Are you looking for an adorable Valentine’s Day craft that’s simple, affordable, and guaranteed to bring smiles? This Paper Plate Love Bug Craft is everything you need: cute, easy, and perfect for little hands. Whether you’re planning a classroom activity, a rainy afternoon project, or just want to spread some love, these cheerful little bugs are about to become your new favorite craft.
This craft pairs beautifully with our Popsicle Stick Love Bug craft!
Why You’ll Love This Paper Plate Love Bug
There’s something irresistibly charming about transforming an ordinary paper plate into a whimsical love bug. This craft hits all the right notes:
- Makes wonderful handmade valentines, adorable door decorations, or sweet gifts for grandparents.
- Uses materials you probably already have at home.
- Takes less than 30 minutes to complete (not counting prep time).
- Gives kids the creative freedom to make each bug uniquely their own.
- Cleanup is a breeze, which every parent and teacher can appreciate.
- Versatile enough for toddlers with supervision, yet engaging enough for older kids.
Quick Craft Overview
This quick snapshot helps you decide if this love bug paper plate craft is a good fit for your group.
- Skill level: Easy
- Ages: Preschool through adult
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Craft time: 30 minutes
- Mess level: Low
- Why it’s fun: Kids get to design their own love bug using simple shapes, bright colors, and fun details like hearts and antennae.
Watch the Video
These steps show how to make a love bug using simple supplies and the printable template.
Craft Supplies Needed for Paper Plate Love Bug
Before you begin, gather these simple, kid-friendly materials. Most are common classroom or at-home craft supplies.
Note: We used a paper plate for this craft, but the included printable template can also be used on its own if you don’t have paper plates on hand.
- Paper Plate Love Bug Template
- White cardstock
- Washable paint
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
- White paper plates (6″)
- Tacky craft glue
- Wiggly eyes (24 mm)
- Black pipe cleaners
Directions for Love Bug Paper Plate Craft
Follow these simple steps to create your own love bug using the printable template and paper plates.
STEP 1: Download and print the template. First, download and print our free love bug template on white cardstock.
STEP 2: Paint the template pieces. Let kids paint or color the template pieces. Set everything aside to dry.
STEP 3: Cut out the template pieces. Once dry, carefully cut out all of the bug pieces.
STEP 4: Paint the paper plate. Red and pink are classic choices, but don’t be afraid to go bold with purple, hot pink, or even create an ombré effect by blending colors. Set the plate aside to dry completely, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on how thick the paint is applied.
Crafting tip: When I’m crafting alone or with kids, I like to speed up drying time using a hair dryer.
STEP 5: Cut and assemble the paper plate. Cut the paper plate in half and glue it together as pictured below to form the wings.
STEP 6: Attach the bug body. Glue the bug’s body to the paper plate wings.
STEP 7: Add the feet, hands, and heart. Glue on the feet, hands, and heart pieces from the template.
STEP 8: Decorate the wings. Glue heart shapes onto the wings for extra Valentine flair.
STEP 9: Finish with antennae and eyes. Glue on the antennae and eyes to complete your love bug. For extra security, press a strip of tape over the pipe cleaners.
Take It Further
Once your love bug is complete, here are ways to expand the fun and learning.
- Craft variations: Skip the paint and use markers or crayons for a quicker option. Decorate the hearts with glitter or sequins.
- Classroom ideas: Use for centers, early finisher work, or a whole-class project.
- Learning tie-ins: Practice following directions, sequencing, and fine-motor skills. Incorporate counting spots, color recognition, and pattern-making.
- Display ideas: Hang bugs on walls or bulletin boards, string them into a garland, or send them home for a festive fridge display.
Common Questions
Paper plates work better for this craft. Paper plates absorb paint more easily and hold glue more securely. Foam plates can be slippery and may require special foam-safe paint and glue. Stick with sturdy paper plates for the best results.
Absolutely! This craft is perfect for classrooms. To streamline the process, have a painting station where kids paint first, then move to a decorating station once plates dry. Set up assembly-line style stations for cutting, gluing, and decorating to keep things organized.
More Easy Valentine Crafts for Kids
Looking for more simple Valentine crafts kids will love? These easy ideas are perfect for classroom activities, homeschool projects, or festive fun at home.
- Valentine Suncatchers – Make beautiful heart suncatchers for your window with our free printable templates.
- Sports-Themed Hedgehog Valentine – The perfect Valentine for sports-loving kids to make!
- Heart Tree Craft – A sweet keepsake craft where kids build a tree filled with colorful heart shapes.
- Owl Valentine Card for Kids – Cute owl valentines with fun owl puns!
Save This Craft
Save this Love Bug Paper Plate Craft for Valentine’s Day, spring art time, or an easy insect-themed activity you’ll want ready to go!
Paper Plate Love Bug
Ingredients
- Paper Plate Love Bug Template
- White cardstock
- Washable paint
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
- White paper plates 6"
- Tacky craft glue
- Wiggly eyes 24 mm
- Black pipe cleaners
Instructions
- Download and print the template. First, get our free Love Bug Template and print it on white cardstock.
- Paint the template pieces. Let kids color or paint each piece, then set them aside to dry.
- Cut out the template pieces. Once dry, carefully cut out all the bug pieces.
- Paint the paper plate. Red and pink are classic, but kids can use any colors they like. Set aside to dry, about 15–20 minutes.
- Cut and assemble the paper plate. Cut the plate in half and glue the pieces together as shown to make the wings.
- Attach the bug body. Glue the bug’s body onto the paper plate wings.
- Add the feet, hands, and heart. Glue the template pieces onto the bug.
- Decorate the wings. Glue heart shapes onto the wings for a festive Valentine’s touch.
- Finish with antennae and eyes. Glue on the antennae and eyes to complete your love bug, and secure the pipe cleaners with a strip of tape.
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