Festive Fine Motor Craft: Pipe Cleaner + Pony Beads Activity

Gina
Nov 18
2 min read

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make this adorable Christmas tree fine motor activity.

The holiday season is the perfect time to blend creativity, play, and skill-building.

One of my favorite simple crafts for kids is making pipe cleaner Christmas trees decorated with pony beads. It’s a delightful activity that doubles as both a fine motor exercise and a handmade ornament to treasure.

They're cute, they're fun, they strengthen motor skills and double as a sweet ornament (they make a great gift!).

The BEST part...you only need TWO materials that you likely have hiding in your craft closet.

While kids craft, they will be working on:

Fine Motor Practice: Stringing beads onto pipe cleaners strengthens little fingers, builds dexterity, and supports hand-eye coordination.
Creative Expression: Kids can choose bead colors, patterns, and designs, making each tree unique.
Holiday Keepsake: The finished trees can be hung on the Christmas tree, used as gift toppers, or displayed around the house.

Not to mention, exposure to color names and opportunities to count, sort and make patterns!

Materials:

Green pipe cleaners (or any festive color)
Pony beads in assorted colors (reds, golds, silvers, or rainbow for fun)
Optional: ribbon or string for hanging
Sensory tray or baking dish to contain materials

I like to add in letter beads for some extra phonics fun, but it is totally optional!

Place beads in a small bowl to reduce them rolling around!

Step 1: Fold one pipe cleaner in half and twist it around itself.

Step 2: Take another few pipe cleaners and cut them so they look like the above picture (it does not have to be exact). Lay them out so that you can visualize what the tree will look like.

Step 3: Take the cut pieces and wrap them around the first piece (the stem of the tree). Wrap the cut pieces around the middle and twist so that they stay.

Step 4: Once you have the tree shape assembled (this is a great job for an older kiddo to do on their own!) put out the beads and encourage the child to decorate the tree!

Step 5: If you want to hang them up, add a piece of ribbon to the top.

Kids can fill up the entire tree, add just a few beads to each stem, use one color, use multiple colors, make a pattern....the possibilities are ENDLESS!!!

As children carefully slide beads onto the pipe cleaners, they’re not just making ornaments, they’re practicing patience, concentration, and fine motor control.

The joy of seeing their creation sparkle on the tree makes the effort even more rewarding.

This is a great activity for siblings, small groups at school, playdates or craft parties!

Extra ideas: