Paper cup crafts that elementary school kids will love! A collection of fun project ideas
By using familiar materials like paper cups, you can easily create projects that make people say “Wow!” There are lots of fun crafts that also let you learn about the wonders of science, such as beads that bounce with sound, pinwheels that spin, and planes that float gently through the air.
They’re perfect for summer vacation research projects, too! Even kids who aren’t good at crafts can make wonderful creations by following the steps.
Here, we introduce a variety of fun and mysterious crafts made with paper cups.
Be sure to read to the end!
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- [For toddlers] Simple but amazing craft ideas — including toys they can play with
Paper Cup Crafts That Elementary School Kids Will Love! A Fun Collection of Ideas (51–60)
Tongue-Lolling Ghost
Let’s make a Waggly-Tongue Ghost that you can create with nothing more than a paper cup! With an easy-to-find paper cup, you can whip up a fun toy in no time.
All you need are a paper cup and colored paper.
First, cut a slit in the cup.
Then, imagining the ghost’s tongue, attach colored paper to the inside of the cup and feed it through the slit.
Next, use stickers or markers to make a cute ghost face! If you draw just one eye, it might look even more ghost-like.
Once it’s finished, pinch both sides of the cup with your fingers and the tongue will waggle out—kids are sure to love it!
Cute crafts for the kitchen
This is a craft project where you use everyday materials like paper cups, paper napkins, and water balloons to make small, play-kitchen-style items.
The book features recipe-style crafts focused on cute sweets such as ice cream, cupcakes, and pudding, making it feel as fun as flipping through a cookbook.
One especially noteworthy method is making a dome-shaped cup by pasting paper napkins onto a water balloon, letting it dry, and then popping the balloon.
Add toppings made from felt or origami to finish it off so it looks like a real dessert.
You can also customize paper plates and drink cups to create displays that look like a charming little shop.
It’s a visually delightful craft that sparks creativity.
spool tank
Do you know the spool tank? It’s a classic craft that has long been popular, and it looks like a spool with chopsticks attached.
The chopsticks are connected to the spool with a rubber band; when you twist it, it stores energy, and when you let go, it moves forward on its own.
How about making the spool part out of a paper cup? It’s larger than a spool, so it’s more impressive, and you can have fun decorating it.
It also runs quite fast, so racing them can be really exciting.
frolicking paper cup ghost
The moment you see “a frolicking paper cup,” you might think, “What’s that supposed to mean?” But if you actually make one, it’s exactly that—and it’s a lot of fun! First, cut two slits on opposite sides of the rim of a paper cup.
Next, loop a rubber band around a battery and secure it with tape.
Then hook the rubber band attached to the battery into the slits in the cup, and you’re done.
Twist the rubber band by spinning the battery, place the cup on a table, and let go of the battery…
The paper cup will frolic around beautifully.
If you draw a little ghost or animal on the cup, it’ll look even more lively and adorable—you won’t be able to help but laugh!
Sunflower easily made with paper cups
Here’s how to make a sunflower using everyday materials like paper cups.
The best part is you can make it anytime if you have spare paper cups! It’s also great to include in activities at home or in day service recreation.
Cut around the rim of the paper cup and make several slits.
Open up the cup and cut it into petal shapes.
When adding color to the flower, you can stick on origami paper or washi tape.
If you prepare about three sets of petals made from paper cups, you’ll get a nice, full sunflower! Finally, glue everything together and attach a circular piece of construction paper in the center to finish.
Add a string and it becomes a hanging decoration—give it a try!