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Quick + Easy Paper Straw Crafts
Put those leftover party straws to good use as cupcake toppers, picture frames and faux cactus decor that couldn't be easier to make.
FESTIVE CUPCAKE TOPPERS
Karen Kavett
Materials + Tools
- paper straws
- parchment paper
- hot glue gun + sticks
- lollipop sticks
- washi tape
- scissors
- scrapbook paper
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Begin with either decorative paper straws or cover plain paper straws in washi tape for a custom design. Next, cut down the straws to form the shape of the number or letter you want to make. Cut two pieces of each length to make it bolder and more visible (Image 1). Put down parchment paper or any other non-stick surface. Use hot glue to glue all of the pieces together to form your number. Trim as needed. Once the glue is dry, flip the number over and glue on a lollipop stick to finish (Image 2).
To make a decorative starburst, cut a piece of straw that is 2" long. Cut six additional pieces that are each 1” long. Cut a triangle into the end of four of the small pieces. Glue all the pieces together into a starburst shape (Image 3). Cut circles from scrapbook paper and glue into the center on the front and back to hide all the glue. Then, cut triangles into the ends of all of the straw for a final touch (Image 4). Glue on a lollipop stick, and you're ready to add the toppers to your sweet treat (Image 5).
CUTE CACTUS DECOR
Karen Kavett
Materials + Tools
- paper straws
- green paper
- hot glue gun + sticks
- pencil
- green tape
- scissors
- faux flower
- white paint pen
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Begin by drawing a cactus shape on green paper and cut out (Image 1). If you don't have green straws on hand, cover your straws in green tape. Cut down the straws to be slightly longer than the size of the paper cactus. Starting in the center of the cactus and working your way out, hot glue the straws in place (Image 2). Next, trim the excess and round the corners. Be sure to leave a tail at the bottom to allow your cactus to stand up straight in rocks or sand (Image 3). To finish it off, glue a faux flower to the top of the cactus. Optionally, use a white paint pen to add the cactus spikes (Image 4).
PRACTICAL PICTURE FRAME
Karen Kavett
Materials + Tools
- paper straws
- print or photo
- pencil
- string
- ruler
- tape
- scissors
- craft knife
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett
Start by cutting the paper straws to the length of your photo or print. Use your ruler to draw a straight line down the length of your straw. Cut down that line using scissors for shorter straws and a craft knife for longer straws (Image 1). Next, slide the straw onto the top edge of your print (Image 2). Repeat to add a straw to the bottom of your print. Finally, tape string to the back of your print to hang (Image 3). To create a full frame, cut a 45-degree angle into the end of each straw before sliding onto the edge of your photo (Image 4).
