A simple yet amazing craft using paper cups! An idea that’s also great for independent research projects.
We’re introducing paper cup crafts that will make you think, “I can make this myself!” With paper cups, you can create surprisingly professional projects like clocks, pinhole cameras, and even tyrannosauruses.
They might seem difficult at first, but the methods are actually very simple.
Here, we’ve gathered lots of fun paper cup crafts you can make with everyday materials.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves crafting, from adults to children.
Use this as a guide to create wonderful pieces with paper cups!
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A simple yet amazing craft using paper cups! An idea that’s also great for independent research (11–20)
Paper Cup Catch Ball
Here’s a DIY idea to make a simple catch-and-throw ball machine like the ones you often see outdoors.
You’ll need a paper cup, a balloon, and a paper plate.
Cut out the bottom of the paper cup with a utility knife, then cut the top off the balloon and stretch it over the bottom of the cup, securing it firmly with clear tape.
Tie the balloon’s mouth so that the knot sits as close to the center as possible.
Cut the paper plate to remove one-quarter of the circle along with the center, then make radial slits on the inner edge and attach it to the rim side of the paper cup.
You can play with it as is, but it looks cute if you draw on it or decorate it with colored paper.
It’s a fun item you can use both indoors and outdoors.
basket
For those who enjoy papercraft, making a basket using paper cups is recommended.
This method is similar to traditional basket weaving.
First, prepare white and brown paper cups.
After cutting slits into each, weave them together to shape the basket.
It’s a delicate process, but the result is a finely crafted piece.
Using red or blue instead of brown can create a more playful, pop look.
By the way, the finished basket is perfect for holding small items or displaying artificial flowers.
juice dispenser
Here’s a juice dispenser idea that will make snack time more fun.
First, prepare a plastic bottle and a paper cup.
While the plastic bottle is placed inside the paper cup, make a hole and insert a straw into it.
Then pinch the straw, pour juice into the bottle, and put the cap on—done.
In this state, the juice won’t come out, but if you twist the cap, the juice will start to flow.
It’s fun just to make, but it could also be interesting to think about why the juice doesn’t come out until you twist the cap.
Smartphone speaker
Many people regularly watch videos or listen to music on their smartphones.
Here’s an idea I’d like to share: a speaker made from paper cups.
First, prepare a toilet paper roll and cut a slit in the middle—this will hold your smartphone upright.
Next, cut circular openings on the sides of two paper cups so the roll can fit into them.
Finally, assemble the pieces, and you’re done.
The sound quality is surprisingly clear, so it should come in handy in a variety of situations.
Lantern
Let’s make a cute original lantern using a paper cup! Punch lots of holes in the side of the cup in any shapes you like.
Then stick colored cellophane of your choice on the inside to cover the holes—and you’re done! After that, just put an LED light from a dollar store inside, and your easy, original paper cup lantern will light up! It looks fancy, but it’s actually so simple that even elementary school kids can do it, so give it a try!
Tyrannosaurus
For those who want to create a large project, making a Tyrannosaurus is recommended.
This idea lets you craft a T.
rex figure using only paper cups—25 of them, making it quite an ambitious piece.
The process is a bit complex, so it’s best to follow along with an easy-to-understand YouTube tutorial.
It can also be fun to try making other types of dinosaurs or decorating yours with bright colors.
Another appealing point is that, despite being a big project, the material costs are low.
Simple yet amazing crafts using paper cups! Great ideas for independent research projects (21–30).
A turtle that runs on rubber power!
Moving toys are appealing no matter how old you are, and they’re especially popular with lower-grade elementary school kids.
This is a paper cup turtle craft that zooms forward using rubber-band power hidden in its shell.
First, cut slits halfway down a paper cup and fold them in to make the legs.
The remaining part becomes the body.
For the face, stick round stickers on as eyes to make it cute.
Take a used AA battery, wrap a rubber band around it, attach kite string with cellophane tape, and set the mechanism inside the turtle’s shell.
Even though it’s a turtle, it moves surprisingly fast and with big motions—so much fun!
