Pipe cleaners are low-cost, colorful, and surprisingly versatile. They bend, twist, and hold shape, making them ideal for creative projects across all skill levels. Whether you need a quick DIY activity or a full-on craft session, these projects bring satisfaction with minimal materials. Wondering how to put those fuzzy sticks to good use? Here are 21 pipe cleaner crafts that work for kids, adults, and anyone in between.
1. Pipe Cleaner Finger Puppets
Create characters with personality using pom-poms, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners. Wrap one around your finger and build upwards with accessories to form animals, monsters, or people.
2. Pipe Cleaner Flowers
Twist multiple colors into petals and spiral one green pipe cleaner for the stem. Add a bead or button for the center.
3. Pipe Cleaner Glasses
Shape two circles for lenses, connect them with a bridge, and add arms for the sides. A fun prop for photo booths or dress-up time.
4. Animal Figurines
Wrap pipe cleaners tightly around each other to sculpt tiny creatures. Try making a turtle, bunny, or octopus. Mix in beads for extra detail.
5. Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Thread beads onto pipe cleaners and twist the ends together. Easy for kids and perfect for party favors.
6. Butterfly Clips
Make wings with loops and add a twisted center for the body. Attach to a clothespin or hair clip for flair.
7. Holiday Wreath Ornaments
Form small circles, decorate with ribbon, beads, and a little bow. Ideal for Christmas trees or gift toppers.
8. Pencil Toppers
Wrap a pipe cleaner around a pencil’s top, then add small creatures, spirals, or shapes for style.
9. Pipe Cleaner Crowns
Shape a tiara or full crown with loops and arches. Add glitter glue or stick-on gems for sparkle.
10. 3D Pipe Cleaner Letters
Form letters by bending pipe cleaners into each shape, then twist multiple layers for dimension. These can become wall decor or desk nameplates.
11. Dragonflies
Twist the body and use separate pieces for wings. Use translucent beads for eyes and shimmer.
12. Pipe Cleaner Trees
Create a trunk by twisting brown pipe cleaners together. Add green branches, or wrap around a cone shape to mimic a pine tree.
13. Napkin Rings
Twist into circles and decorate with flowers or animal shapes. A creative table accent for parties or holidays.
14. Glass Jar Decorations
Wrap pipe cleaners around mason jars to create hearts, stars, or spiral patterns. Adds a handmade touch to vases or tealight holders.
15. Snowflakes
Use three pieces crossed in the center. Add loops or mini branches for variety. Stick on gems to add ice-like sparkle.
16. Pipe Cleaner Bugs
Make a caterpillar by lining up pom-poms on a bent pipe cleaner. Antennae and legs bring it to life.
17. Bubble Wands
Form a shape like a star or circle on one end. Twist a handle and use with a soap solution for bubbles.
18. Fairy Wands
Attach a star-shaped pipe cleaner to the top of a stick or pencil. Add ribbons and glitter accents.
19. Action Figures
Bend and wrap pipe cleaners to create a basic skeleton. Build limbs and heads, then pose them.
20. Mini Baskets
Form a circle base, then weave up the sides. Add a handle to make a mini Easter or picnic basket.
21. Card Decor
Glue pipe cleaner shapes onto greeting cards. Use loops for balloons, flowers, or text. Great for birthday or thank-you cards.
Tools That Help
- Scissors
- Hot glue or craft glue
- Beads, buttons, googly eyes
- Pom-poms
- Cardstock or construction paper
Storage Tip
Store by color in zip bags or jars to save space and speed up project planning.
These crafts are quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly. Pipe cleaners bring structure and color to nearly any idea you can sketch out. Try one or try them all—each project adds a personal touch that feels both fun and rewarding.
