If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram craft reels lately, you’ve probably noticed one thing: pipe cleaners are making a comeback. And no, we’re not talking about the boring school craft projects where your “flower” ended up looking like a fried noodle. We’re talking about the colourful, fuzzy, bendy magic sticks that can be turned into jewellery, home decor, festive accessories and pretty much anything your imagination can dream up.
These little wonders are cheap, easy to store, and satisfying to work with. No scissors, no glue (unless you want to get fancy), no drama. Just twist, bend and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece. The best part? They look great in both kid-friendly projects and serious grown-up DIYs.
Okay, grab your coffee, sit by the window and let's get started on 7 magical crafts you can make with pipe cleaners. Some are classics, and some are so unexpected that your friends will say, "Wait, you made this?!"
7 Fun and Easy Crafts You Can Make with Pipe Cleaners
1. Festive Decor with Swag
Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or even Ganesh Chaturthi, pipe cleaners can turn your home into a Pinterest board without burning a hole in your wallet. Twist metallic ones into stars, bells, hearts, or even your initials. Wrap them around fairy lights for a glowing, festive look. They’re lightweight, easy to hang, and reusable. Plus, no more tangled tinsel nightmares.
2. Tiny Animals, Big “Aww” Factor
A few twists, a couple of googly eyes, and suddenly you have a tiny giraffe or an elephant that can sit on your desk. Kids love them, but here’s the twist: adults secretly do too. Try gifting a mini animal with a plant or a chocolate box. It’s personal, thoughtful, and adorable.
3. Jewellery That Gets You Compliments
Why buy overpriced “quirky” accessories when you can make your own? Twist two or three metallic pipe cleaners together, add some beads and boom, you’ve got a bracelet that looks straight out of an artsy boutique. Make matching rings, chokers or anklets for your next girls’ night. Warning: people might ask you to make one for them.
4. Bookmarks That Refuse to Be Boring
Say goodbye to torn bus tickets and crumpled receipts holding your page. Pipe cleaner bookmarks are bright, cheerful and customisable. Shape them into hearts, stars, or even your initials, then add pom-poms for an extra pop. It’s a small touch, but it makes reading feel so much more special.
5. Mini Home Decor That Works in Any Space
Think small planters, tiny picture frames or minimalist prints. Pipe cleaners are also fun to play around with and you can just rewind them if you'd rather work on something else. Plus, there are no tools, no mess. It's the ideal craft for lazy crafters.
6. Kid Projects That Don’t Destroy Your Living Room
Parents, you’ll thank me for this one. Pipe cleaners are soft, safe and virtually mess-free. Kids can twist them into crowns, magic wands or friendship bracelets. No paint spills, no glitter explosions, just pure creativity that you can pack away in minutes.
7. Gift Wrapping That Steals the Show
Pipe cleaners can turn plain brown paper into a designer-looking gift wrap. Twist them into bows, flowers, or funky spirals and wrap them around your gift. It’s eco-friendly, affordable and makes your present stand out in a pile.
Why Pipe Cleaners Deserve a Spot in Your Craft Box
Pipe cleaners are like the unsung heroes of craft supplies. They work with a variety of materials, including resin, clay, paper, fabric and even candle-making projects. They’re budget-friendly, available in every colour you can imagine and can transform even a simple DIY into something that looks store-bought.
And if you haven’t figured out where you can get those materials, head to Tulsi Resin’s website. It carries a selection that will make any arts/crafts heart flutter from shiny metallics ready for a festival to simple colors for everyday crafts. If you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time maker, grab some and find out just how much magic you can twist, bend or create.
Kajal Agarwal
Bhawna Ahuja