Popsicle Stick Crayon Photo Craft

Turn a handful of craft sticks and a school photo into a one-of-a-kind keepsake with this Popsicle Stick Crayon Craft! This easy back-to-school project is perfect for teachers and parents who want to capture the excitement of a new school year. Simple enough for young children to make and cute enough to display for years, it’s a fun craft that becomes a treasured memory.

Why You’ll Love This Popsicle Stick Crayon Craft

This easy back-to-school craft is more than just a fun art project. It creates a personalized keepsake that captures a special moment in time while giving children the opportunity to practice important early learning skills. As kids paint, glue, and assemble the crayon, they strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Choosing a favorite crayon color encourages creativity and self-expression, while following the simple steps helps develop listening and sequencing skills. Talking about different colors also reinforces color recognition in a natural, hands-on way. Best of all, adding a school photo gives children a sense of pride and creates a memory that families will treasure for years to come.

Craft Supplies You’ll Need

You only need a few simple supplies to make this adorable popsicle stick crayon craft.

• Popsicle Stick Crayon Template
• White cardstock
• Wide (jumbo) popsicle sticks (4)
• Mini popsicle sticks (2)
• Hot glue gun
• Acrylic craft paint (in your chosen crayon color)
• Paintbrush
• 2″ × 3″ wallet-size school photo
• Scissors
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• Black cardstock
• Magnet (optional)

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Crayon Craft

This fun back-to-school craft comes together quickly and makes a sweet keepsake for families or classroom displays.

STEP 1: Download and print the free template. Download the free printable crayon template using the link in the supplies list and print it on white cardstock. The template includes the crayon tip and accent pieces, making it easy to create a colorful back-to-school keepsake.

STEP 2: Align and secure the popsicle sticks. Lay 4 wide popsicle sticks side by side vertically on a flat surface to form the crayon body. Glue 2 mini popsicle sticks horizontally across the back—one near the top and one near the bottom—to hold everything in place. Let the glue dry completely before moving on.

STEP 3: Paint the front. Paint the front of the crayon panel in your chosen color—red, blue, yellow, green, or any color your child loves. Two thin coats will give the best coverage. Set it aside and let it dry completely before moving on.

STEP 4: Cut out and attach the crayon tip and bottom. Cut out the crayon tip and bottom pieces from the printed template. Flip your painted panel over and glue the pointed tip to the top and the bottom piece to the bottom on the back side. These pieces give your crayon its classic shape when viewed from the front.

STEP 5: Add the photo and label. Glue a 2″ × 3″ wallet-size school photo in the center of the crayon. Then add the “First day of school!” label just below the photo. I used double-sided tape to prevent the paper from warping.

STEP 6: Add the finishing touches. Glue two black cardstock strips (about 3 inches long and 1/4 inch wide) to the top and bottom of the crayon to complete the classic crayon look. Let everything dry completely before displaying. If desired, glue a magnet to the back so the crayon can stick to the fridge!

Take It Further

This popsicle stick crayon craft is easy to adapt for classrooms, seasonal displays, and keepsake projects all year long. Here are a few fun ways to extend the activity:

• Classroom display – Have each student make a crayon in a different color and arrange them on a bulletin board to create a giant crayon box. Add the heading “Look Who’s Ready to Color the Year!” for an easy back-to-school display.
• Last day of school keepsake – Make a matching crayon at the end of the year with a “Last day of school!” photo and compare how much students have grown.
• Gift for grandparents – Place the finished crayon in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon for a simple, heartfelt gift.
• Name practice – Have children write their name on the label instead of using the printed text for extra fine motor practice.
• Rainbow set – Create a set of seven crayons in rainbow order and display them together on a shelf or windowsill.

Book Pairings

Pair this craft with these fun crayon and back-to-school themed read-alouds:

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
• The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt
• The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolf
• School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
• The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions about making the popsicle stick crayon craft.

More Back to School Crafts for Kids

If your kids enjoyed making this popsicle stick crayon craft, here are a few more back-to-school projects to keep the creativity going. The Popsicle Stick Pencil is another fun craft stick keepsake for celebrating the first day of school. For a simple September activity, the Preschool Apple Craft is a classic fall favorite that’s perfect for little hands.

Save This Craft on Pinterest

If you want to make this popsicle stick crayon craft later, save it to your favorite kids craft or back-to-school board on Pinterest so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to create!