There is something magical about pairing a good book with a hands-on craft, and this one hits all the right notes! We recently fell in love with the picture book Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story {affiliate link} from the adorable Delicious Duos series, and it sparked the cutest little art project you ever did see. Grab a pool noodle, some paint, and your favorite little helper, because we are about to turn story time into stamp time!
This craft is easy on the wallet, big on fun, and perfect for turning recycled materials into something your kids will beam about. Let’s get those hands a little messy and those imaginations running wild!
Craft Supplies:
Gather these simple supplies before you begin:
- 1 pool noodle (any color works)
- Scissors (a sharp pair for the grown-up to handle the cutting)
- Yellow and orange paint (washable is your best friend here)
- A paper plate to use as your paint palette
- Dark gray construction paper (the darker background makes those yellow noodles pop!)
- Googly eyes to give your macaroni some personality
That is it! Chances are you already have most of these hanging around the house.
Directions:
Step 1: Cut Your Pool Noodle Stamp
Start by slicing off a short section of the pool noodle, about one to two inches thick. Then, using your scissors, trim that piece into a crescent or C-shape. This curved cut gives you that classic elbow macaroni look. This step is a grown-up job, so kids can cheer from the sidelines while you snip.
Step 2: Set Up Your Paint Palette
Squeeze a little yellow paint onto your paper plate. Want a richer, cheesier tone? Blend in a touch of orange.
Step 3: Dip and Stamp
Here comes the best part! Have your child press the C-shaped noodle into the paint, making sure the edge gets a nice, even coat. Then press it firmly onto the gray construction paper and lift straight up. Ta-da! A perfect little macaroni print appears.
Encourage them to stamp again and again, filling the page with a whole bowl of noodles. Each print has its own texture, so no two macaronis look exactly alike.
Step 4: Bring Your Character to Life
Once the paint dries, it is time for the magic touch on your pool noodle stamped macaroni. Add a pair of googly eyes to one of the stamped noodles to create your very own Mac character, just like the one in the book. A little glue holds them in place, and suddenly your artwork is smiling right back at you!
RELATED —> Pool Noodle Stamped Bear Craft Idea
Grab the “Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story” book via our Amazon affiliate link
And there you have it, friends! A cheerful, book-inspired craft that turns a humble pool noodle into a plate of googly-eyed macaroni. We hope your little ones giggle their way through every stamp and feel proud of their tasty-looking masterpiece.
If you make this project, we would love to see it! Snap a photo and tag us @GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS so we can celebrate your noodle art. Happy crafting, and happy reading!
