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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Simple yet amazing crafts using paper cups! Great ideas for independent research projects (21–30).
roly-poly toy

With a roly-poly toy, you can finish the look to match the season or your preferences.
Let’s start by explaining how to make it.
The steps are simple, and the only materials you need are a paper cup, a gacha capsule, and a marble.
First, remove one half of the capsule and tape the marble inside it with cellophane tape.
Next, turn the paper cup upside down and attach the capsule to the rim—then it’s done.
From there, you can turn it into any motif you like by decorating the cup.
Try coming up with seasonal characters or figures.
Cake-shaped accessory case
https://www.tiktok.com/@hoikushisatomi/video/7497881404731182357Here’s an idea for a cake-themed trinket holder made with paper cups.
First, take one paper cup and cut straight from the rim down to the base, then cut out the base as well.
Use this as the template base, and decorate it by attaching felt or construction paper to make it look like a cake.
Once you’ve finished decorating the base, attach it to another paper cup, and you’re done.
It’s easy and cute, and you can customize the decoration however you like—highly recommended! With a bit more effort, you can even add a lid to the trinket holder, so give that a try if you have the time.
Simple but amazing crafts you can make with paper cups! Ideas 31–40 that are also great for science projects.
paper cup light
https://www.tiktok.com/@chooobo2/video/7436354141355658513Let’s make an exciting item using a paper cup! First, cut a piece of a clear file (plastic folder) to match the size of the paper cup’s rim.
Use a permanent marker to draw any picture you like.
Next, cut out the bottom of the paper cup and decorate the sides with stickers, etc.
Finally, place the drawing you made on the rim side of the paper cup, cover it with plastic wrap from above, and secure it with a rubber band—that’s it! If you shine a light through the hole where you cut out the bottom and aim it at a wall, your picture will be projected on the wall.
It looks perfect for Halloween or Christmas too.
Try playing with it in a dark room!
Handmade maracas

This craft is inspired by maracas made with paper cups that produce a cheerful rattling sound when lightly shaken.
The steps are simple: put beads or finely cut pieces of straw into a paper cup, then cover it with another paper cup as a lid.
What you put inside is important—consider how different fillings change the sound as you make it.
Decorating the outside is also a key point; aim for fun decorations that match the light, lively sound of the maracas.
“Wankoppu,” which sounds like a dog’s bark

This is a craft project: a dog mascot made from a paper cup that emits a sound like a real dog when you pull a chopstick attached to its tail.
The key is how to attach the pipe cleaner tail.
Attach a clip to the end of the pipe cleaner, thread it through a hole made in the paper cup, and secure it so that impacts resonate through the cup.
Once this part is complete, decorate the rest using a small paper cup, origami paper, and so on to create the dog’s appearance.
Then, by pinching the pipe cleaner in the gap between the chopsticks and pulling, the pipe cleaner’s vibrations are transmitted to the paper cup, producing a sound that resembles a dog’s bark.
How to make a paper-cup kendama

This is a paper-cup kendama made with a paper cup and plastic bottle caps.
First, poke a hole in the center of the bottom of the paper cup and thread a 60 cm piece of yarn through it.
Be careful not to hurt yourself when making the hole.
Tie a knot at the end of the yarn so it won’t slip out, and secure it to the outside bottom with cloth tape.
Tie a knot in the other end of the yarn as well, place it between two plastic bottle caps facing each other, and fasten them together with cloth tape.
That’s all it takes to complete the main body! After that, customize it with stickers or markers in any design you like.
It’s great because even kids who struggle with a real kendama can have fun and play together!
Paper cup cracker

Party poppers are a must-have at celebrations—the loud pop and the confetti bursting into the air really bring the fun.
This project shows how to make a popper that bursts confetti using a paper cup.
First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup and insert a rubber band that’s been tied to a toothpick, anchoring it to the bottom and securing it with tape so it catches firmly.
Wrap one end of the rubber band with folded aluminum foil to create a piece that can strike the bottom of the cup—this completes the base.
Next, put confetti or finely cut pieces of straw inside.
When you pull and release the rubber band to deliver an impact, the contents shoot out like a party popper.
As you build it, experiment to see how the confetti scatters and rises.



