Let's play with paper cups! Crafts and indoor play
Did you know that paper cups, which are handy as simple drinking cups, are also great for crafts and indoor play?
When it comes to paper cup crafts, string telephones are the classic example, but they’re also used for a variety of make-and-play projects like kendama and bamboo-copters.
This time, we’ll introduce some activities that use paper cups you likely have at home.
There are plenty of games that use paper cups as-is, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to start playing right now.
If you’re looking for safe toys or games for children or the elderly, be sure to take a look for ideas.
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- Handmade games: DIY craft ideas you can make and play
- Handmade ideas to create and play the traditional Japanese game “Daruma Otoshi”!
- [Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special
- [Nursery/Kindergarten] Crafts you can play with after making them
- Let's make toys with milk cartons! Easy and fun DIY crafts!
- Let's Make and Play! A Collection of Homemade Kendama Ideas
- Crafts parents and kids can enjoy together. Recommended craft ideas to keep children entertained.
Let’s play with paper cups! Crafts and indoor activities (71–80)
frolicking paper cup ghost
The moment you saw “a frolicking paper cup,” you probably thought, “What on earth is that?” But if you actually make one, it’s exactly that—and it’s really fun! First, make two slits on opposite sides near the rim of the paper cup.
Next, loop a rubber band around a battery and secure it with tape.
Then hook the rubber band attached to the battery onto the slits in the cup, and you’re done.
Twist the battery to wind up the rubber band, set the cup on a table, and let go of the battery… The paper cup frolics around beautifully.
If you draw a ghost or an animal on the cup, it looks adorable and somehow even more excited—you won’t be able to help laughing! Be sure to try it with your child and have fun together.
Fluffy Paper Cup Ghost
When you blow into it, a ghost appears! This is a fluffy ghost craft made with a paper cup and a plastic bag.
Decorate the paper cup with stickers or markers and make a hole in one spot.
Insert a straw through the hole so that the tip of the straw sticks out from inside the cup.
Next, draw a ghost face on a plastic bag and attach the bag to the tip of the straw so that no air can escape.
Pull the straw outward as far as it will go, tuck the plastic bag into the paper cup, and you’re done! Each time you blow through the straw, the ghost pops out all fluffy, and the kids are sure to love it.
Guitar
A cool, realistic guitar you can make from everyday materials like paper cups and toilet paper rolls! It’s a fun instrument craft that even lower elementary school kids can enjoy, so it’s perfect for a summer vacation project.
Combine a paper cup and a cardboard tube to build the guitar’s base, then hook rubber bands into slits to make the strings.
If you have time, try adding a mechanism that changes the guitar’s sound or make a pick! Use patterned paper cups or decorate it however you like, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind, special guitar.
Let's play with paper cups! Crafts & indoor play (81–90)
Jump Flower
Don’t you think it would be wonderful to make a toy that everyone can play with together? Here’s an idea called the Jump Flower.
It’s simple to make.
First, cut slits into a paper cup.
Next, fold it around the middle—that’s it.
To play, press down on the cup from above as if you’re squashing it.
The rebound force will make the cup spring up with a pop.
Another charm of this idea is its cute, flower-like appearance.
You can also enjoy it as a decorative piece.
Frisbee
This is a handmade frisbee made by cutting open paper cups.
Divide the circumference of two paper cups into five equal parts each, and make straight slits down the sides.
Open them out into flower shapes, then decorate one with patterns using pens or stickers.
Place the other paper cup over the opposite side (the side without the drawing) and staple them together to complete a colorful frisbee! Be careful not to pinch your fingers when using the stapler.
Once you’re done, have fun with the frisbee’s unpredictable and amusing movements.
helicopter
If you want to spark children’s creativity, how about making a paper-cup helicopter? It’s an idea where you create a propeller using a bamboo skewer and rubber bands attached to a paper cup.
Since there are several somewhat complex steps, make sure a parent or guardian provides support when working with younger children.
By changing the cup’s color, adding drawings, or decorating with stickers, you can create a helicopter full of originality depending on your arrangements.
Through activities like this, try experiencing how familiar everyday materials can take on new shapes and functions!
maracas
These handmade paper cup maracas make a pleasant rattling sound.
Cut straws into pieces about 1 cm long and put them inside a paper cup.
You can also add small items that make sound, such as beads.
Join another paper cup to the rim with tape, and your maracas are ready in no time! Use stickers, crayons, and more to decorate the outside of the cups and enjoy creating your very own original instrument.