Why we love this pipe cleaner and bead activity

It’s Monday, mama! Another week for early wakings, morning grumblings and afternoon kindergarten pick-ups. Well, let’s just say it’s another week of “Mama, what are we doing today? How often do you get these? Haha! Because I get them almost every day, and sometimes I’m too busy to do anything elaborate with them, but I also want to avoid handing them the screens, even though it’s really tempting.

So I think about simple activities, like this pipe cleaner caterpillar. It’s a lifesaver, because it gives you at least 30 minutes to do or finish up your personal stuff, without the “kid-nagging.” And, on top of that, it’s mess-free, low-prep, and takes only three supplies. Your kids will love threading the beads and bending the pipe cleaners, just like my kids did.

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Here are the supplies you’ll need:

To make this pipe cleaner caterpillar craft, you’ll only need:

Here’s a quick step-by-step: how to make a pipe cleaner caterpillar craft

  • Take a pipe cleaner and bend it so that the two ends are equal, then fold the bottom over just a little, so the beads don’t slip off.
  • Let your child thread beads onto the pipe cleaner until it looks like a long, colourful caterpillar body. Be sure to leave a little space at the top for the antennae.
  • Once it’s full, gently bend the top of the pipe cleaner to form the antennae. Then draw the face on with a marker or use googly eyes for the eyes.

Final Thoughts

This pipe cleaner caterpillar craft is the definition of a Mess-Free Monday win, low-prep, no stress, and fun enough to keep your kids engaged.

If you loved this idea, make sure to check back every Monday for another Mess-Free Monday craft idea!