Calling all mini Picassos and budding botanists! Cacti, those iconic prickly residents of the desert, aren’t just low-maintenance houseplants – they’re also a source of endless creative inspiration.
Dive into the world of spiny-tastic fun with these 25 cactus crafts for kids, perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Quick and Easy Crafts:
Painted Rock Cactus Garden:
Turn ordinary rocks into a vibrant cactus patch! Paint them green with a touch of brown for shading, then add details like spikes with a paint pen. Let your child’s imagination run wild with different shapes and sizes for a mini desert landscape.
Paper Cactus Craft:
This no-fuss craft is ideal for younger children. Cut out different sized green ovals from construction paper and layer them to create a cactus body. Add details like paper flower blooms and googly eyes for a touch of whimsy.
Pom Pom Cactus:
Super soft and cuddly, these pom pom cacti are a delight to make and hold. Use green yarn to create small pom poms, then glue them together in a cactus shape. Add pipe cleaner spines and felt flowers for a complete look.
Popsicle Stick Cactus:
Popsicle sticks get a new lease on life with this adorable cactus craft. Glue popsicle sticks together in a triangular formation to create the cactus base. Paint it green and decorate it with colorful paper cutouts for spines and flowers.
Creative Cactus Crafts:
DIY Pipe Cleaner Cacti:
Pipe cleaners offer endless possibilities for crafting fun. Twist green pipe cleaners together to form a cactus shape. Add details like fluffy white pipe cleaner flowers and tiny colorful beads for a touch of desert bling.
Handprint Cactus Card:
A heartfelt and personalized craft, this handprint cactus card is perfect for Mother’s Day or Grandparent’s Day. Paint your child’s hand green and let them press it onto a card. Once dry, add details like googly eyes and a paper flower for a blooming cactus surprise.
Toilet Paper Roll Cactus:
Don’t throw away those empty toilet paper rolls! Squish them flat and cut them into different shapes to create a cactus base. Cover them in green paint and decorate with yarn for spines, buttons for flowers, and felt for details.
DIY Papier Mache Cactus:
This one requires a little more patience, but the results are fantastic! Create a cactus shape using crumpled newspaper and masking tape. Cover it in layers of papier-mâché paste made from flour and water. Once dry, paint it green and add details with markers and glitter glue.
Fun and Functional Crafts:
Cactus Pincushion:
Keep those sewing needles safe in style with a spiky cactus pincushion. Stuff a small fabric pouch with batting and sew it closed, leaving a small opening. Decorate the outside with felt or fabric scraps to create a cactus design.
DIY Cactus Ring Holder:
A charming addition to any dresser, this cactus ring holder is both practical and cute. Use air-dry clay to sculpt a small cactus shape with a dish on top. Decorate it with paint and embellishments once dry.
Cactus Embroidery Hoop Art:
For crafty kids who love embroidery, this cactus design is a perfect project. Draw a simple cactus design on a piece of fabric stretched over an embroidery hoop. Use colorful embroidery floss to stitch the outlines and add details.
DIY Cardboard Cacti:
Cardboard boxes become a blooming desert landscape with this fun craft. Cut out different sized cactus shapes from cardboard and paint them green. Use colorful paper cutouts or buttons for flower embellishments.
Beyond Paper and Paint:
Sock Cactus Garden:
Upcycle those lonely socks into a cuddly cactus collection! Fill old socks with stuffing and sew them closed, shaping them into different cactus forms. Add details with buttons, yarn, and fabric scraps for a whimsical touch.
Black Glue Cactus:
This craft offers a unique texture and visual interest. Use black craft glue to draw a cactus design on a piece of cardboard. Let it dry completely, then paint the background a contrasting color. The black glue will stand out, creating a 3D effect.
Clay Cactus Garden:
Air-dry clay allows for sculpting fun. Shape different sized cacti with your child and let them dry completely. Once dry, paint them green and decorate them with acrylic paints or markers.
Spiky Treats and Decorations:
Cactus Cake Topper:
Surprise your little cactus enthusiast with a themed birthday cake! Make a simple cactus shape from fondant or modeling chocolate and decorate it with colorful candies and sprinkles.
DIY Cactus Balloons:
Liven up a party with these adorable cactus balloon decorations. Blow up green balloons and tie them off. Use masking tape or craft paper to create spines and flower details.
Felt Cactus Craft:
Felt offers a soft and cuddly way to create cacti. Cut out different shapes of felt in green shades and stitch them together to create a cactus body. Add details with embroidery floss or buttons for flowers and spines.
Cactus Terrarium:
Create a miniature desert world with a mason jar terrarium. Add sand, pebbles, and small decorative cacti made from clay or pipe cleaners. Include tiny plastic animals for a complete desert scene.
Outdoor Oasis Crafts:
Painted Clay Pots:
Transform plain clay pots into vibrant cactus homes. Paint them green and add details with markers or stencils for realistic-looking cacti. Let your child personalize their “pots” with names or messages.
DIY Stepping Stones:
Let your kids unleash their creativity on stepping stones for your garden path. Paint flat stones green and decorate them with cactus designs using acrylic paints. Add a clear sealant for an extra layer of protection from the elements.
Windsock Cactus:
Turn recycled materials into a playful garden decoration. Use a plastic bottle, colorful fabric scraps, and yarn to create a windsock shaped like a cactus. Hang it outside and watch it dance in the breeze.
Dress Up and Play:
Cactus Headband:
Get ready for a prickly good time with a DIY cactus headband. Cut out felt shapes for a cactus and glue them onto a pre-made headband. Decorate with colorful felt flowers and pipe cleaner spines.
Cactus Costume:
Transform your little one into a walking cactus with a simple costume. Use a green sweatsuit as a base and decorate it with felt cutouts for spines and flowers. Add a cactus hat made from construction paper or felt for the complete prickly transformation.
