A simple yet amazing craft you can make with straws! An idea that will have you completely absorbed
Summer vacation research projects and homework crafts, and more.
Great news for kids wondering, “What should I make?” It turns out there are tons of fun crafts that both kids and adults can get absorbed in using nothing more than straws.
You can easily make things that seem difficult—like fountain pens, gliders, and mobiles! This time, we’re introducing craft ideas that are not only beautiful to look at but also practical.
Precisely because the materials are simple, with a bit of creativity you can create projects that make people around you say, “Wow, that’s amazing!”
Simple yet amazing crafts you can make with straws! Ideas that will have you hooked (1–10)
straw bow and arrow
Let’s try making a bow and arrow using straws.
First, for the bow: connect several straws to extend the length, then shape them into a triangle.
Thread a rubber band through the straws and secure the straws with tape.
Next, fix a straw for the arrow passage at the center of the triangle, and the bow is complete.
As for the arrow, anything that fits through the straw is fine, but disposable chopsticks are easy to find and recommended.
For safety, it might be a good idea to attach a soft material like a sponge to the tip of the arrow.
Straw glider
I’ll show you how to make a straw glider that flies well like a paper airplane.
Prepare one straw and two pieces of craft paper: one 3×26 cm and one 2×16 cm.
Roll both pieces of craft paper into loops and glue the ends together, then attach them to the straw.
Attach the larger loop to one end of the straw, and the smaller loop a little before the opposite end.
When attaching the loops to the straw, make sure to glue the straw at the seam where each loop is joined.
Once it’s finished, hold the straw and throw it to let it fly.
Straw fountain pen
Here’s an idea for making a fountain pen using a straw.
It’s easy to make, and you can actually write with it, so try some test writing after you finish.
First, cut a straw short and flatten it, then cut the tip to resemble a fountain pen nib.
Slightly fold the opposite end and secure it with tape, then sandwich it into a slit melamine sponge.
Line the handle straw with melamine sponge as well.
Once you attach the nib to the handle, it’s complete! Pour in some ink and try writing with it.
coaster
These coasters are made by combining finely cut pieces of drinking straws, featuring a colorful and eye-catching look.
Cut the straws into fine, even widths, then arrange them in the shape of the coaster you want, making sure there are no gaps.
Sandwich the arrangement between sheets of parchment paper and apply an iron; as the plastic softens, the straws bond together and the coaster is complete.
When laying out the straws, using cookie cutters or similar molds makes arranging them easier and is recommended.
Choosing the colors of the straws and planning their placement are key points for creating a beautiful design.
Flowing Straw
How about making a flowing-straw toy like an hourglass? It’s a super simple craft, yet it looks beautiful and you’ll want to try it over and over.
First, cut the straw into short pieces.
To keep the pieces from flying everywhere, cut them inside a bag.
Make a spring by wrapping aluminum wire around a pen, thread the straw pieces onto it, and attach small paper cups with holes at both ends.
It’ll be wobbly as is, so glue two chopsticks to the paper cups as supports, and you’re done! Every time you flip it, the straws flow down and look lovely.
straw spinner
A straw spinner is a fun toy that spins rapidly when you blow on it, giving a thrilling sense of speed.
It has a thin straw as the axle with “blades” made from a thicker straw, and it’s important to design it with airflow in mind.
Sealing the ends and considering the size of the center hole can lead to faster, more dynamic spinning.
Because it’s a simple craft meant purely for enjoying the rotation, focus on these aspects and aim to enhance them.
It might also be interesting to add decorations and observe how they change the way it spins.
flower(s)
This is a small flower motif made using drinking straws.
Arranging the finished pieces into a bouquet creates a beautiful look.
By making fine slits in the straw and rolling it around a bamboo skewer or similar tool, you can shape it into a petal-like spread.
Changing the colors of the petals and the center is also key—it emphasizes a colorful appearance while adding a sense of realism.
Since there are many detailed steps, such as cutting the slits and rolling, it’s a craft that really tests your concentration.