20 Fun and Educational Crafts Using Plastic Bottle Caps for Kids

Who knew something as ordinary as a plastic bottle cap could become a tool for creativity and learning?

Instead of tossing them into the recycling bin, why you don’t turn them into colorful, hands-on crafts that help kids explore shapes, colors, numbers, and even storytelling? These bottle cap projects aren’t just fun, they’re brilliant little lessons in disguise.

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone who loves a good upcycling idea, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here to keep little hands busy and curious minds growing. From art to basic math games, these 20 ideas make learning feel like play and that’s the best kind of learning there is.

#1. Bottle Cap Flower Bin

If you’ve been hoarding bottle caps with the quiet hope of doing something fun with them one day, this is that day.

Besides, the floral patterns made from colorful caps bring out a surprisingly sweet charm, while the structure itself becomes a sturdy bin, planter cover, or even a toy basket for outdoor use.

Materials Needed:

• Around 300 plastic bottle caps
• 1 plastic bucket, tin can, or cardboard cylinder (approx. 12″ high × 8″ wide)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Optional: faux leaf

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Rinse and sort all your bottle caps, then arrange by color, reserving the dark blue and yellow ones for the flower design.

Step 2: Choose a base (like an old paint bucket or oatmeal container) and mark where you’d like the flower patterns to go.

Step 3: Start gluing the light blue caps closely around the bin in rows. When you reach a flower zone, glue six dark blue caps in a circle and pop a yellow cap in the center.

Step 4: To make the lid, trace a matching circle onto a thick piece of cardboard or plastic, then cover with more caps in the same floral motif.

#2. Ice Cream Cone Art with Bottle Caps

This cheerful project is perfect for kids who love colors, ice cream, and a little bit of hands-on crafting.

Using just cardboard, colorful bottle caps, and markers, you can help your child make their own adorable ice cream collage. Each cone is as unique as the kid who made it, and you’ll love watching their faces light up as they arrange their favorite color combinations.

Materials Needed:

• 3 plastic bottle caps per cone
• 1 triangular piece of cardboard (approx. 4 x 6 inches)
• Black marker
• Hot glue
• 1 colored construction paper per artwork)
• Scissors

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Cut out a triangle from cardboard to create the cone shape. You can use a marker to draw diagonal lines to mimic the waffle cone pattern.

Step 2: Choose three colorful bottle caps, then arrange them at the top of the triangle like scoops of ice cream.

Step 3: Use hot glue or strong craft glue to attach the cone to the construction paper background, then glue the bottle caps above it.

#3. Bottle Cap Bonsai Tree Sculpture

This bottle cap bonsai tree sculpture is a delicate blend of eco-art and whimsy. If you’ve ever wanted to turn trash into tranquility, this is it.

With nothing but old caps, wire, and a stone, you can create a meditative desk piece or a calming focal point for your shelf.

Materials Needed:

• 45-60 plastic bottle caps in various greens and blues
• Thin craft wire (silver or gold), ~6 meters total
• 1 medium-sized smooth stone
• 1 hot glue gun + glue sticks
• Wire cutters
• Small drill (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Start by twisting several strands of wire together to form the trunk. You can branch off thinner wires from the top, shaping each into a whimsical, bonsai-style arc.

Step 2: Use your drill or awl to make tiny holes in the sides of each cap. If your caps are soft enough, you can even poke through gently with scissors.

Step 3: Slide a cap onto the end of each branch wire and twist the wire tip into a secure loop to hold the cap in place.

Step 4: Wrap the base of the wire tree tightly around a smooth stone. You can also add a dab of hot glue under the stone for extra stability.

#4. Plastic Bottle Cap Butterfly Wall Art

Mounted against a wooden fence, this butterfly transforms ordinary recyclables into a dazzling garden statement. Each cap adds texture and personality, and the butterfly shape invites a sense of freedom, nature, and transformation.

If you’re looking for an outdoor art project that’s as eco-conscious as it is eye-catching, this one’s worth every cap.

Materials Needed:

• 150-200 assorted plastic bottle caps
• 1 large plywood board
• Pencil and paper
• Strong waterproof adhesive
• Jigsaw (optional)
• Varnish
• Hanging hardware or screws

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Sketch a large butterfly shape on paper. Once you’re happy with the design, transfer it to your plywood board.

Step 2: (Optional) Use a jigsaw to cut out the butterfly shape. If not, you can mount the caps directly onto a rectangular board.

Step 3: Arrange the bottle caps loosely by color and placement before gluing, this helps create balance and symmetry.

Step 4: Glue down the caps one by one, filling in the shape completely.

Step 5: Allow the glue to dry completely, then spray a layer of sealant if it will be used outdoors.

#5. Bottle Cap Animal Faces

These delightful animal faces made from recycled bottle caps are a joyful way to introduce kids to crafting, upcycling, and imaginative play, all in one go.

Specially, this activity is especially great for preschoolers and early elementary kids, as it develops fine motor skills, color recognition, and creativity.

Materials Needed:

• 6 plastic bottle caps in various colors
• Googly eyes
• Foam sheets
• Permanent markers
• Hot glue gun
• Colorful cardstock

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Pick a bottle cap and decide which animal you want to make. For example, a red cap for a ladybug or a white one for a panda.

Step 2: Glue googly eyes onto the cap. Use markers or small foam cutouts to create facial features like whiskers, beaks, or stripes.

Step 3: Cut small ears, wings, or other parts from foam sheets and glue them behind or onto the cap as needed.

Step 4: Attach your finished animal to a square of cardstock using glue.

#6. Bottle Cap Christmas Tree Ornament

If you’ve ever wanted a Christmas decoration that’s both handmade and delightfully eco-friendly, this bottle cap Christmas ornament is your perfect match.

Additionally, made from repurposed green plastic caps and a few sparkly touches, this tiny tree fits beautifully on your holiday wreath, gift bags, or even hung from a window. Even better, this project is low-cost, kid-friendly, and comes together in under an hour.

Materials Needed:

• 10 green plastic bottle caps
• 1 brown plastic cap
• 15-20 small silver beads
• 1 red pipe cleaner
• Strong craft glue
• Decorative plastic bits (optional)
• Hanging string

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Clean all caps thoroughly and let them dry. Then, arrange them in a pyramid shape, 1 cap on top, followed by rows of 2, 3, and 4 below.

Step 2: Use strong glue to attach the caps together, pressing firmly until they’re secure. You need to allow the structure to dry for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Glue the silver beads evenly spaced onto each green cap to mimic tree ornaments.

Step 4: Create a bow with the red pipe cleaner and glue it to the top cap. Then, attach your hanging string to the back.

Step 5: Add a brown cap at the bottom as the tree’s trunk. Feel free to decorate it with tiny wrapped presents made from craft foam or scrap plastic.

#7. Bottle Cap Learning Clock

This clock is a fantastic way to upcycle your stash of plastic caps into something educational and engaging.

It’s also perfect for preschoolers and early learners to explore numbers, practice turning hands, and grasp basic time concepts, all with something they can touch, turn, and play with.

Materials Needed:

• 12 medium plastic bottle caps
• 1 round base (plastic lid, cardboard disc ~5″ diameter)
• 2 plastic straws
• Number stickers
• Hot glue gun
• Small brad fastener
• Optional: adhesive magnets

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Clean and dry all your bottle caps. You need to label them from 1 to 12 using red number stickers or a bold marker.

Step 2: Glue the caps evenly around the circular base like a clock face, making sure the spacing mimics a real clock.

Step 3: Cut your straws to two different lengths including one for the hour hand, one for the minute. Next, use a brad fastener to attach them to the center so they can move.

Step 4: Attach magnets to the back if you want it to stick to the fridge, or glue it onto a lightweight board for wall use.

#8. Bottle Cap Fall Tree Art

This cheerful bottle cap tree is a lovely celebration of autumn or any season you choose based on the colors you pick!

Furthermore, the beauty of this craft lies in its simplicity: just a few markers, a white background, and a vibrant mix of caps can become a keepsake-worthy piece of wall art.

It also makes a great sensory activity and color-learning experience for younger kids, while older kids will enjoy designing the tree structure themselves.

Materials Needed:

• 13-15 plastic bottle caps (~2.5-4 cm diameter)
• White cardstock (A4)
• Brown marker
• Green marker
• Strong glue

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Draw the outline of a tree trunk with spreading branches using a brown marker. You should keep the branches open and spaced out so there’s room for bottle caps.

Step 2: Use the green marker to add grass at the base, giving your tree a grounded, garden-fresh look.

Step 3: Choose your bottle caps and arrange them like leaves on the branches. Then mix warm tones like red, orange, and yellow to mimic fall, or use greens for a springtime tree.

Step 4: Glue each cap securely on top of a branch. Let it dry completely before moving or hanging.

#9. Bottle Cap Buddy Figurine

Here’s a fun little project that’s part toy, part art and entirely charming. This cheerful bottle cap buddy is the kind of character you can build on a rainy afternoon with a few spare caps and a touch of imagination.

Materials Needed:

• 2 large blue plastic caps
• 1 yellow plastic cap
• 2 medium white caps
• 2 blue plastic caps
• 1 plastic straw (cut to about 3.5 inches)
• Small piece of black ribbon (approx. 6 inches)
• Permanent black marker
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Lay out your pieces and decide on the order: two feet caps on the bottom, straw as the spine, two white caps stacked vertically for the body, and the yellow cap for the face.

Step 2: Glue the blue feet caps to the bottom of the straw. Then, attach the white body caps one above the other on the straw.

Step 3: Glue the yellow face cap on top of the stack. Next, use the black marker to draw eyes, a smile, and a nose.

Step 4: Attach the two blue caps to either side of the head to form ears. You can slightly angle them outward for that cartoonish charm.

#10. Bottle Cap Caterpillar Buddy

This bottle cap caterpillar Buddy is a fantastic way to recycle colorful caps while sparking creativity in kids. It’s flexible, cheerful, and perfect for storytelling or as a quirky desk mascot.

Materials Needed:

• 1 red plastic cap
• 8-10 assorted plastic bottle caps
• 1 white and green pipe cleaner
• 2 googly eyes
• Black marker
• Hole punch
• String

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Punch small holes in the center of each cap using a hot nail or hole puncher.

Step 2: Thread the caps onto a string, alternating colors for a playful look, then tie a knot at both ends to hold them in place.

Step 3: Draw a smiley face on the red cap and glue on two googly eyes. You now attach the head to one end of the string.

Step 4: Twist on pipe cleaner arms and legs by threading them through the same hole or tying around the body.

#11. Bottle Cap Flower Friends

Wow, these bright projects are the perfect feel-good DIY for a rainy afternoon or a fun craft session with kids. They’re colorful, full of personality, and made entirely from recycled materials you likely already have lying around.

Also, you can add a smiley sticker in the center, and these bottle cap blossoms instantly become sunshine for your windowsill or classroom desk.

Materials Needed:

• 6 red plastic bottle caps
• 1 light blue or yellow cap
• 1 smiley face sticker
• 1 wooden popsicle stick
• 1 small green cap
• 3 matching caps for the base
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Arrange the six red caps in a circle, then glue them around the center cap to form a flower. You now add the smiley face sticker on the center cap.

Step 2: Attach the flower head to the top of the popsicle stick using hot glue.

Step 3: Glue the green cap to one side of the stick as a cute little leaf.

Step 4: Secure the bottom of the stick into three glued-together caps as a base to keep it upright.

#12. Tree Trunk Bloomers

What about turning a plain old tree or weathered post into a whimsical bloom tower with this cheerful outdoor bottle cap flower project?

Whether you’re crafting with kids or brightening a dull winter tree, these sturdy cap flowers bring joy with every glance.

Materials Needed:

• 50-60 plastic bottle caps (~3 cm diameter)
• Outdoor-safe adhesive like E6000
• Small nails (optional)
• Drill
• Screwdriver

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Choose a color theme and sort your caps into petals and centers. Each flower uses 5-6 petals plus 1 center cap.

Step 2: Arrange each flower on a flat surface first. Now, use blue or green for petals and contrasting colors like yellow or white for the centers.

Step 3: If using nails or screws, pre-drill tiny holes in the caps or heat a nail to melt small pilot holes for easier installation.

Step 4: One by one, fix each flower directly to the trunk or post, using your glue or screw into the wood. Press firmly for glue to set.

Step 5: Finally, add more flowers randomly or create a spiraling garden pattern.

#13. Bottle Cap Curtain Garland

Who says upcycling can’t be beautiful? This garland turns a handful of old plastic caps into a playful, light-catching curtain that’s perfect for doorways, windows, or even a patio corner.

Also, the varying colors and sizes of the caps create a charming, almost musical aesthetic, every time the wind stirs, it adds a bit of whimsy to your space.

Materials Needed:

• 100+ assorted plastic bottle caps
• Strong thread, fishing line, or nylon cord
• Small hand drill
• Needle
• Hooks

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Clean and dry all bottle caps thoroughly. Now, sort them by color or pattern if you prefer a particular aesthetic.

Step 2: Drill or pierce a small hole in the center of each cap using a hand drill or a heated nail (be cautious during this step).

Step 3: Thread your string or fishing line through the caps, alternating colors and sizes to create visual interest. Then, tie knots between some caps to prevent them from sliding.

Step 4: Continue until your string is long enough for your window or doorframe.

Step 5: Secure the garlands to a curtain rod, dowel, or hooks at the top of your window or doorway.

#14. Rainbow Bottle Cap Counting Board

Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching early learners, or just want to add an educational corner to your garden or classroom, this vibrant display is both beautiful and brain-boosting.

I believe kids will love exploring patterns, sequencing, and counting while getting some fresh air.

Materials Needed:

• 66 plastic bottle caps
• 11 round wood slices (about 2-3 inches each for numbers 0-10)
• 1 sturdy branch (~3 feet long)
• Acrylic paint and paintbrushes
• Twine
• Drill
• Clear sealant spray (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Start by painting each bottle cap a solid color. You’ll want at least one cap per color for each number, so for 10 you’ll need ten of the same shade.

Step 2: Paint numbers 0-10 on the wood slices using a steady hand or stencils for clarity.

Step 3: Drill small holes into the tops of each bottle cap and into each wood slice. Alternatively, you can glue twine behind the caps and slices if you prefer not to drill.

Step 4: Tie the wood slices evenly along the branch, spacing them apart. Then, hang vertical strings of caps underneath each number, one cap under 1, two caps under 2, and so on up to 10.

Step 5: Secure the finished board to a fence, wall, or even hang it between two trees for a magical outdoor learning display.

#15. Bottle Cap Chinese Lantern

This festive lantern craft is a wonderful way to add handmade flair to your Lunar New Year décor or simply to celebrate light, tradition, and creativity in any season.

Bonus, the clever use of red strips wrapped around a central thread gives it the classic lantern silhouette, while yellow caps create a sturdy top and base.

Materials Needed:

• 2 yellow plastic bottle caps
• 8-10 red plastic strips (approx. 1cm x 8cm each)
• Red thread
• Decorative tassel (optional)
• Needle
• Hot glue

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Use a needle or awl to poke a hole through the center of both yellow caps.

Step 2: Cut red plastic bottles into even strips. Next, curve them slightly to form an arc, this creates the rounded lantern body.

Step 3: Thread one end of the red string through one yellow cap and tie a secure knot so it won’t slip through. You now begin gluing each red strip evenly spaced around the edge of the cap, fanning outward.

Step 4: Curve the other ends of the red strips inward and glue them into the second cap. Then pull the string through that cap and tie again to secure the structure.

Step 5: Add a decorative tassel, bead, or bell at the bottom for a final elegant touch.

#16. Bottle Car Toy Made From Recycled Materials

If you’re looking for a fun, budget-friendly activity that’s great for kids and satisfies the urge to tinker, this toy is just the thing.

In addition, it’s lightweight, rolls surprisingly smoothly, and is a fantastic way to teach young ones about motion using upcycled items. Whether you’re doing this as a school project or just a weekend craft session, building your own toy car from a plastic bottle brings pure joy.

Materials Needed:

• 1 small plastic bottle (approx. 300-500ml size)
• 4 matching plastic bottle caps
• 2 wooden skewers
• 1 nail
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Rinse the plastic bottle and remove any labels. Next, make two holes on the lower side of the bottle, ensuring they’re aligned on each side for your axles to pass through evenly.

Step 2: Trim the wooden skewers to fit through the bottle and stick out just enough on either side to hold the wheels.

Step 3: Using the nail or skewer tip, poke small holes in the center of each bottle cap.

Step 4: Finally, slide a cap onto each end of the skewers and secure it with hot glue inside the hole.

#17. Bottle Cap Chick Craft

You can make this cheerful bird using nothing more than a couple of yellow caps, some basic craft supplies, and a bit of glue.

Whether it becomes a greeting card, wall art, or fridge magnet, this project adds a pop of sunshine to your day.

Materials Needed:

• 2 yellow plastic bottle caps
• 1 googly eye (about 1/2 inch size)
• 1 orange triangle cut from cardstock
• 2 orange paper strips (about 3 inches long)
• 2 orange paper feet cutouts
• Yellow craft feather (approx. 3-4 inches long)
• Light blue cardstock
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Glue the two yellow caps onto the cardstock including small one for the head, slightly overlapping the larger one for the body.

Step 2: Attach the googly eye to the upper cap and glue the orange triangle to the side as the beak.

Step 3: Glue the yellow feather to the right side of the body cap to form the tail. You can add an extra feather or two for fluff.

Step 4: Fold the orange strips accordion-style to make the legs, then glue one foot shape to the bottom of each. Then, attach both legs under the large cap.

#18. Bottle Cap Mosaic Art

What makes this bottle cap even more magical is that it’s made entirely from what most people toss away.

By arranging caps into a cheerful garden scene with flowers, sky, and a sunburst, you create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Materials Needed:

• Approx. 300-400 plastic bottle caps: 150 blue tones, 70 green tones, 40 yellow caps
• 80 pink, red, white, orange, and purple caps
• 1 large foam board (approx. 2 ft x 3 ft)
• Strong craft glue
• Optional: cotton swabs
• Pencil

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Sketch your design lightly on the board. Block out the sun, sky, flower positions, and grassy bottom.

Step 2: Begin with the background and glue down the green caps at the bottom for grass. Then move up to the blue sky, leaving spaces where the sun and flowers will go.

Step 3: Create your sun in the center or corner with yellow caps, radiating outward. You can add smaller caps for the rays, add the flowers using bright, contrasting colors, then group same-sized caps for a cleaner look or mix shapes for texture.

Step 4: Let the glue dry completely before moving or tilting the board. Optionally, seal it with a clear acrylic spray to protect from dust or moisture.

#19. Upcycled Bottle Cap Wind Chime

This joyful little wind chime might just be the happiest sound your porch has ever heard. Made entirely from discarded plastic bottle caps, beads, and leftover bits of string, it’s a whimsical way to turn what usually ends up in the recycling bin into something colorful and charming.

This project is budget-friendly and gives kids or adults a satisfying creative outlet. And trust me, once you start stringing the caps together, it’s hard to stop.

Materials Needed:

• 1 plastic lid (about 5-6 inches diameter)
• 20-30 plastic bottle caps
• 100+ assorted plastic pony beads
• 6 clear nylon strings, each about 20 inches long
• 1 large needle
• 1 screw
• Optional: hot glue gun

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Gather your clean plastic bottle caps and use a hot nail, awl, or skewer to poke small holes in the center of each cap.

Step 2: Cut 6 pieces of nylon thread, each about 20 inches long. Then tie a large knot or bead at the bottom of each string to secure the first cap in place. Begin threading: alternate caps and beads however you like to create a colorful dangling line.

Step 3: Once each strand is complete, poke 6 evenly spaced holes near the edge of the plastic lid. Then tie the top of each strand to one hole.

Step 4: Add three shorter pieces of string to the lid, equally spaced, and knot them together at the top to form a hanger.

#20. Bottle Cap Snowman Buddies

These cheerful little buddies are the perfect winter craft for kids or anyone looking to sprinkle some handmade charm around the holidays.

Using just a few upcycled white caps and a splash of imagination, you’ll have these frosty friends smiling back at you in no time.

Materials Needed:

• 3 white plastic bottle caps per snowman
• Black marker
• Orange paper
• Pink marker
• 2 small blue pom-poms
• Thin blue ribbon
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Start by gluing three white caps together, stacked vertically.

Step 2: Draw black dots down the middle cap for buttons and add a cute snowman face on the top one like eyes, carrot nose, and those pink cheeky blush marks.

Step 3: Attach a piece of blue ribbon or a pipe cleaner across the top cap for earmuffs. Then glue a pom-pom on each side to finish the look.