Looking to unleash some creativity without breaking the bank? Pipe cleaners are an excellent resource for low-cost crafting with kids. When the sun gets too hot, bring them indoors for a fun-filled hour or two of creative expression.
Let’s face it, playing outside all day can get tiresome, especially during the summer months. But what to do when you’re out of playdough and coloring books just won’t cut it?
That’s where pipe cleaners come in – their versatility makes them an ideal material for countless creative projects.
With a pack of pipe cleaners, you’ll never have to worry about planning the next craft session. From simple to complex designs, these little wire wonders can be shaped and molded into anything your imagination desires. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover 27 amazing pipe cleaner crafts that will keep your kids engaged and entertained!
Pipe Cleaner Spiders
Imagine crafting with pipe cleaners has never been more fascinating. Who wouldn’t want to recreate the eerie yet intriguing legs of a spider using this versatile material? With just a few simple materials like pom poms, googly eyes, and glue, you can create an enchanting Halloween decoration that will undoubtedly delight both kids and adults alike. Simply hang them from the ceiling and bask in the warm glow of these charming pipe cleaner spiders.
If you’re looking for more creative ideas to spark your little one’s love for all things big and hairy, be sure to explore our curated collection of spider crafts that are sure to thrill!
Beaded Snakes
Create a delightful beaded snake craft project with your toddler! Not only is it an entertaining activity, but it also develops their hand-eye coordination skills as they string the beads. And let’s be honest, who can resist the charm of colorful beads? This project is perfect for toddlers, and if you’re planning a playdate, consider combining it with some of these 31 crafts that toddlers adore.
To take your craft to the next level, grab some googly eyes from our recommended supplier and get ready for a fun-filled afternoon with your little one!
Rudolph Ornament
Why not try making your own Rudolph ornaments using pipe cleaners this Christmas? With their shiny, red noses, they’ll be a perfect addition to your festive tree. Gather the kids and get creative – hang them alongside your other decorations when it’s time to decorate the tree. Step back and admire how adorable Rudolph looks amidst the twinkling lights and colorful baubles. For more inspiration on decorating your home for Christmas, check out our collection of ideas!
Bunny Ears
As Easter approaches, you’re likely planning egg hunts and whipping up chocolate treats. Why not make it a fun family affair? Get your kids involved in a creative session making their own bunny ear headbands using pipe cleaners.
Check out these adorable pipe-cleaner bunny ears – we thought you’d be impressed!
Your girls will love these even more! Just remember to practice twisting the pipe cleaners until you get the hang of it.
And when they’re all done, take a break and explore some Easter crafts for adults, with 25 ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
Flower Pipe Cleaner Craft
There’s something endearing about watching a bouquet of beautiful flowers wilt away. While I enjoy replacing them with fresh ones, there can be a brief period between their demise and my ability to replenish them.
To bring some sunshine into those potentially gloomy days, I’ve created a vibrant and cheerful arrangement using pipe cleaner flowers. This delightful creation is sure to brighten up anyone’s day and provide a welcome distraction from the absence of fresh blooms.
One of the best things about these DIY flowers is that you’re free to get creative with the colors! You can bring a pop of color into your life by crafting rainbow-hued flowers, adding an extra layer of joy to an already uplifting activity.
To get started, you’ll need some basic materials: pom poms for the flower pistils, a glue gun, and pipe cleaners. With these simple tools, you can create a stunning arrangement that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Bunny Finger Puppet
While hand puppets are indeed delightful, they do have limitations – namely, the number of hands one has. On the other hand, our ten fingers can be repurposed to create an equally charming form of storytelling: finger puppets! This craft project takes a hop into the world of bunnies, making it perfect for Easter-themed decorations. With googly eyes and pink pom-poms already at your disposal, you’ll need only slightly larger pom-poms for the bunny’s face.
The rest is simple: twist pipe cleaners into coils, secure with hot glue, and voila! You’re ready to stage a puppet show that will delight both kids and adults.
Borax Crystal Flowers
Borax crystals are renowned for their cleansing properties, with the mineral itself being a common ingredient in many cleaning products due to its effectiveness in removing mold, mildew, rust, and dirt from surfaces. But what’s even more fascinating is using borax to create unique crafts, such as borax crystal flowers! This hands-on activity not only provides an educational experience but also has a touch of magic to it.
Simply let the crystals grow on your pipe cleaner flowers overnight, and you’ll be able to marvel at their beauty come morning. For those looking to try this project, borax powder can be easily sourced.
Butterfly Craft
Imagine the excitement of watching a butterfly flutter around flowers – it’s a timeless delight! Why not bring this wonder into your home by creating your own toilet paper roll butterflies with your kids? The process is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few basic supplies. Start by gathering materials from your bathroom and craft desk. Once you’ve crafted the butterflies, unleash their full potential by adding vibrant colors through painting or embellishments like sequins and buttons.
Get ready to spread joy and sparkle with this easy-to-make craft!
Robot Hat
While many may reminisce about their carefree childhood days spent conjuring up imaginative worlds and characters without needing elaborate props, it’s undeniable that some creative endeavors require a bit more creativity to bring them to life. Case in point: a simple yet effective robot hat that can be easily crafted using everyday materials. To create this iconic headgear, start by twisting several pipe cleaners into curly coils around your fingers.
Next, insert the ends of these curls into the holes of a stainless steel colander and secure them firmly in place. Once you’ve got your robotic headpiece sorted, teach your little one some robot-inspired dance moves and challenge them to an epic robotic-themed dance-off!
Crystal Snowflakes
To maximize the creative potential of borax crystals and pipe cleaners, why not try creating beautiful snowflake crystals? Start by collecting a few wide-mouth jars, such as mason jars, which are perfect for stirring the borax. Next, prepare your workspace with some newspapers to absorb any accidental spills. With all your supplies at hand, you can begin crafting intricate snowflakes that will leave you in awe of their delicate beauty.
Heart Shaped Bubble Wand
While it’s understandable to feel let down by heart-shaped bubble wands not producing bubbles in a matching shape, their endearing charm remains intact. Those fuzzy red pipe cleaner hearts are an excellent addition to your Valentine’s Day decor – simply arrange them in a vase and they’ll add a touch of whimsy. Their uniqueness makes them versatile enough to blend seamlessly into any decorative scheme.
You can either take the DIY route and whip up your bubble solution at home or opt for a hassle-free alternative by purchasing it online, thus avoiding the mess and effort altogether.
Pipe Cleaner Monkeys
The endearing charm of pipe cleaner monkeys lies in their versatility – they can seamlessly blend into any setting. Imagine them perched on a craft desk, a bookshelf, or even atop pencils, bringing a touch of whimsy to the space. To bring these delightful creatures to life, you’ll require wooden beads for the heads and bodies, as well as brown and yellow pipe cleaners.
By following the pattern, you can quickly and easily create your very own little pipe cleaner monkeys, ready to brighten up any room.
Dragonflies
The allure of dragonflies lies in their dainty and otherworldly beauty. They possess a quality that’s hard to resist – being too lovely for the insect realm! To create this enchanting pipe cleaner craft, gather your beads from previous projects (or find them here) and some crafter’s tape. Once you have these essential materials, you’ll be ready to embark on this delightful crafting journey.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
As we delve deeper into the world of pipe cleaners, it’s clear that creativity knows no bounds. From delicate dragonflies to whimsical caterpillars, this humble material is capable of bringing even the most unlikely subjects to life. While caterpillars may not be everyone’s cup of tea – and who can blame them? – they do offer a unique opportunity for kids (and adults!) to learn about these fascinating creatures without having to get up close and personal with the real thing.
And let’s be honest, crafty caterpillars are a much more appealing prospect than their crawling counterparts! So why not grab some popsicle sticks and see where your imagination takes you?
Crocodile Pipe Cleaners
Get ready to unleash your creativity! If you’ve stashed away those trusty popsicle sticks, now’s the time to break them out. You’ll also need some googly eyes for this project. Paint those sticks a vibrant green for a top-notch finish. Next, wrap pipe cleaners around each stick, working your way from top to bottom. Don’t overlook the teeth – cut out a zig-zag pattern and glue it onto the craft stick’s base. Add some finishing touches with a Sharpie, drawing in those eyes.
And if you’ve got leftover sticks, don’t worry! We’ve got 20 popsicle stick crafts that are sure to delight kids.
Pipe Cleaner Flamingo Craft
Flamingos are undeniably charming in their signature shade of pink, exuding an air of sassiness with every pose. Their iconic stance, with one leg held high, invites us to recreate their whimsical charm during our next crafting escapade.
To bring these lovelies to life, gather pink feathers, a hot glue gun, and pipe cleaners in the same ravishing hue. Roll the pipe cleaners into S-shaped loops, adding a small black detail for their beaks.
After attaching googly eyes, complete the look by gluing on a sassy pink feather – voila! Your flamingo creations are now ready to strut their stuff.
Easy Bunny Craft
Easter decorations wouldn’t be complete without a few adorable DIY crafts to add some whimsy. One such project that’s easy to whip up are pipe-cleaner bunnies – and the best part is they hardly take any time at all. To make them, you’ll need your trusty wood beads once again. This time, give them an Easter makeover by painting them in bright colors like pink, purple, and soft pastels. For the eyes, you can opt for googly eyes or get creative with a paintbrush.
Alternatively, you can leave them be – they still look charming without embellishments if you’re not feeling confident with your artistic skills.
Finger Puppet Snails
Snails, like pipe cleaner caterpillars, are an integral part of the Great Outdoors. While it’s natural to be fascinated by these slow-moving creatures, I understand why kids might find them less than exciting compared to other creepy crawlies. To strike a balance between your child’s curiosity and your own tolerance for all things slimy, consider dedicating craft time to exploring their fascination with bugs and insects.
To create your snails, you’ll need a few yellow pipe cleaners – or any color that catches your eye. Wrap the pipe cleaners around your fingers to shape them into snail-like curls. If you’re ready to move on from creepy crawlies, try out our 24 bee crafts for kids instead!
Pipe Cleaner Dragons
Imagine a world where fire-breathing dragons aren’t just a mythical threat, but a fun and interactive plaything for kids. Instead of leaving trails of soot and ash, these pipe-cleaner dragons are the perfect compromise. They’re small enough to be posed on nightstands or incorporated into imaginative play scenarios like kiddie versions of Dungeons and Dragons. With only about four pipe cleaners and some craft foam for wings per dragon, you can create a whole army of them.
And with our easy-to-find materials right here, you can get started on making these adorable creatures today.
Pipe Cleaner Fishing Game
Do the memories of childhood fishing games still tantalize your imagination? Who could forget the mesmerizing whirlpool of plastic fish dancing around an electric board, only to be ‘caught’ with magnetic wands? Let’s take it back to those carefree days and craft our own whimsical DIY fishing game using pipe cleaner creations! Gather a treasure trove of supplies: pom poms, craft glue, sequins and shells, ribbons, magnets, and googly eyes.
The possibilities are endless – create an array of colorful fish, or why not try your hand at crafting the occasional octopus or fuzzy starfish?
Pipe Cleaner Daffodils, Tulips, and Lavender
Allowing yourself to indulge in a creative pursuit can be incredibly liberating. The process of crafting pipe-cleaner flowers is especially addictive, as it’s easy to get caught up in the simplicity and joy of bringing these tiny blooms to life. In this exercise, we’ll explore creating daffodils, lavender, and tulips using mini craft pots and basic crafting supplies. With a rainbow of colors at our disposal, the possibilities are endless!
Simply begin by winding the pipe cleaners into flowers, embracing the whimsy of choosing reds, pinks, oranges, or any hue that strikes your fancy.
Pipe Cleaner Popsicles
Why settle for just one creative solution when you can combine the best of both worlds? Pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks may seem like an unlikely duo, but together they can create something truly unique. So, gather your supplies – including cardstock, hot glue, scissors, and a few mini popsicle sticks – and let’s get started on crafting these DIY pipe cleaner popsicles.
As you assemble each popsicle, be sure to secure the pipe cleaners in place with a dab of hot glue, allowing them to dry completely before handling. With this fun and easy project, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stash of imaginative and engaging crafts that kids will adore.
DIY Pipe Cleaner Tiara
No DIY craft list would be complete without a princess-worthy tiara. And with this sparkly pipe cleaner design, you’ll be well on your way to creating a regal masterpiece. The project requires some creative twisting and bending of the pipe cleaners, but don’t worry – following the pattern will have you wearing your new tiara in no time. The final flourish? None other than gems and sparkly rhinestones, adding that extra touch of glamour.
Simply glue them on and get ready to twirl with your little princess.
DIY Pipe Cleaner Cacti
Unleash your creativity and have a blast with cacti crafts! With their incredible versatility, the possibilities are endless. Kids can explore 3D shapes while adults can let their imagination run wild. To start crafting your unique cactus, begin by creating a sturdy base using pipe cleaners. Then, twist more as needed to build up your design, adjusting and refining it until you’re completely satisfied. The final touch?
Add some colorful pom-poms (or make your own) on top of the cactus for a playful finishing touch.
Valentine’s Day Love Bug Craft
Get ready to spread the love with this adorable DIY project! Crafted from pipe cleaners, these love bugs are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. And the best part? You can involve your little ones in the fun, teaching them valuable crafting skills along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, this project is sure to bring out your inner love bug.
Just remember to add those all-important antennae by curling and gluing two pipe cleaners into place, and you’ll be ready to bug your loved ones with affection. And if you’re looking for more V-day crafting inspiration, why not check out our collection of 20 DIY Valentine’s Day crafts?
Pipe Cleaner Super Hero
Transform ordinary pipe cleaners into extraordinary superhero figures that will captivate kids’ imaginations! Who needs expensive action dolls when you can create your own with a few simple materials? Pair them perfectly with LEGOs for an unbeatable combination. With just pony beads, paper straws, pipe cleaners, and wooden beads, you’ll have a flock of stick superheroes in no time.
Simply get creative with their outfits, choose their superhero colors, and add the perfect cape length to bring your mini-heroes to life.
Pipe Cleaner Trees Christmas Craft
As the holiday season approaches, why not bring a touch of festive cheer into your home with these miniature Christmas trees? They’ll add a charming pop of color to any room, whether on the mantle or scattered throughout your space. To create these tiny trees, you’ll need some strips of thin cardboard – perhaps old cereal box cutouts will do the trick? Additionally, pick up some glitter glue for an extra touch of sparkle.
To finish them off, grab some sparkly sequins and gems from previous craft projects and get creative! Simply twist those pipe cleaners into shape and voila – you’ve got a festive forest on your hands!