Easy Glitter Foam Bee Craft Tutorial

These cheerful foam bees are fun, easy to make, and look adorable. If you use them for home decor, garden accents, or party decorations, they bring a playful touch to any space. Their bright colors and glittery details make them stand out and are sure to make you smile.

Easy Glitter Foam Bee Craft Tutorial

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Start by tracing the bee shape on styrofoam and cutting it out. Paint it in bright yellow, white, and black, adding glitter for an extra sparkle. Personalize it with cute features like rosy cheeks, glittery wings, and antennae made of wire and beads. This glitter foam craft is simple, and you can even experiment with sizes to create bigger bees for outdoor decorations or small ones for planters. Make it your own by adding ribbons or customizing the colors.

Where It Fits

Place your bee on a shelf, stick it on a planter, or use it as part of a garland. You can even craft a giant version to hang on your door—it’s bound to brighten up the room wherever it goes. These bees make great gifts or cheerful decorations for springtime and gatherings.

Credit JoAnn Barrandey

Required Materials

1. Styrofoam sheet (1-inch thick, available at Walmart or Michaels).
2. A bee pattern (available for download from the creator).
3. Craft knife (or hot knife if preferred).
4. Sanding block or nail file (to smooth edges).
5. Apple Barrel paints:
   • White.
   • Yellow (suggested: “Dandelion Yellow”).
6. Glitter:
   • Black glitter.
   • Yellow glitter (suggested: “Sun Shower” from Walmart).
7. Stencil-making materials (transparent paper or transfer plastic).
8. Stencil brush.
9. Modeling clay (for the stinger, use Model Magic clay).
10. Toothpicks (for the stinger and antenna beads).
11. Craft wire (available at craft stores).
12. Beads (for antenna tips, spray paint black if desired).
13. Party straws (from Walmart’s party section, in assorted colors).
14. Tulip Slick Paints:
    • White.
    • Neon green.
    • Deep red.
15. Glue (hot glue or clear adhesive).
16. Optional ribbon or bow for decorating.

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Important Notes

• Craft Area: Perform sanding and cutting indoors if weather conditions are unfavorable.
• Hot Tool Functionality: If using a hot knife and the tool isn’t working correctly, use a craft or kitchen knife instead (be cautious while handling).
• Paint Application: Water down the paint for smoother application and quicker coverage to avoid wasting paint.
• Glitter Application: Apply glitter immediately after painting to enhance the final appearance.
• Edge Detailing: Use different tools, such as nail files or sanding blocks, to refine hard-to-reach crevices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bee Pattern and Cutting

1. Download the bee pattern provided by the creator and trace it onto the styrofoam sheet.
2. Cut the styrofoam using a craft knife or a hot knife. If edges turn out rough, sand them using a sanding block or nail file for a smooth finish.

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Step 2: Base Painting

1. Outline the wings lightly using a brush and apply the base coat with a big brush.
2. Start with Apple Barrel White paint for lighter areas, dipping the brush into water to thin the paint. This helps with smooth and efficient application.
3. Paint the sides and outline areas. Typically, one coat is sufficient.

Step 3: Yellow Areas and Glitter

1. Use Dandelion Yellow paint for the bee’s yellow areas. This color is bright and vibrant.
2. Apply paint and immediately sprinkle Yellow Glitter (Sun Shower) over the painted areas.

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Step 4: Stenciling Black Stripes

1. Cut out a stencil for black areas using transparent paper or transfer plastic.
2. Use the stencil brush to apply black paint over the stripes, removing excess paint from the brush edges to prevent bleeding.
3. Sprinkle Black Glitter over the black painted stripes.

Step 5: Adding Cheeks

1. Dry brush Americana True Red paint onto the cheeks for a soft appearance.
2. Optionally, add heart shapes on the cheeks using Deep Red Tulip Slick Paint directly from the bottle.

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Step 6: Creating the Stinger

1. Roll a small piece of Model Magic clay into the shape of a stinger and condition the clay by kneading it (this prevents cracking).
2. Insert a piece of toothpick into the base of the stinger for secure attachment.
3. Paint the stinger black and sprinkle Black Glitter over it while the paint is wet.
4. Insert the stinger into the designated area after trimming the toothpick slightly.

Step 7: Detailing the Eyes

1. Apply White Tulip Slick Paint to create a half-circle for each eye.
2. Add Neon Green Tulip Slick Paint as an accent color inside the eyes.
3. Add a white dot on top of the green and optionally outline the eyes with lashes for added detail.

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Step 8: Crafting and Attaching Antennas

1. Using craft wire, loop the wire and twist it around a pencil to create a spiral effect.
2. Spray paint the wire black (optional) and insert beads onto the ends of the wire.
3. Glue the antennas into the top of the bee, ensuring placement is balanced and secure.

Step 9: Adding the Straw

1. Attach a straw to the base of the bee using glue to serve as a handle. Walmart’s party section offers a variety of colorful straws.

Step 10: Final Detailing

1. Use paint to outline:
   • Wings (e.g., curly cues or zigzag patterns).
   • The bee’s body (simple zigzag motion works well).
2. Add optional glitter to the wings or head for additional flair.
3. Finish by attaching a bow or ribbon for decoration.

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Step 11: Display and Decor

1. Your bee crafts can be used decoratively in planters, garlands, or as standalone pieces in your home or garden.
2. Larger versions can be used to decorate doors or outdoor spaces.

Notes from the Creator

• The craft is beginner-friendly; don’t worry if mistakes happen—simply let the paint dry and redo the area.
• Be creative and happy while crafting, and always start your day with joy in your heart!

Video Tutorial