Sometimes, the simplest things can become surprisingly fun and creative projects—like those wooden sticks left over from ice cream and popsicles. These lolly sticks, usually tossed in the trash without a second thought, are perfect for crafting easy, unique, and practical items.
They’re inexpensive, accessible, and versatile, making them ideal for creative projects you can enjoy on a rainy day or whenever inspiration strikes.
In this list, you’ll find eight fun ways to turn ordinary lolly sticks into everything from home decor to desk accessories. You don’t need fancy materials or a workshop; you just need basic supplies and patience.
Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a curious beginner, these ideas offer a little something for everyone. So, grab those lolly sticks and let’s get started!
1. Lolly Stick Picture Frame
If you’ve ever wanted to say, “I framed this myself,” but felt woodworking was best left to folks with functional garages, then lolly sticks may be the answer. Line up four sticks in a square, securing each corner with a dab of glue.
Add a few more layers to reinforce it. Let it dry, then paint or varnish the whole thing in a color as close to “handmade” as you can muster without apologizing to your house guests.
Once completed, this frame could theoretically hold anything—a Polaroid of your cat, a sketch of something vaguely meaningful, or, if you’re feeling particularly ironic, a photo of yourself. Add tiny decorations: beads, sequins, or mini shells from that ill-fated beach vacation.
2. Miniature Lolly Stick Easel
Next up, the lolly sticks easel. It is a small item, perfect for displaying an equally small piece of art. You’ll need three sticks for the frame and one for the ledge. Glue two sticks together in a long V, like the world’s most minimalistic A-frame house, then glue a third stick horizontally across for support. The final stick, cut to fit, becomes the ledge.
Now, paint this little easel any color you like, though black gives it an air of sophistication that it probably doesn’t deserve. Place your tiniest art pieces on it: perhaps a watercolored flower or a particularly avant-garde doodle.
Keep it on your desk at work, and when people stop by to ask, “What’s that?” you’ll have the pleasure of deflecting the question with something suitably evasive, like “Oh, just something I threw together.”
3. Miniature Garden Fence
Ah, the garden fence. Perfect for those tiny decorative plants that serve no purpose other than occupying your windowsill. Start by arranging several sticks vertically, then glue two sticks horizontally across the back, creating the illusion of a rustic, miniature barrier.
You can paint it a cheery white or keep it natural as if it were placed in your home by a wandering garden sprite.
Prop this mini-fence up next to a succulent or the sort of plant that needs little more than a glance every few weeks. You’ll feel a strange pride as you admire your lolly stick handiwork.
4. Lolly Stick Coasters
Nothing says “I care about my furniture” like a lolly stick coaster. Start by lining up six to eight sticks side by side, then glue two sticks horizontally across the back to hold them together. The result will resemble a miniature wooden raft, perfect for your cup of tea.
Once it’s dry, feel free to paint or varnish it. Pastels offer a whimsical charm, while a dark stain gives a gravitas that might make guests think the coaster was bought in a craft market on a European holiday.
Use these coasters to invite commentary. Someone inevitably will ask, “Did you make this?” which is your cue to nod knowingly and say, “Yes, it’s artisanal.” Coasters may be practical, but they’re also surprisingly revealing.
5. Lolly Stick Wall Art
If your walls look bare, a lolly stick mosaic could add an interesting, albeit confusing, focal point. Lay the sticks flat, arranging them in a geometric, zigzagged pattern or something approximating modern art. Glue them in place on a backing, such as cardboard or a wooden board, and wait for it to dry.
Once dry, paint it in whatever color scheme matches the rest of your decor. Remember, however, that less is often more; otherwise, you risk creating something that looks less like “art” and more like “kindling.”
Hang this piece with pride. This wall art will likely confound visitors, who might try to find meaning in the pattern or assume it’s symbolic.
6. Lolly Stick Pen Holder
If your desk is a jungle of stray pens and paper clips, a lolly stick pen holder could be the solution. Take a cardboard tube—like the kind left over from a roll of paper towels—and cover it with vertically glued lolly sticks until the tube looks like a miniature log cabin.
Add a coat of paint or a layer of varnish, and suddenly, you’ve got a pen holder that looks surprisingly thoughtful and intentional, though you’ll know the truth.
Place this pen holder on your desk and let it lend an air of organization and decorum to your workspace. The effect is undeniable whether it holds pens, highlighters, or even stray coins. People might assume it’s from a designer’s “eco-friendly” accessories, not realizing it’s just the product of a few sticks and an afternoon.
Conclusion
The next time you’re faced with a free afternoon and a pile of lolly sticks, remember that creativity often blooms from the humblest of materials. In a world filled with screens and smart gadgets, these crafts offer a return to simpler joys.
Whether you create a birdhouse, an ornament, or a coaster, each craft embodies a little act of rebellion against a world obsessed with polished, pre-packaged convenience. So, embrace the rustic beauty of lolly sticks and make something incredible.
