Create a frame in which to display special memories. Paint eight wooden craft sticks, or use markers and stencils to make specific patterns. Glue decorative items---such as flat-backed plastic gems and beads---to the sticks. Choose a picture to frame and glue the sticks together so that the image will show through. Use two sticks to create each side of the frame. Use a low-temp glue gun to attach the picture to a fitted piece of cardboard. Finish the project by gluing the picture to the back of the sticks. If you'd like to hang the frame, glue a piece of yarn to the back of it.
Create a decorative door hanger by painting four jumbo craft sticks. Use paint colors that will will coordinate with a specific room or space in your house. Cut a piece a cardboard and use craft glue to attach the sticks to it, side by side. Decorate the hanger by painting and gluing on heart, flower or animal-shaped wood shapes. You can also attach vibrantly colored foam designs, gems, faux feathers or stickers. Glue a 12-inch cord to the back of the hanger so you can suspend it from a doorknob or nail.
Create a bird-inspired bookmark by painting a craft stick in a color you like. Cut a small triangle out of yellow or orange craft foam and glue it to the stick to resemble a beak. Attach plastic wiggle eyes and glue a bright faux feather on the back so it extends off of the top of the craft stick. The bookmark makes a creative gift.
Children will love making craft stick butterfly wands during birthday parties. Cut a green pipe cleaner in half and glue both pieces side-by-side to the back of the craft stick; bend the pipe cleaners to resemble antennae. To make the butterfly wings, open a cone-shaped coffee filter at its seam and have a child decorate it with colorful markers, crayons or glitter glue. Attach the decorated filter to the front of the craft stick to form "wings." Glue a green pipe cleaner to the middle of the filter to form the body of the butterfly.