Crafts to keep the kids entertained

Whether you're trying to keep them busy while you're wrapping gifts or just keep them entertained when it's too cold to play outside, we've got some great craft ideas for kids, all using paper plates and a few other materials. Look for more craft ideas in the coming weeks in the Holiday Surival Guide inserts in the Sunday Southeast Missourian.

Turkey Plate

Materials Paper plate (or two if it's a thin variety) Paint Paint brushes Markers Scissors Construction paper or felt Glue

Instructions Have your child paint a paper plate yellow. While it's drying, he or she can cut squares from construction paper or felt in autumnal tones. Once the yellow paint is dry, paint your child's hand and thumb brown, and each finger a different color. Place their palm on the plate (you may have to help them press down to get a good print). While the paint is drying, let your child glue the felt or construction paper squares the edge of the plate, making a frame. When the turkey dries, use markers to draw the legs, beak, gobbler and eye.

Party Penguin kids craft (Photo by Laura Simon)

Party penguin

Materials Two paper plates Scissors Glue Black and orange paint (and brushes) or markers Googly eyes (optional)

Instructions Cut the sides off one paper plate, angling in at the top and bottom of each side to make the wings. Using the top and bottom of the plate, cut three triangles (one large one, two smaller ones of the same size) for the beak and feet. Trim up the remaining circle for the head. Paint the wings and top half of the head black (you can also let your child use markers to speed up the process). Paint or color the beak and feet orange. Turn the remaining paper plate over, and glue the wings on top of it. (If you painted them, wait until they dry.) Next, glue the head onto the plate, overlapping the top of the wings. Glue the beak onto the head. If you're using googly eyes, glue them on. If not, draw the eyes using a marker. Finally, glue the feet to the back of the plate. If you're child is feeling really creative, grab another paper plate and let him or her make a hat to glue on the penguins head, or color a sweater onto the body. Use smaller paper plates to create baby penguins, making a penguin family.

Pom pom ornament kids craft (Photo by Laura Simon)

Pom pom ornaments (Note: These will need more parental supervision, but make a keepsake you can use on your tree year after year)

Materials Multi-colored pom pom balls (available at craft stores) Paper plate (or poster board) Hot glue Red string or yarn

Instructions Draw patterns of various holiday items on a paper plate or poster board. (We did a wreath and candy cane; other options could be a Santa hat, reindeer antlers, snowflakes or a snowman). Cut out the pattern and use the scissors to make a hole near the top. Using a hot glue gun (this is where parental supervision comes in), attach the pom poms to the pattern. Cut a piece of string, loop it through the hole and tie a know. Make sure to put your child's name and the year on the back of the oranament before hanging it on your tree.