Ribbon! That shiny, smooth, and oh-so-versatile material that adds a touch of magic to everything it touches. But it’s not just for grown-up projects!
Ribbon crafts for kids are a fantastic way to unleash their creativity, develop fine motor skills, and have a blast.
From adorning headbands to crafting whimsical creatures, the possibilities are endless.
This ultimate guide brings you 25 exciting ribbon crafts, perfect for all ages and interests.
So, gather your little Picassos, dig out that ribbon stash, and get ready for some colorful crafting fun!
Easy & Breezy Crafts (Ages 4-6):
Ribbon Wand:
Transform a stick into a magical wand! Tie colorful ribbons of different lengths to one end, and add glitter, bells, or other embellishments for an extra touch of whimsy.
Fringe Fun:
Cut strips of ribbon and glue them onto cardboard or construction paper to create a playful fringe effect. This can be anything from a vibrant mane for a paper lion to a festive skirt for a dancing doll.
Sensory Bottles:
Fill a clear plastic bottle with water, glitter, and colorful ribbon snippets. Watch the ribbons dance and swirl as you shake—a mesmerizing sensory experience for little ones.
No-Sew Headbands:
Let your child pick their favorite ribbon and a comfy headband. Hot glue (use with adult supervision!) different colored ribbons onto the headband for a personalized accessory.
Confetti Cannons:
Upcycle toilet paper rolls! Decorate them with colorful ribbons and fill them with homemade confetti (punched paper or tissue). Pop the top for a celebratory burst of color.
Let’s Get Crafty (Ages 7-9):
Braided Bookmarks:
Braid three different colored ribbons together to create a unique and stylish bookmark. Add a charm or bead to the end for extra flair.
Ribbon Wreaths:
Get ready for the holidays! Wrap a foam wreath form with ribbon, securing it with hot glue. Decorate it with buttons, pinecones, or other seasonal embellishments.
Friendship Bracelets:
The classic craft gets a ribbon upgrade! Use colorful ribbons instead of embroidery floss to create beautiful friendship bracelets for their besties.
Pom-Pom Pals:
Create fluffy and adorable pom-poms using a ribbon fork or cardboard circles. Glue them onto popsicle sticks or pipe cleaners for whimsical pom-pom characters or animals.
Ribbon Mobiles:
This is a mesmerizing craft for a rainy day. Cut out shapes from cardboard (butterflies, stars, hearts) and decorate them with colorful ribbons. Hang them from a mobile frame and watch them gently twirl.
Calling All Crafters (Ages 10 and Up):
Ribbon Embroidery:
Take embroidery to a new level with ribbon! Use thicker ribbons to create beautiful raised textures on fabric. Let them experiment with different stitches and patterns.
Ribbon Weaving Wall Art:
Create a stunning wall hanging using a cardboard loom and various colored ribbons. Weave the ribbons in a geometric pattern or freestyle for a modern and unique artwork.
Ribbon Bookmarks with Tassels:
Elevate their bookmark game with a sophisticated touch. Cut long pieces of ribbon and fold them in half to create tassels. Glue the folded end onto a piece of cardstock and decorate it further with buttons or small charms.
Ribbon-Wrapped Picture Frames:
Give old picture frames a new lease on life! Wrap them with ribbon in a spiral pattern, securing with hot glue. Customize them further with buttons, beads, or dried flowers.
Ribbon Coasters:
Transform plain cork coasters into something special. Wrap them with ribbon in a tight spiral pattern, hot gluing the ribbon as you go. You can create coasters with different color combinations or patterns.
Nature’s Inspiration:
Ribbon Leaf Crowns:
Head outdoors and collect fallen leaves. Glue them onto a headband or wire base, weaving colorful ribbons in between the leaves for a whimsical crown fit for a nature princess.
Butterfly Ribbon Art:
Cut out butterfly shapes from cardboard. Decorate them with colorful ribbons and sequins, creating beautiful wings. Display them on a wall or string them together for a butterfly mobile.
Ribbon Dandelion Wishes:
Capture the magic of dandelions! Glue colorful ribbons onto the base of a dandelion seed head, creating a vibrant and whimsical decoration.
Ribbon Pinecone Ornaments:
Turn pinecones into festive ornaments! Wrap them with ribbon, hot gluing it in place. Add glitter, beads, or small bells for a touch of holiday cheer.
Ribbon Seashell Mobiles:
Collect seashells on your next beach trip. Thread colorful ribbons through the holes of the seashells and hang them from a mobile frame. This beautiful ocean-themed mobile will bring a touch of the beach indoors.
Ribbon Fairy Wands:
Unleash their inner fairy with sparkly ribbon wands! Use a star-shaped cut-out or a cardboard tube as the base, and decorate it with shimmering ribbons, tulle, and glitter.
Ribbon Crowns for Royalty:
Cardboard crowns get a royal upgrade! Wrap them with ribbons and embellish them with jewels, beads, or feathers. Let them design their own crowns—king, queen, or a magical creature!
Ribbon Doll Clothes:
Breathe new life into old dolls with custom-made ribbon outfits. Cut simple shapes for dresses, pants, or capes from felt or fabric, and use ribbons as straps, ties, or trims.
Ribbon Pet Collars:
Pamper their furry (or feathery) friends with stylish ribbon collars. Use soft ribbons and personalize them with bells or name tags made from felt and markers. (Ensure the collar is comfortable and fits their pet safely.)
Gift-Giving Goodness:
Ribbon Gift Bags:
Ditch the store-bought bags and create personalized gift bags with ribbon! Decorate plain paper bags with colorful ribbons, buttons, or stickers. These handmade bags are sure to add a special touch to any gift.
Bonus Tips:
- Adult Supervision: For younger children, always supervise activities involving hot glue, scissors, or small parts.
- Get Creative with Materials: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Use buttons, beads, pipe cleaners, felt, and other craft supplies to add dimension and personality to your ribbon creations.
- Recycle & Repurpose: Give old items a new life! Use leftover ribbon scraps to decorate notebooks, headbands, or even shoes.
- Make it a Learning Experience: Talk about colors, patterns, and different types of ribbons while crafting. You can even incorporate counting and measuring skills into your projects.
With a little ribbon magic, you can transform a simple afternoon into a world of creative fun. So, grab your ribbons, gather your little artists, and get ready to unleash their inner Picassos!
