Swan Straws

Although it's hard to imagine paper straws getting any cuter, I think you'll agree that these little swans are the perfect touch for your summer drinks!  Let's make one, shall we?!  

 

Supplies:

paper straws from 

pipe cleaners in "bunny" 

1.5" styrofoam balls

white feathers

glitter (clear or white -- mine is called "disco")

elmer's and tacky glue

sharp, straw-sized object...I'll explain!

paper plate

 

First, you will need to find a sharp object, the same width as your paper straw, to poke a hole in your styrofoam balls.  I used my hubby's No. 1 precision screw driver.  

Poke a hole through the center of your ball until you can see the tip of your tool beginning to show on the opposite side.  Pull the tool out, and poke through the direct opposite side, where your tool began making a hole, until you are able to glide all the way through both sides.

On a paper plate, pour a puddle of elmer's glue, and roll your styrofoam ball through it, until it is completely covered.  Shake glitter on all sides of the ball, until you have a nice layer, then set aside to dry. Next, cut a 6" piece of pipe cleaner.  Bend it into a tall, skinny "S" shape, and set aside.

 



Take two feathers, and cut them down to about 2.5" pieces.  Next, cut off any hard tips, for a softer appearance, and to give them a wing-like shape, snip one end to form a "v" or point, as seen in the photos.

 

Place your straw in the styrofoam ball, and poke a tiny hole through the ball on one side, about a 1/2" from the top.  Go in diagonally, until you almost hit the straw with your tool.  (I used a 1.4 mm precision screwdriver, but you may use a toothpick or other skinny, sharp object!)  

Place the fatter end of your "s" shaped pipe cleaner into the skinny hole, to form the swan neck.  Re-shape if necessary!  

Finally, glue a feather "wing" about 1/4" to 1/2" from the neck on each side, and place your swan straw upright in a cup for drying purposes.

 

Once your swan is completely dry, place in the drink of your choice, and enjoy!

 

Happy sipping!

source guide & credits:

concept, styling, tutorial & photography: abby hunter of the fete gazette

pipe cleaners & paper straws: shop sweet lulu

*note:  Although I used regular paper straws, I might recommend the long tall sally sodapop straws for more options in cup sizes!

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