Paper Plate Hedgehog Craft for Kids
This cute paper plate hedgehog craft is a simple fall activity for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary-aged children. Kids can paint a paper plate, decorate the printable pieces, and add colorful leaves to create the hedgehog’s spiky back.
The free printable includes both a black-and-white version for children to color and a full-color version for a quicker print-and-cut activity.
It is a fun choice for fall lessons, woodland animal themes, classroom craft time, or a cozy afternoon at home.
What you’ll need
- 9″ White paper plate
- Glue
- Scissors
- Brown paint and paintbrush
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Free printable hedgehog template (grab it down below)
- White printer paper or cardstock and printer
Printable template options
The printable is available in two versions:
- Black-and-white template: Children can color the hedgehog and leaves themselves.
- Colored template: The pieces are ready to print, cut, and assemble.
The template includes the hedgehog and six fall leaves. Printing on cardstock will make the pieces sturdier, but regular printer paper will also work.
How to make a Paper Plate Hedgehog
Step 1: Print the template
Choose the black-and-white or colored version and print the template.
Use the black-and-white version when you would like children to spend more time coloring and personalizing their craft.
The colored version is helpful for younger children, quick classroom projects, or times when you need less preparation.
Step 2: Color the pieces
When using the black-and-white template, color the hedgehog and leaves with markers, crayons, or colored pencils.
Use fall colors for the leaves, such as:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Brown
If you use the pre-colored version, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Cut out the printable pieces
Carefully cut around the outside edge of the hedgehog and each leaf.
Younger children may need help with the smaller curves and pointed leaf edges.
Step 4: Paint the paper plate
Paint the front of the paper plate brown.
Visible brushstrokes and slightly uneven paint coverage add texture to the hedgehog’s body, so the plate does not need to look perfect.
Set the plate aside until the paint is completely dry.
Step 5: Add the hedgehog
Glue the hedgehog onto the lower front section of the painted paper plate.
Press it gently into place and make sure it is centered before the glue dries.
Step 6: Glue the leaves in place
Take each leaf one at a time, add glue, and press it into place behind the plate.
Let the glue dry completely before displaying your finished hedgehog.
Helpful craft tips
- Print the template on cardstock when possible so the face and leaves hold their shape.
- Washable paint and markers are a good choice for preschool and classroom use.
- Adults can also cut out the pieces ahead of time for younger preschoolers. Children can then focus on coloring, painting, and gluing.
Learning benefits
This fall craft gives children practice with several important early learning skills, including:
- Fine motor control
- Cutting and gluing
- Hand-eye coordination
- Color recognition
- Following directions
- Creative decision-making
It also works well alongside lessons about hedgehogs, woodland animals, autumn leaves, changing seasons, and animal habitats.
Paper Plate Hedgehog variation tips
- Use real leaves. Replace the printable leaves with clean, dry leaves collected during a nature walk.
- Add a name. Write the child’s name on one of the leaves or along the bottom edge of the plate.
A quick note on sharing this file
If you love this template and want to share it with friends, teachers, or fellow crafters, I’d be so happy! Please just share the link to this blog post instead of sending the file directly. It helps support my site and allows me to keep creating free crafts for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks for supporting my little corner of the internet!
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More easy fall crafts for kids
I hope you enjoy making this paper plate hedgehog craft!
If you’re looking for more seasonal activities, be sure to explore my collection of Fall Crafts for Kids for plenty of easy ideas to enjoy throughout autumn.
You’ll also find even more free activities in my Fall Printables collection.