Paper plates may have been invented for eating, but they make great beginnings for art projects of all kinds. In my school visits I have seen many creative use of paper plates to make animals. Here are a few examples: 
- You can use just one plate to make a head or body.
- You can use a combination of large and small plates to make a whole animal.
- You can add features by either drawing or painting on the plates, or by decorating them with cut-out pieces of paper or other materials such as yarn or cotton balls.
Let your imagination be your guide!
