When the winter chill keeps everyone indoors, it’s the perfect time to pull out a simple yet exciting craft for kids that combines creativity with fine motor skill practice.
Our Pipe Cleaner Icicles activity is a brilliant winter-themed craft that doubles as a fine motor station, a quiet-time indoor activity, or a chance to create unique ornaments to hang on your Christmas tree.
Whether your kids want to decorate the house with sparkly icicles or just enjoy some peaceful crafting, this activity has you covered!
This craft is simple enough for young children and engaging enough to keep them busy for a while. With colorful pipe cleaners and pony beads, kids can create their very own winter wonderland. Plus, wrapping the beaded pipe cleaners around a pencil to create a fun curly icicle shape adds an extra bit of flair to the final product.
Supplies You’ll Need for the Pipe Cleaner Icicle Ornaments
For this fun winter-themed craft, you’ll need a few simple supplies that are likely already in your craft stash! Gather an assortment of pipe cleaners in wintry shades like blue, light blue, white, silver, and sparkly blue for that perfect frosty look.
Pony beads in matching colors will add a touch of shimmer and allow kids to create cool patterns. Small bowls are handy for keeping the beads organized, making it easier for little hands to grab what they need.
Lastly, you’ll need a pencil to shape the pipe cleaner icicles into curly, whimsical designs. These easy-to-find materials make this craft both affordable and simple to set up!
Directions for Making Pipe Cleaner Icicles
Start by slightly bending the end of a pipe cleaner to prevent the beads from sliding off. Let the kids choose their favorite pony bead colors and string them onto the pipe cleaner in any order or pattern they like.
This part is great for encouraging creativity and fine motor coordination. Once they’ve finished adding beads, bend the other end of the pipe cleaner slightly to secure the beads in place.
Now comes the fun twist—literally! Wrap the beaded pipe cleaner around a pencil to form a curly icicle shape, then carefully slide it off the pencil.
Repeat the process to make as many icicles as desired. Kids can display their sparkling creations by hanging them on the Christmas tree, using them to decorate windows, or simply arranging them as part of a winter-themed display.
Follow along with the simple step by step below….
Pipe Cleaner Icicle Winter Fine Motor Activity
Create your own winter wonderland with these sparkly, beaded pipe cleaner icicles! Perfect as tree ornaments or a fun fine motor activity, this craft brings a frosty touch of creativity indoors.
Materials
- Pipe cleaners - blue, light blue, white, silver, sparkly blue are great colores for this activity.
- Pony beads in icy colors like blue, light blue, white or lilac purple
- Small bowls (to hold beads)
- Pencil
Instructions
- Bend the end of the pipe cleaner slightly. (This will help the beads to stay on the pipe cleaner during this activity.)
- Place desired amount and colors of pony beads on the pipe cleaner.
- Kids can make patterns with their beads.
- When finished, bend the other end of the pipe cleaner slightly.
- Wrap the finished pipe cleaner with beads around the pencil to give it a curly shape.
- Remove the pencil.
- Display!
- Repeat this process for the remainder of the icicles.
This activity isn’t just a lot of fun—it’s also a sneaky way to develop fine motor skills. Handling small pony beads and threading them onto pipe cleaners requires precision and patience, which helps kids build hand strength and improve their pincer grip.
Additionally, kids can explore pattern-making with the beads, giving them a chance to practice early math skills in a hands-on way.
You can also set this up as a quiet-time station when you need a break from the usual holiday hustle and bustle. With minimal cleanup and a lot of room for creative expression, these pipe cleaner icicles make for a perfect low-mess craft.
This is a winter craft that soesn’t have to be a christmas craft, so it’s good through December, January and beyond during the cold snowy weather.
More Winter Fun for Kids
Looking for more cozy indoor activities to keep little hands busy this winter? Explore other creative ideas for winter crafts that will keep the fun going while helping kids develop essential skills.
- 33 Cool Snowman crafts for kids
- Fork Painted Snowflakes Craft
- 29 Fun and Easy Winter Crafts for Preschool this January
- 40+ Winter Sensory Play Activities to Keep Your Kids Active and Engaged
- Hot Cocoa Sensory Play for Toddlers
- Easy Hot Chocolate Craft For Kids Free Printable Template
- Winter Snowflake Crafts For Kids
- Easy Pipe Cleaner Christmas Tree Craft
If you try this easy craft, we’d love to see your creations! Don’t forget to share this post with friends who might be looking for simple and fun indoor winter activities. Or why not share to your pinterest boards.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.