3 Free DIY Craft Templates: Perfect for Beginners

You'll find these three beginner-friendly craft templates offer the perfect starting point for your creative journey. Whether you've never attempted DIY projects before or simply want to expand your crafting repertoire, each template provides clear, step-by-step guidance while allowing room for personal artistic expression. From the majestic paper plate lion to the slithering snake and charming turtle, these projects require minimal supplies yet yield impressive results. Let's explore how these simple templates can transform basic materials into enchanting creatures that you'll be proud to display.

Easy Lion Template

With a paper plate and some basic craft supplies, you'll create an adorable lion that roars with creativity! This simple yet engaging craft combines easy-to-find materials with straightforward templates, making it perfect for crafters of all skill levels. Based on the beloved book "Dandelion," this craft helps children create their own unrecognizable lion through imaginative play. The entire project takes 20 minutes to complete, plus some time for the paint to dry. This engaging activity enhances fine motor skills while providing a fun learning experience. The craft has been featured in major publications like Oprah Mag and Good Housekeeping.

Transform your paper plate into a majestic lion by starting with a coat of paint - yellow or orange works brilliantly. While it dries, get started on the details using free printable templates available from various craft websites. Cut out the essential lion features from construction paper: pointed ears, a rounded nose, and strips for that signature flowing mane.

These paper plate projects come alive when you layer the pieces together. For best results, use coated paper plates when crafting for superior durability and easier cleanup.

Ready to assemble your lion craft? Start by gluing the facial features onto your dried painted plate. Create dimension by adding a full mane around the edges - you can use straight strips or create wavy patterns for extra flair.

Don't forget to draw expressive eyes and a friendly mouth! For innovative crafters, try mixing up the mane colors or adding texture with different paper types. Your unique lion creation will be ready to join your pride of paper plate projects in no time.

Building Your Paper Snake

While there are several ways to craft a paper snake, we've gathered four fantastic methods that'll bring your serpentine creation to life!

The paper chain snake offers a striking contrast of green and yellow strips, complete with googly eyes and a balloon tongue. The simple process of alternating colored strips creates amazing dimension and movement. Teaching children about reptiles becomes engaging when paired with National Geographic Kids books during craft time. You'll love how the alternating colors create a playful, dimensional effect. These educational crafts help children understand that pythons are non-venomous and use constriction to catch their prey.

Want something more textured? Transform ordinary toilet paper rolls into a stunning snake by painting them and adding sponge-stamped patterns. The button eyes and pipe cleaner tongue give it personality, while the ribbon connection guarantees durability.

For a quick crafting technique, try the paper plate spiral snake - it's perfect when you're short on time but still want impressive results. Just cut, paint with pom poms, and add the facial features. Using household pom poms creates unique textures that kids love to make.

If you're aiming for authenticity, the printable paper chain snake template is your best bet. You can recreate specific species like the Jungle Carpet python by connecting alternating body links. This method gives you precise control over the snake's appearance while maintaining the fun of paper crafting.

Colorful Turtle Craft

This paper plate turtle craft transforms ordinary materials into a vibrant underwater friend that's perfect for ocean-themed projects!

You'll start by gathering simple craft materials like a paper plate, tissue paper squares, and cardstock to create your turtle's base and features. Box turtles can use their hard flaps to shield themselves from danger. A play-based approach makes this craft especially engaging for young children. Keeping an organized workspace helps kids stay focused during the gluing process. The yarn wrapping technique creates a soothing and meditative crafting experience.

Using bingo daubers creates beautiful dot patterns on the shell that kids love. Begin by coating your paper plate with glue and layering colorful tissue paper squares to form the turtle shell. For extra sparkle, you can sprinkle glitter while the glue's still wet.

Next, cut out the head, legs, and tail from cardstock, then secure them to your decorated plate. Add personality to your turtle with googly eyes and marker-drawn facial features.

Want to make your turtle extra special? Try creating unique shell patterns using sponges, buttons, or poms. You can even weave yarn across the shell for fantastic texture, or attach painted rocks for a 3D effect.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your turtle's shell - mix different colored tissue papers for a layered look, or use Do-a-Dot markers to create eye-catching patterns.

Your turtle will be ready to swim into everyone's hearts!