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I love turning plain plastic cups into quick, useful, and fun projects you can make with kids or on your own. You’ll find simple ideas that save money, use recycled materials, and spark creativity for parties, gifts, and home decor.
This article rounds up all sorts of projects, from playful animals and holiday decorations to handy outdoor and STEM-style crafts. I try to keep each idea easy to follow so you can dive in right away and tweak the projects to suit whatever you’ve got on hand.
1. Plastic Cup Snowman
I build a snowman from white plastic cups and mini lights for a simple winter display.
I stack and staple cups in circles, add paper eyes and a carrot nose, and light the inside for a warm glow.
2. Mini Plastic Cup Jellyfish
I turn small plastic cups into bright jellyfish using tissue paper, markers, and googly eyes.
I hang them up and let the tentacles sway, which is fun and a nice way to use recycled materials.
3. Cup Crab Craft
I make cup crabs with recycled plastic cups, paint, and craft foam for claws.
Kids cut, glue, and decorate while learning about shapes and recycling.
This craft fits perfectly with summer themes and classroom projects.
4. Plastic Cup Bee
I paint a plastic cup yellow and add black stripes with tape or marker.
I glue on paper wings and a small pom-pom head for a cute bee look.
Kids really get into making these, and they work well as simple decorations.
5. Stacked Cup Castle
I stack plastic cups to build a simple castle shape.
I use different colors for towers and glue or tape for stability.
Sometimes I set small figures inside to create a tiny play scene.
6. Plastic Cup Wind Chime
I use painted plastic cups, beads, and string to make a light wind chime.
I punch holes, thread beads for weight, and hang cups at different lengths to mix up the sound.
7. Cup Flower Bouquet
I cut plastic cups into petals, shape them, and glue layers to form blooms.
I attach stems using wire or straws, then wrap with tape for strength.
Arranging the flowers into a bouquet and adding ribbon makes it feel finished.
8. Plastic Cup Holiday Bell
I turn plastic cups into holiday bells with paint, glitter, and a bead clapper.
They look festive on a tree and reuse items from around the house.
Kids can help with assembly and decoration.
9. Cup Penguin
I turn a plastic cup into a penguin using paint, paper cutouts, and glue.
The steps stay simple so kids can join and practice fine motor skills.
I use saved cups to make a cute, low-cost craft for winter or playtime.
10. Recycled Cup Bird Feeder
I turn a plastic cup into a bird feeder using string, seeds, and a few holes for drainage.
I hang it from a tree and watch small birds visit, knowing I reused a cup instead of tossing it.
11. Cup Rocket Ship
I turn a plastic cup into a rocket by adding paper fins, a cone nose, and colorful flames.
I use rubber bands or tape to hold parts and decorate with markers for a finished look.
12. Plastic Cup Fish
I turn a clear cup into a bright fish using paint, paper fins, and googly eyes.
I cut scales from colored paper and glue them in rows for texture.
Hanging several on string creates a playful mobile or wall display.
13. Cup Monster
I turn a plastic cup into a silly monster with paint, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners.
I glue on teeth, add yarn hair, and bend pipe cleaners for arms.
My kids play with them as room decor or puppet friends.
14. Cascading Cup Waterfall
I repurpose plastic cups into a simple cascading waterfall using hot glue, a few holes, and a small pump.
I stack cups at angles so water flows down in tiers, and I add rocks or plants for a more natural look.
15. Plastic Cup Lantern
I like turning clear or colored plastic cups into simple lanterns using tissue paper and flameless tea lights.
Sometimes I snip patterns into the cups or just glue on layers of tissue for a splash of color, then twist up a handle from ribbon or wire.
They’re safe to light and honestly, they’re perfect for kids’ parties or adding a bit of fun to the porch.
