It is easy to make a craft from straws if you choose the appropriate algorithm and example for work. A cocktail straw can become the basis for making jewelry, decorative elements, practical things. Children like working with such material - children of preschool age and schoolchildren will be able to make toys.
Basic set of tools
When working on any type of product made from straws, you need a standard set of tools:
| Tools for work | Principle of use |
| Tubes | Basic material for work. You can choose any. Thickness, length, color and type of material. |
| Glue gun | It is a good option for fastening and connecting parts of crafts. |
| Scissors | It is used for cutting and preparing elements of the required parameters. |
| Super glue | An alternative to the hot version of the adhesive substance. |
| Thread, wire or fishing line | Used instead of glue. |
The secondary set of tools and materials is determined by the individual characteristics of the craft.
Decorative star
Crafts made from cocktail straws can be used to decorate a Christmas tree or a holiday room.
A volumetric star will be a trendy decoration, which is easy to make from tubes using an elementary algorithm:
- Select identical elements of the same color. Prepare a glue gun.
- Form a rhombus from 4 tubes, gluing the parts together with a glue gun.
- Form a long diagonal in the rhombus by gluing the 5th tube.
- Make 4 more of these parts. Using a glue gun, glue the modules together to form a star.
- A loop of thread is attached to one of the ends, which will allow you to attach the star.
The tubes can be connected using wire or thread. The material is pulled through the cavities of the elements, connecting the parts.
Multifunctional star for decoration
From straws you can make a three-dimensional star, which can be placed on a table or hung in a room:
- Prepare 20 multi-colored elements.
- First glue 2 straws. Glue 2 more elements perpendicular to the base.
- Glue the tubes to the base in random order, creating a three-dimensional shape for the craft.
Super glue or a glue gun can be used as a connector.
Bracelets
There are many algorithms for making bracelets from cocktail straws:
- Cut several multi-colored elements into 1 cm strips. This will form "beads" that can be strung on a ribbon, thread or wire. You will get a simple bracelet that can be fastened by tying a ribbon.
- Cut the straws lengthwise. Leave a length that will correspond to the circumference of the arm. Make holes along the edges using a hole punch. Thread a ribbon through them, which will be an additional decoration and a fastener for the decoration.
- If you cut the tubes into strips and hold each element over the fire for a few seconds. The elements will partially deform. String the figures on a fishing line.
- Divide the base into several parts. Using a needle with a thread, thread all the parts of the straws from the top and bottom. You get a set of mini straws on threads.
Additionally, a simple bracelet can be decorated with ribbons, other figures and pendants.
Christmas tree decorations
Crafts made from cocktail straws can be a great decoration for a New Year tree. Such toys do not break, have volume to fill the space and are easy to make. The simplest option is “diamonds” or three-dimensional geometric figures.
You need to prepare the following materials:
- thin drinking straws of one color;
- thread and needle;
- scissors.
The principle of making a Christmas tree toy:
- Thread the needle.
- Thread 4 straws with a needle and tie the ends of the threads into a knot.
- Thread one straw onto one end of the thread and the other onto the other end. Tie the threads together with a knot.
- Repeat the pattern once more, and thread the thread through the opposite straws. You will get half of a three-dimensional figure.
- The second part of the product is formed according to the same principle, piercing the straws with a needle and thread. The connections are fixed with knots.
- Bring the threads out in one place and tie them, forming a loop.
The result will be a three-dimensional rhombus. The same principle can be used to create a cube, triangle, or any other geometric figure.
Wreath
The wreath can become a frame for a photo, a mirror, or New Year's decor.
You can make the decoration according to the instructions:
- Cut a circle of the required diameter out of cardboard. Cut out the inner part of the cardboard, forming a ring.
- Prepare straws. It is advisable to use cardboard or paper elements with a print. Use glue as a fastener.
- Glue the straws one after another along the circumference. To create additional volume, you need to glue the elements on the other side of the cardboard base.
The finished product is decorated with tinsel, ribbons, artificial flowers or leaves. Bows can be made from textiles, which are additionally decorated with berries and flowers. Such elements can be placed along the inner contour of the product.
Application
You can make colorful appliques with your children from cocktail accessories.
There are several options for preparing the material:
- You can cut the straws into thin rings.
- Divide each element into several parts, the length of each is determined by the concept of the applique.
- Cut and straighten each element from which you can cut out figures for the craft.
The principle of preparing the material is determined by the age categories of children. To simplify the work on the drawing for the baby, it is worth printing the drawing. The prepared material will be glued to the base along the contours of the image.
Lamp
Crafts made from drinking straws can be very functional.
If the lampshade on a sconce is damaged, it can be restored or a new one can be made using this material.
Basic manufacturing principle:
- First, select a base frame. You can use a plastic container or make a skeleton from the tubes themselves - glue a lattice of tubes.
- Cut the main material into pieces 1-2 cm long. You can make the pieces longer.
- Glue the cutting along or perpendicular to the body base. The elements can be arranged along clear lines or in any order.
Lamp in the style of perfectionism
If you have a metal frame from an old sconce, you can make a completely original lamp:
- Cut the straws into equal length pieces. Use a felt-tip pen to mark the middle of each piece.
- Using a needle, thread a straw onto a thread through the marked point. The longer the bundle, the more impressive the product will look.
- You need to make about 10 of these “garlands”.
- Tie all the “garlands” to the top circle and distribute them around the perimeter.
The product will resemble a multi-level waterfall. You can change the appearance of the lamp by moving the straws in different directions.
Photo frame
To make a frame from tubes, you can use several options. The simplest thing is to decorate the finished base. Using multi-colored tubes of different lengths, glue them onto a cardboard or wooden frame. The elements can be placed from the center to the edges or along the frame.
You can make a thin frame for each photo that will hang. You need to cut each element lengthwise and thread the photo through the cut from 4 sides. At the same time, immediately thread a thread through the top tube, which will become a loop for hanging the photo.
If you arrange several photos according to this principle, you can create a whole composition from them. It is enough to string the photos in frames on a rail.You can weave a canvas frame from straws according to the same principle that baskets are made. To prevent the weaving from falling apart, it is worth fixing the elements together with glue.
Cocktail Straw Daisies
Crafts from cocktail straws are often used to decorate vases and flowerpots. You can make a bouquet of forget-me-nots from this type of material. You need to prepare thin straws of yellow color and thick ones of different colors.
Manufacturing technique:
- Cut the colored blank lengthwise.
- Use scissors to make a cut along one edge, forming a fringe.
- Prepare a yellow straw. Apply the prepared element to the corrugated fold. It is advisable to fix the parts with glue.
- Wrap a ribbon of colored tube around this part. Glue the edge.
For greater realism, you can make a winding from a green tube below the bud itself using the same principle. You can make entire compositions from such flowers, if the quantity is sufficient.
Dahlias from cocktail straws
To make dahlia petals correctly, you need to choose a material of one color and medium thickness.
An important point is cutting the tubes for the flower petals:
- Make markings along the straw, setting divisions every 2.5 – 3 cm. This is the length of the petal itself.
- Step back 1-1.5 cm from each row - this is the designation for a beveled cut. The material should be cut at an angle of 40-45 degrees.
- You need to cut a lot of these tubes, since the flower is multi-level. Additionally, prepare a circle of cardboard. The size of the flower will depend on the diameter of the element.
Next, the bud is made:
- Use a pencil to mark the center on the cardboard circle.
- Glue the cut straws in a circle relative to the mark.
- When the first layer dries, it is worth starting to form the second. Glue the cuttings to the lower elements in a checkerboard pattern.
The remaining layers are made in the same way until the straw fills all the space. The result will be a lush bud with the cardboard circle completely filled.
Sun made of colored paper and plastic tubes
To make the sun you will need the following tools and materials:
- 2 sheets of yellow cardboard;
- 1-2 packs of yellow straws;
- glue gun;
- black marker;
- scissors.
The principle of making the craft:
- Cut out 2 circles of the same diameter from colored cardboard.
- On the front side of one of the figures, draw eyes, a nose and a smile.
- Each tube can be cut exactly in half or at a 45 degree angle - these are rays.
- Glue the ray blanks along the edge of the inner circle. To make the elements easier to lay down, you can flatten the edge of the tube.
- When the entire perimeter is pasted over, fix the sun's face on top, covering the inner part of the craft.
Additionally, the sun can be decorated with ribbons or glitter. Such a craft will be a great decoration for a child's room.
Large crafts from plastic tubes
Cocktail straws can be used to make large-scale crafts.
The simplest examples are:
- A panel of flowers made from cocktail straws.
The product can be a full-fledged painting placed in a frame or a large composition along the entire wall.
- The device can be used to create a vertical interior curtain.
If you string straws on a fishing line, alternating them with beads or stones. Then tie each strip to a rail, which will then be fixed within the doorway or window.
- You can make a laundry basket from tubes using the simplest weaving technique.
Small boxes and baskets for household use are formed according to the same principle. There are many options for making large objects - it is enough to show imagination and stock up on material in the required quantity.
Vase made of straws
A simple way to make an interesting vase that won't break:
- Prepare a jar, bottle or tall glass, a glue gun and a pack of straws.
- Glue the straws sideways to the glass walls of the container.
- You can cut the straws into rings and place the elements perpendicular to the base. If you use multi-colored material, you can create the effect of an abstract drawing.
Even a child can handle this manufacturing principle.
Vase in 1 minute
Even if you are in a camping environment, you can make a colorful vase to put a bouquet of wild flowers. You need to take half a pack of cocktail straws, a rubber band, and a jar.
Put a rubber band on the glass container and tuck the tubes under it so that the bend is on top and is directed away from the container. Instead of a rubber band, you can use a thread, rope, ribbon, or string.
Dandelion from cocktail straws
You need to prepare a pack of white straws, scissors, a glue gun, and 2 green tubes.
Manufacturing features:
- You need to cut the tube, forming a fringe. It is better to do this from the beginning of the element to the bend. Straighten the resulting workpiece a little.
- First glue 2 blanks together. Perpendicular to them, 2 more sticks. Then glue the other elements. Place each part so that a sphere is formed.
- Next, glue a green tube to the center. Cut the second one lengthwise and finely chop one side, forming terry cloth.
- Glue a green straw with terry cloth under the white sphere, imitating the receptacle.
You can prepare a few more green elements, cut out leaves from them and attach them to the flower stem.
Moving caterpillars for kids
You need to stock up on green straws, one yellow, cardboard, glue. Additionally, you will need a long wooden skewer and scissors.
Instructions:
- Cut a medium-sized leaf out of cardboard.
- Glue a vein-straw to the center of the cardboard blank. From there, glue other elements to the edges.
- Use scissors to cut the length of the straws, aligning the product along the contour of the sheet.
- Glue the yellow tube in the middle of the sheet, gluing only the edge.
- In the same place, only from the inside, glue the skewer to the pipe.
- Draw eyes on the half-finished caterpillar; you can make antennae by cutting and bending the edges of the tube.
By moving the toothpick back and forth, the “caterpillar” itself is set in motion, as if moving along the perimeter of the sheet.
Basic napkin
You need to prepare a pack of straws. Flatten each element and cut off parts of the bends. Lay out the straws in a row, aligning the edges with a ruler. Coat the strip with glue and glue one strip perpendicular to the workpiece on top. Continue working according to the same principle. Cut off the edges or leave them as is.
You will get a unique napkin-backing on which you can put glasses, vases and other cutlery. The product can be used as a panel for other crafts.
Straws used for drinking cocktails and juices are an ideal basis for practical products. The material is durable and long-lasting. An additional advantage is the low cost of the product and the variety of colors, shapes, and thicknesses.
You can make a lot of things from cocktail straws that can decorate the interior or be useful in the household. You can make a variety of crafts with children, developing fine motor skills and imagination of children.
Article formatting:Natalie Podolskaya
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