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Here’s an easy no-prep cranberry sculpture activity that is perfect for the holidays.
You’ll simply set out toothpicks and a bowl of red cranberries and let the kids build. (This makes an enticing creative invitation.)
Here’s a video showing even more Fabulous Toothpick Construction ideas for kids! And don’t forget to scroll down to get more detailed instructions, and a list of building ideas to try!
Easy Cranberry and Toothpick Sculptures Kids Can Make
If you want to turn this into a healthy snack + creative activity, you can use grapes, cheese cubes, or diced apples. Or, for something less nutritious, marshmallows or gumdrops.
MATERIALS
- Toothpicks
- Fresh cranberries
INSTRUCTIONS
Use cranberries to connect toothpicks. Start with a square or triangle, and continue to add toothpicks and cranberries as you build a taller or more elaborate structure.
12 Ideas to Try with Your Cranberry and Toothpick Sculptures
- Tower
- Ladder
- House
- Dome
- Fence
- Christmas tree
- Star
- Wreath
- Castle
- Playground structures
- People
- Animals
You can encourage experimentation by asking questions, such as,
- What can you build with triangles? Squares? Lines?
- How high can you build?
- Can you make something round with straight toothpicks?
And you can encourage your kids to ask their own questions.
- What else could I build with besides toothpicks? (bamboo skewers? pipecleaners?)
- What else could I build with besides cranberries?
- How can I buttress the sides so my tower will stand when I make it taller?
- What kind of base could I create for this sculpture?
Creative thinking means learning to ask our own What if…? questions (even if only unconsciously) while we’re creating and experimenting with different materials, techniques, and tools.
For more ways to build with toothpicks, see Toothpick Sculptures for Kids: 13 Fun Toothpick Construction Ideas!
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