Here’s a simple dragon craft that kids will love – Pipe Cleaner Dragons!

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

These little dragons are pretty sturdy (for pipe cleaners, of course) and the boys have been having fun playing with them and posing them!

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

We made several colors.

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Ready to make some?

I adapted this idea from a pipe cleaner dragon bookmark on Danielle’s Place. My 8 year old and I made his together, but I did the whole thing for the younger boys (age 3 and 6). Too much detailed cutting and use of the glue gun for them – but the finished result is such a cute (and cheap!) toy. If you’re crafty and don’t mind making several, I think these would make awesome party favors for a dragon or castle themed birthday party!

To make them, you will need:

  • Pipe cleaners – You’ll need 4 for each dragon.
  • Craft foam
  • Craft sticks – one will make two dragons
  • Googly eyes
  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Step 1: Cut a small section from the end of a craft stick. Round off the end with scissors like this.

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Step 2: To make the head, fold the end of a pipe cleaner around in a circle. Then wrap it the other way a few times to give the head some depth. Leave the end for the neck.

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Step 3: Take a second pipe cleaner and wrap it tightly around the neck, starting just under the head. Then wrap around the body.

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Step 4: Tuck a third pipe cleaner under the others and keep wrapping. When I got to the end of the body I added a little hot glue to the craft stick to keep the pipe cleaner in place. Leave the end hanging to be the tail.

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Step 5: Add craft foam horns and tail, and glue on googly eyes. Cut four pieces for the legs and glue them to the body.

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Step 6: Add foam feet and wings, and you’re done!

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

SO CUTE!

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

Pipe Cleaner Dragons

We love crafting with pipe cleaners because they are so versatile and such a frugal craft material!

Be sure to check out our Pipe Cleaner Ninjas and Pipe Cleaner Animals.

7 Comments

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  1. Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life Aug 26, 2015

    My boys would like these. We are reading Kenny and the Dragon now and this would be a fun activity to do when we finish.

    Reply
  2. Christina @There's Just One Mommy Aug 26, 2015

    EEK! These are so adorable!
    My son is a huge dragon fan; he is going to love making these this week!

    Reply
  3. Swapna Aug 17, 2016

    Very creative! Hopping over to see the other animals you make!

    Reply
  4. Lily Aug 25, 2016

    Thank you! My daughter loves dragons and these are just perfect.

    Reply
  5. Kenna McHugh Oct 5, 2017

    I would love toe use your images for a lesson plan I am writng.

    Reply
  6. pandy35 Dec 21, 2017

    It is very cute, I just got done making one just like it but i couldn't do the feet too small.

    Reply
  7. Sarah Emory Jan 18, 2023

    Totally made a version of this at work today...for me lol

    Reply

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