
Looking for a simple and fun way to bring history to life for your kids? This Abraham Lincoln paper plate craft is perfect for creative history fun and more.
With just three supplies, your students can make a mask representing the 16th President of the United States – complete with his famous top hat and signature beard. Whether it’s for President’s Day, a history lesson, or just because, this craft will inspire hours of imaginative play and learning.
I’ve got a simple tutorial (with pictures) for you plus tips for enjoying this project.


Have Frugal Fun with This President’s Day Activity for Kids
Looking for a budget-friendly way to help your kids celebrate President’s Day? Maybe you’d like a simple project that complements a history lesson about Abraham Lincoln? Or perhaps you need a creative activity for rainy day fun?
Well, this Abraham Lincoln paper plate craft featuring a cool mask is awesome for all of those things and more!
Boy #2 (a.k.a. Professor) has been a history buff for as long as I can remember. When we’d go to the library when he was young, his pile of books often included themes about historic events and people. And at least one of the Presidents of the United States of America was always featured! He could rattle off all sorts of facts and figures about these historical figures.
I put together as many interest-led activities that I could to keep him engaged and excited about learning. He would have a blast working on history-inspired projects and crafts. Now, he’s in college with a double major of history and secondary education!
This Abraham Lincoln paper plate mask was one of the frugal projects that he and his brothers enjoyed as part of our history homeschool fun. I hope that your kids like it, too!


Supplies You’ll Need for This Abraham Lincoln Craft
This craft for kids gets bonus points (in my opinion) because it only uses three materials – that I bet you have in your home, library, or classroom. If you’re working with a larger group (homeschool co-op, classroom, or library event), I encourage you to make sure that you have enough materials.
This list of supplies for this Abraham Lincoln craft includes:
- Paper Plate
- Black Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Glue
How to Make This Abraham Lincoln Paper Plate Craft


01
Prepare paper plate
Cut out the center of the paper plate.


02
Prepare paper hat
Cut out a hat shape from the black construction paper.


03
Tear pieces of black construction paper
Shred paper into small bits for the beard.


04
Attach hat to mask
Glue the hat to the top of the paper plate.


05
Make the beard
Glue the paper shreds to the bottom of the paper plate for the beard.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Abraham Lincoln Craft
Yes! This craft is fantastic for doing with younger students. You can either prepare the paper plate ahead of time (cut out the middle) OR assist with cutting out the beard and top hat, as those might be tricky for little hands. You can also have the paper hat shape ready to simply glue on to the top of the mask.
No paper plates? No problem! You can use cardstock, a large piece of construction paper, or even a sturdy piece of cardboard. Simply cut it into a circle and follow the same steps.
You can get creative with different materials like markers, stickers, fabric for the beard, or even cotton balls for extra texture. Glitter glue and washi tape can add some cool colors, patterns, and sparkle.


Creative Ideas for Using Your Abraham Lincoln Mask
If you’re short on time or just want to keep it simple, follow the tutorial steps and you’ll be good. Got more time or want to give your students the opportunity to use their imagination? Add those extra supplies (like stickers and cotton balls) to spark creativity.
To use your Abraham Lincoln paper plate craft as a mask, I recommend gluing a wood craft stick or sturdy piece of cardboard to the bottom side of the mask. Your kids can hold the mask up to their faces and pretend they’re Abraham Lincoln (even recite The Gettysburg Address!).
Another way to turn this craft into a usable mask is to use a hole punch and yarn or string. At each side of the paper plate mask, punch a hole. Secure a piece of yarn or string on each side. Place the mask in front of your child’s face and gently tie in the back.
To keep your Abraham Lincoln fun going, read books all about him:
Abe Lincoln’s Hat (Step into Reading)The Amazing Story of Abraham Lincoln: A Book for Curious Kids about the Life and Legacy of a Legendary PresidentMy Little Golden Book About Abraham LincolnThe Story of Abraham Lincoln: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)Abraham Lincoln (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)Who Was Abraham Lincoln?Abraham LincolnJust a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln: The Story of the Gettysburg Address (Step into Reading)
⭐ How will you be using this Abraham Lincoln paper plate craft with your students? Please share all about it in the comments area at the bottom of this post. And let me know if you have any questions!