Popsicle Stick Pool Float Friends – Kid Craft Idea

Do you see my vision right now? I took the design of a few popular pool floats you commonly see this time of year and put a craft stick “friend” in the center of it all.

These Wooden Craft Stick Pool Float Puppets are super easy to make and inexpensive too. Not to mention the customization that will be at your fingertips! From the look of your friend to the pool floatie you design – you and your child are going to love this one!

It literally came in a dream last night and I’ve been patiently waiting ALL day long to finally put the words and pictures together in this very blog post. I’m so stinkin’ excited to share my latest outside the traditional kid craft idea with you all. It’s amazing how my crafty wheels work and I hope I inspire you today because of it!

Similar to our Popsicle Stick Pool Lounging Friends tutorial from a few weeks ago {which people are already loving on Pinterest right now!} I did a flamingo, duck and unicorn for today’s post. But let’s face it – this idea could potentially create so many unique designs when you think about it. You could easily take my steps below and make a swan, llama, parrot and so much more! Just type “popular pool float designs” in the Google image search bar for several different pictures to inspire you!

Anyways… these DIY pieces are perfect for pretend play, as well as pool party decor {just stick the finished pieces in a cupcake for added flair!} I could even see these being in-cooperated into story-time and summer camps!

Enough rambling from me, find all the details below and some pictures to get those juices flowing. Happy crafting my friends and don’t forget to tell your friends about this grand idea! Let’s make this tutorial go VIRAL this summer!

Don’t forget to also share pictures with us! #gluedtomycrafts

Pool Float Flamingo Craft Supplies:

I’m going to write the supply list and directions below as if you were making the flamingo design. If you want to make the duck and/or unicorn, the steps will be similar but you will need to alter the colors to change the look. The unicorn would of course have an extra step with a horn and long tail added to the back of the float. Enjoy!

* Jumbo Popsicle Sticks – 4 per pool float puppet {affiliate link}
* Paper Plate
* Pink Craft Paint
* Paint Brush
* Glue Gun
* School Glue
* Colored Cardstock {a hair color and black for the nose}
* Basic Craft Scissors
* Thin-Tip Sharpie Markers
* Wiggle Eyes
Optional – hot glue gun glitter, rhinestones, summer themed stickers etc.

Directions:

* Out of the four jumbo popsicle sticks, first pull out three of them.
* Paint them completely pink.
* Set them aside to let each one dry completely.
* Grab the remaining jumbo popsicle stick and your various colors of thin-tip Sharpie markers.
* Use the markers to draw on the craft stick to give it life, as well as making it look like it’s wearing a swimsuit.
* Next get the glue gun hot and ready {adult supervision please!}
* When the paint is dry enough, lay the three painted popsicle sticks upside down, side by side, on a flat surface.
* Now take the decorated “friend” stick and glue her face down, the other direction in the center, so it looks like the person is sitting inside the float.
* Set that piece aside to let it dry completely before you flip it over.
* Now grab your various shades of cardstock and scissors.
* You are going to envision a flamingo’s long neck and head. Go ahead and cut out that shape from the pink cardstock.
* Now grab the black and cut out a beak for the flamingo.
* Finally cut out some hair for the friend as well.
* Use the school glue to attach all the paper pieces to the popsicle stick shape.
* Add a wiggle eye to the flamingo to bring that piece to life as well.
* Add anything else you see fit like glitter, rhinestones, maybe even some stickers!
* When it’s all done, display it and/or play with proudly!