How to Use Pipe Cleaners in Crafts

Pipe cleaners are sold in craft stores as "chenille stems." They are so flexible and yet sturdy, you can use them in a variety of projects. Kids especially have fun bending the cleaners into odd shapes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wind the pipe cleaner into a coil shape to be used as the body of a person, animal or insect. Make the legs and head using additional pipe cleaners cut to size and bent to the right shape. Twise the pipe cleaners around each other to secure them in place.

2. Thread plastic beads onto a pipe cleaner to make a stiff bracelet or key chain. Use red and white beads threaded onto pipe cleaners to make candy canes for the Christmas tree or hearts for Valentines Day. Green beads on a pipe cleaner make nice small wreaths for decorating the Christmas tree or gift packages. Orange beads threaded onto pipe cleaner can make cute pumpkins for Halloween or Thanksgiving.

3. Bend the pipe cleaner to form a hook and then glue or tape it onto the backs of pictures and other craft projects. Use the bent pipe cleaner to hang the craft on the wall or on the Christmas tree.

4. Stir paints and mix glitter into glue using a pipe cleaner as a disposable stirer. You can also use the pipe cleaner to transfer the glue or glitter onto the craft project.

5. Use a pipe cleaner to paint with. A pipe cleaner can make a nice small paintbrush for craft projects.