Simple yet amazing crafts: craft ideas that elementary school students will want to make
“I don’t have much time for crafts…” “But I want to make something that will amaze everyone when it’s done!” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’re sharing craft ideas with simple steps that still make you say “Wow!” when they’re finished—featuring clever mechanisms and magical effects.
From moving toys to piggy banks where coins disappear, these are fun, play-with-after-you-make-it projects.
They’re easy to try with everyday materials, so go find your favorite and give it a go!
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Paper, Origami, Papercraft, Easy Art/Decor (11–20)
The World of Masks
Why not make a free-form mask and transform into a different persona? It would be so much fun to express your emotions—fear, joy, and more—by turning them into a mask.
First, punch holes where the eyes go in a sheet of colored construction paper in your favorite color.
It’s also fine to have no holes at all, and to use any shapes you like.
Then freely cut out facial features, fangs, horns, and more from origami paper, and attach them with cellophane tape.
Finally, draw patterns with a felt-tip pen to finish.
It sounds really fun to express your transformed self with a mask, doesn’t it?
Thick paperboard diamond sword
Let’s make a diamond sword—the weapon you can obtain in Minecraft—by combining colored paper and cardstock.
The key to conveying that it’s from Minecraft is the arrangement of continuous squares.
First, crease the colored paper into an even grid, then use those creases as guides to draw your design.
Once you’ve drawn the design on the colored paper, glue it onto the cardstock and cut it out.
Attach decorative parts made with a different color, and one side of the design is complete.
Next, make the same piece again and glue it to the back.
Then, to both emphasize that it’s a block and hide the exposed edges of the cardstock, apply colored paper to the sides as well.
If you finish it with a thickness about the same as the grid squares, it should give a solid three-dimensional effect.
butterfly
Here’s a fun idea for making butterflies—the more you make, the more enjoyable it gets.
First, prepare two pieces of paper: one measuring 2 cm × 7 cm and another measuring 6 cm × 10 cm.
Cut out the parts from each and combine them to create a three-dimensional butterfly.
Once the butterfly’s shape is complete, attach antennae made from wire to finish.
You can make a colorful array of butterflies inspired by spring, or choose color schemes that resemble real butterflies.
Princess tiara made with pipe cleaners
This is a cute pipe-cleaner tiara that girls who love sparkles and princesses will want to make on their own.
First, hold the pipe cleaner by bringing both ends together, and stretch the opposite side with your fingers.
Wrap the middle around a pen once and remove it, then use the pen to help form a heart shape.
Layer another pipe cleaner to create a gap, and twist the overlapping parts to join them.
Twist the ends of the heart-shaped pipe cleaner to refine the shape, connect it to the other pipe cleaner, and your adorable tiara is complete.
The best part is you only need three 30 cm pipe cleaners and a thin pen—all available at a 100-yen shop!
pocket tissue case
There are many craft ideas using tissue boxes, but one of the most unique is making a pocket tissue case.
This project involves cutting off both ends of a tissue box and joining them together.
If you imagine a small tissue box, it’s easy to picture.
The idea of storing pocket tissues in a tissue box is clever, and it looks cute as well.
Plus, because you’re reusing the original opening of the tissue box, it’s also easy to take the tissues out.
miniature car
You can make a cool miniature car using chopsticks! It’s sure to boost the creativity of elementary school kids who love cars.
It’s highly recommended as a summer break craft project, so give it a try.
Combine cut chopsticks to build a three-dimensional mini car.
By attaching wheels, you can actually make it roll! Since the material is wooden chopsticks, it transforms into a miniature car with a warm, handcrafted feel.
You can also have fun painting it in your favorite colors.
Lucky Star
Let’s make a cute, puffy lucky star! You can make this with just construction paper.
First, cut the construction paper into a strip and tie a single overhand knot near one end.
Don’t pull it too tight—fold it neatly so a small pentagon shape forms, then flatten it gently.
Tuck the short end into the knot to hide it.
Next, wrap the remaining long end around the pentagon, following the edges as you go.
When you’ve wrapped it all, tuck the end into the knot again.
Gently press each side of the pentagon inward and pinch the corners to shape it.
Your lucky star is complete!
