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Are you looking for a fun lion craft to pair with your favorite books about lions? If so, this adorable paper plate lion craft is just what you need!
I love finding simple crafts to do alongside our favorite books. This adorable paper plate craft can easily be paired with any picture books or nonfiction books about lions, the zoo, and/or the jungle.

Paper plate crafts are tons of fun for kids. And, because they usually use simple supplies you’ve already got on hand, they’re great for both home and classroom crafting fun.
Paper Plate Lion Craft
You probably already have the necessary supplies in your craft stash. If not, you can click the links below to order them on Amazon. I love this, because they deliver right to my house in just a few days.
What You’ll Need
- Paper Plate
- Washable Paints
- Paint Brushes
- Scissors
- White Craft Paper
- Markers
- Glue
How to Make a Paper Plate Lion
To start this adorable paper plate lion craft, have children paint the borders of the paper plate using orange or light brown paint. Allow the paint to dry.
Then, use yellow paint to paint the center of the paper plate. Set the plate aside to fully dry.

Use a pair of scissors to safely cut fringes on the plate’s border.

Use a pencil to draw the lion’s nose and mouth. Then, use paint to fill in the outlines.
Draw some whiskers and freckles using paint, as well.

Now, cut out two circular white paper pieces and use markers to draw eyes on them.
And, glue the eyes on the top center of the paper plate to finish your lion craft.

Books About Lions
Fill your book basket with a great collection of books about lions. Most of these books can be found at your local library or used bookstore.
If you have a hard time finding them, you can order them through my Amazon affiliate links by clicking the images below.
How Do Lions Say I Love You? – Sweet, simple rhymes and glowing illustrations in soft pastels show the touching ways that animals–from elephants to giraffes to chickens–show affection for one another.
Face to Face with Lions – You look straight ahead. You try to breathe normally. You can smell the scent of the huge cat that is staring back. You are a cameraman. He is the King of Beasts. Your only thought is “I hope he has eaten today.”
Dandy – When Daddy spots a solitary weed in his lawn, he’s appalled (along with all of his neighborhood friends). But his daughter Sweetie has fallen in love with the beautiful flower, even going so far as to name it Charlotte. Racing against time and the mockery of his friends, Daddy has to find a way to get rid of the errant dandelion without breaking his little girl’s heart.

Additional Resources
Help children give a voice to their world by giving them a chance to practice language. Let them interact and create their own special imaginary world with Wild Africa needle felted play mat squares and animals.
This Lion Jigsaw Wood Puzzle is created for educational and entertainment purposes. The toy is designed to develop your child’s attention, matching, problem-solving skills, concentration, imagination, motor skills and more!
Paper Plate Lion Craft

Are you looking for a fun lion craft to pair with your favorite books about lions? If so, this adorable paper plate lion craft is just what you need!
Materials
- Paper Plate
- Washable Paints
- White Craft Paper
- Markers
- Glue
Tools
- Paint Brushes
- Scissors
Instructions
- Paint the borders of the toilet paper plate using orange or light brown paint. Allow the paint to dry.
- Use yellow paint to paint the center of the plate. Set aside the plate to fully dry.
- Use a pair of scissors to safely cut fingers on the plate's border.
- Use a pencil to draw the lion's nose and mouth. Then use the paint to fill in the outlines.
- Draw some whiskers and freckles using paint, as well.
- Now, Cut out two circular white paper pieces and use markers to draw eyes on them.
- And, Glue the eyes on the top center part of the paper plate to finish the lion craft.
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