Looking for a quick and easy basketball craft for kids? This cupcake liner basketball craft card is a simple and frugal activity that’s perfect for sports themes, March Madness fun, or a letter B activity. With a few basic supplies, kids can create an adorable basketball card. It’s great for learning, creativity, and hands-on fun without a lot of prep or mess.
Easy Basketball Craft for Kids Using a Cupcake Liner
Whenever I notice one of my boys getting excited about a theme, I lean in.
If it’s soccer? We do more soccer.
If it’s solar system? We find ways to add fun things to do about the solar system (and even stuff like constellations and moon phases).
Keeping the fun going is one of the easiest ways I’ve found to build engagement, create positive memories, and see where our learning adventures take us.
This cupcake liner basketball craft is one of those sweet examples.
Years ago, my oldest chose a basketball theme for his birthday party. Our budget was super tight, so I went into full DIY mode. Instead of buying decorations, we made them. The boys and I created paper plate basketball crafts for party decorations. And my oldest and I worked together to make these basketball cards as simple thank you notes.
It was easy and affordable. Plus, it was so much more meaningful because we made it together.
What You’ll Need for This Basketball Craft
You only need a few basic supplies for this cupcake liner basketball card. That’s one of the reasons I love it so much!
- Construction paper (any color for the card base)
- Orange cupcake liner
- Glue
- Black marker
- Optional: glitter glue, stickers, decorative washi tape
How to Make This Cupcake Liner Basketball Craft
Prepare the card and cupcake liner.
Fold a piece of construction paper in half to create a card. Press along the fold to make a clean crease. Flatten an orange cupcake liner by gently pressing it flat with your hands. Glue the flattened cupcake liner onto the front of the card. Press it down firmly and allow the glue to set.
Add the lines.
Using a black marker, draw two curved lines along the sides of the cupcake liner. Then draw two straight line (one down the middle and one across) to create the look of a basketball. On the construction paper behind the basketball, draw a few curved lines to show motion, as if the basketball is bouncing or flying through the air.
Ways to Customize This Basketball Craft Card
This cupcake liner basketball craft is super easy to personalize. You can keep it simple or take it up a notch with these ideas:
- Add a Hoop: Draw or cut out a basketball hoop and net on the front of the card. Kids can glue the ball so it looks like it’s going right into the hoop!
- Write a Message Inside
- Turn it into:
- A birthday card for a basketball fan
- A thank you note (just like we did!)
- A “Good Luck!” card for a big game
- A March Madness surprise
- Change the Background: Use different colors of construction paper to match:
- Favorite team colors
- School colors
- Party decorations
- Add Player Details: Have kids write:
- Their name as the MVP (most valuable player)
- A jersey number on the basketball
- A short sports-themed message like “You’re a Slam Dunk!”
- Make It 3D: Instead of flattening the cupcake liner completely, leave it slightly puffed for extra texture and dimension.
- Connect It to Learning:
- Use it for letter B practice (B is for basketball!)
- Add simple math inside (scorekeeping fun!)
- Write basketball vocabulary words
Fun Ways to Enjoy This Basketball Craft
Once your cupcake liner basketball cards are finished, the fun doesn’t have to stop! Here are some easy ways to keep the theme going:
- Host a Mini Basketball Celebration: Put on some music, shoot a few hoops outside (or use a laundry basket inside!). Read about the history of basketball and famous basketball players.
- Send Some Happy Mail: Encourage your child to mail a card to a grandparent, teammate, friend, coach, or friend who loves sports. It’s a simple way to practice kindness and writing skills.
- Pair with a Basketball Book: Read a basketball-themed picture book and then make the craft together.
- Talk About Teamwork: Use the craft time to chat about working together, encouraging others, and being a good sport.
A Simple Way to Keep the Basketball Fun Going
This cupcake liner basketball craft card is proof that fun doesn’t have to be fancy. With a few basic supplies, a cool theme, and a little time together, you can have a creative project to enjoy.
Whether you’re celebrating March Madness, working on letter B, planning a sports-themed party, or just following your child’s interests, this easy basketball craft is a sweet way to build connection and creativity at the same time.
How will you be using this frugal craft with your kids? And what ideas do you have for customizing it? Please share your ideas in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
