My kids go through a cowboy phase about every six months, and this paper plate cowboy hat craft is what we pull out when it hits. One plate, a little brown paint and a construction paper sheriff star, and you’re done in about half an hour.
It’s also sneaky fine motor practice. Tracing, cutting around the brim and placing small pieces all build the hand strength preschoolers need for writing.
What You Need for This Paper Plate Cowboy Hat Craft
You probably have most of this already.
Cowboy Hat Paper Plate Craft (visual directions + template)
Get the printableSturdy paper plate
View on AmazonBrown paint
View on AmazonPaintbrush
View on AmazonKid scissors
View on AmazonGlue stick
View on AmazonBlack and yellow construction paper
View on AmazonPencil or black marker
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How to Make a Paper Plate Cowboy Hat
Trace the hat
Lay the template on the paper plate and trace the cowboy hat shape. Sturdy plates work best, since thin ones get soggy once the paint goes on.
Cut it out
Older kids can cut the hat out themselves. For little ones, cut the tight curves around the crown and let them handle the long, straight edge of the brim.
Paint the hat
Brown is classic, but pink, blue and rainbow cowboy hats are all welcome here. Painting the brim a shade darker gives it a worn-leather look.
Let it dry completely before adding anything else.
Cut the hatband and star
Trace the hatband and sheriff star from the template onto construction paper and cut them out. Black and yellow is the classic combo.
Glue it all together
Glue the star onto the hatband, then glue the band across the bottom of the crown. Kids can add their name, doodles or a little glitter if you’re feeling brave.
Ways to Use It
- Punch a hole on each side and add yarn so it can actually be worn
- Pair it with a stick horse for wild west pretend play
- Hang a row of hats on a bulletin board for a western or farm unit
- Use it as a prop for cowboy story time
More paper plate crafts
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Paper Plate Cowboy Hat Craft for Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten
Preschool
Paint, glue and decorate. You handle the tricky cutting, and kids point to each picture step as they go.
Pre-K
Trace the template and cut the straight lines. Follow the visual steps in order.
Kindergarten and up
Cut out every piece, add their own details, and retell the steps in order.
Get the Printable Visual Directions
Doing this with a group? The printable has picture steps for every part of the cowboy hat, plus a template you can trace.
What’s included
- A picture supply list
- Visual step-by-step directions
- Photo step cards
- A printable template
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Preschool and kindergarten classrooms
- Special education and speech therapy
- Following directions practice
- Thematic units
- Homeschool art time
Paper Plate Cowboy Hat Craft FAQ
Yes. Punch a hole on each side of the brim and tie on yarn or elastic, or staple it to a paper headband strip.
Ages 3 to 6. Preschoolers paint and glue with a little help, and kindergartners can trace and cut the pieces themselves.
Yes. Crayons, markers or torn construction paper work too and are less messy.
You can freehand the pieces, but the template and picture steps help kids work on their own and make it easy to do with a class.
More Crafts with Visual Directions
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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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