Pipe Cleaner Dragonfly: How to Make & Enjoy with Kids
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This pipe cleaner dragonfly craft is a delightful way to enjoy a frugal and fun project with kids.
It requires just two supplies (pipe cleaners and pony beads) making it not only budget-friendly but also perfect for a rainy day activity or a fun summer craft. Plus, it’s an ideal way to tie in all sorts of learning themes, like nature, insects, and even the letter "D"!
My boys and I enjoyed this hands-on activity as part of our summer homeschool fun. It was such a delightful way to extend our learning adventures about dragonflies. I'm sharing my tips and ideas for making this project plus full tutorial (with step-by-step instructions and pictures) so you can enjoy it with your children, too.
Creative Way to Build Fine Motor Skills and Celebrate Nature
Several summers ago, when my boys were younger, we saw a dragonfly on our nature walk. Oh my stars! My boys couldn’t contain their excitement!
They started asking all sorts of questions about this fascinating insect—how it flies, where it lives, and what makes it so special. I knew right then that it was the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the world of dragonflies.
When we got home, we found a few books on insects (our homeschool library is stocked with them) to read all about dragonflies. It was so fun to connect the real-life sighting with the knowledge we were gaining from the book. The excitement was contagious and they were eager to bring their new learning to life with a creative activity. That’s when I thought of this simple pipe cleaner dragonfly craft!
This craft turned out to be the perfect follow-up to our nature walk and reading. It was hands-on, easy to set up, and gave the boys a chance to create their very own dragonflies. Plus, it was brilliant for providing my boys with fun ways to build fine motor skills!
I highly recommend this craft for any homeschool family or educator looking for a way to bring nature study and creativity together. It’s easy, frugal, and a wonderful way to encourage kids’ curiosity while helping them create something they’ll be proud of. Whether you're studying insects, going on a nature walk, or simply looking for a way to add some fun to your summer homeschool, this pipe cleaner dragonfly craft is a must-try!
What You'll Need for This Dragonfly Craft
Another awesome thing about this dragonfly project is that it only uses two materials. If you'd like your final project to look like the examples in the pictures in this tutorial, you'll need:
- Pipe cleaners
- Pony beads
- Scissors
Working with younger children (or want a different type of look)? Try using larger wood beads that are easier to grasp. Also, glittery pipe cleaners and pony beads can add a lovely, sparkly effect.
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Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Your Pipe Cleaner Dragonfly
Make the dragonfly body.
Thread pony beads onto one pipe cleaner to make the dragonfly’s body. Hook the bottom end of the pipe cleaner to hold the beads in place.
Make dragonfly wings and add to body.
Roll the top end of the pipe cleaner into a small coil to create the dragonfly’s head. Make the wings by shaping small oval wings with a pipe cleaner and twist it around the dragonfly’s body. Shape larger oval wings with another pipe cleaner and twist it around the body towards the head. Adjust the wings so they look even and your dragonfly is ready to fly.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Dragonfly Craft
This pipe cleaner dragonfly craft is perfect for kids who are past the point of putting small objects (like pony beads) in their mouths. Younger children may need help twisting the pipe cleaners and forming their dragonflies. Older students can easily follow the instructions on their own.
Absolutely! This craft is all about creativity. You can mix and match colors to create rainbow dragonflies or even make them match specific themes, like summer or insect colors.
This craft is versatile. You can use it with nature studies, letter "D" lessons, summer fun activities, or a bug-themed unit.
Simple Ideas for Making and Enjoying This Dragonfly Activity
If you don’t have pony beads, you can use other small beads, sequins with larger holes, or buttons. Just make sure whatever you use fits onto the pipe cleaner for easy threading.
Once your dragonflies are complete, you can hang them from strings or place them on a windowsill to let them "fly" in the breeze. You could even turn them into a mobile for a fun room decoration. Also, if you make several dragonflies, you could attach them to yarn or ribbon for a cool garland or pennant.
Another awesome idea is to attach your dragonflies to clothespins or wood craft sticks (popsicle sticks) and turn into DIY puppets or toys for imaginative play. Your pipe cleaner dragonflies can also make sweet gifts for family and friends.
More Frugal Activities for Summer Fun with Kids
Take your summer learning adventures to the next level with simple ideas and activities. Engaging your kids in creative projects doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Here are some of our favorite easy summer activities for kids:
- Paper Plate Beach Ball Craft
- Summer Coloring Bookmarks
- DIY Ocean Slime
- Under the Sea Mindfulness Activities
- DIY Campfire Craft
- Super Cute Ice Cream Cone Craft
⭐ I absolutely love how this cute pipe cleaner dragonfly craft is customizable! How will you be using this activit with your children? Please share (and any questions you may have) in the comments area at the bottom of this post!