Have the kids transform an everyday paper plate into the iconic Uncle Sam with this fun and festive Uncle Sam paper plate craft! They’ll use simple supplies and a bit of imagination to create one of America’s most recognizable figures just in time for the 4th of July. This project is a great way to mix fun with a bit of patriotic flair.
Kids will love making Uncle Sam’s tall red, white, and blue hat and giving him a fluffy beard. It’s a hands-on activity that’s sure to bring out some big smiles. While you’re here, be sure to check out even more paper plate crafts for kids that celebrate creativity all year long.
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USA Craft For Kids
This Uncle Sam paper plate project is a blast for kids who love to cut, glue, and get creative. They’ll use red and blue construction paper to build his big, patriotic hat, then give him some personality with a fluffy cotton ball beard and eyebrows.
It’s an easy and inexpensive project to do with the kids to celebrate the 4th of July with just a few household basics and a little guidance from our detailed instructions below. They’ll be thrilled to show off their smiling Uncle Sam at any Independence Day celebrations!
Don’t forget to grab our free template to help make the process a breeze. It’s a fun way to enjoy some patriotic cheer and spend a summer afternoon making something memorable together!
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Supplies
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paper Plate
- Cotton Balls
- Uncle Sam Template (click the “click here to get your freebies” image at the end of the post)
Directions
Start by downloading the template and printing it out. Once you have the template printed, gather the materials needed for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let’s help the kids bring Uncle Sam to life!
Take the face and glue the two large eyes onto it. Place them right above the nose, on both sides.
Now, glue the cheeks on each side of the smile. This gives Uncle Sam his adorable charm.
Now it’s time to get the base ready! Cut a thin straight strip off the top edge of the paper plate to create a flat edge.
Glue the completed face onto the center of the paper plate. Press firmly for a few seconds.
Take the red hat and help your child glue the white stripes onto it vertically. These stripes are what give Uncle Sam that iconic look!
Now grab the hat band and glue it horizontally across the bottom of the stripes.
Time to add the sparkle! Stick the three white stars evenly across the blue band. This really brings out that red, white, and blue theme!
Take the completed hat and glue it to the top flat edge of the paper plate. It should sit just above the eyes, like a real hat on a head.
Now the fun, fluffy part! Stick cotton balls around the bottom edge of the face to make Uncle Sam’s big beard.
To complete the look, glue a few small pieces of cotton above the eyes, right under the hat, for Uncle Sam’s fluffy white eyebrows.
Don’t you just love how this Uncle Sam paper plate craft turned out? It’s the perfect mix of patriotic and playful! While you’re here, be sure to check out our other favorite July crafts for kids to keep the red, white, and blue fun going all month long!
Patriotic Book Ideas For Kids
The Before The Fourth Of July – If your kids are fans of The Night Before Christmas, they’ll love this patriotic version that follows a family’s day through Independence Day!
What Does it Mean To Be American? – This book is a wonderful look into the characteristics that make an American citizen. It’s an easy read for young kids are will get their minds thinking.
My Fourth of July – Kids will love this story that details all the classic activities Americans do on the Fourth of July! It’s sure to bring back the nostalgia of being a kid on Independence Day.
4th Of July Crafts For Kids
Eagle Handprint Craft – Your little one’s handprints can help this eagle take flight. Grab our free template and a few common supplies for kids to make a majestic bird. This hands-on fun will be a soaring success at any patriotic celebration!
Popsicle Stick Statue of Liberty Craft – Light up little imaginations by making a Statue of Liberty out of popsicle sticks! Just grab some popsicle sticks, glue, and paint, and let the fun begin. Kids will love creating this iconic symbol with their own hands to spark some patriotic pride!
Uncle Sam Handprint Craft – Kids can create the iconic Uncle Sam and use their own handprints for his hair when they make this patriotic craft. It’s a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July and create a festive keepsake with just a few supplies.
Patriotic Gnome Craft – Celebrate America’s big birthday with a red, white, and blue gnome full of star spangled charm! Kids can create this cheerful little fellow to join the festive fun. He’s ready to party, and your kids will love showing off their patriotic pal!
Fourth Of July Printables
Need a fun and sneaky way to keep kids learning this Fourth of July? These 4th of July I Spy printables are full of patriotic fun! Kids will spot stars, find fireworks, identify ice cream cones and more.
They’ll love searching for red, white, and blue treasures to sharpen their observation skills, learn new words, and give those little fingers a workout. There are two versions to choose from, including one with larger images for younger kids that count up to 5. These sheets are a win for everyone!
Fireworks, flags, and fun with the letter Ff! These 4th of July worksheets will have kids practicing their handwriting, following a letter maze, and spotting patriotic patterns.
It’s a star-spangled way to sneak in learning while celebrating the holiday. These printables are packed with patriotic illustrations and a good mix of fun and focus. Kids will love the challenge, and you’ll love the learning tucked inside every page!
These 4th of July handwriting printables turn letter practice into a festive celebration. The cheerful images of barbecue, flags, ice cream, and Uncle Sam’s hat, will get kids excited to trace their letters while soaking up all the holiday fun.
Each worksheet has a patriotic theme, making it a fun way to sneak in learning to write and recognize the letters Bb, Ff, Ii, and Hh and keep little hands busy.
Spark some patriotic fun with these free 4th of July printables for preschoolers! Little learners can celebrate the holiday while building important skills through dot to dots, line tracing, early math, and more. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quiet moment indoors, these printables are a win!
Share With Us
Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!
Uncle Sam Paper Plate Craft
Materials
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paper Plate
- Cotton Balls
- Uncle Sam Template
Instructions
- Download the template, print it, and cut out all the craft pieces.
- Begin by gluing the eyes just above the nose, one on each side.
- Next, glue the cheeks below the eyes, beside the smile.
- Trim a small section off the top edge of the paper plate.
- After that, glue the completed face onto the center of the paper plate.
- Create the hat by gluing the striped pieces vertically onto the hat.
- Next, glue the hat band across the bottom of the stripes.
- Glue the stars evenly spaced across the hat band.
- Attach the finished hat to the flat top edge of the paper plate, slightly covering the top of the eyes.
- Create the beard by gluing the cotton balls along the bottom edge of the face.
- Next, glue smaller pieces of cotton on the base of the hat to form Uncle Sam's eyebrows.
Free Uncle Sam Paper Plate Craft Template
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.
Heileen
Sunday 29th of June 2025
Awesome
Sam
Monday 30th of June 2025
Appreciate that! Always happy to hear it.