Craft Sticks - Page 2 of 18

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

Steps:

Use a marker to draw three small ‘X’ marks on the side of your long paper roll.
Have an adult help you poke a small hole through each ‘X’ mark using a pencil tip.
Push one craft stick through each hole so it stretches all the way across the inside of the tube.
Wrap a piece of masking tape over the bottom of the paper roll to seal it shut tightly.
Stand the roll upright inside a plastic container and drop five marbles into the top of the tube.
Slowly pull the bottom craft stick out and listen for the marbles to drop to the next level.
Remove the remaining sticks one by one until all the marbles are resting on the bottom tape.
Peel the tape away to let the marbles plunge into the container for a grand finale!

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a major choking hazard. This activity is for school-age children, but always keep marbles away from younger siblings.

The Ribbon Ladder Rescue

Steps:

Use masking tape to secure two long ribbons vertically onto a wall.
Space the ribbons about five inches apart so the sticks fit between them.
Ensure the ribbons are pulled tight from the top to the bottom.
Give your child a handful of clothespins and several colorful craft sticks.
Ask them to hold a craft stick horizontally against the two ribbons.
Show them how to clip the stick to the ribbons using the clothespins.
Repeat this to build several rungs all the way up the wall.
Once the ladder is finished, they can use their fingers to climb it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not pull the ribbon off the wall or put materials in their mouth.

The Spinning Ribbon Wand

Steps:

Cut three colorful ribbons into two-foot lengths.
Wrap the ends of the ribbons around the top of a craft stick.
Secure the ribbons tightly with a piece of masking tape.
Ask your child to hold the stick in their dominant hand.
Encourage them to twist their wrist to make the ribbons spiral.
Challenge them to draw big circles in the air with the wand.

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child at all times when using long ribbons to avoid entanglement. Keep scissors out of reach after the ribbons are cut.

The Craft Stick Picture Puzzle

Steps:

Line up five or six craft sticks side-by-side on a flat table.
Place a long strip of masking tape across the back to hold them together.
Flip the sticks over so the tape is on the bottom.
Ask your child to draw a simple picture across all the sticks using markers.
Carefully peel the masking tape off the back.
Mix up the craft sticks so the picture is out of order.
Challenge your child to put the sticks back in the right order to reveal the picture!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child while they use markers to ensure they stay on the craft sticks. Check the sticks for splinters before starting the activity.

The Woven Stick Bridge

Steps:

Cut a long, narrow rectangle from a piece of sturdy cardboard.
Glue several craft sticks across the rectangle, leaving small gaps.
Wait for the glue to dry until the sticks are very firm.
Tie a piece of colorful yarn to the first craft stick.
Weave the yarn over the first stick and under the second one.
Continue the pattern until you reach the end of the bridge.
Use markers to draw a scene with water under the bridge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors or handle yarn.