Pipe Cleaner Dragonfly

This pipe cleaner dragonfly is a simple kids’ craft with just 2 supplies. Make them in your favorite colors!

Dragonflies are so colorful and interesting! Whether you’re doing a week of nature crafts or just need a quick activity, this pipe cleaner dragonfly is fun to make.

Bend and twist the pipe cleaner stems into a body and wings. Then add beads for a striped body. You can make this in any color combo, so this is a great way to use up craft supplies left over from another project.

How to make a pipe cleaner dragonfly

Supplies

• scissors
• pipe cleaner
• pony beads
• craft glue, optional

Instructions

1. Fold the pipe cleaner body.

Start with one piece of pipe cleaner. Fold it in half, then in half again.

2. Twist the wings.

Bend the half with the closed ends toward the center, making a pair of looping wings. Twist each wing to secure it.

3. Add the second wings.

Cut another piece of pipe cleaner in half. Use one half to make a second pair of wings. Center the pipe cleaner below the first pair of wings and bend it into 2 loops, twisting them in place.

4. Attach the head.

Point the ends of the second pair of wings upward so they meet at the spot where the central body section has a bump. Hold that section together and slide a bead on as the head. (We didn’t use glue, but if you bead won’t stay on, you may want to add a dab.)

5. Add beads to the body.

For the body, thread pony beads onto the cut end of the pipe cleaner. We used alternating colors, but you can do a solid color or striped pattern.

Printable instructions

Pipe Cleaner Dragonfly

Print

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Materials

• scissors
• pipe cleaner
• pony beads
• craft glue, optional

Instructions

1. Fold the pipe cleaner body.
   Start with one piece of pipe cleaner. Fold it in half, then in half again.
2. Twist the wings.
   Bend the half with the closed ends toward the center, making a pair of looping wings. Twist each wing to secure it.
3. Add the second wings.
   Cut another piece of pipe cleaner in half. Use one half to make a second pair of wings. Center the pipe cleaner below the first pair of wings and bend it into 2 loops, twisting them in place.
4. Attach the head.
   Point the ends of the second pair of wings upward so they meet at the spot where the central body section has a bump. Hold that section together and slide a bead on as the head. (We didn't use glue, but if you bead won't stay on, you may want to add a dab.)
5. Add beads to the body.
   For the body, thread pony beads onto the cut end of the pipe cleaner. We used alternating colors, but you can do a solid color or striped pattern.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• 15 Children’s Bug Books
• 36 Easy Crafts for Toddlers
• 30 Fun Nature Crafts for Kids