Ladybug Paper Plate Craft

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Got little ones buzzing around looking for something to do? This paper plate ladybug is quick, creative and sneaks in some cutting and gluing practice.

It’s perfect for a rainy day, a bug unit or a classroom craft table.

Ages 3 to 6
Time 30 minutes plus drying
Skills Cutting, gluing
Season Spring and summer
Ladybug paper plate craft

How to Make a Paper Plate Ladybug

Paper plate

Red paint and a chunky paintbrush

Black, white and pink construction paper

Kid scissors

Glue stick

Googly eyes or pipe cleaners (optional)

Ladybug paper plate craft supplies

Paint the body

Cut the paper plate into a ladybug body shape and paint it red. Let it dry.

paper plate ladybug craft for preschoolers step 1 cut and paint the body

Cut the head

Cut a round head from black paper.

ladybug craft paper plate step 2 cut out the ladybug's head from black construction paper

Glue on the head

Glue the head to the top of the body.

ladybug craft paper plate step 3 glue the head on the body

Cut the details

Cut legs, antennae and round spots from black paper.

ladybug craft paper plate step 4 cut out the ladybug legs, antennas, and spots

Glue the details

Glue the legs, antennae and spots on.

ladybug craft paper plate step 5 glue the legs, antennas, and spots on the ladybug

Make a face

Cut two white eyes with black pupils and a pink mouth.

ladybug craft paper plate step 6 cut out the facial features

Add the face

Glue the face onto the head and let it dry.

ladybug craft paper plate step 7 glue on the face

Ladybug Craft Tips

  • Toddlers: Pre-cut the shapes and let them paint and glue.
  • Older kids: Have them draw and cut every piece.
  • Count the spots for some sneaky math.
  • Lay down newspaper and keep wipes handy for the red paint.

Keep the bug theme going with our printable alphabet bug book.

The bundle includes

  • Printable templates for our paper plate crafts
  • Step-by-step picture directions
  • Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped

Perfect for

  • Spring and bug units
  • Preschool and kindergarten
  • Classroom centers

Grab Your Free Template and Visual Directions!

Ready to make crafting even easier for your little ones? Our free visual directions and ladybug template are designed for kids to follow step-by-step! Sign up for our mailing list, and we’ll send everything you need straight to your inbox. It’s a fun, hands-on way to get kids crafting with ease! 👇

Ladybug Craft FAQ

How do you make a paper plate ladybug?

Paint a paper plate red, add a black paper head, legs, antennae and spots, then glue on a face.

What age is this craft for?

About 3 to 6. Pre-cut pieces for younger kids.

How many spots does a ladybug have?

It depends on the species. Many common ladybugs have 7 spots, but some have none and others have more than 20.

How long does it take?

About 30 minutes plus paint drying time.

From families like yours

Did you try it? Tell us how it went!

We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.

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Stephanie Oswald, early childhood intervention specialist and creator of Parenting Chaos

Hi, I’m Stephanie!

I’m an early childhood intervention specialist and the mom behind Parenting Chaos. I share simple, hands-on activities that help little ones learn through play. Coffee addict, nature junkie and kid at heart.

More about me →

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