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 you can make with paper cups! Ideas also recommended for independent research (41–50)
Paper cup Tyrannosaurus
This activity involves combining paper cups to create a three-dimensional, dynamic Tyrannosaurus.
The key is how you connect the cups: by trimming the edges and adding slits, you can set firm angles.
Build it by linking the cups from the head to the tail, then attach separately made legs and arms at the end to finish.
Try different variations, such as using cups of the same color for a cohesive look or mixing different colors for a colorful effect.
windmill
Here’s an idea for a pinwheel you can make using a paper cup.
Besides the paper cup, all you need are a straw and a cotton swab, so it’s easy to put together.
First, make a hole in the center of the bottom of the paper cup.
Next, cut six evenly spaced straight slits from the rim down toward the bottom, then spread them out slightly at an angle to form the blades.
Decorate the blades with markers if you like, and you’re almost done.
Insert the cotton swab’s stick through the hole you made first, then attach it to the short end of a bendy straw.
That’s it! It’s simple to make, yet it spins smoothly when it catches the wind.
Try adjusting the angle of the blades to see how it changes the way it spins!
helicopter
We’re introducing a paper-cup helicopter activity for elementary school kids! The propeller spins around and looks really cool, so it’s especially recommended for boys.
Combine paper cups to make the helicopter body, and use a bamboo skewer and rubber bands to build the propeller mechanism.
Because there are lots of detailed steps—like making holes and wrapping wire—parents should supervise closely while enjoying the project together.
Craft projects are a great way to nurture children’s creativity, so we hope this idea will be helpful even for kids who feel they’re not good at crafts or can’t think of ideas, as well as for busy parents!
crown-shaped headband
Let’s make a cute crown-shaped headband using a paper cup.
First, cut off the rim of the paper cup with scissors, then make multiple small triangles by cutting into the cup.
Attach two half-circle stickers so they sandwich each pointed tip of the triangles, and decorate around them with decorative stickers.
Finally, punch holes in the bottom part of the paper cup and thread the headband base through them to finish! You can also use pom-poms or other decorations on the pointed parts.
Try making it with any decorations you like!
Paper cup spinning top
A paper cup spinning top is also great for practicing twisting motions like turning faucets and doorknobs.
The idea is to cut and open a paper cup, then add decorations to turn it into a top.
The appeal lies not only in the making process but also in the many ways to experiment while playing—try figuring out how to spin it well or invent different ways to use it.
Depending on the situation, caregivers or teachers can offer prompts that spark creativity, such as, “What happens if you spin it the other way?”
Easy Ice Bazooka
@picoton_craft A bazooka you can make with a balloon and a paper cup ✨✨ The “Takoyaki Bazooka” I made before was really popular, so I made an “ice cream version” 🍨 It’s a blast, so definitely give it a try 💕Life with children #HandmadeToysSimple craft #AtHomePlay
♬ summertime – cinnamons
Let’s make an Ice Bazooka that everyone can play with after making it! First, take a sheet of origami cut in half and draw your favorite ice cream on it.
Wrap it around a rolled piece of paper, grip it together, and secure it with tape.
That completes the bazooka ammo.
Next, cut out the bottom of a brown paper cup and draw a cone pattern on it.
Take a balloon with the tip of the part that inflates slightly trimmed, stretch it over the bottom of the paper cup, and tape it in place.
Finally, make a target using a paper cup and construction paper, and you’re done! Pull the balloon to launch your Ice Bazooka and aim for a high score!
Paper Cup Frog Puppet
Easy to make! Here’s an idea for a paper cup frog puppet.
Paper cups are familiar items often used in preschools and at home, right? This time, let’s make a frog puppet using a paper cup.
You’ll need a paper cup, a pen, glue or adhesive, round stickers, and scissors.
If you want to be particular about the cup’s color, you can attach construction paper or origami paper to the cup.
By getting creative with how you draw the facial expression, you can make frogs that look different even with the same basic method.