Guest Post by Fancy Flours Employee Lindsey G.

The creativity of people astounds me. How did the Wright brothers think to connect bicycles to creating an aircraft? Or how did the artist go about chiseling the Winged Victory statue? Or how did all these wonderful modern artists below create such unique items from something as simple as paper straws?

Yes, they’ve transformed these versatile little tubes into anything from cake pop sticks to light fixtures. The best part is they’ve created instructions to make it easy for you to take your straw game to the next level.

1. Cookies and Milk

Have your cookies and milk, too! Add an extra touch to this cute idea by cutting cookies in a shape to fit your theme. Then just stick the straw through! With over 900 cookie cutters on hand, Fancy Flours has something for every occasion. Our No-Fail Sugar Cookie recipe is great to use so cookies hold their shape.

Art and photo by weddingideasmag.com

2. Cupcake Toppers

Make personalized cupcake toppers with sprinkle packs. Because who doesn’t like to decorate their own cupcakes? With our large supply of sprinkles, you can mix and match to create a special pack for each person.

Thank you Icing Designs for this kid-friendly idea and photo.

3. Placecards

Don’t let guests loose their place by setting out these adorable placecards. Stand straws in spools as shown, bottles, votives or anything else you have around the house. Try our washi tapes for back-to-school, Paris, general decorative and Christmas themes.

Art and photo by Helena Schaeder Söderberg of Craft and Creativity.

4. Wreaths

Make a wreath for any occasion or add a mirror and some metallic spray paint for an everyday fascinator.

4th of July wreath by Polka Dots on Parade. Blue and red straws here and here.

Halloween wreath by Tater Tots and Jello. Orange straws here.

Mirror featured on Style Me Pretty by Oak and Owl.

5. Vase Wrap

Update an old vase with a solid color or throw on a pattern for extra fun.

Art and photo by Amy Krist.

6. Flower Wands/ Bouquets

Create a glittery flower wand for your (or your kids’) inner fairy. Or make several for a cute everlasting bouquet! Check out our light green, kelly green and dark green straws for the stems.

Art and photo by Icing Designs Online.

7. Confetti Sticks

Make homemade confetti sticks for your guests to shower you with at your wedding or for a party favor. We love the glitter details on the ends! Try neutral colors like gray or get creepy and crawly for Halloween with spiders. Fill with unique sprinkles for extra fun!

Art and photo by Best Friends for Frosting.

8. Rice Krispie Snacks

Quickest dessert ever! We have pre-made Rice Krispie sheets, colored chocolate melts, piping bottles, sprinkles and, of course, straws to make this your go-to dessert for every occasion.

Art and photo by Life, Love and Sugar .

9. Cupcake Liner Flower Straw Toppers

Love flowers and baking? Then these cupcake liner flower straw toppers are just what you’re looking for! Bring something new to the table for your luau or just to brighten your summer drinks.

Art and photo by The 36th Avenue.

10. Party Blowers

Party blowers are time tried and tested. They’ve lasted as party favors since their inception because they are just too fun! Make your own and give the gift of a laugh to your friends and family.

Art and photo by Made to be a Momma.

11. Paper Garland

Add a colorful garland to your photo booth, party décor or just to hang around the house for some color.

Art and photo by Tell, Love and Party.

12. Geometric Mobile

We’ve all seen the Himmeli art in stores lately. Traditionally, it’s a Finnish Christmas ornament made of straw, but it’s making its way into everyday décor. Now you can make your own for a tenth of the price! Start small with a bunting or go all out with this gorgeous mobile.

Art and photo by Brittany Makes.

13. Easel Displays

Mini anything is adorable. Baby animals, kid’s clothing and now easels! Use them to display your special cookies or hold placecards for guests.

Art and photo by Wants and Wishes Designs.

14. Flameless Candles

These couldn’t be more simple for a quick and sophisticated addition to a birthday treat. This would be ideal for a 1st birthday party! Go pink, blue or neutral with yellow or green straws. Don’t forget the matching cupcake liners!

Art and photo by Icing Designs Online.

15. Cake Topper

Top your cakes with a little banner! This is a simple design for Halloween, but get creative and write on the little triangles or change up the colors. We have almost every color of straws, twine and little sugar decorations to add some pizzazz.

Art and photo by Cake Journal.

16. Photo Booth Props

Create some classy photo booth props using straws as sticks. Photo booths have become a big hit for weddings, with most vendors printing two of each photo. This leaves one as a favor for the guests and one to put in the guest book. Add speech bubbles and hats and you and your guests will have a wild time!

Created by indie crafter Toffee Mag.

17. Wall Art

Make a sweet piece of art with nothing but a hot glue gun, straws and some ribbon. This artist chose a heart, but feel free to branch out! Try a star for New Year’s, an egg for Easter with our pastel collection or a wintery tree with our holiday set. Add a sweet note or saying with cardstock for a personal touch.

Wall art found in Paper Crafter Magazine, issue 78.

18. Picture Frame

Can’t decide which picture is your favorite? Feature family and friends in a sweet homemade frame that uses a glittery clip for easy photo switching.

Art and photo by Nicole Samuels of American Crafts.

19. Cupid’s Arrows

Play cupid (or Katniss) with these adorable paper arrows.

Art and photo by Your Home Based Mom.

20. Color Pop

I’ve found myself putting flowers in cute old glass bottles a lot lately. There’s just something homey and comfortable about the look. This idea is a perfect way to add some extra color! Just stick the stems in the straw and you’re done.

Art and photo by Sara Lee of Sweet Little Gals.

21. Pop Sticks

Of course, we can’t forget about using them as cake, lollipop and popsicle sticks! Paper straws make it easy to match the colors of your party or wedding!

Smoothie pops by Pop Sugar.

Marshmallow pops by Honey and Lime.

22. Mini Tiered Cake Stands

For those of you looking for something to wow, this mini tiered cake stand is certainly the way to go! Fill the “trays” with teenie tiny cookies like this artist, or use small candies for a quicker addition. Try our Fluted Round Cookie Cutter Set to make them as large or small as you like or taper with several sizes.

Art and photo by Bakerella.

23. Pixie Sticks

Pass out homemade pixie sticks at your kid’s next party! These are handmade with real fruit and sugar. So easy!

Art and photo by Brittany from Edible Details, featured on Amanda’s Parties to Go.

24. Wrap Bracelet

Try your hand at jewelry making with this easy shabby chic design.

Art and photo by Mamma Miss.

25. Fondue Sticks

Throw a fondue party and include a variety of fun straw colors so guests remember which is theirs! Fold and glue a paper flag at the end with names for more personalization. This artist used bananas for their toppings, but you can go savory with cheese or sweet with angel food cake or Rice Krispies.

Art and photo by Bakers Royale.

Bonus:

I couldn’t resist this ad from Nestea because it is just amazing! As I said at the beginning, I think people are so creative and it’s wonderful that they can come up with complex creations like this. We’d love to see what you come up with. Comment your ideas and photos below or send us an email: info@fancyflours.com.

Photo featured on Buzzfeed.