Pipe cleaners are a versatile and popular craft material, perfect for a wide range of DIY Pipe Cleaner crafts for kids. These colorful, bendable wires come in various colors and sizes, making them easy to manipulate and ideal for creating a range of projects like animals, flowers, jewelry, or even abstract sculptures. Their flexibility and soft texture make pipe cleaners an excellent choice for younger crafters, providing endless opportunities for creativity and hands-on fun.
DIY Pipe Cleaner crafts for kids are ideal for kids for several reasons: they are easy to use, safe, affordable, and encourage imagination. Since pipe cleaners are lightweight and can be bent into virtually any shape, children can easily form their ideas into tangible creations with minimal effort. They also pose little to no risk of injury, making them a safe crafting option for even the youngest children. Additionally, pipe cleaners are budget-friendly and widely available, making them accessible for parents and teachers alike. Most importantly, they stimulate creativity, allowing children to experiment with colors, shapes, and designs while enhancing fine motor skills.
DIY Pipe Cleaner crafts for kids
Pipe Cleaner Butterfly
Introduce children to the beauty of nature by creating a cute pipe cleaner butterfly. It’s a colorful, simple, and fun project that can help improve hand-eye coordination.
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Materials Used:
- 2 pipe cleaners (one for wings, one for antennae)
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Craft glue
- Small beads or sequins (optional)
Steps:
- Take a pipe cleaner and fold it in half to create the butterfly wings. Twist it in the center to hold the shape.
- Shape the wings into loops, bending the ends to form the rounded edges of the butterfly’s wings.
- Use a second pipe cleaner to twist around the center of the wings, making the butterfly’s body.
- Bend a small piece of the pipe cleaner at the top to create the antennae.
- If desired, glue on googly eyes and embellish with beads or sequins for extra flair.
Pipe Cleaner Flower Bouquet
Create a colorful flower bouquet by bending pipe cleaners into flower shapes. It’s an easy craft that allows kids to experiment with colors and shapes.
Materials Used:
- Several colorful pipe cleaners
- Green pipe cleaners (for stems)
- Beads (optional)
- Scissors
Steps:
- Take a pipe cleaner and twist it into a petal shape. Make 5-6 petals to form one flower.
- Twist the petals together at the center, shaping them into a flower.
- For the stem, take a green pipe cleaner and twist it around the base of the flower.
- You can add beads to the center of the flower for a decorative touch.
- Repeat with different colors to make a full bouquet.
Pipe Cleaner Spider
A spooky, fun craft that’s perfect for Halloween or to learn about arachnids.
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Materials Used:
- Black pipe cleaners (4 for legs)
- Googly eyes
- Craft glue
Steps:
- Take a pipe cleaner and bend it in half to form the spider’s body.
- Twist the ends of four pipe cleaners to form the spider’s eight legs.
- Attach the legs to the body by wrapping them around the center.
- Glue on googly eyes to the top of the spider’s body.
Pipe Cleaner Snail
A cute and easy craft, great for introducing kids to the creatures of the garden.
Materials Used:
- Yellow pipe cleaner (for body)
- Brown pipe cleaner (for shell)
- Googly eyes
- Craft glue
Steps:
- Twist the yellow pipe cleaner into a spiral shape to form the snail’s body.
- Twist the brown pipe cleaner into a coil to create the snail’s shell.
- Attach the shell to the back of the snail’s body.
- Glue on googly eyes to the top of the snail.
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:
- Twist a brown pipe cleaner into a circular shape for the owl’s body.
- Shape two smaller loops to form the owl’s wings and attach them to the body.
- Use a piece of orange pipe cleaner for the owl’s beak, twisting it into a small triangle shape.
- 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:
- Twist the pipe cleaner into a long, coiled shape to form the body of the snake.
- Attach small beads to the snake’s body if desired, to add texture and decoration.
- Twist a small piece of pipe cleaner at the head to create a tongue.
- 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:
- Take a pipe cleaner and twist it into a circle to form the base of the bracelet.
- Slide small beads onto the pipe cleaner.
- 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:
- Cut each pipe cleaner to a similar length.
- Bend each pipe cleaner into a half-circle shape.
- Line up the colors in rainbow order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).
- 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:
- Take 5 pipe cleaners and form a star shape by twisting them at the center.
- Shape each point of the star by bending the pipe cleaners into triangles.
- 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:
- Twist a few pipe cleaners together to form the caterpillar’s body.
- Add small beads between the sections for a segmented look.
- 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:
- Twist green pipe cleaners into a cone shape to form the tree.
- Attach smaller pieces of red and gold pipe cleaners to the tree as garlands.
- 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:
- Shape the body of the fish by bending a pipe cleaner into a long oval.
- Twist another pipe cleaner into the shape of the fish’s tail.
- Attach googly eyes to the front of the fish’s body.
- 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:
- Twist a pipe cleaner into the shape of the body, leaving room at the top for the head.
- Shape two other pipe cleaners into wing shapes and attach them to the body.
- 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:
- Twist several green pipe cleaners to form the body of the dinosaur.
- Shape smaller pieces of pipe cleaner into legs and attach them to the body.
- Bend the end of one pipe cleaner into a tail.
- 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:
- Twist together a few pipe cleaners in different colors to form the base of the keychain.
- Fold and twist the pipe cleaners into a fun shape, such as a heart or star.
- 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:
- Twist several pipe cleaners into a circular shape to form the base of the crown.
- Shape the remaining pipe cleaners into spikes at the top of the crown.
- 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:
- Bend a pipe cleaner into the shape of a heart.
- Twist the ends together to secure the heart shape.
- 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:
- Twist pipe cleaners into flower shapes, as described in the flower bouquet craft.
- 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:
- Twist a pipe cleaner into a long, thin shape for the helicopter body.
- Twist two shorter pipe cleaners to form the rotor at the top.
- Shape another pipe cleaner into a small tail and attach it to the back.
- 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:
- Cover the plastic cup with colorful pipe cleaners by gluing them vertically around the cup.
- Once the cup is fully covered, you can twist additional pipe cleaners into fun shapes like flowers or hearts.
- 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:
- Have the child dip their hand in paint and press it onto paper to make a handprint.
- After the print dries, glue pipe cleaners around the handprint to form flowers or leaves.
- 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:
- Twist a pipe cleaner into a rectangular shape for the robot’s body.
- Shape other pipe cleaners into arms and legs and attach them to the body.
- 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:
- Twist pipe cleaners into different flower shapes and add beads to the centers for extra flair.
- Bend pipe cleaners into leaf shapes and attach them to the flowers.
- 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:
- Twist pipe cleaners into shapes like stars, trees, or candy canes.
- Add beads or sequins for extra decoration.
- 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:
- Twist pipe cleaners into the shape of a boat, using one as the base and others for the mast.
- Attach a small paper triangle to the mast to form the sail.
- 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:
- Shape the pipe cleaners into the body of the chosen animal.
- Attach googly eyes and other decorative elements.
- 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:
- Twist several white pipe cleaners into a circular shape.
- Add smaller black pipe cleaners to form a web pattern.
- 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:
- Twist pipe cleaners together to form a snowflake shape.
- 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:
- Twist pipe cleaners into the shape of train cars and connect them.
- 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:
- Twist pipe cleaners into the shape of a dragon’s body, head, and tail.
- Add wings and legs to complete the dragon.
Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.