There’s nothing like a great afternoon arts and crafts session, and why not take a page from your childhood book and do some fun macaroni crafts!? I have fond memories of making penne necklaces and you probably do too. When you just can’t make another trip to the craft store, why not dig in your pantry for some fun and easy pasta noodles that are perfectly great for some craft time? We’ve gathered up some easy crafts that will make both you and the kids happy, even if just for the afternoon!
Source: CraftyMorning.com
1. Bow-Tie Noodle Butterflies
This craft is so cute I think I want to do it myself! It’s so bright and cherry, and the butterflies make me smile. You can make this relatively mess-free by using chalk markers to color the noodles, or go all out and bust out the paint and paintbrushes. Either way, this is a great spring and summer craft!
CraftyMorning.com came up with this adorable idea, so head over to get the full details and other tips on crafting.
Source: BabbleDabbleDo.com
2. Stained Glass Pasta
This craft is not only creative but BEAUTIFUL! I’ve never seen a macaroni craft like this and want to try it immediately. Using flat lasagna noodles, you will break them up into pieces and then dye with food coloring. Then set out a sheet of contact paper and have the kiddos lay them out to form a stained-glass “window” with varying colors. Cover with another sheet of contact paper and you have a masterpiece! This is so creative!
Be sure to visit BabbleDabbleDo.com for the full tutorial, including how to dye your noodles fun and bright colors!
Source: KidsActivitiesBlog.com
3. Pasta Art
There are only so many macaroni necklaces a kid can make, so why not take some of the smaller pasta options (like these adorable mini stars that are perfect for soups) and make some large scale art? You can color them, or even add glitter. Dry shapes with glue and then pour on the pasta! This is a great sensory activity, in addition to a wonderful craft.
KidsActivitiesBlog.com has this activity and HUNDREDS more, perfect for your kids.
Source: 5OrangePotatoes.com
4. Macaroni Rainbow Window Hangs
I just love wagon wheel pasta. It’s so fun and unlike any other food, and I bet your kids love it too. Spend the afternoon dying a box the various shades of the rainbow. Then use glue to draw a rainbow shape on some wax paper and help the kiddos learn the colors of the rainbow as they glue on each level. Fun and educational? Yes, please!
5OrangePotatoes.com has this cute craft and other fun ideas for adults too!
Source: SkipToMyLou.org
5. Macaroni Necklace
Oh, you didn’t think we’d have a list of macaroni crafts without having a macaroni necklace did you? The macaroni necklace is almost a rite of passage for arts and crafts, and so simple. You can use colored macaroni or even plain. Have your kids work on their fine motor skills by threading onto yarn, all while making something beautiful!
Head over to SkipToMyLou.org for this craft and other cool printable and recipes!
Source: PinkStripeySocks.com
6. Macaroni Frames
Seriously, how cute is this citrus frame? You can use wagon wheel macaroni to do limes or lemons and it would be just as adorable. Kids can still easily make this by using a round sponge to create the fruit and then glueing down the macaroni. This is an absolutely adorable craft and would be a great grandparent gift!
Check out PinkStripeySocks.com for a tutorial on making your own pasta frames!
Source: ThePinterestedParent.com
7. Pasta Shell Autumn Tree
I’m SO bummed it’s Spring right now because I want to make this craft this afternoon! What a festive way to embrace the autumn season with such a great craft! Dye some macaroni shells in seasonal colors and create a tree outline. The kids will simply love decorating their tree with leaves. And moms, it’s ok- you can make one too 😉
This idea came from ThePinterestedParent.com. Head over and you’ll also find a cute craft on macaroni pinecones!
Source: Parents.com
8. Pasta Pencil Cup
Crafts don’t have to be just fun- they can be functional too. If your fridge cannot hold another piece of art, then consider this cute pencil cup. You can get cheap and plain holders at the dollar store. Then have your kids attach pasta and paint whatever color they like! It will be a great way to think about them through the day while you’re at work.
Parents.com has 5 more pasta crafts that you and the kids will love!