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!
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.
Crafts with Straws
Don't throw away your used straws; make one of these drinking straw crafts instead. From jewelry to holiday crafts, there's frugal fun for all ages in these projects.
Kid Crafts Using Straws
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.
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.
Woven Yarn Headband
Learn how to weave using drinking straws in this tutorial. You can make this headband, or maybe a bracelet?
Skipping Rope
In about 10 minutes you can have your very own kid-made jump rope! Have fun with the colors and patterns.
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!
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.
Straw Bracelet
Watch the instructional video to see how easy it is to make this adorable stretchy colored straw bracelet.
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.
Crazy Rollercoaster
Watch the video to see how they made this straw roller coaster. This reminds me of the game Mouse Trap.
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!
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!
Straw Fish Wall Hanging
Drinking straws and tissue paper covered Styrofoam come together to make an adorable fish!
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.
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.
Straw Pan Flute
With this easy to follow tutorial, kids will be playing their new pan flute in no time!
Hoop Glider
Show kids how to construct a straw airplane, or hoop glider, and then have fun watching them fly!
Paper Straw Ornaments
Add these to your tree along with the wreath ornaments above! Learn how to make all three of these straw ornaments.
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.
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.
Adult Crafts Using Straws
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.
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!
Geometric Wreath
I love this Himmeli inspired geometric wreath! Get the step by step instructions and a video to make this awesome project.
Lightweight Chandelier
Inspired by an Anthropologie chandelier, Vicki made this lightweight version using straws! And the bonus? No wiring needed.
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!
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?
Simple Straw Necklace
The three long 'beads' in this necklace are made using drinking straws and washi tape! Such an elegant looking piece.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
Apples • Boredom Busters • Clay • Coffee Filters • Construction Paper • Cotton Balls • Earth Day • Easter • Fall • Flowers • Frozen • Ghost • Hearts • Love Bugs • Macaroni • Mickey Mouse • Minions • Mother’s Day • Monsters • Moon • Mummies • Mushrooms • Nature • Paper • Paper Bag • Paper Cups • Pine Cones • Pokemon • Popsicle Sticks • Preschool Crafts • Pumpkin • Reindeer • Santa • Snowflakes • Snowmen • St. Patrick’s Day • Stars • Summer • Thanksgiving • Valentine’s Day