ask children to rip the scrap paper into little square shapes. They do not need to be exact, and irregular pieces are completely fine. After they are glued together, the different shapes will not be noticeable.
Younger children might require a little assistance during this part.
3. Let the children glue the torn paper pieces onto the paper plate.
Begin with red along the outer rim, then layer the remaining colors toward the center.
Continue attaching paper around the plate until every color has been added.
4. Use cotton balls to create the clouds.
After all the torn paper has been placed, attach a few cotton balls along the sides to form clouds.
Your paper plate rainbow is complete! It would look wonderful displayed on a bulletin board. You could also connect several together to create a long room banner.
Additional Rainbow Activities
Try this enjoyable rainbow slime. Children will have fun creating a rainbow from slime!
Whip up a batch of rainbow playdough! This playdough recipe creates an incredibly soft dough that stays fresh for months!
Looking for another colorful rainbow project? Our top sensory-bin choice is this rainbow rice!
