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30+ Crafts with Straws for Both Kids & Adults!

Do you have unused straws? Don’t throw them away; make one of these kids or adult crafts with straws. From jewelry to holiday crafts, there is something for all ages – even a chandelier!

kids crafts using straws

Now that most people have realized that single use plastics aren’t a great idea, what do you do with all of the ones you already own? If they are recyclable, like plastic grocery store bags, you should definitely do this.

But what about straws? Most recycling plants won’t take them because they are small and may get stuck in machinery and cause issues. This is where crafting comes to the rescue! There are so many different crafts you and your kids can make that use straws.

What types of straws you can use in crafts?

Plastic Drinking Straws
First, I would use up any plastic straws you may already own. Upcycling them to crafts is much better than throwing them away. However, kid crafts using plastic straws may eventually be tossed to make room for new crafts.

\For this reason, I would use up your existing plastic straws on an adult craft that can be used on a more permanent basis.

Plastic Cocktail Stirrer Straws
Thinner and smaller than drinking straws, cocktail stirrers are also a good option for crafts. Again, use up any existing that you own first.

Paper Straws
These straws have become very popular and are made in an assortment of colors and designs which makes them awesome craft supplies for both kid and adult crafts.

Although there are other straw types, they aren’t really great for crafting because they may be too expensive or are too flexible. However, these straws are usually reusable, so go ahead and reuse them!

Now that you know what types of straws you can craft with, you have got to take a look at the fun kids crafts with straws I found for you. Just scroll down to see them! At the end, you will find some awesome adult DIY projects that use straws as well.

Kid Crafts Using Straws

1
straw swing set
www.thecrafttrain.com

Straw Swing Set

Can you believe that this swing set made of straws and pipe cleaners actually works? So cute! Start making your own playground; Kate has a tutorial for a straw see-saw as well.
Get the Tutorial
2
3D Cactus Craft for Kids
kidscraftroom.com

Colorful Cactus

Kids will have so much fun making this colorful 3D cactus! Where are the straws? They are cut up and used for the spikes.
Get the Tutorial
3
Kids craft woven yarn headband using straws
www.bowdabra.com

Woven Yarn Headband

Learn how to weave using drinking straws in this tutorial. You can make this headband, or maybe a bracelet?
Get the Tutorial
4
www.andnextcomesl.com

Skipping Rope

In about 10 minutes you can have your very own kid-made jump rope! Have fun with the colors and patterns.
Get the Tutorial
5
STEM activity for kids Straw Rockets
buggyandbuddy.com

Straw Rockets

Download the free rocket template that kids can color and cut them out. Connect them to straws and blow through them to watch the rocket take off!
Get Tutorial + Free Printable
6
DIY Paper Flower and straw Lei
rufflesandrainboots.com

Paper Flower Lei

You won't believe how easy it is to make this paper flower lei! Definitely easy enough for kids to make it – especially with the free template.
Get Tutorial + Free Printable
7
Drinking Straw Bracelet DIY
www.makefilmplay.com

Straw Bracelet

Watch the instructional video to see how easy it is to make this adorable stretchy colored straw bracelet.
Get the Tutorial
8
Kid Made Wreath Ornaments with Paper Straws
www.projectswithkids.com

Wreath Ornaments

These DIY wreath ornaments made with paper straws are so bright and cheerful, you and your kids will want to make more than one! They would make great Christmas gifts for family and friends and look absolutely adorable on a Christmas tree.
Get the Tutorial
9
straw rollercoaster using straws
frugalfun4boys.com

Crazy Rollercoaster

Watch the video to see how they made this straw roller coaster. This reminds me of the game Mouse Trap.
Get the Tutorial
10
Paper Straw Bats
www.gardencare.org

Googly Eyed Bats

Various designs of paper straws are used to make the wings of each bat. You really could do this with any animal!
Get the Tutorial
11
straw garland for the Christmas tree
www.projectswithkids.com

Sparkly Gold Garland

Kids can make a garland for your Christmas tree with bells, beads, and paper straws. Change up the colors and you can use it to decorate for any occasion!
Get the Tutorial
12
Styrofoam and straw fish kid craft
www.freekidscrafts.com

Straw Fish Wall Hanging

Drinking straws and tissue paper covered Styrofoam come together to make an adorable fish!
Get the Tutorial
13
Plastic Straw chirstmas tree
www.makefilmplay.com

Christmas Tree

Use straws to create a fun Christmas tree. This one shows multi colored straws, but you could do all green if you like.
Get the Tutorial
14
Paper plate easter bunny mask with straw whiskers
kidscraftroom.com

Bunny Mask

Paper plate and some straws come together to make a super cute bunny mask! Get creative, you could make any animal with whiskers.
Get the Tutorial
15
straw pan flute craft for kids
craftulate.com

Straw Pan Flute

With this easy to follow tutorial, kids will be playing their new pan flute in no time!
Get the Tutorial
16
Straw Airplane or Hoop Glider Science Activity
www.mombrite.com

Hoop Glider

Show kids how to construct a straw airplane, or hoop glider, and then have fun watching them fly!
Get the Tutorial
17
Paper Straw Christmas Ornaments
thesoccermomblog.com

Paper Straw Ornaments

Add these to your tree along with the wreath ornaments above! Learn how to make all three of these straw ornaments.
Get the Tutorial
18
Easy preschool sun craft
buggyandbuddy.com

Sun Craft

The younger ones will enjoy this fun craft, especially adding the sparkly center! The sun's rays are made with both pipe cleaners and straws.
Get the Tutorial
19
www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Halloween Necklace

Turn something ordinary into extraordinary with a Halloween necklace made from straws. You can make several of these with just one pack of straws, and kids will love the stringing.
Get the Tutorial

Adult Crafts Using Straws

20
www.francinesplaceblog.com

Hanging Himmeli Plant Holder

Can you believe this planter is made out of straws? I think it's a really cute idea and perfect for hanging a succulent.
Get the Tutorial
21
www.curbly.com

Straw And Rope Wall Hanging

Can you believe that the light blue in this wall hanging is made with lots of straws? They are from IKEA, but you could use any color or combination of colors!
Get the Tutorial
22
Geometric Wreath Tutorial
vintagerevivals.com

Geometric Wreath

I love this Himmeli inspired geometric wreath! Get the step by step instructions and a video to make this awesome project.
Get the Tutorial
23
make a chandelier out of straws
Vicki Liston

Lightweight Chandelier

Inspired by an Anthropologie chandelier, Vicki made this lightweight version using straws! And the bonus? No wiring needed.
Get the Tutorial
24
acountrygirlslife.com

Paper Straw Wreath

This patriotic 4th of July wreath is so simple using paper straws. You can change up the colors and make wreaths for any time of year!
Get the Tutorial
25
gold straw bunting DIY
oleanderandpalm.com

Gold Bunting

This straw bunting could be used for a celebration, but I think it would look great hanging year-round. What do you think?
Get the Tutorial
26
thefoldingchair.typepad.com

Simple Straw Necklace

The three long 'beads' in this necklace are made using drinking straws and washi tape! Such an elegant looking piece.
Get the Tutorial
27
diy drinking straw coasters
www.craftpassion.com

Drink Straw Coasters

Turn your recycled plastic tubes into drinking straw coasters that you can use again and again! Easy to follow video and photo tutorial.
Get the Tutorial
28
straw starburst light fixture
Mark Montano

Straw Starburst Light

This is the kind of light fixture that looks great when it is off and amazing when it is on! So creative.
Get the Tutorial
29
diy drinking straw hanging planters
www.brit.co

Hanging Planters

No need to buy an expensive hanging basket or make a macrame one of your own. Not when you have straws that need recycling! You can keep them colorful as shown, or spray paint them to go with your decor.
Get the Tutorial
30
DIY straw easel place cards
msrachelhollis.com

Easel Place Cards

Add a bit of whimsy to your dinner party with place cards set on paper straw easels. You could also make one that holds the menu!
Get the Tutorial

Did you like this list of drinking straw crafts? Let me know in the comments. I’d also love for you to check out these other fun kids craft collections with various supplies and themes:

ApplesBoredom BustersClayCoffee FiltersConstruction PaperCotton BallsEarth DayEasterFallFlowersFrozenGhostHeartsMacaroniMickey MouseMinionsMother’s DayMonstersMoonMummiesMushroomsNaturePaperPaper BagPaper CupsPine ConesPokemonPopsicle SticksPreschool CraftsPumpkinReindeerSantaSnowflakesSnowmenSt. Patrick’s DayStarsSummerThanksgivingValentine’s Day