Celebrate the legend of Johnny Appleseed in a fun, hands-on way with this Johnny Appleseed Paper Plate Craft! It’s an easy, creative project where kids can make their own Johnny Appleseed face or scene using a paper plate and printable template pieces!

When we started learning about Johnny Appleseed, the kids were fascinated to discover that he wasn’t just a character from a story! He’s a real person named John Chapman, and he traveled across the early American frontier planting apple seeds and spreading kindness wherever he went! (That’s where he got this alias, “Appleseed.”) I thought it would be fun to bring his story to life with this simple paper plate craft while also engaging the kids in a history lesson!

As we glued on his hat and happy face, we talked about how one person’s love for nature could grow into something that still inspires people hundreds of years later. It was so fun watching them bring Johnny to life while also learning about how kindness goes a long way especially that of our love for the earth.

Our template file makes it simple whether you use a cutting machine (like Cricut) or scissors. Once the pieces are glued, the craft can be displayed or used in imaginative play. This is perfect for classroom activities, seasonal art projects, or just a quiet afternoon at home!

 Supplies Needed

• Paper plate
• Quick-dry tacky glue or school glue
• Johnny Appleseed Template File
• Scissors

How to Make

1. Print the Johnny Appleseed Template file of your choosing.

2. If printing with a cutting machine, upload the PNG files to your software. Resize the images to each fit an 8 ½ by 11 page. Select to print and cut. 

3. To create the Johnny Appleseed, glue the pieces to the plate.

4. Allow to dry completely before playing or displaying.

Helpful Tips

If your kids are young or working with small detail pieces, it helps to let them place and “dry-fit” the pieces on the paper plate before gluing. That way, they can decide exactly where each piece goes without worrying about misplacing parts. Also, dab glue sparingly! Use tiny dots at corners and edges to avoid warping the paper plate.

Why Kids Love This Craft

• Simple & predictable steps make it easy for kids to follow.
• A famous historical theme (Johnny Appleseed) creates storytelling opportunities.
• Kids get to glue, arrange, and build.
• Works well solo or in groups which is ideal for home or classroom settings.
• Their finished craft becomes a decoration or part of a history display!

More Paper Plate Crafts

Need more ideas for your spare paper plates? Check out our list below:

• Elephant Paper Plate Craft for Kids
• Tree Paper Plate Craft
• Tissue Paper Plate Apple Craft
• Paper Plate Jellyfish Craft
• Handprint Paper Plate Wreath Craft for Kids
• Winnie the Pooh Paper Plate Craft