About This Project

A 45–120 minutes craft for ages 5–12, using supplies you likely already have — Paper Bags, Scissors, and White Glue.

GlueStick supports kids from setup to cleanup. After they choose a project, we guide them through gathering the supplies, making it, and cleaning up when they're done. We'll even help them share it safely with trusted family and friends.

Ad-free and kid-safe library — designed by a mom who wants kids to explore and create independently.

Project Tags
  1. 1

    Find Supplies

    Do you have everything you need?
    Create a free GlueStick account to track supplies and see if you have what you need at a glance. Leave your kids tips about where supplies are stored in your household so they can set up and clean up their creative spaces independently.
    00:00
    A cartoon of Paper Bags
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
    A cartoon of Scissors
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
    A cartoon of White Glue
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
    A cartoon of Shaving Cream
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
    Allergen
    A cartoon of Food Coloring
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
    A cartoon of Popsicle Sticks
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
  2. 2

    Make "Gingerbread House" with DIY Puffy Paint

    Your creative buddy says:
    "I can't wait to make a project with you!"

    Heads up! Some supplies may trigger allergies. Check with a grown-up before using them.

    Step 1: Build your house

    Glue your five popsicle sticks together into the shape of a house.

    Step 2: Trace your house structure

    To make sure your house fits the frame perfectly, trace the outside of the frame onto a paper bag. Then, cut it out.

    Step 3: Glue the paper to the house

    Glue the cut paper bag to the popsicle stick structure.

    Step 4: Make your DIY puffy paint

    While your house dries, make your DIY puffy paint. In a small bowl, mix equal parts Elmer’s glue and shaving cream. This makes fluffy, snowy “paint.” Keep it white for snow, or add a few drops of food coloring for doors, windows, and decorations.

    Step 5: Add the snowy roof

    For icicles, add a blob of puffy paint to the roof edge and gently pull it down with a brush or stick to create drips.

    Step 6: Add doors and windows

    Explore different textures and effects you can create with thick paint vs thin paint as you create doors and windows on your house.

    Step 7: Add colorful details

    Add colorful details. We used the back of our paint brush to add colorful dots to our roof.

    Step 8: Let dry!

    Place in a safe place to dry. The DIY puffy paint can take several hours to fully dry. It will likely flatten a bit as it does.
  3. 3

    Clean up

    Put things away so your space is tidy for next time.

    Reminder, this project used supplies that may trigger allergies. Store them safely!

    Tidy up our space

    Put away our supplies

    Check off each supply when it is put away — and any clean-up tips underneath are done too. You might find a fun surprise!

    • A cartoon of Paper Bags
      Where they belong:
    • A cartoon of White Glue
      Where they belong:
      • — Don't forget! Close glue lids.
    • A cartoon of Shaving Cream
      Where they belong:
    • A cartoon of Food Coloring
      Where they belong:
      • — Don't forget! Replace all the food coloring caps.
    • A cartoon of Popsicle Sticks
      Where they belong:
    • A cartoon of Scissors
      Where they belong:

    Update what we have left

    Did we run out of anything while making this project? Update our supply cupboard so that we know exactly what we have for next time.

    This project could unlock 2 creative buddies. Sign in to unlock them.

  4. 4

    Save

    Your creative buddy says:
    "I love how you stuck with your creative ideas!"

    Made something awesome? Keep going.

    Your first project is free. Create your free GlueStick account to keep making — and discover projects you can do with the supplies you already have.

Upcycle supplies you already have in a flash

Snap a photo of your recycling bin, junk drawer, or fridge and GlueStick finds projects you can make right now with the supplies you already have — no store trip, no expensive kits, just more creative afternoons together.

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