Fun crafts using straws
We’ve put together a collection of craft ideas using straws that are perfect for elementary school kids.
In crafts, straws often seem to play a supporting role, don’t they?
But in fact, by taking advantage of their round, slender shape, you can make just about anything— from everyday toys to stylish, cute items—depending on your ideas.
For elementary schoolers, straw crafts are sure to shine as summer vacation homework, and they’re also great for everyday parent-child fun!
Take this opportunity to enjoy making crafts with straws!
Fun crafts using straws (1–10)
Rampaging Straw
This craft has a curious look with bendy straws connected by rubber bands, and it’s fun to watch how it moves when you twist it and let go.
It’s a simple design: two flexible straws are linked together by a rubber band threaded through a straight straw.
If you connect the straws at both ends so they face different directions, the piece will move around randomly when force is applied to the rubber band.
The length of the straws also matters to make it look more lively—keeping each straw to a matching, compact length is recommended.
blowgun
This is a simple blowgun made by stacking a short, cut piece of straw onto the tip of a longer straw and launching it with your breath.
It’s recommended to use different diameters for the main body and the dart so the tip fits on smoothly.
Seal the tip of the dart so it can catch your breath properly.
Cotton swabs are recommended for sealing to keep it as safe as possible.
Another key point is the variety of ways to play: you can set up a target and compete for points, or go outside and see whose dart flies the farthest—simple, easy-to-understand rules.
candle stand
Let’s try making a candle stand using straws.
That said, since straws will melt if they touch the flame, the idea is to use a glass jar for the main body of the candle stand and decorate the outside with straws! Once you find a jar that could work as a candle stand, cut the straws to match the height of the jar and stick them around it.
The candlelight will shine through the straws, creating a magical atmosphere.
If possible, use colored, semi-transparent straws for this idea, and decorating with multiple colors will result in an even more beautiful candle stand!
Himmeli
This is a slightly more advanced straw craft that will delight not only children but also adults.
Are you familiar with “Himmeli,” a Nordic ornament? It’s a star-shaped ornament traditionally made from straw, and in this project the straw is substituted with drinking straws.
It requires some fine motor work, but once completed, it looks adorable—so be sure to try making it together with your child!
water gun
This is a squeeze-to-squirt water gun made by combining a plastic bottle and a straw.
It’s a simple craft where you just poke a hole in the bottle cap and insert the straw.
To make the water shoot properly, it’s also important to prevent air from leaking, so pay close attention to the size of the hole in the cap.
Because the process is simple, the appearance is simple too, so it’s recommended to decorate it with items like vinyl tape for a more festive look.
Try to be mindful of both a more attractive appearance and materials that help the water shoot effectively.
magic wand
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRS8QLqrxPz/It’s a magical wand that not only looks cute, but also makes a fun rattling sound when you shake it, boosting the enjoyment.
The motif at the tip isn’t related to the sound, so let’s focus on designing something more playful and glamorous.
The handle uses a straw, and by leaving some space inside and adding beads, it creates the sound mechanism.
Choosing bead colors to match the motif—and not just making it flashy—while keeping the overall look cohesive is also recommended.
spinning top
How about making a spinning top that twirls using two paper plates and a straw? First, decorate one paper plate with pens or stickers.
Using bright colors or adding a spiral pattern will make it look beautiful when it spins.
After decorating, cut a straight slit in the other paper plate from the rim toward the center.
Then bend the plate and shape it into a cone, and secure it with tape.
Next, place the decorated plate on top like a lid and attach it to the cone-shaped plate.
Finally, attach a straw with a slit cut into its center to the middle of the plates, and you’re done.
Hold the straw and give it a strong spin—the top will twirl smoothly.
Once you’ve made it, spin it a lot and have fun!
flower(s)
These are small flower motifs made using drinking straws.
By arranging the finished pieces into a bouquet, you can create a beautiful work.
You add fine slits to the straw, then roll it up by wrapping it around a bamboo skewer or similar tool, forming a spread that resembles petals.
Changing the colors of the petals and the center is also key—it emphasizes a colorful look and adds a sense of realism.
Because there are many detailed steps—like cutting the slits and wrapping—it’s a craft that really tests your concentration.
flute
Amazingly, you can even make an instrument whose pitch changes just by cutting a straw! As with wind instruments, it all comes down to the length of the tube—and a straw can serve as that tube.
It’s a craft that lets you learn how sound is produced, and once it’s finished, you’ll have a wonderful toy that lets you enjoy music in a fun way!
straw airplane
Here’s how to make a straw airplane using a straw and construction paper.
Many households probably have these on hand, so you can make one right away! It’s very simple: prepare two long, narrow strips of construction paper in different lengths, form each into a ring, and attach them to the front and back of the straw.
Any type of straw is fine, but if you’re using a bendy straw, cut off the flexible section.
Changing the length or thickness of the straw will affect how it flies, so try making several and see which one flies best—or discover ones that fly in interesting ways!
