Try this fun activity creating easy 3D sculptures using materials from home like foam, pipe cleaners, buttons and beads.
Updated February 2025
This is an easy and fun process art activity that can use a variety of craft materials. Kids can experiment with stacking, bending, and connecting the materials to make their own unique designs.
These 3D sculptures are simple to set up and encourage imaginative thinking while building fine motor skills. With just a few basic supplies, kids can create colorful, one-of-a-kind sculptures.
The best part is that you can make these sculptures with whatever craft materials you have on hand: pipe cleaners or wire, skewers or chopsticks, beads of any kind, and buttons. You can use a piece of foam for the base (we like to reuse packing materials!) or even a cut up pool noodle!
Here’s a video showing a version of these 3D sculptures in action! And keep scrolling to find out how we made tried this activity.
Easy 3D Sculptures for Kids
MATERIALS
- pipe cleaners or craft wire
- buttons
- pony beads or wooden beads
- Foam blocks (any kind of foam will work)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Attach pipe cleaners or wire to foam block
Use the foam block as the base of your sculpture. Stick pipe cleaners in first by bending some and curling others. You can even coil a pipe cleaner around your finger for a curlicue, sculptural effect.
- Add beads and buttons
String beads and buttons onto the pipe cleaners. It’s so fun to see what children will come up with!
- Keep going!
Keep building your sculptures until you are satisfied with them. Then display them somewhere special!
It is amazing to see that some children come up with a very concrete object, like a train, while others will create a much more abstract design.
More Easy 3D Sculpture Ideas for Kids
- How to Make Cardboard Tube Sculptures
- How to Make Edible Art with Grapes and Toothpicks
- How to Create Wire Sculpture Art Inspired by Artist Ruth Asawa
- How to Make a Rainbow Cardboard Sculpture for Kids
- Toothpick Sculptures Ideas for Kids
- How to Make Colorful Cardboard Sculptures
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