20 Creative DIY Pipe Cleaner crafts for kids

Oh man, I still remember the first time I tried doing a craft with my niece—total chaos, glitter everywhere, pipe cleaners bent in every possible direction, and her little hands covered in glue. But honestly? It was the most fun I’d had in ages. If you’ve ever sat there staring at a messy craft table thinking, “How am I even supposed to make this look like anything?”—don’t worry, you’re not alone. Pipe cleaners are kind of magical that way. They’re soft, bendy, and basically forgive every little mistake (which, let’s be real, is perfect when you’re crafting with kids). In this article, I’m going to show you some super simple, totally doable DIY pipe cleaner crafts for kids that’ll keep them entertained for hours—and maybe even let you sneak in a little creativity too. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll walk away with ideas that are fun, colorful, and actually manageable.

DIY Pipe Cleaner crafts for kids

Pipe Cleaner Butterfly

Honestly, I’ve found that making pipe cleaner butterflies with kids is one of those little joys that feels more magical than it really is. The first time I tried it, my niece kept laughing every time her butterfly “flew” across the table. To be fair, it was a bit wobbly, but that’s part of the charm! I usually start by showing them how to twist the pipe cleaners into wings—it’s so satisfying to see the shape take form under their little fingers. Adding the antennae is always a hit because it feels like the final touch that brings the whole creature to life.

In my opinion, the best part is letting kids decorate them however they want. Some like beads, some glitter—it gets messy, but that’s half the fun. Once they’re done, these butterflies can perch on shelves or even hang from the ceiling. Honestly, it’s simple but incredibly rewarding.

Pipe Cleaner Flower Bouquet

Making a pipe cleaner flower bouquet is one of my favorite rainy day projects. I remember trying it once with a group of kids, and their faces lit up the moment they twisted their first stem. Honestly, I didn’t expect them to get so into shaping petals, but watching them experiment with loops and bends was hilarious. To be fair, not all flowers looked perfect, but they all had personality, and that’s what really matters in my opinion. I usually start with a few basic colors and let them mix and match—it becomes almost like a little garden on the table.

I’ve found that binding the flowers together is where kids feel proud because suddenly, all their little creations turn into a bouquet. Adding little leaves or curling the tips of petals makes them look extra special. Honestly, even as an adult, twisting these flowers feels oddly relaxing. Watching kids gift their handmade bouquets to each other is honestly the best part.

Pipe Cleaner Spider

Pipe cleaner spiders are honestly a little weird but in the best way possible. I tried making one with my nephew, and his squeals of delight when it “crawled” across the table were priceless. To be fair, getting the legs evenly spaced can be tricky, but I’ve found that the imperfections make them look funnier, almost cartoonish. I usually show kids how to twist the pipe cleaners around a small body first, then attach the legs, and suddenly, it starts to resemble a little creepy crawler.

In my opinion, the fun really kicks in when you add googly eyes. Some kids make giant eyes; some make tiny ones—it always cracks me up. I honestly love watching their reactions as they try to make the spiders “walk” or hang them from string. Even messy, wobbly spiders feel like a little masterpiece when kids are proud of what they’ve created.

Pipe Cleaner Snail

Honestly, making a pipe cleaner snail with kids is way more fun than I expected. The first time I tried it, my little cousin couldn’t stop giggling while twisting the shell—it was all wobbly, but honestly, that’s what made it cute. To be fair, shaping the spiral shell takes a bit of patience, but I’ve found that showing them how to wrap the pipe cleaner slowly around itself makes it much easier. Once the shell is done, attaching the body and little antennae is super satisfying, and kids love pretending their snail is crawling across the table.

In my opinion, decorating the snail is where the creativity really shines. Some kids like adding tiny beads or even tiny glitter spots, and it makes each snail unique. I honestly love watching them proudly place their little snails around the room. Even if it’s simple, this craft always gets big smiles—and honestly, that’s the best reward.

Pipe Cleaner Owl

An adorable and wise-looking owl craft that can be made using only pipe cleaners and a few extra details.

 

Materials Used:

• Brown and orange pipe cleaners
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Twist a brown pipe cleaner into a circular shape for the owl’s body.
2. Shape two smaller loops to form the owl’s wings and attach them to the body.
3. Use a piece of orange pipe cleaner for the owl’s beak, twisting it into a small triangle shape.
4. Glue on two googly eyes to complete the owl’s face.

Pipe Cleaner Snake

A slithery, wiggly snake that’s perfect for kids to make with a variety of colors.

Materials Used:

• Green pipe cleaner (or any color)
• Googly eyes
• Small beads (optional)
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist the pipe cleaner into a long, coiled shape to form the body of the snake.
2. Attach small beads to the snake’s body if desired, to add texture and decoration.
3. Twist a small piece of pipe cleaner at the head to create a tongue.
4. Glue on googly eyes to finish your snake.

Pipe Cleaner Bracelet

An easy and creative accessory that kids can make for themselves or as gifts.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (in different colors)
• Small beads
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Take a pipe cleaner and twist it into a circle to form the base of the bracelet.
2. Slide small beads onto the pipe cleaner.
3. Once the bracelet fits comfortably around the wrist, twist the ends together to secure it.

Pipe Cleaner Rainbow

Create a colorful pipe cleaner rainbow as a symbol of hope and creativity.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners in rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut each pipe cleaner to a similar length.
2. Bend each pipe cleaner into a half-circle shape.
3. Line up the colors in rainbow order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).
4. Twist the ends together to hold the rainbow in place.

Pipe Cleaner Star

A simple star made of pipe cleaners that can be used as a decoration for various occasions.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (one for each point of the star)
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Take 5 pipe cleaners and form a star shape by twisting them at the center.
2. Shape each point of the star by bending the pipe cleaners into triangles.
3. Adjust the star to make sure all points are even and symmetrical.

Pipe Cleaner Caterpillar

This project allows kids to create their own squiggly caterpillar to explore the world of insects.

Materials Used:

• Green pipe cleaners (or any color)
• Googly eyes
• Small beads
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist a few pipe cleaners together to form the caterpillar’s body.
2. Add small beads between the sections for a segmented look.
3. Attach googly eyes to the front of the caterpillar for a cute face.

Pipe Cleaner Christmas Tree

A festive and simple way to create a mini Christmas tree using pipe cleaners.

Materials Used:

• Green pipe cleaners
• Red and gold pipe cleaners (for decorations)
• Small beads (for ornaments)
• A small piece of cardboard (for the base)

Steps:

1. Twist green pipe cleaners into a cone shape to form the tree.
2. Attach smaller pieces of red and gold pipe cleaners to the tree as garlands.
3. Add small beads to the tree as ornaments, securing them in place.

Pipe Cleaner Fish

A playful fish that kids can create by bending and twisting pipe cleaners into a fun aquatic shape.

Materials Used:

• Blue pipe cleaners (or any color)
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Shape the body of the fish by bending a pipe cleaner into a long oval.
2. Twist another pipe cleaner into the shape of the fish’s tail.
3. Attach googly eyes to the front of the fish’s body.
4. Optionally, add fins by twisting additional pipe cleaners to the sides.

Pipe Cleaner Dragonfly

An easy insect craft that kids will enjoy making and then pretending with.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (one for the body, two for the wings)
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist a pipe cleaner into the shape of the body, leaving room at the top for the head.
2. Shape two other pipe cleaners into wing shapes and attach them to the body.
3. Glue on googly eyes to the head of the dragonfly.

Pipe Cleaner Dinosaur

Create a fun, prehistoric creature using pipe cleaners that can inspire imaginative play.

Materials Used:

• Green pipe cleaners (or any color)
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist several green pipe cleaners to form the body of the dinosaur.
2. Shape smaller pieces of pipe cleaner into legs and attach them to the body.
3. Bend the end of one pipe cleaner into a tail.
4. Glue googly eyes to complete the dinosaur’s face.

Pipe Cleaner Keychain

Make a colorful keychain with pipe cleaners to carry as a fun accessory.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (in various colors)
• Scissors
• Keyring

Steps:

1. Twist together a few pipe cleaners in different colors to form the base of the keychain.
2. Fold and twist the pipe cleaners into a fun shape, such as a heart or star.
3. Attach the shape to a keyring for a decorative touch.

Pipe Cleaner Crown

A royal crown fit for any little prince or princess!

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (gold, silver, or any preferred color)
• Small beads
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Twist several pipe cleaners into a circular shape to form the base of the crown.
2. Shape the remaining pipe cleaners into spikes at the top of the crown.
3. Add small beads along the edges for extra decoration.

Pipe Cleaner Heart

A sweet craft that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a gift for loved ones.

Materials Used:

• Red or pink pipe cleaners
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Bend a pipe cleaner into the shape of a heart.
2. Twist the ends together to secure the heart shape.
3. Optionally, you can make a smaller heart inside for a layered effect.

Pipe Cleaner Flower Pot Decoration

An adorable way to decorate small plant pots with pipe cleaner flowers.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners
• Small flower pot
• Glue

Steps:

1. Twist pipe cleaners into flower shapes, as described in the flower bouquet craft.
2. Stick the flowers into the soil of a small flower pot, or glue them to the outside of the pot for decoration.

Pipe Cleaner Helicopter

A fun and imaginative project for kids who love things that fly!

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (for the body, rotor, and tail)
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist a pipe cleaner into a long, thin shape for the helicopter body.
2. Twist two shorter pipe cleaners to form the rotor at the top.
3. Shape another pipe cleaner into a small tail and attach it to the back.
4. Glue on googly eyes to give the helicopter personality.

Pipe Cleaner Pencil Holder

This is a practical and creative craft that kids can use for their desk or study area.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (in different colors)
• Scissors
• Small plastic cup

Steps:

1. Cover the plastic cup with colorful pipe cleaners by gluing them vertically around the cup.
2. Once the cup is fully covered, you can twist additional pipe cleaners into fun shapes like flowers or hearts.
3. Use the pencil holder to store your writing supplies!

Pipe Cleaner Handprint Flower

A lovely craft where the kids can make a handprint flower with a creative twist.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners
• Paint (optional)
• Scissors
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Have the child dip their hand in paint and press it onto paper to make a handprint.
2. After the print dries, glue pipe cleaners around the handprint to form flowers or leaves.
3. Twist and bend the pipe cleaners to shape flowers, then glue them around the handprint.

Pipe Cleaner Robot

An inventive and fun way to craft a little robot friend.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (for arms, legs, and body)
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist a pipe cleaner into a rectangular shape for the robot’s body.
2. Shape other pipe cleaners into arms and legs and attach them to the body.
3. Glue on googly eyes to complete the robot’s face.

Pipe Cleaner Flower Garden

Create a beautiful garden using pipe cleaners and imagination.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (for flowers and leaves)
• Small container or flower pot
• Beads (optional)

Steps:

1. Twist pipe cleaners into different flower shapes and add beads to the centers for extra flair.
2. Bend pipe cleaners into leaf shapes and attach them to the flowers.
3. Arrange the flowers in a small pot or container to create a pipe cleaner garden.

Pipe Cleaner Christmas Ornament

A simple yet creative way to make homemade Christmas ornaments.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (in festive colors)
• Beads or sequins (optional)
• Ribbon

Steps:

1. Twist pipe cleaners into shapes like stars, trees, or candy canes.
2. Add beads or sequins for extra decoration.
3. Attach a ribbon to the top for hanging on the tree.

Pipe Cleaner Boat

Create a mini boat that floats on water for pretend play.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners
• Craft glue
• Small piece of paper (for the sail)

Steps:

1. Twist pipe cleaners into the shape of a boat, using one as the base and others for the mast.
2. Attach a small paper triangle to the mast to form the sail.
3. Allow the boat to dry before using it for play.

Pipe Cleaner Animal Friends

Let kids make various animals by shaping and twisting pipe cleaners into their favorite creatures.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (variety of colors)
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Shape the pipe cleaners into the body of the chosen animal.
2. Attach googly eyes and other decorative elements.
3. Let kids create their own variations of animals.

Pipe Cleaner Spider Web

A spooky craft perfect for Halloween parties.

Materials Used:

• White pipe cleaners
• Black pipe cleaners
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist several white pipe cleaners into a circular shape.
2. Add smaller black pipe cleaners to form a web pattern.
3. Attach a plastic spider or use pipe cleaners to make one.

Pipe Cleaner Snowflake

Make a festive snowflake to hang on the tree or around the house.

Materials Used:

• White pipe cleaners
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Twist pipe cleaners together to form a snowflake shape.
2. Add more twists to create more detailed designs.

Pipe Cleaner Train

Create a little pipe cleaner train for a fun pretend play session.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners (in various colors)
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist pipe cleaners into the shape of train cars and connect them.
2. Add googly eyes for extra character.

Pipe Cleaner Dragon

A fun, fantastical creature that kids will love to make.

Materials Used:

• Pipe cleaners
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Twist pipe cleaners into the shape of a dragon’s body, head, and tail.
2. Add wings and legs to complete the dragon.