This article will appeal to those who love to do something with their own hands and turn ordinary things into extraordinary ones.
And this time we’ll talk about cocktail straws, which can be bought at ridiculous prices in absolutely any store. Cocktail straws today are sold in a variety of materials, have all sorts of colors and shapes, which means the possibilities for creativity are endless.
So, what can you make with your own hands from the most ordinary tubes?
Basic set of tools
When working on any type of tube product, you need a standard set of tools:
Tools for work | Principle of use |
Tubes | Basic material for work. You can choose any one. Thickness, length, color and type of material. |
Glue gun | It is a good option for fastening and connecting parts of crafts. |
Scissors | Used for cutting and preparing elements of the required parameters. |
Super glue | An alternative to the hot version of the adhesive substance. |
Thread, wire or fishing line | Used instead of glue. |
The secondary set of tools and materials is determined by the individual characteristics of the craft.
Decorative star
Crafts made from cocktail tubes can be used to decorate a Christmas tree or a party room.
A trendy decoration will be a three-dimensional star, which can be simply made from tubes using a simple algorithm:
- Select identical elements of the same color. Prepare a glue gun.
- Form a rhombus from 4 tubes, gluing the parts together with a glue gun.
- Form a long diagonal in the rhombus by gluing the 5th tube.
- Make 4 more of these pieces. Using a glue gun, glue the modules together to form a star.
- A loop of thread is attached to one of the ends, which will allow you to hook the star.
You can connect the tubes using wire or thread. Pull the material through the cavities of the elements, connecting the parts.
Multifunctional star for decoration
You can make a three-dimensional star from straws, which can be placed on a table or hung in a room:
- Prepare 20 multi-colored elements.
- First glue 2 straws together. Glue 2 more elements perpendicular to the base.
- Glue the tubes to the base in random order, creating a three-dimensional shape for the craft.
You can use super glue or a glue gun as a connector.
What do you need?
Before you can take a cool photo of a straw basket, you need to weave it. And for this you will definitely need a form: any object that will help the product keep its given shape is suitable for this. For example, many girls use ordinary boxes, vases, and even various toys for this. For some unusual baskets, you can use various dishes, or even create and glue a mold for it yourself.
You can use newspapers as a material, preferably double sheets, then the product will be much stronger and more durable. We also weave a basket from tubes using: clothespins, scissors, regular office glue and a long wooden skewer.
Thick cardboard is usually used for the bottom of the future product, and a wide variety of decorative materials are used for decoration: ribbons, beads, various flowers, corrugated paper.
Bracelets
There are many algorithms for making bracelets from cocktail straws:
- Cut several multi-colored elements into strips of 1 cm. “beads” will form, which can be strung on a ribbon, thread or wire. The result is a simple bracelet that can be fastened by tying a ribbon.
- Cut the straws lengthwise. Leave a length that will correspond to the circumference of your arm. Make holes along the edges using a hole punch. Thread a ribbon through them, which will serve as an additional decoration and hold the decoration in place.
- If you cut the tubes into strips, and hold each element over the fire for several seconds. Elements are partially deformed. String the figures onto the fishing line.
- Divide the base into several parts. Using a needle with a thread threaded through it, pierce all parts of the straws from above and below. It turns out a set of mini straws on threads.
Additionally, a simple bracelet can be decorated with ribbons, other figures and pendants.
Rectangular stand for the kitchen
A hot stand is a necessary accessory in the kitchen. A stand made of rolled paper tubes looks very original and looks beautiful.
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To make it you need to prepare: blanks of newspaper tubes, PVA glue, strong thread or rope. Progress:
- Connect 3 tubes into one, sprinkle a little water and twist tightly into a spiral.
- Secure the end of the spiral with glue and press it with your fingers.
- You need to prepare 24 pieces of such spirals.
- Lay out the blanks in the form of a rectangle.
- Connect the spirals firmly together with threads or a rope.
If desired, the stand can be painted or varnished.
Christmas decorations
Crafts made from cocktail tubes can be an excellent decoration for the New Year tree. Such toys do not break, have volume to fill space and are easy to make. The simplest option is “diamonds” or three-dimensional geometric shapes.
You need to prepare the following materials:
- thin straws for drinks of the same color;
- needle with thread;
- scissors.
The principle of making a Christmas tree toy:
- Thread the thread into the needle.
- Thread 4 straws with a needle and tie the ends of the threads into a knot.
- String 1 straw on one end of the thread, and on the other - the other. Connect the threads with a knot.
- Repeat the pattern again, and thread the thread through opposite straws. You will get half a three-dimensional figure.
- Form the second part of the product according to the same principle, threading the straws with a needle and thread. Connections are fixed by nodes.
- Bring the threads in one place and tie, forming a loop.
The result will be a three-dimensional rhombus. Using the same principle, you can create a cube, triangle and any other geometric shape.
Preparation of paper blanks
Before starting work, you need to prepare a large number of blanks. To do this, the newspaper is cut crosswise and then into equal strips. Next, you need to wind a strip of newspaper onto a knitting needle, as a result of which a thin and neat tube is formed.
These steps should be repeated until the required number of blanks is ready. The finished tubes can be repainted in the color you like, so that when weaving they can be combined with any color shades.
Wreath
A wreath can become a frame for a photo, a mirror, or New Year's decor.
You can make the decoration according to the instructions:
- Cut a circle of the required diameter from cardboard. Cut out the inside of the cardboard to form a ring.
- Prepare straws. It is advisable to use cardboard or paper elements with a print. Use glue as fastening.
- Glue the straws one after another along the circle. To create additional volume, you need to glue elements on the other side of the cardboard base.
Decorate the finished product with tinsel, ribbons, artificial flowers or leaves. You can make bows from textiles, which are additionally decorated with berries and flowers. Such elements can be placed along the internal contour of the product.
Flower arrangements
You can use straws to make asters and create a flower arrangement. To work, you need to cut the tubes into 4 cm long pieces, cutting the ends at an angle of 45 degrees. Cut a circle 3-5 cm in diameter from cardboard. Using a hot gun, glue along the edge of the first row of straws. Then secure the second row, which will be located at a slight angle to the first. Pour glue into the center and insert pieces of straws into it to fill the entire space.
A craft made from cocktail tubes “Flowers” can become the basis of an original panel. Glue several ready-made asters onto a sheet of cardboard and add leaves of fabric or paper and other elements as desired. Insert into frame.
In the same way, not only asters are made, but also chrysanthemums, for which you need to cut longer pieces.
Application
You can use cocktail accessories to make colorful appliqués with children.
There are several options for preparing the material:
- You can cut the straws into thin rings.
- Divide each element into several parts, the length of each is determined by the idea of the application.
- Cut and straighten each element from which you can cut out shapes for crafts.
The principle of preparing the material is determined by the age categories of children. To make it easier for your child to work on a drawing, you should print the drawing. The prepared material will be glued to the base along the contours of the image.
Lamp
Crafts made from cocktail straws can be very functional.
If a lampshade on a sconce is damaged, it can be restored or a new one can be made using just such a material.
Elementary manufacturing principle:
- First, choose a frame base. You can use a plastic container or make a skeleton from the tubes themselves - glue a lattice of tubes.
- Cut the base material into pieces 1-2 cm long. You can make the pieces longer.
- Glue the cut along or perpendicular to the base of the body. You can arrange elements along clear lines or in random order.
Lamp in the style of perfectionism
If you still have a metal frame from an old sconce, you can make a completely original lamp:
- Cut the straws into pieces of equal length. Use a felt-tip pen to mark the middle of each cut.
- Using a needle, thread a straw onto a thread through the marked point. The longer the bundle, the more impressive the product will look.
- You need to make about 10 of these “garlands”.
- Tie all the “garlands” to the top circle and distribute them around the perimeter.
The product will resemble a multi-level waterfall. You can change the appearance of the lamp if you move the straw cuts in different directions.
Weaving technique
You can weave newspaper tubes in different ways, depending on what you want to get as a result. Basic techniques:
Straight weave
This is the simplest type of weaving, with which beginners should begin to learn the basics. Place an odd number of straws on the table. Take another tube, fasten the wide side to the edge and begin to weave vertical strips - one from the outside, the second from the inside - gradually increasing the working tube.
If you are weaving a flat object, for example, a tray, then when you reach the end of the row, wrap the tube and go in the opposite direction. If you are weaving a round flowerpot or basket, move clockwise, constantly extending the tube.
Weaving in layers
In this case, the product will be denser. It is necessary to install an odd number of rigid tubes. With the first working tube, braid the four posts, starting from the left, and bring it up. With each subsequent tube, braid four posts, shifting the beginning one to the right. At the end of the work, cut off the protruding ends of the tubes and braid the product.
Weaving in rows
This weaving resembles straight weaving, only it is done with different tubes. Braid the posts with the first tube, as with straight weaving. When it ends, do not extend it, but take a second tube and begin to braid the racks with it, starting with the second. Braid the third tube, starting from the third stand. Continue weaving in this manner until you reach the desired height.
Square weaving
We lay out the required number of guide tubes at a distance of 1.5 cm from each other. We secure the working tube with the wide end at the bottom right and weave through one tube to the end of the row. Then we go back, interweaving the racks in a checkerboard pattern. When the product is woven, it needs to be braided with rope around it for strength.
Rope weaving
The photo of the finished work shows that rope weaving is usually used to secure the ends of the product. To do it correctly, you need to secure two working tubes from the inside of the racks and intertwine the racks with them, each time crossing both tubes with each other. When you master this type of weaving, you can move on to a new one - triple, in which three tubes are used at once.
There is also openwork weaving, but it is better for beginners not to try it yet.
Photo frame
To make a frame from tubes, you can use several options. The simplest thing is to decorate the finished base. Using multi-colored tubes of different lengths, cover a cardboard or wooden frame. Elements can be placed from the center to the edges or along the frame.
Crafts from tubes: step-by-step making of a photo frame
You can make a thin frame for each photo, which will be hanging. You need to cut each element lengthwise and thread the photo through the cut on 4 sides. At the same time, immediately thread a thread through the top tube, which will become a loop for hanging the photo.
If you arrange several photographs using this principle, you can create an entire composition from them. All you need to do is string the framed photo onto the rail. You can weave a fabric-frame from straws using the same principle that baskets are made. To prevent the weaving from falling apart, it is worth fixing the elements together with glue.
2.“Knife” for strawberry core
Many of us love strawberries. However, not everyone likes to eat its white core. You can, of course, remove it by cutting each berry, but this is a complete hemorrhoid. Or you can take a straw and pass it through the middle of the fruit to remove the core. By the way, if you have your own garden or vegetable garden, I advise you to learn how to fight pests using tomato tops, and also read 24 more tips for improving the ecosystem.
Cocktail tube daisies
Crafts made from cocktail tubes are often used to decorate vases and flowerpots. You can make a bouquet of forget-me-nots from this type of material. You need to prepare thin yellow straws and thick multi-colored straws.
Manufacturing technique:
- Cut the colored blank lengthwise.
- Use scissors to cut along one edge, forming a fringe.
- Prepare a yellow straw. Attach the prepared element to the corrugated fold. It is advisable to fix the parts with glue.
- Wrap a ribbon of colored tube around this part. Glue the edge.
For greater realism, you can use the same principle to wind a green tube below the bud itself. Entire compositions can be made from such flowers, if the quantity is sufficient.
Dahlias from cocktail tubes
To properly make dahlia petals, you need to choose a material of the same color with medium thickness.
An important point is cutting tubes for flower petals:
- Make markings along the straw, setting divisions every 2.5 - 3 cm. This is the length of the petal itself.
- Step back 1-1.5 cm from each quack - this is the designation for an oblique cut. You need to cut the material at an angle of 40-45 degrees.
- You need to cut a lot of these tubes, since the flower is multi-level. Additionally, prepare a circle of cardboard. The size of the flower will depend on the diameter of the element.
Next, the bud is made:
- Use a pencil to mark the center on the cardboard circle.
- Glue a cut of straws in a circle relative to the mark.
- When the first layer has dried, you should begin forming the second. Glue the cut to the lower elements in a checkerboard pattern.
The remaining layers are made using the same principle until the straw fills the entire space. The result will be a lush bud with the space of the cardboard circle completely filled.
Frame
If there is a wooden or plastic photo frame in the house, you can decorate it by braiding it with newspaper tubes. The operating procedure is as follows:
- Make markings on the back of the frame every 2.5 cm.
- Glue a tube to each marked division.
- Glue the tubes to the corners of the frame at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Let the glue dry.
- Fold the working newspaper tube in half and place it behind one of the racks.
- Intertwine the halves of the tubes together and circle them around the second stand.
- Continue weaving, extending each of the two ends of the tube as necessary.
- After weaving is completed, open the product with varnish.
Now you can frame your favorite family photo.
Sun made of colored paper and plastic tubes
To make a sun you will need the following tools and materials:
- 2 sheets of yellow cardboard;
- 1-2 packs of yellow straws;
- glue gun;
- black felt-tip pen;
- scissors.
The principle of making crafts:
- Cut out 2 circles of the same diameter from colored cardboard.
- On the front side of one of the figures, draw eyes, a nose and a smile.
- Each tube can be cut exactly in half or at an angle of 45 degrees - these are rays.
- Glue the ray blanks from the inside of the circle along the edge. To make the elements fit easier, you can flatten the edge of the tube.
- When the entire perimeter is pasted over, fix the face of the sun on top, covering the inside of the craft.
Additionally, the sun can be decorated with ribbons or sparkles. This craft will be an excellent decoration for a child's room.
Large crafts made from plastic tubes
Cocktail straws can be used to make large-scale crafts.
The simplest examples are:
- A panel of flowers made from cocktail straws.
The product can be a full-fledged painting, which is placed in a frame or a dimensional composition along the entire wall.
- From the device you can create an interior vertical curtain.
If you string straws on a fishing line, alternating them with beads or pebbles. Then tie each strip to a rail, which will then be fixed within the doorway or window.
- You can make a laundry basket from tubes using the simplest weaving technique.
Small boxes and baskets for household use are formed using the same principle. There are many options for making large objects - just use your imagination and stock up on the right amount of material.
Bright decorations
Of course, every girl is simply crazy about all kinds of jewelry and jewelry. You can make an original set: beads and a bracelet from ordinary tubes. This kind of accessory is great to wear in the summer, especially on the seashore. You will look like a real mermaid!
We will need:
- cocktail straws
- fishing line or strong thread
- beads
Progress:
Cut the cocktail straws into several segments of different lengths. If you want your beads to be symmetrical, then cut out segments of the same length. We string each segment onto a thread or fishing line. Alternate parts of the tubes with different beads
Please note that the more varied the color of the tubes, the pattern and their length, the more interesting and original your beads will look.
Vase made of straws
A simple option for making an interesting vase that will not break:
- Prepare a jar, bottle or tall glass, a glue gun and a pack of straws.
- Glue the straws sideways to the glass walls of the container.
- You can cut the straws into rings and place the elements perpendicular to the base. If you use multi-colored material, you can create the effect of an abstraction pattern.
Even a child can do this manufacturing principle.
Vase in 1 minute
Even when camping, you can make a colorful vase to place a bouquet of wildflowers. You need to take half a pack of cocktail straws, a rubber band and a jar.
Place an elastic band on the glass container and insert the tubes under it so that the fold is placed on top and directed away from the container. Instead of a rubber band, you can use thread, rope, ribbon, or lace.
Dandelion from cocktail straws
You need to prepare a pack of white straws, scissors, a glue gun, and 2 green tubes.
Manufacturing Features:
- You need to cut the tube, forming a fringe. It is better to do this from the beginning of the element to the fold. Slightly straighten the resulting workpiece.
- First glue 2 blanks together. There are 2 more sticks perpendicular to them. Next, other elements are glued. Place each part so that a sphere is formed.
- Next, glue a green tube to the center. Cut the second one lengthwise and finely chop on one side, forming terry.
- Glue a green straw with terry under the white sphere, imitating a receptacle.
You can prepare a few more green elements, from which you can cut out leaves and attach them to the stem of the flower.
Mobile caterpillars for kids
You need to stock up on green and one yellow straws, cardboard, and glue. Additionally, you will need a long wooden skewer and scissors.
Instructions:
- Cut out a medium-sized leaf from cardboard.
- Glue a strip of straw to the center of the cardboard blank. From it, other elements are glued to the edges.
- Using scissors, cut the length of the straws, aligning the product along the contour of the sheet.
- Glue the yellow tube in the middle of the sheet, gluing only the edge.
- In the same place, just glue the skewer to the pipe from the inside.
- Draw eyes on the floor of the finished caterpillar; you can make antennae by cutting and bending the edges of the tube.
By moving the toothpick back and forth, the “caterpillar” itself is set in motion, which seems to move along the perimeter of the sheet.
Elementary napkin
You need to prepare a pack of straws. Flatten each element and cut off parts of the bends. Lay out the straws in a row, trimming the edges with a ruler. Coat the strip with glue and glue one strip on top perpendicular to the workpiece. Continue working on the same principle. Trim the edges or leave them as is.
You will get a unique napkin-backing on which you can place glasses, vases and other cutlery. The product can be used as a panel for other crafts.
Straws used for drinking cocktails and juices are an ideal basis for practical products. The material is strong and durable. An additional advantage is the low cost of the product and the variety of colors, shapes, and thickness.
You can make a lot of things from cocktail straws that can decorate your interior or be useful around the house. It is possible to do a variety of crafts with children, developing fine motor skills and imagination of children.
Article design: Natalie Podolskaya
Overview of species
Today, there are several basic techniques that are used to weave crafts from paper tubes.
Simple
Straight weaving is the simplest technique that is understandable even for beginners. They are suitable for creating durable flowerpots, a tray or a small basket.
Before weaving the basket, you need to prepare the frame and carefully pull out the posts. Next, you need to take one newspaper tube and, increasing the length of the “branch,” braid it around the racks located vertically. This must be done, skipping every second. It is necessary to braid the racks from different sides. You need to move clockwise. In this case, the basket will be dense and durable.
Layer-by-layer
This weaving pattern is also popular among needlewomen. The finished product is dense and neat. Weaving looks like the structure of fabric. This technique is best used to create round-shaped products.
The peculiarity of layer-by-layer weaving is that several elements of different thicknesses and lengths are used to make layers. There is no need to press the newspaper tube during the process.
Rows
The meaning of root row weaving is that the tubes that are used to outline the racks alternate. The first is attached to the stand with a thickened end. Starting to weave the second row, the part must be attached to the base with the thin side. This spiral weaving looks very beautiful.
Square
The product made using this technique is decorated with an even checkered pattern. You can use it to create any types of crafts.
The main racks are arranged in the form of a smooth lattice. Weaving begins and ends with wider and denser tubes. The first row is carried out between the racks with one tube. The second one is woven in the opposite direction. The parts that go around the base posts must fit tightly to each other. In this case there will be no spaces there. The pattern turns out to be quite simple, but beautiful.
Openwork weaving
Designs made using this technique look unusual and elegant. The technique is popular with fans of original crafts. Using this weaving method, patterns of any complexity can be depicted on the walls of the product. “Cintz” crafts look great even without additional coloring.
Rope
To weave crafts using this technique, two strips are used at once. Before they go around the next rack, they are intertwined in the gap. This technique is great for weaving small boxes, beautiful vases and various interior toys.