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How to Make a Pipe Cleaner Bee

Do you need to entertain your kids on a rainy day? You can help them to create a charming craft in minutes--pipe cleaner bees. With only a few household items, they can make these adorable bees as gifts, decorations or just for fun.

Things You'll Need:

  • 2 black 12-inch pipe cleaners for each bee
  • 1 yellow 12-inch pipe cleaner
  • Scissors or nail clippers
  • Wiggly eyes and glue (optional)

Twist 1 black and 1 yellow pipe cleaner together, forming a black and yellow striped stick. You can also use a single yellow and black striped pipe cleaner if you have one. Wrap the stick around your smallest finger and then release it to form a body coil.

Cut a 3-inch section from another black pipe cleaner. Wrap it around a pencil to form a slightly smaller head coil. Attach the two coils by tightly winding together one end from each.

Clip a 1-inch section of black pipe cleaner. Bend it in half, forming a tight V shape of a bee stinger. Fasten the V to the back end of the bee by wrapping the loose ends around the rear coil.

Bend the remaining length of black pipe cleaner into a pretzel shape, twisting the ends to itself to hold the shape. Join the wings to the body by twisting the lower edge into a middle coil.

Shape the bee body to suit your taste. You can squish the pieces for a tight shape, or pull on them for a loose, crafty look. Glue wiggle eyes to the head if desired.

Tip

If you don't want to dull scissors by cutting metal pipe cleaners, use an old pair of nail clippers. Pipe cleaner bees can add décor to houseplants. Glue one to a craft stick and insert in the pot. Add a few to your flower garden to attract real bees to pollinate the flowers.

Warnings:

  • These bees can present a choking hazard to children under the age of 5. Adult supervision is required.
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