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)
Shooting game
Many adults probably felt their hearts race at a shooting gallery game, didn’t they? Let’s make a safe version for kids using paper cups.
Cut out the bottom of one paper cup with a utility knife.
Then take another cup, trim it to make it shallow, and cut small slits in its bottom; attach rubber bands so they hook onto a stick.
After that, stack the cups, pull back the rubber bands, and release! Since they’re just paper cups, it won’t hurt even if someone gets hit, but be sure to secure enough space before playing.
A simple yet amazing craft you can make with paper cups! Ideas recommended for independent research (51–60)
Ogre puppet made from a paper cup
@hoikushisatomi [Easy to Make] Oni (Demon) Puppet CraftNursery teacher / Childcare worker#100-yen shop DIY#NurseryTeacherDailyLifeSetsubunOni of SetsubunPuppet
♬ Find you in the dark feat. Nenashi – Ovall
The “Oni puppet” made from a paper cup is a unique handmade craft idea that can be enjoyed year-round.
By simply attaching horns and a face designed from origami or construction paper to a paper cup, you can create an oni with lots of expression.
Both the materials and tools are simple, making it appealing for children to work at their own pace.
During the process, imagination is nurtured through experimenting with colors and shapes, and it naturally encourages interaction with caregivers and teachers.
The finished piece is fun to display and is a highly satisfying craft made from familiar materials.
Halloween Jack-in-the-box
It sounds so fun and exciting that you can make a jack-in-the-box using a paper cup! This jack-in-the-box consists of three parts: an outer cover made by decorating a paper cup, a pop-up pumpkin toy, and a paper cup with a mechanism that makes the pumpkin pop out.
The mechanism part, in particular, has quite a few steps, so it’s best for an adult to help with that section.
Once it’s finished, have an adult demonstrate the pop-up, and then let the children make the pumpkin pop out and play with it themselves.
robot
You can even make a robot easily with just a paper cup! Use construction paper to make the robot’s eyes, mouth, and hands.
Next, cut X-shaped slits in two places on the bottom and two places on the side of the paper cup.
Insert a bendable straw so that it goes from the bottom to the side.
Finally, attach the parts like the eyes and mouth, and you’re done! When you move the straw up and down, the robot’s arms will move!
Stretchy paper cup animals
This craft is full of ideas using umbrella plastic that really comes in handy during the rainy season! The “Stretchy Paper Cup Animals” change shape, so they make a big impact and kids are sure to love them.
First, decorate a paper cup as your favorite animal, and punch a hole in the paper cup that will go behind the animal.
Next, cut off the lower part of an accordion (bendy) straw, cover it with a halved piece of umbrella plastic, and tape it in place.
Tie a knot in the other piece of plastic, then insert the straw into the hole in the paper cup.
Finally, tape the knotted end to the bottom of the paper cup—and you’re done! Blow into the straw and it stretches way out—it’s so much fun.
Try making different animals and enjoy crafting together as a parent and child!
string telephone
A classic paper cup craft: the string telephone! Make a hole in the bottom of each of two paper cups, then thread some twine through them.
Using a toothpick to make the holes lets you work safely.
Tie a small piece of toothpick to the end of the twine and tape it to the bottom inside each cup to secure it—done! If you keep the string taut while you talk, the other person will be able to hear your voice.
Paper Cup Monster
Paper cup monsters, made by decorating a paper cup base, have no complicated steps, so kids can enjoy making them.
The process is simple: just decorate the cup with a ghostly face.
You can stick on googly-eye stickers from a dollar store, or use pipe cleaners and washi tape to make facial and body parts and attach them—simple tasks that make it easy to keep trying new craft ideas.
Display the finished monsters somewhere they can be seen every day!