Last Updated on September 29, 2026 by Amanda Leemis
The Cutest Paper Plate Crab Craft for Preschool! (with free cutouts) is so much fun to make! Little learners will cover a paper plate with red tissue paper squares, then add our free printable crab cutouts to bring their new ocean friend to life. And this little crab has an extra-special Hollydog job—he’s making an appearance in our Number 6 music video! Keep an eye out for him when you sing and count along with Hollydog!

The Best Paper Plate Crab Craft
Materials Needed: free cutouts, red tissue paper, scissors, glue stick, red marker, cardstock paper
Step 1: Print your free crab cutouts onto cardstock paper. Next, cut your paper plate in half and cover it with red tissue paper squares. Instead of tissue paper squares, you can sponge paint, watercolors, or use Dot Dot markers to cover your paper plate! This craft is perfect to pair with learning about the color red.


Step 2: Use your scissors to cut out your crab cutouts. Next, use a red markers to color in your pieces! Head to our Summer Learning Hub for tons of great sea creature crafts.


Step 3: Use a glue stick to paste the cutouts to the crab! Paste your eyes, mouth, 2 claws, and feet! Check out tons of great animal crafts in our Animal Learning Hub!


Cute Little Crabby!
That’s it! Your crab craft is complete! I added a couple of red cheeks with a Dot Dot marker, just for fun. Be sure to hang y our crab somewhere that needs a bit of cheer!


Fun Crab Books for Preschool
A great way to keep the fun going is by picking up a good book to pair with your crab craft! Read A House for Hermit Crab, This is Crab, and Hello, Crabby!. Reading with your little ones is a great way to build a social bond, boost vocabulary words, and discover potential interests. We hope you enjoyed The Cutest Paper Plate Crab Craft for Preschool! (with free cutouts)!




