Make a Seal!
Make a paper plate seal puppet using paint, scissors, and googly eyes. Practice cutting, decorating, and simple puppet movement with a straw.
Step-by-step guide to make a seal paper plate puppet
Step 1
Gather all Materials Needed.
Step 2
Paint the top of the paper plate with a seal color using the paintbrush.
Step 3
Let the paint dry completely before you touch the plate.
Step 4
Fold the paper plate in half gently so the painted side is outside and a mouth shape forms at the front.
Step 5
Cut a small V-shaped notch at the front fold with scissors to make the seal’s mouth.
Step 6
Cut two flipper shapes from construction paper with scissors.
Step 7
Glue one flipper to each side of the folded plate.
Step 8
Glue the googly eyes above the mouth on the folded plate.
Step 9
Draw a nose and whiskers above the mouth with the black marker.
Step 10
Make a small slit in the back fold of the plate about 2 cm from the bottom using scissors.
Step 11
Slide the straw into the slit between the folded layers until it fits snugly.
Step 12
Push the straw to open and close the mouth and practice simple puppet movements.
Step 13
Share your finished seal puppet on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I can't find googly eyes or a straw, what can I use instead?
Glue on small buttons or cut circles from construction paper and draw pupils with the black marker for the eyes (step 9), and roll a scrap of paper or use a thin wooden craft stick instead of the straw when sliding it into the slit in step 11 to open the mouth.
Why won't the mouth open and close smoothly after I insert the straw?
If the straw sticks, carefully widen the slit from step 11 a little with scissors and trim or sand the straw tip so it fits snugly but can slide between the folded layers without tearing the painted plate.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, pre-paint the plates, pre-cut the flippers, and use stickers for eyes and glue, while older kids can add painted details in step 2, attach jointed flippers with brads, or sew fabric onto the plate for texture.
How can we personalize or extend the seal puppet activity?
Personalize the seal by painting unique colors and patterns in step 2, glue a pom-pom or shell for the nose at step 9, decorate the flippers with markers, and create a cardboard ocean backdrop to perform puppet shows to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a seal paper plate puppet
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Facts about puppet-making for kids
✂️ Cutting with child-safe scissors strengthens fine motor skills used for writing, buttoning clothes, and tying shoes.
🥤 A straw glued to the back of a paper puppet makes a simple handle so your seal can bob, swim, and put on tiny shows.
👀 Googly eyes instantly add personality to crafts and help children learn to recognize facial expressions.
🦭 Seals can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while diving — real seals are amazing swimmers!
🎨 Washable tempera paint dries quickly on paper plates, so kids can decorate and keep crafting without long waits.
How do I make a paper plate seal puppet?
What materials do I need for a paper plate seal puppet?
What ages is this paper plate seal puppet suitable for?
What are the benefits of making a paper plate seal puppet and any safety tips?
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