Pipe cleaner crafts are cheap, versatile, and make for a great craft idea for crafters of any age! So, I’ve put together this big list of crafts to do with pipe cleaners to help get your creative juices flowing.
In this post, you’ll find 30+ things to make with pipe cleaners, and I’ll keep updating it as I come across more creative and unique pipe cleaner craft ideas I think belong on the list. Let’s get crafting!
Crafts to Do With Pipe Cleaners
Pipe Cleaner Cactus
Use this easy tutorial video from CraftBee to make a DIY pipe cleaner cactus decoration for your desk! This project does use a hot glue gun as well to stick the pipe cleaners together, but you can likely do it with craft glue for younger kids if you want.
Coffee Filter Dancers
I love these pretty little dolls made from pipe cleaners, coffee filters, and washable markers. It’s super cute and creative, and easy enough that even younger kids can participate and work on their fine motor skills! Get the instructions from One Little Project’s blog here.
Beaded Pipe Cleaner Pumpkin
Super cute and simple fall craft activity that everyone can enjoy. These would look great as part of your fall displays when you’re done too! All you’ll need to get started are pony beads and appropriately colored pipe cleaners. Get the directions for the project here.
Rainbow Fridge Magnet
A super cute project for spring, this little pipe cleaner rainbow magnet looks great on the fridge. It’s a simple craft, but it does require a hot glue gun, so not the best project for really young kids. Get the instructions and materials from One Little Project here. It’s a great fall craft activity!
Pipe Cleaner Wreath Ornaments
Looking for some fun crafts with pipe cleaners for Christmas? This cute ornament uses just 3 metallic pipe cleaners, and looks so cute on your tree. A super easy Christmas craft that’s suitable even for younger kids. Get the instructions from One Little Project.
Candy Cane Reindeer
Easy and fun Christmas craft for kids of all ages. Use these cut reindeer as decorations for the tree, stocking stuffers, or just a fun class activity for the holidays. Can be made with hot glue or craft glue as well, so it’s easy to make the project safe for any age group. Instructions at Spruce Eats.
Pipe Cleaner Turkey Craft
Get ready for the holidays with this cute DIY pipe cleaner turkey craft for Thanksgiving! This little gobbler is ready to decorate your table. Get the directions here to make it yourself.
Fuzzy Pipe Cleaner Monsters
Looking for easy Halloween crafts for kids? Try these fuzzy pipe cleaner monsters from DIY Thought. You only need 3-4 items to make them, and they’re an easy and fun craft the whole family can enjoy. Twist together your pipe cleaners, add googly eyes, and you can make an adorable desk standee monster to keep you company while you do your homework!
Mini Pipe Cleaner Hats
This craft is a little more involved, but it’s a great pipe cleaner craft for older kids, or even adults! Make cute hats for dolls or decorations to add a little “wow!” to your holiday crafts. Get the instructions here.
Pipe Cleaner Butterfly Rings
Super simple and fun craft made with just pipe cleaners. Kids will be delighted to make this adorable wearable pipe cleaner ring, and materials are super cheap. Great for class projects or just spring and summer craft fun. Get the instructions at One Little Project blog.
Pipe Cleaner Animals
Have your kids make their own pipe cleaner animal toys! This craft tutorial features instructions for 9 different pipe cleaner animals, including the pictured dinosaur. This one does use a hot glue gun, but you may be able to swap that for craft glue for the classroom.
Pipe Cleaner Christmas Trees
This one has a lot of great customizations! Make green trees, shimmering trees in multiple colors, decorate them with sequins or glitter, and more! Fun and cheap winter craft project for kids. Get the tutorial here.
Pipe Cleaner Teddy Bears
This craft is more suitable for older kids or adults, but it’s super cute! I love these little teddy bears so much, and they’re made with chenille stems, plastic beads, ribbon, and glue. Learn how to make this craft here.
Borax Icicle Ornaments
Borax icicles are educational and easy crafts to do with pipe cleaners. This fun project is part crafting and part science! Kids will love learning how to grow their own crystal creations on pipe cleaners to make holiday ornaments, and it’s a great opportunity to teach them a science lesson at the same time. This is a great craft for 3 year olds, or even younger kids to experience new things and make art. Get the instructions for this craft here.
Pipe Cleaner Heart Garland
If you’ve got basic supplies like pipe cleaners, twine, and scissors you can make this cute pipe cleaner heart garland. A great way to get kids involved with decorating your home or classroom for Valentine’s day! Get the tutorial here.
Beaded Corn Pipe Cleaner Craft
Cute and creative beaded corn pipe cleaner craft for your Thanksgiving crafts idea Pinterest board! Lots of options to be had here and makes for a pretty decoration when you’re done. Get the tutorial for this craft project here.
Light Up Pipe Cleaner Rudolph
This craft is a lot easier than you think, and kids will be amazed that they can make a Rudolph that lights up! It used pipe cleaners, a coin cell battery, and a red LED to make the magic happen. A cool and easy pipe cleaner craft that will still be interesting to older kids. Click here to see how to do it.
Pipe Cleaner Tiara
Know a princess who’s missing her crown? This pipe cleaner tiara project is sure to delight. Super simple and fun project for indoor play time, the perfect activity for a rainy day! Get the instructions at Stylish Cravings.
New Year’s Pipe Cleaner Sunglasses
Need a fun craft for New Years or as a party activity? Get yourself some pipe cleaners and some dollar store sunglasses and let everyone create their own wearable party favors. Tons of options to customize and make this craft your own. Get the instructions and materials list here.
Pipe Cleaner Sparklers
Want to make sure your little ones have fun on the 4th but don’t want the stress of real sparklers? Have them make this cute craft with pipe cleaners, tape, and construction paper and they’re guaranteed to have even more fun and stay safe. Click here for the materials and instructions.
Rainbow Bracelet
Fun, wearable, pipe cleaner rainbow craft for kids of all ages! With some pipe cleaners, felt scraps, pom poms, and craft glue you can get started making this neat pipe cleaner craft. Get the instructions at Crafts by Amanda.
Pipe Cleaner Bubble Wands
Make this fun pipe cleaner craft and then head outside to play with it afterwards! Great craft for a birthday party or just a fantastic summer craft to keep the kids busy on their break. Get the tutorial here.
Pipe Cleaner Lolly Pop
These lolly pops are a cute and simple crafts to do with pipe cleaners. Simple enough that toddlers can help, but still fun for older kids who want to help you out with the Christmas decorations for the tree! Click here to get the instructions.
Pipe Cleaner Dragon
Looking for fun crafts to do with pipe cleaners that will challenge older kids? Check out this cool chenille pipe cleaner dragon project. It’s pretty awesome!
Pipe Cleaner Spider
This super cute spider is the perfect Halloween arts and crafts activity! Easy and fun to make for the whole family, and they’re great crafts to do with pipe cleaners and pom poms if you have these craft supplies laying around from past projects. Click here to get the instructions and material list.
Vintage Pipe Cleaner Christmas Ornaments
These cool throw back pipe cleaner Christmas ornaments are an easy project to make and look very nice on your tree. Great addition to a vintage inspired Christmas display. Get the tutorial here.
Pipe Cleaner Snail Fridge Magnet
I love this adorable little snail magnet for your fridge! Simple and functional pipe cleaner craft that anyone can make. Get the instructions for this project here.
Pipe Cleaner Monkey Pencil Topper
After you’ve completed this cute pipe cleaner craft monkey he can hang out with you on your pencil while you do your homework. How neat! Get the tutorial here.
Pipe Cleaner Trivet
This one’s a little different, but certainly creative! By wrapping pipe cleaners with yard you can make them into this handsome trivet for your coffee cup. So cool! Get the directions here.
Pipe Cleaner Tarantula
Looking for some DIY Halloween decorations that’ll give your guests a fright? This pipe cleaner tarantula is a fun craft that’ll scare the pants off somebody with the right placement. Learn how to make it here.
Rainbow Pipe Cleaner Jellyfish
Super cute craft you can hang as a decoration. This craft uses pipe cleaners, Styrofoam balls, and paint. It’s simple to make and lots of fun. Click here for the full materials list and instructions.
Popsicle Stick Crocodile
These little crocodiles are great crafts to make with pipe cleaners and Popsicle sticks! This one is super simple, and it’s a great pick if you need crafts with pipe cleaners for toddlers that aren’t too complicated. Click here to get the instructions for this projects.
Beaded Pipe Cleaner Dragonflies
Need some crafts to make out of pipe cleaners and beads? Give this beaded pipe cleaner butterflies and dragonflies craft a try! This is a simple and cheap craft activity that kids of all ages will enjoy. Click here to get the instructions for this project.
Pipe Cleaner Flowers
Are you a dad looking for mother’s day craft projects the kids can make to surprise your wife? Give these pipe cleaner flowers a try! You and the kids can make an adorable pipe cleaner rose bouquet together and present it to mom with a nice breakfast. Click here to get the tutorial for this pipe cleaner crafts project.
Okay folks! That’s our list for now. I hope that you’ve gathered some great ideas on how to use pipe cleaners for crafts! I’ll add more projects to do with pipe cleaners when I get a chance. Until then, it’s time to head to the dollar store and get started on these cheap and easy pipe cleaner crafts!
Happy crafting!
Tanya, both a nurturing stay-at-home mom and a skilled crafter, is the creative force behind our blog. As the co-founder of Romney Ridge Farms & Crafts, she’s the editor and curator. She also runs the Romney Ridge Farms & Crafts social media accounts where we post new patterns for you to enjoy.
