Popsicle Stick Dragon Fly Craft

Looking for a quick, colorful craft that kids can actually finish in one sitting? This popsicle stick dragon fly is simple, playful, and perfect for small hands. Think bold blues and greens, bouncy googly eyes, and zero glue mess if you use double-sided tape.

Dragonflies are such fascinating little creatures, and they’re especially fun to spot in the summer as they zip and hover around ponds and gardens.

Did you know they can fly in any direction, even backwards, and their wings beat incredibly fast, around 30 times per second? Their shimmering colors and delicate wings make them a favorite for nature lovers, and they’re also a big help in keeping pesky mosquitoes away.

This popsicle stick dragon fly craft is a great way to bring that summer magic indoors, and it works perfectly for a bug-themed week, a nature study, or just a sunny afternoon activity.

What You’ll Need for your Popsicle Stick Dragon Fly Craft

For this craft, you only need a handful of simple supplies that you might already have tucked away in your craft box.

Popsicle sticks make the perfect base for the body and wings, while a splash of blue and green paint brings those vibrant dragonfly colors to life. Googly eyes add instant personality, and double sided tape keeps everything together without the mess of glue.

A pair of scissors will help you trim the wings to size, and a paint brush is all you need to get those colors on. It’s a low-cost, low-prep project, just the way we like it!

Let’s make it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow along with the easy step by step instructions below to make your popsicle stick dragon fly.

Turn simple popsicle sticks into a colorful, googly-eyed dragonfly that’s perfect for summer fun, bug themes, or a quick afternoon craft with the kids.

Materials

Popsicle sticks
Googly eyes
Scissor
Double sided tape
Blue and green paint
Paint brush

Instructions

Cut two popsicle sticks in half then paint it blue. Paint one popsicle stick green.
Assemble the dragon fly by attaching the blue popsicle sticks on
both sides of the green popsicle stick.
Attach the googly eyes.
Lastly, draw horizontal lines on the green popsicle stick.

Tips & Tricks

No glue, no problem: Double sided tape makes assembly fast and mess-free.
Dry time hack: Paint your sticks first, then take a quick snack break while they dry.
Kid-friendly cutting: If scissors are tricky, pre-cut the sticks for little makers.
Wings that pop: Layer two blue halves per side for extra “flutter.”
Details matter: A thin marker or paint pen makes those green body lines crisp.

Variations to Try

You can easily switch up this popsicle stick dragon fly craft to make it your own. Try painting the wings in a rainbow of colors instead of just blue, or add a touch of sparkle with glitter glue for a magical look.

If your kids love learning about real insects, you could even search for pictures of dragonflies online and copy their stripe patterns or wing designs.

For a more dramatic effect, layer two popsicle stick halves per side to create bigger, bolder wings. However you style it, each dragonfly will have its own unique charm.

Make It a Learning Moment

Making this popsicle stick dragon fly is a great chance to sneak in a little learning while having fun.

Painting, cutting, and assembling the pieces helps kids practice their fine motor skills, while talking about the colors is a simple way to explore the idea of cool tones like blue and green.

You can even turn it into a counting game by having them count the number of wing pieces or the stripes they add to the body. If you’re doing a bug or nature theme, it’s a perfect opportunity to chat about dragonflies in real life and how they help keep gardens healthy by eating pesky insects.

Display Ideas

Once your dragonflies are finished, there are so many ways to show them off. You could stick a small magnet on the back to turn them into cheerful fridge decorations, or tape a piece of fishing line to the top so they can hang in a window and catch the sunlight.

For a fun twist, glue them onto a strip of cardstock to make a bookmark, or create a whole swarm to brighten up a classroom or playroom wall. However you display them, these little bugs are sure to make everyone smile.

Have fun crafting your dragon fly and if you make a swarm, I want to see those colors!

More Summer Crafts for Kids

Summer is the perfect time for bright, cheerful projects that keep little hands busy. Try these fun ideas to make the most of sunny days and long afternoons.