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.
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)
Paint the body
Cut the paper plate into a ladybug body shape and paint it red. Let it dry.
Cut the head
Cut a round head from black paper.
Glue on the head
Glue the head to the top of the body.
Cut the details
Cut legs, antennae and round spots from black paper.
Glue the details
Glue the legs, antennae and spots on.
Make a face
Cut two white eyes with black pupils and a pink mouth.
Add the face
Glue the face onto the head and let it dry.
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.
More paper plate crafts
See all →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
Paint a paper plate red, add a black paper head, legs, antennae and spots, then glue on a face.
About 3 to 6. Pre-cut pieces for younger kids.
It depends on the species. Many common ladybugs have 7 spots, but some have none and others have more than 20.
About 30 minutes plus paint drying time.
More Paper Plate Crafts
See all →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.
No stories yet. Be the first family to share how it went!