Decorate a Pirate Flag

Decorate a pirate flag made from craft paper and add a classic skull and bones for an easy art activity to do during pirate week.

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Learn about the meaning of flag colors and symbols, then make your own pirate flag. Decorate a pirate flag for pretend play, fly on a pirate ship, or add to a cardboard box fort!

Flag symbols and meanings

Flags in general and pirate flags specifically used common symbols to proclaim their presence and send a message from a distance. Here are a few that are common:

• hourglass: time is running out
• skulls, bones, or skeletons: death
• weapons: ready to fight
• circle: sun, moon, or sky
• triangle: balance, mountains
• animals: traits commonly associated with that animal
• plants: things that grow in your home
• stars: for countries, often states or territories
• coat of arms: family heritage
• motto: a short phrase that is meaningful to you

Colors could also have a specific meaning:

• black: piracy in general
• white: peace
• red: danger or power
• orange: bravery
• yellow: caution
• green: nature, youth, or safety
• blue: freedom, truth, or justice
• purple: passion or royalty

For more about the symbols and history of flags, visit the Ely Museum, East India Blogging Co., and Kids World Travel Guide.

How to make a pirate flag

Supplies

• craft paper, assorted colors
• pencil
• scissors
• ruler
• crayons or markers
• stencils or shapes to trace, optional

Optional: Sign up for Pirate Week to get a printable skull and bones template.

Instructions

1. Choose a flag color.

Choose a color for the main part of the flag and cut it to the size you want your finished flag to be. We use a full 8.5×11-inch piece for this pirate flag. The one for our pirate ship is 2.5×3.5 inches.

2. Choose accent colors and patterns.

Cut additional pieces of craft paper for stripes or other shapes. If the main flag paper is white, you can use crayons or markers for this step.

3. Add a focal image.

Choose a big design for the center of the flag. A skull and bones is classic. Trace a stencil, use common objects to make circles, or draw anything you like!

4. Attach a stick.

Finally, it’s time to display the flag. For a larger flag, punch holes in two corners and use string to tie the flag to a wood dowel. For a small flag, use a small amount of glue to attach it to a craft stick.

Attach your finished pirate flag to a fort or ship, or just carry it to wave as you go on your pirate adventures.

Printable instructions

Pirate Flag

Print

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Materials

• craft paper, assorted colors
• pencil
• scissors
• ruler
• crayons or markers, optional
• stencils or shapes to trace, optional

Instructions

1. Choose a flag color.
   Choose a color for the main part of the flag and cut it to the size you want your finished flag to be. We use a full 8.5x11-inch piece for this pirate flag. The one for our pirate ship is 2.5x3.5 inches.
2. Choose accent colors and patterns.
   Cut additional pieces of craft paper for stripes or other shapes. If the main flag paper is white, you can use crayons or markers for this step.
3. Add a focal image.
   Choose a big design for the center of the flag. A skull and bones is classic. Trace a stencil, use common objects to make circles, or draw anything you like!
4. Attach a stick.
   Finally, it's time to display the flag. For a larger flag, punch holes in two corners and use string to tie the flag to a wood dowel. For a small flag, use a small amount of glue to attach it to a craft stick.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• 15 Pirate Printables for Kids
• Origami Boat Paper Pirate Ship
• 10 Educational Pirate Activities for Kids