Once your pool is closed up, most pool accessories tend to hibernate along with the pool until the spring. However, the almighty pool noodle has proven to be not only a fun pool accessory but also a versatile base for craft projects year-round.
Below is a list of some of our favorite pool noodle crafts from across the web. I even tried my hand at making a number of them. Be sure to click the link to each project if you would like the recipe for making your own. Enjoy!
Dolled Up Design shows off how to create some totally tubular nunchucks (left) by cutting the noodle down to size and adding a little rope and duct tape! My inner 5-year-old (in addition to being envious of that Michaelangelo hoodie) couldn’t resist making a set of Ninja Turtles-inspired nunchucks, choosing an orange pool noodle and duct tape for a crafty homage to our favorite pizza-eating ‘chucker (right).
Repeat Crafter Me created a pool noodle telescope for the little pirates of the family. I made one slight modification when trying my hand at the telescope (right): instead of trying to cut the reverse side to get an interior cut, I used the scrap “ring” that was formed from cutting out the eyepiece and used matching color duct tape to place it on the other end, masking the edges with electrical tape rings.
Kids Activities Blog is truly feeling the Force with these pool noodle lightsabers (left), which are safe for combat! I used a little extra duct tape when making mine (right) to cover the bottom of the lightsaber hilt. Kids Activities Blog also shows you how to make a double-bladed lightsaber as well as making these crafty sabers glow!
BurdaStyle has a simple tutorial on how to add stuffing around a pool noodle frame to make a hefty looking yet perfectly safe play swords. Recreate your favorite scenes from Game of Thrones without worrying about the characters!
Play Create Explore shows off pool noodle printing – using cut-up pool noodles like painting sponges. One pool noodle can easily create dozens of sponges. This also makes great use of any scrap foam left over from other projects!
Crafty Biggers created a very impressive pool noodle pencil! The best part is that this crafty creation actually writes, thanks to the implementation of sidewalk chalk!
Miss KopyKat takes pool noodles covered in contact paper in order to create nautical piling decorations. I found the contact paper incredibly easy to work with, thanks to the adhesion already in place, and the helpful length guides on the back!
Lisa’s Little Joys created some Independence Day-themed firecracker decorations that really pop. I played with a few layers of contact paper to get some extra color and a more bordered look.
Brave New Home demonstrates how to bend and cover a pool noodle to create a beautiful and inexpensive wreath for holidays and any other occasion!
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market created boot shapers for tall leather boots and decorated them with an old sweater to add some pizzazz. The post also mentions using a knee sock in lieu of a sweater, which I used for mine. Not as visually flashy, but just as practical! The extra material on top makes a great handle to easily pull the shapers out of the boots.
Food. Fashion. Home. demonstrates how a pool noodle works as protective padding in small garages. No more worrying over scratching your car doors against the wall!
For more fun pins on new noodle usages, check out the Pool Noodles: Repurposed board on the PoolSupplies.com Pinterest page.
Do you have a favorite pool noodle craft project? Tag us on Instagram!
