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I am always on the lookout for simple ways to keep the kids busy while somehow encouraging and building upon creative use and learning. This popsicle sticks project is just perfect.
I came across this DIY activity box on Pinterest one day and saw so much potential! Unfortunately, the lady who wrote up this cool craft did not leave the exact materials for making them. (I like the container that holds them)
I put in a special order and ordered a bunch of craft sticks and velcro dots from amazon in the hopes of finding the perfect match. Anything that didn’t work is being used for other things!
Here they are!
Craft stick projects with velcro dots!
Popsicle stick project materials:
- Craft sticks – depending on your choice of color this pack of 50 (I used these) or this pack of 75
- Velcro dots (2x pack of 75)
Tip: You will need 2 packs of the above velcro dots to match the pack of 75 craft sticks perfectly as they are already in pairs)
VELCRO Brand – Sticky Back – 5/8Creative Arts by Charles Leonard Craft Sticks, Jumbo Size, Assorted Colors, 6 x 3/4 Inch, 75/Bag (66585)
BAZIC Jumbo Colored Craft Stick 50 Per Pack
Bazic 804 3 Ring Pencil Pouch with Mesh Window, 6 pcs
Attach velcro dots to every end of the jumbo popsicle stick making sure that you use the same kind of dot on the same side and the other for the other side.
The velcro dots stick very well and have not come off with months of play already. Remember to let the glue set the number of hours suggested on the packaging!
Hand them to the kids and watch them play. For my younger kids, I had to show them that the tabs stuck to each other before they eagerly started making their own popsicle stick projects.
SO many craft sticks shapes can be made!
You can even use them to make and teach shapes or colors.
My 4-year-old made a little man.
These are great for busy bags as well. Take them with you for car rides or while waiting for appointments. 
VELCRO Brand – Sticky Back – 5/8Creative Arts by Charles Leonard Craft Sticks, Jumbo Size, Assorted Colors, 6 x 3/4 Inch, 75/Bag (66585)
BAZIC Jumbo Colored Craft Stick 50 Per Pack
Bazic 804 3 Ring Pencil Pouch with Mesh Window, 6 pcs
Love it? Pin it!
NEW!: Download the inspiration-building cards!
ALSO!: An instruction video is below.
Anne says
These are great ideas for children with ASD. Thanks
Patti says
So do you put Velcro on the back side of sticks too? Which would be 4 dots per stick?
Nicolette Roux says
correct!
Laura says
Wow, these are great! I found this on Pinterest. I have made a set for my son and he loves them. I have linked to you on my blog post about 5 busy bags that we have made. Thanks again!
Anna says
Hey Nicolette !
Thanks for sharing , these Popsicle sticks are very lovely for the kids , they can play with them and create things also. Thanks
Nicolette Roux says
you are welcome! Next week I am putting up some cards for creative inspiration with these velcro sticks!
Sandra Watts says
Your so creative. Another great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Kristen {a Modern Mrs.} says
This is a cute and inexpensive project. I’ve seen colored popsicle sticks at my local Dollar Tree — a huge pack for just one dollar! Unfortunately for me, I think my nine-year-old would be too easily bored with this, but I’m bookmarking it for when my youngest is old enough!
Betsy says
What a terrific idea! I love how open-ended the creativity can be with these sticks. Would you please clarify how to affix the Velcro dots on the craft sticks? I’m unclear as to whether you put the Velcro on both sides of the stick and which piece of the Velcro (sticky or non-sticky) goes where. Thank you!
Nicolette Roux says
The dots I have used above are self adhesive. So it was just peel and stick. If you use plain velcro I would use a hot glue gun. The velcro is on BOTH sides of the stick. ONE side has the hooks the OTHER side has the loops. So the same type of velcro on one side the other on the other side.
Shari says
Do you mean one hook dot at one of the stick and one loop dot at the other end of the stick, both on the same side? It would have been really helpful to include a photo showing both ENDS of the stick so we could figure out whether it’s two hook dots per stick, or one hook and one loop.
Nicolette Roux says
Thank you for the suggestion! I have added a picture so that it is clearer as how to make it!
Monica says
What a great craft for teaching fine motor skills. Pinned!
Monica
Natasha says
Simple but yet effective at keeping the kids busy. Yup, I think I will order some Velcro tabs, already have the sticks. Great activity, stopping by from #thoughtfulspotweeklybloghop
Tammy says
I love this idea. So much fun and I know my grandkids would love making these. Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I’ve pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board
Kristina & Millie says
love these and have to make for the grandbabies 🙂
Liesje says
Could anyone comment on whether or not the “color” comes off the pre-dyed sticks if they get wet? (Or if toddlers put them in their mouth) Pls specify the brand if you have feedback? Much appreciated!
Nicolette Roux says
I just wet the ones we used as mentioned above, a bit of color did come off. If my toddler still mouthed things like this I would use plain sticks and dye them with vinegar and food coloring, those tend to stay on the stick. I linked the sticks I used above to amazon where you can see the brand and size.
Alicia Owen says
Omg, this is brilliant! It’s so hard to find fun activities that kids under 2 or 3 would be into. I’m glad I came across your site from the Link & Learn! 🙂
Nicolette Roux says
Thanks! I have a almost 20 month old and I am constantly looking and also adding some of my own ideas to this site 😀 Thanks for stopping by.
Jamie White says
We loved this idea! My students were so creative with the sticks. I blogged about it here:
http://playtolearnpreschool.blogspot.com/2014/02/stick-art.html
Thank you so much for sharing!
Jamie
Play to Learn Preschool
Nicolette Roux says
Love it! Thanks for sharing <3
Claire says
This is genius!! What a smart idea – my kids will LOVE this! 🙂
Carrie @ Crafty Moms Share says
I love this idea!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
Lisa Curcio says
I have 2 great-nephews that are under the age of 4 and they would love this! I’m going to make some up for their next visit. Easy and affordable and it will create endless hours of fun! Thank you!!!
Nicolette Roux says
Pleasure! have fun!
Susen says
Velcro dots here we come! We already have the sticks on hand so I’m excited to try this!!
Nicolette Roux says
It is so much fun! The kids love it <3
Tara from The Magnolia Barn says
Great idea! Making these for my girls.
Tiffiny says
These look so neat! I can imagine hours of play!
Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
These are perfect for busy bags! I made magnetic craft sticks but velcro sounds like fun!
Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families says
Great idea, thank you for sharing.
Bobbie says
I love these. My kids are going to go bonkers for them!