Turn leftover disposable cups into fun crafts for your kids! They can learn about reusing and recycling while making these 30+ creative crafts with paper cups.
Growing up, I remember connecting paper cups with string to play telephone. Ah, memories of a time without cell phones! Just because technology has advanced so much, doesn’t mean that kids can’t do some super creative crafts with paper cups. In fact, paper cups can be used to make animal crafts, budget friendly home décor, and holiday themed crafts.
What cups can you use for crafts?
You probably already have paper cups you can use for some kids projects. Maybe you have:
- Leftover paper drink cups or snack size cups from a party
- Small Dixie cups you use in the bathroom
- Disposable travel coffee cups you take to work
- Little condiment cups like you see at fast food restaurants
All of these can be used in crafting!
Can you paint paper cups?
Some paper cups come in beautiful colors already. However, others have designs on them or are plain white. That means you will probably want to change the color of the cup. Yes, you can paint paper cups. However, if you have paper cups that are glossy, you will want to make sure to use acrylic paint.
What are you waiting for? Grab your cups, paint, scissors, and imagination to try one (or all) of these crafts with paper cups!
Crafts with Paper Cups
Turn leftover paper cups into fun kids crafts! Learn about reusing and recycling while making over 30 creative crafts with paper cups.
Everyday Paper Cup Crafts
Looking for a craft for any day of the year? Try one of these everyday paper cup crafts for kids. If you want a holiday themed craft, scroll down to the next section.
Octopus
I can almost see these octopuses (or is it octopi) swimming in the ocean. I love the personality each one has because of their eyes!
Toy Watch
Make this fun watch when you talk about telling time. You can move the hands and practice or just sport it for fun!
Paper Cup Parrot
Create a parrot with bright colored feathers, paint, a paper cup and yarn. Each one is unique.
Candy Gumball Machine
These 'gumball' machines filled with candy are a really fun idea for a party favor. Just a cup and a glass ball ornament filled with candy!
Jumping Frog
Use two paper cups and a rubber band to make this frog jump. I love his little tongue.
Mini Piñatas
Give each kid at the party their own piñata. Or better yet, have them make it themselves!
Play Table & Chairs
Let your toy dolls eat and hang outside in style with this table and chairs made from paper cups. Oh, and you should definitely make an umbrella to keep them out of the sun!
Paper Cup Owl
Found this owl on the Parents website. Find out how to make him and a bunch of other paper plate and cup crafts on this page.
Crab
How cute are these crabs? Find out how easy it is to make them, plus get 10 other fun paper cup crafts on this page!
Paper Cup Fairy House
Turn a plain white paper cup and some felt into a whimsical fairy house. These little mushroom houses are super fun to make!
Panda Bank
Start kids off with saving money with this panda bank craft. There is a slot in the top to add coins or even paper money if you're lucky!
Bee
One yellow cup + one black cup = a bee! Such a cute craft for preschoolers.
Clown
Try this fun circus or carnival craft and see who can make the silliest clown! The hair on this one is perfect.
Whale and Clown Fish
Turn a paper dessert cup into an adorable whale. Then you can make a Styrofoam ball clownfish for him to eat, or play with.
Hot Air Balloon
This papier mache craft uses a balloon and a paper cup basket. If you don't want to do papier mache, you can just blow up the balloon and attach the basket to it.
Jellyfish Mobile
Find out how to make this super cute jellyfish. Then create a mobile with a few jellyfish, stars and fish!
Lighthouse
Create a lighthouse that actually lights up! It is easy (and fun) to make using paper, plastic and condiment cups.
Little Robin Redbreast
This little robin has a red breast of yarn and one adorable little tail! I love how cute this turned out!
Paper Cup Chrysanthemum Art
Create your very own chrysanthemum art to hang in your room! Bonus? You get 6 other paper cup painting ideas on this page!
Note: This craft wouldn't be good for your littlest ones because of the thin cutting.
Silly Man
See who can make the silliest man from a paper cup! I love the accordion legs and spiky hair on this guy.
Squirrel Craft
Paint a Dixie cup and roll up some construction paper to make these squirrels. Look how cute those little feet are!
Holiday Themed Paper Cup Crafts
Leprechaun Puppet
You can make this lucky leprechaun puppet walk and talk. He is made using 1 paper cup, construction paper and even has bottle cap feet!
Squawking Turkey
I love this turkey craft for Thanksgiving! Once finished, you can make your turkey squawk by dragging a damp sponge down the yarn. So cool!
Pull-Along Dragon Toy
Create your very own pull along dragon to celebrate the Chinese New Year. I love the addition of the bell on the end!
Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holders
These black-cups-turned-containers are easy to make with paper and embellishments, and are great for storing crayons. Perfect for the kids table on Thanksgiving!
Flying Reindeer Puppets
This interactive paper cup reindeer will fly when you pull on the strings! Such a creative idea for a Christmas craft.
Easter Bunny
Turn some Dixie cups into brightly colored Easter bunnies! Each one is complete with a cotton ball tail.
Hairy Monster
Scare your friends this Halloween with a hairy monster made with a cup, yarn, popsicle sticks and some imagination!
Paper Cup Angel
A foam ball and paper cup angel is easy to make. There are so many cute details like the fluffy wings, crepe paper hair and embellishments on the gowns.
Earth Windsock
Celebrate Earth Day by making an Earth of your own — sort of. Add a little heart to show your love and then hang it in the backyard to see it blow in the wind.
New Year's Eve Hat
Get in the festive mood by making and wearing a fun hat for New Year's Eve! Then you can countown with the watch you made earlier.
Paper Cup Christmas Tree
Are you looking for an inexpensive, mess-free, and super easy Christmas tree craft for kids? This fun little paper cup Christmas tree is simple enough for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners.
Uncle Sam Hats
Use paper Dixie cups to make a mini hat for Uncle Sam! Kids will have fun painting the stars and stripes.
Paper Cup Mummy
This paper cup mummy is extra special due to the tea light that makes the nose glow! Kids will love this. Great to use for a Halloween school party activity.
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