I love pipe cleaners! They're so versatile and can be used in many ways. Here's a top ten list, just off the top of my head, of different uses for those fuzzy, bendy things.
1. Jewelry! Pipe cleaners can be turned into rings, necklaces, pins. No glue needed (except if you want to put a clip on the the back).
2. Creatures! Like balloon animals, but without the threat of them popping or deflating. From simple outlines to complex creations with googly eyes added for more personality, let your imagination run wild.
3. Flowers! From a simple little bloom to a whole bouquet, you can create flowers that will never need water or wilt.
4. Christmas ornaments! "Tis the season" as I write this so it seems appropriate.You can make a candy cane by simply twisting red and white pipe cleaners together, as this example shows.
5. Personalized napkin rings! At my house, every person has their own napkin holder (not made from pipe cleaners though). If you've never tried that, your kids can try their hand at making their own.
6. Pencil topper! Your kids will never lose their pencils again, because they won't want to lose these.
7. Hair pieces (or fascinators, as our British friends call them). Maybe not quite as over the top as this picture, but your kids could make a crown or something like that.
8. Decorations! You can make a quirky centerpiece for your table or fireplace mantle.Instead of paper chains, you can substitute pipe cleaners (which again means no glue!).
9. Gift wrapping! Instead of ribbon or string, try accenting your gifts with pipe cleaners instead. It's easier for little hands to create a bow with that material too.
10. Shoelaces! Your young kids might like this--they could match the color to their outfit. Use the cushy plush pipe cleaners for this.
Do you have any other suggestions to try? Any fun ideas I didn't think of?
