Learn how to make pipe cleaner crafts – over 50 of them – with these fun and easy ideas! Grab your chenille stems and get started. You’re going to love this collection of animals, flowers, dress up, holiday, decor, and more.
Skills Required: None. A few of these projects have more steps that others, but all of them are easily attainable for any age. There are a wide range of ideas from toddler to teen.
I’ll be honest, I’ve never thought that much about pipe cleaners. I didn’t use them to craft when I was little that I remember, and now that I reflect . . . I’m thinking I missed out.
Do you see ALL of the awesome things you can do with chenille stems? Okay, maybe you don’t see it yet, but you will . . . because I’ve collected over 50 ideas for you.
Use them for simple summer crafts to keep kids busy, or any other time they are bored!
Using Pipe Cleaners in Crafts
Before we get started, I wanted to share a few frequently asked questions with you. If you’re ready to see the projects, just scroll down past this part.
Otherwise, here are the common FAQs about these chenille stem projects.
What crafts can you make with pipe cleaners?
Mostly kids crafts, although there are some things here that I would make. You will find dolls, flowers, animals, holiday, back to school, party favors, jewelry, games, and more. It’s shocking, really!
What are craft pipe cleaners called?
You can find them by calling them pipe cleaners, but they are also known as chenille stems.
What can you make with two pipe cleaners?
You can make quite a few pipe cleaner crafts with only two! You’ll see them in this list. In fact, there are some projects that use only one. Genius, I know.
How do you make easy animals out of pipe cleaners?
Animals are so so fun to make! Did I try a few, absolutely. In this post you’ll find a monkey, flamingoes, alligators, llamas, and more. Once you get started with animals you’ll want to start trying your own creations.
Can craft pipe cleaners be washed?
Kind of. Don’t throw them into the washing machine. You can kind of hand wash them but be careful. Use mild soap and warm water and let dry.
What are the best pipe cleaners?
You can get them at Michaels or WalMart in a pinch, but I like this set from Caydo. The colors are amazing and the price is right.
Are you ready to jump into the pipe cleaner crafts? Check out the list below!
1
Agnes Hsu
Colorful Mermaid Dolls
These pipe cleaner mermaid dolls make a whimsical summer idea that’s great for ocean or beach themed projects. I love their pretty yarn hair!
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2
Jasmine Espinal
DIY Tiara
This tiara craft is the perfect mommy and me craft. You’ll love how easy it is to make this crown that’s great for playing dress-up.
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3
Sarah Dees
Funky Monkeys
Here’s a fun monkey craft for kids of all ages! Grab some pipe cleaners and some wooden beads and transform them into a cute poseable monkey. These little guys can even hang onto a pencil.
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4
Shruti Acharya
Flamingo Craft for Kids
Some pipe cleaners are fuzzier than others, and you should pick some really fuzzy ones to make some fun flamingoes! Love the use of feathers and their cute, long legs.
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5
Larissa Holland
Downhill Skier Ornament
If I could ski on popsicle sticks I'd probably try! I love this downhill racer with his pinecone body and felt/toothpick accents. Make for Christmas decor or to hang on your tree.
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6
Debbie Chapman
Cute Heart Rings
These heart rings are SO EASY to make and are perfect for Valentine’s Day. All you need is one pipe cleaner (or two pipe cleaners if you want to make a double heart ring). You can make a ring in about 5 minutes!
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7
Nicolas Cocquerelle
Make Mini Hats
With practice, you'll be able to make a hat out of pipe cleaners in just a few minutes! These little chapeaus are crazy cute, and you can use one technique to make a variety of styles.
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8
Andreja Vučajnk
Craft Stick Crocodiles
Bring out your craft sticks and pipe cleaners to make these clever crocodiles. These little fellows look super fun, and what’s even better is that once your kids make them, they will be able to play with them.
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9
Leslie Manlapig
Quick Borax Crystal Sculptures
Ever try your hand at growing crystals . . . on pipe cleaners? Here's a super easy way to grow your own crystals overnight. All you need are Borax and some hot water to create your own sparkly sculptures!
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10
Chelsey Marashian
Tissue Paper Flower Bracelet
These tissue paper flower bracelets make sweet gifts for Mom on Mother’s Day (especially for a tea in the classroom) and would also be fun for Cinco de Mayo. So cute and colorful!
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11
Rachel Faucett
Pipe Cleaner Skeletons
These colorful skeletons are all ready to dance the night away, that’s for sure! Make a bunch of them for Halloween, or when studying the human body. They're very cool as a colorful banner.
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12
Jessica Petersen
Mini Christmas Trees
This pipe cleaner tree was made for a train set, and I'm a big fan of the combination of colors and the glitter! Grab metallic chenille stems, or white . . . make Christmas trees in any shade you like.
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13
Katie Wyllie
Rainbow Craft
This pipe cleaner rainbow project is a fun and colorful idea for kids of all ages. Make the rainbow and add soft cotton balls as well a smiley face sun for a cheerful craft.
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14
Rachel Faucett
Floral Wall Hanging
April showers bring May flowers! If you’re looking for a quick way to add a pop of color to your home for spring and summer, this floral wall hanging is made from felt and pipe cleaners. It comes together in almost no time.
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15
MHBL
Super Easy Bubble Wands
Bubbles are great fun for kids of all ages! You can make mini wands with perler beads and pipe cleaners – and yes, you can get them wet. Watch how much fun children have with these – hours of entertainment.
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16
Rachel Faucett
Little Llamas
While looking through a vintage craft book recently, Rachel found a fun idea that she really liked: making miniature sheep out of pipe cleaners and wool. She decided to give it a go, but instead invited some llamas to the party and added some fun color!
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17
Leslie Manlapig
Shamrock Headband
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner; celebrate with this unique shamrock headband! Kids will love making and wearing this fun and festive craft (adults will like it too!).
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18
Kristina @ 123 Homeschool
Hands-on Constellation Activity
Calling all space lovers! Whether you enjoy stargazing on a clear summer night or are in planning mode for an upcoming solar system unit, this hands-on STEM activity will help your kids learn about constellations, stars, and the patterns stars form in the night sky.
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19
Maggy Woodley
Easy Pipe Cleaner People
Maggy made these little people to go along with her painted cork mushrooms and I'm not sure I can handle the cuteness! Learn how to make a set of your own from her blog.
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20
panduro.com
Beaded Snakes
Obviously pipe cleaners are long, and they bend . . . making them perfect for forming reptiles! These snakes are colorful and actually kind of cute. Have some fun with the faces if you make this project.
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21
Trinity Owen
Homemade Ring Toss
This homemade ring toss game is great for kids of all ages and it’s 100% safe for indoor play. Rather than using plastic or metal rings, this diy ring toss carnival game uses pipe cleaners for a super soft landing.
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22
Vanessa Brady
Simple Travel Dolls
If you’re looking for an easy way to entertain kids while out and about, look no further. These travel pipe cleaner dolls are perfect for long car rides, busy restaurants, and religious services!
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23
Marie LeBaron
DIY Tic Tac Toe
This pipe cleaner tic tac toe game is the perfect make once, play anywhere busy bag that is perfect for on the go! And now, you can even stash some in your purse and entertain your kids when the need arises!
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24
Jackie Currie
Homemade Trivets with Yarn
These easy coasters and trivets are made with just pipe cleaners, yarn, and a glue gun. They’re quick and easy to make, and lovely for kids to give as a homemade gift to parents and grandparents.
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25
diyadulation.com
Pipe Cleaner Flowers
These flowers are a super simple craft you can make with kids this spring. It only requires a couple of supplies and cleanup is easy.
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26
marthastewart.com
Chameleon Pet
This lizard began his life as a few skinny pipe cleaners. With help from the kid who shaped him, he grew into a lovable pet. Is he cute enough for you to have in your home? I think so!
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27
Heather Luckhurst
DIY Photo Holder
This photo holder is a great kids' activity to do over the summer break, holidays, and for back to school. What a fun and easy way to display photos.
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28
reusegrowenjoy.com
Easy Pom Pom Fall Tree
Looking for a fun fall craft to do? This is a simple pom pom fall tree. Not only is this easy to make, you can get the supplies to make it for just a few bucks.
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29
Kim Hoggan
Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
You can make colorful bracelets out of pipe cleaners by braiding them – so simple, it's perfect for kids that have never crafted before. Make for team colors, holidays, or friendship bracelets.
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30
Sarah Dees
Winged Dragon
This dragon isn't exactly Game of Thrones tough, but for pipe cleaners this little guy is sturdy! Make a bunch of them in various colors and the kids are going to have a great time playing with them.
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31
Kimberly Huff
Bird Feeder Ornaments
This is a great winter project for kids to make and you only need a few ingredients! Grab your pipe cleaners and some cereal and get busy.
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32
doodleandstitch.com
Lollipop Valentine’s Card
Make a Valentine's Day card for a sweet friend or family member. This is a simple card that kids can make with very little help!
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33
Debbie Chapman
Beaded Indian Corn
Indian Corn, or “Calico Corn,” is beautiful and is known for its multicoloured kernels. Make this Thanksgiving staple using pony beads in various colors and some pipe cleaners.
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34
Colleen Beck
Desk Fidget Tool for School
This DIY fidget tool is perfect for a young student's desk because of its small size – and it can be stored inside the desk or in a pencil box. Plus kids can make it themselves.
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35
www.adabofgluewilldo.com
Apple Dapples
There are so many different apple activities that you can do at home or in the classroom. These pipe cleaner and straw apples are simple to make and great for practicing fine motor skills like cutting and lacing.
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36
Rachel Faucett
New Year’s Eve Glasses
If you could turn fireworks into a pair of glasses, that's what you'd have here – all with the help of pipe cleaners. Perfect for themed parties or holidays!
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37
Stacey Gibbon
Tasty Popsicles
These cute little popsicles actually use popsicle sticks! So save them from your summer treats, then grab your chenille stems and make this craft.
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38
Cindy DeRosier
Christmas Wreath Ornament
I love a good Christmas wreath, no matter how small or how large! This one is particularly cute, and I enjoy the tiny pom pom ornaments.
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39
Shruti Acharya
Pencil Topper Bird Craft
These pretty birds are so colorful and fun! Add some spunk to your children's pencils with these toppers. I'd love to see what color combos your kids come up with.
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40
Debbie Chapman
Beaded Pumpkins
These beaded pumpkins are SO CUTE and super simple to make! You only need a two basic supplies: orange pony beads and pipe cleaners.
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41
Debbie Chapman
Pretty Beaded Dragonflies
To be honest, dragonflies freak me out a little bit. They're cool but I don't exactly want one to land on me. I'm not afraid of these cute buggies though!
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42
Debbie Chapman
How to Make Rose Rings
If you learned how to make a simple pipe cleaner ring, this project takes that idea to the next level! Add a few more stems and wear this pretty floral with pride.
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43
curiousandgeeks.com
Star Wars Finger Puppets
These Star Wars pipe cleaner finger puppets are easy, quick and fun to make! Kids love them for role play. Will you choose the Rebels or the Dark Side?
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44
www.marthastewart.com
Snowflake Ornaments
These cute pipe cleaner snowflakes are perfect winter decor, and look great on the Christmas tree! To create larger or smaller snowflakes, simply adjust the proportions of the pipe cleaner pieces accordingly.
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45
Jessica Anderson
Easter Bunny Ears
Need bunny ears in a jiffy? Grab a pack of pastel chenille stems and use this tutorial to create this darling headband. Wouldn't these look great in Easter photos?
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46
Sarah Dees
Pipe Cleaner Superheroes
If you’ve got superhero fans in the house, you won't want to miss this adorable kids’ craft! Kids will have a blast creating their own jointed and posable superheroes out of very simple materials. You probably have most of the supplies on hand!
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47
Melanie East
Pony Bead Cross Craft
You only need two chenille stems and a bunch of pony beads to make this cute cross. Perfect for a Sunday school activity.
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48
Stacey Gibbon
Pipe Cleaner Caterpillar
Did you ever read The Hungry Caterpillar? If you love that book as much as I do, you'll love the opportunity to make this colorful insect with your kids.
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49
Kay @ Madhouse Mummy
Cute Snail Magnets
I love that you get to twist two colors of pipe cleaners together to make these sweet little guys. Add magnets to the back and stick them on the fridge.
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50
Stacey Gibbon
“U” Is For Unicorn
Paper and rainbow colored pipe cleaners come together to make a one-of-a-kind unicorn piece within minutes! Perfect for craft time AND reinforcing the letter “U” in the classroom.
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If you enjoyed these crafts with chenille stems, I’d love for you to check out these other craft project collections for kids:
Boredom Busters • Bottle Caps • Camping • Cardboard • Christmas • Clothespins • Crafts for Boys • Crafts for Girls • Crafts at Home • Easter • Egg Cartons • Googly Eyes • Handprints • Mod Podge • Painting • Paper Mache • Paper Plates • Paper Towel Rolls • Poinsettias • Recycled • Toilet Paper Rolls