With a few supplies you probably have around the house, your child can make a inexpensive (or free!) and easy summer purse (or tote, for a boy). Try this sweet summer watermelon craft with young children.
Made from one regular paper plate, this craft is great for making any day. This is a cute project for little girls to make at a tea or birthday party. Be sure to make extras for grandmas and aunties.
Suggested age for this simple art project is about 4 to 7 years old. Kids may need help with simple cutting and gluing. Younger children will enjoy doing the coloring part for their own bag, which should have a shorter and thicker strap of handle for safety reasons.
How to Make a Paper Plate Watermelon Purse
Watermelon Purse Supplies
1 Lightweight paper plate
Markers or crayons (red, light green, dark green, black)
About 1/4 to 1/2 yard of yarn, ribbon or trim (for purse strap)
White glue
Scissors
Quick and Easy Directions
1. Fold paper plate in half (without squishing)
2. Cut plate on the fold
3. Color each half with red and greens as shown in the photos.
Please note: The bottom side of the plate will become the outside of the finished purse.
4. Use black to draw in seeds (make tear-drop shapes)
5. Cut yarn or trim to desired strap length.
6. Glue curved edges of plate halves together, sandwiching about an inch of the purse strap into each side. A pouch will be formed when put together correctly.
7. Let dry thoroughly (about 2 hours)
This makes a usable purse, provided the items carried are fairly lightweight.
Variations:
• Punch holes along curved edges and lace the two halves together instead of gluing. This will add strength to the bottom of the purse as well.
• Make the watermelon slice without the strap and use to hold napkins or tableware at a picnic.
• Glue one 1/2 plate watermelon slice to a plain full-sized plate to make a fun wall pocket for dry flowers, outgoing letters, or small summer treats for visitors.
For another fun summer craft idea, check out this super cute Uncle Sam Paper Towel Roll Craft designed by my sister and me (for your older kids).
Have you ever made any kind of paper plate purse? We’d love to hear about it! Please leave a note and share. Also be sure to come back and tell us how this watermelon purse craft worked out for you and your kids!
