Below you’ll find a lesson for how to make a Pasta Skeleton project. Craft sticks provide a much needed sturdy base and an all natural wood look too.

Pasta Skeletons

A pasta skeleton art project, made with the help of a step by step tutorial.

Pasta and Skeletons

The idea of making a pasta skeleton project has been around for awhile, and it’s easy to see why. The uncooked pasta does have the look and color of bones, so it makes for a fun and inexpensive craft project. On top of that, there’s a chance to learn a bit about the skeletal system with this fun pasta craft project.

As an art teacher with a design background though, the notion of making these skeletons on regular paper just left me feeling kind of “meh”. The paper always wrinkled, and the glue would run and leave streaks. And that didn’t cover how hard it is to move a floppy piece of paper around.

My solution? Panels made from craft sticks. They had a better (tall) proportion, didn’t wrinkle, and kept a kind of stylish eco-friendly look. Plus, everyone knows how cheap and plentiful they are.

Years of trying this with all levels of elementary students taught me a few things about this Halloween craft for kids, which I am happy to share below.

Tips for Making your Best Pasta Skeleton Project

Students can make their own boards. They can count out their needed sticks and then taping them together with masking tape on the back. After the glue is dried, the boards are sturdy and ready for display.
Craft glue is essential. It really helps things dry quickly and stay in place. I bought large bottles and kept small amounts in little plastic souffle cups with lids. Extra craft sticks were good for spreading it around.
This doesn’t have to be a kinder of first grade project. Older students (3rd through 5th grade) will be able to add much more detail (see the photo below).

Pasta Skeletons made with Jumbo Sticks

A pasta skeleton made with a board of jumbo popsicle sticks. — Jumbo craft sticks add a lot more room to add all those details

Pasta skeleton craft made with jumbo craft sticks — A square shape allows for arms to be extended (8 Jumbo sticks wide)

Another Pasta skeleton craft made with jumbo craft sticks — You can even rotate the skeleton to make them dance! (8 Jumbo Sticks wide)

My adorable niece and nephews with their Pasta Skeleton. Works great for all ages.

Craft Stick Board Options

Glue two jumbo sticks on the back of 8 jumbo sticks

Tape and then glue two skinny sticks on the back of 15 regular sticks

For extra room, make the board 22 sticks tall

Skeleton Sheet for Reference

OPEN PDF SKELETON REFERENCE SHEET

Want to Hang your Pasta Skeleton?

The super industrial tool is made to do lots of different things, but I found it perfect for just plain old hole punching in craft sticks. It’s easy to use, and can make two different size holes. This is the smaller one. Mine is about 10 years old, has been solved many a hole punching problem.

Punch holes with a **Crop-A-dile II*** (Amazon link)

crop-a-dile II tool (amazon link)

Pasta Skeleton with Extra Detail

Pasta skeletons made with lots of detail. — Pasta Skeletons made with jumbo Craft Sticks

Materials to Make a Pasta Skeleton

Craft Glue* (highly recommended, the clear kind if you can)
Craft Sticks* 4.5 inch, OR
Craft Sticks Jumbo*
Masking Tape
Pasta: Macaroni, spaghetti, shells, rotini, etc.
Note: All of the above are Amazon affiliate links*

Directions to Make a Pasta Skeleton

Time needed: 45 minutes

How to Make a Pasta Skeleton

Tape 15 regular sticks and glue skinny sticks on back.
Glue three shells for the head.
Glue two rotini for the spine.
Use spaghetti for the shoulders.
Glue elbows for the hips.
Make legs from spaghetti.
Add two spaghetti feet.
Glue two arms with fingers.
Finish with elbow ribs and let dry.

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OPEN SKELETON TUTORIAL