Make it with everyday materials! A collection of fun summer vacation craft ideas

Handmade maracas

Handmade maracas! You can easily make an instrument with paper cups and straws♪

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.

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Paper slingshot made from origami and chopstick sleeves

Paper Pachinko: An Easy Way to Make One with Origami and Chopsticks — Kids Can Make It Too

A slingshot is a Y-shaped gadget used to launch pebbles or paper far into the distance.

At first glance it might seem like just a toy, but similar hunting tools have existed all over the world since ancient times.

The need to propel objects far is what gave rise to that shape.

Let’s try making such a slingshot using chopsticks.

The key to building a sturdy slingshot is reinforcing the space between the Y-shape with a toothpick.

There aren’t any particularly difficult steps, so even younger elementary school children should be able to make it.

You can switch up what you launch—paper, stones, clay, slime, and more—and turn it into a science project-style exploration.

“Wankoppu,” which sounds like a dog’s bark

Real!? A cup that makes a sound like a dog barking: 'Wancup' #crafts #handmadeToys #easyCrafts

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.

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Making a scarf with paper cups and disposable chopsticks

[Ages 5 and up] Make a scarf with a paper cup and chopsticks

Easy even without knitting needles! Let’s knit a scarf using a paper cup and chopsticks.

First, cut the chopsticks to a suitable length, then cut out the bottom of the paper cup.

Attach five chopsticks evenly around the outside of the cup so that they stick out 2–3 cm above the rim.

Tape the end of the yarn to the inside of the cup, and loop the yarn around the chopsticks alternately front and back to form a star shape.

Once the star is formed, start knitting by passing the yarn that’s already on the chopsticks from bottom to top.

When you reach your desired length, cut the yarn, thread the end under the five loops on the chopsticks, and remove it from the chopsticks to finish!

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Paper cup cracker

[Paper Cup Craft] How to Make a Party Popper

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.

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paper cup trumpet

[Instrument Craft] Paper Cup Trumpet (A Trumpet Like a String Telephone) [Easy Craft] Handmade Toy with Chopsticks

This is a craft using a paper cup that can produce a trumpet-like sound when you pull the string sharply.

First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup, thread a string through it, and secure it with a short, folded toothpick so the string doesn’t slip out.

Then, when you pull the string vigorously, the impact on the string is transmitted to the paper cup, creating a trumpet-like sound.

You can pull the string with your hand, but using chopsticks is also recommended—try it out and see how the sound changes.

Since just building the mechanism can look simple, it’s also important to add your own decorations to the paper cup.

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Paper cup fireworks

[Online Kindergarten] Paper Cup Fireworks: Parent-Child Craft at Home <Official from Kodomo Challenge>

Fireworks burst out of a paper cup! How about enjoying a bright, summery craft? First, prepare some copy paper and draw any patterns you like.

Crayons or pens with vivid colors are recommended.

Next, cut the paper in half, accordion-fold each piece, then fold them in half again.

Make a hole in the center of the bottom of a paper cup and insert a chopstick.

Finally, attach the accordion-folded pieces to both sides of the chopstick, and fix their ends to both sides of the cup to finish.

You’ll love the satisfying pop as the fireworks open! It’s easy to make, so give it a try.