When we think of iconic cats in pop culture, names like Garfield, Puss in Boots, and Tom from Tom and Jerry often come to mind. But for millions of fans around the world, one adorable feline reigns supreme. She has no mouth (so she speaks from the heart), wears a signature red bow, and has captured hearts for nearly five decades. Yes, we are talking about Hello Kitty!
With her official birthday on November 1st, there is no better time to celebrate than with a collection of creative activities. Whether you are planning a Hello Kitty-themed birthday party, looking for a rainy day activity, or just want to share a piece of your own childhood with your little ones, we have got you covered.
In this guide, we will explore the fascinating history of this global icon and dive into 15 adorable Hello Kitty crafts for kids. From simple paper plate masks to intricate origami, there is something here for every skill level.
Who Exactly is Hello Kitty?
Before we grab the glue and scissors, it’s fun to learn a little about the character we are celebrating. Hello Kitty is more than just a cute face on a pencil case; she is a global phenomenon.
A British Icon from Japan?
Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu, a designer for the Japanese company Sanrio. But here is a fun fact that surprises almost everyone: Hello Kitty is actually British! Her full name is Kitty White, and according to her official backstory, she lives in the suburbs of London with her parents, George and Mary, and her twin sister, Mimmy.
Why Does She Have No Mouth?
One of Hello Kitty’s most distinct features is her lack of a mouth. This wasn’t an oversight by the designers. Sanrio explains that she has no mouth so that people can project their own feelings onto her. If you are happy, she looks happy. If you are sad, she looks sympathetic. It emphasizes that she speaks from the heart, not through a particular language.
Now that you are a certified Hello Kitty expert, let’s get crafting!
15 Creative Hello Kitty Crafts for Kid
We have curated a list of 15 delightful projects that use everyday materials like paper plates, toilet rolls, and felt. These crafts are perfect for developing fine motor skills and sparking creativity.
1. The Classic Paper Plate Hello Kitty Mask
This is the perfect starter craft for toddlers and preschoolers. It transforms a simple household item into a wearable masterpiece.
- What You Need: A white paper plate, scissors, white cardstock (for ears), a red bow (paper or fabric), and a popsicle stick.
- How to Make It: Cut eye holes in the paper plate. Cut two triangles from the cardstock for ears and glue them to the top. Attach the signature red bow near the left ear. Glue a yellow nose in the center and draw three whiskers on each cheek. Glue the stick to the bottom so your child can hold it up like a masquerade mask.
2. Learn to Draw Hello Kitty
Sometimes, the best craft is simply learning to create art from scratch.
- The Activity: Follow a step-by-step tutorial to draw Hello Kitty. Start with an oval for the head. Add the ears (make sure they are rounded triangles). Draw the bow before you finish the ear line. Add two dots for eyes, a small oval for a nose, and three whiskers on each side.
- Why It’s Great: It builds confidence in drawing skills and teaches attention to detail.
3. Toilet Paper Roll Hello Kitty
Don’t throw away those cardboard tubes! Upcycling is a great lesson for kids, and this craft is super easy.
- How to Make It: Paint a toilet paper roll white. Once dry, draw on her face with markers. Glue on paper ears and a red bow. You can even make a whole family by making her twin sister Mimmy (give her a yellow bow instead!).
4. Milk Carton Bird Feeder
Combine crafting with nature in this eco-friendly project.
- The Project: Clean out an empty milk carton and cut a hole in the front for the birdseed. Paint the entire carton white. Add Hello Kitty’s face to the front above the hole.
- Educational Bonus: Hang it in the garden and teach your kids about the different birds that come to visit Hello Kitty’s house.
5. Origami Hello Kitty
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, making it a culturally fitting activity for a Sanrio character.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- How to Do It: using a square of white paper, follow a step-by-step video tutorial to fold the paper into a cat face shape. Add the details with markers afterwards. It teaches patience and precision.
6. DIY Hello Kitty Planter
Turn a plain pot into a piece of pop art.
- Materials: A small terracotta pot, white acrylic paint, and markers.
- Instructions: Paint the pot entirely white. Once dry, draw the iconic face. You can glue plastic gems or a ribbon on the rim for the bow. Plant a succulent or small flower inside. This makes a fantastic gift for teachers or grandparents.
7. Hello Kitty Button Art
This project is great for sensory play and fine motor development.
- The Idea: Print out a large outline of Hello Kitty. Have your child fill in the shape by gluing on white buttons for the face and red buttons for the bow. The texture is wonderful, and the result is a piece of art worthy of a frame.
8. Felt Hair Clips
Let your kids wear their creation!
- How to Make It: Cut two oval shapes from white felt. Stitch or glue them together. Add small felt triangles for ears and a tiny red felt bow. Glue the finished face onto a plain metal hair clip.
- Style Tip: These make excellent party favors if you are hosting a Hello Kitty birthday bash.
9. Hello Kitty Suncatcher
Let the sunshine in with this vibrant window decoration.
- Materials: Contact paper, black construction paper, and tissue paper (white, red, yellow).
- Instructions: Cut a Hello Kitty outline from black paper and place it on the sticky side of the contact paper. Have your child fill the inside with pieces of tissue paper. Seal it with another sheet of contact paper and cut it out. When the sun hits it, it glows!
10. Cardboard Tube Christmas Ornament
Who says Hello Kitty is just for birthdays? She loves the holidays too.
- The Craft: Cut a toilet roll into a smaller ring (about 2 inches). Paint it white and add the face details. Punch a hole in the top and thread a ribbon through. Hang it on your Christmas tree for a touch of “Kawaii” (cute) charm.
11. Hello Kitty Heart Valentine
Since love is at the core of Hello Kitty’s message (remember, she speaks from the heart!), this craft is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
- The Design: Cut a large heart out of white paper. Add ears to the top curves of the heart. Draw the face in the center. It’s a simple twist on the standard heart shape that transforms it into our favorite cat.
12. Hello Kitty Easter Basket
Transform a plain white bucket or basket into a festive carrier.
- How to Do It: Use white duct tape or paint to cover a bucket. Add huge cardboard ears and a giant bow to the rim. It is perfect for collecting eggs or holding party favors.
13. Perler Bead Keychain
For older kids who love retro pixel art, Perler beads (fuse beads) are a must.
- The Activity: Arrange the beads on a pegboard to form Hello Kitty’s face. An adult irons them to fuse the beads together. Add a keyring, and you have a durable backpack charm.
14. Hello Kitty Lantern
Light up the night with a custom lantern.
- How to Make It: Use a clean glass jar. Cover the outside with white tissue paper using watered-down glue (mod podge style). Once dry, glue on black paper eyes, whiskers, and a nose. Place a battery-operated tea light inside for a soft, warm glow.
15. The “Hello Kitty for President” Badge
Did you know Hello Kitty ran for President of the United States in 2016? She ran under the “Friendship Party.”
- The Craft: Create campaign badges using cardboard circles, safety pins, and markers. Have kids come up with their own campaign slogans like “More Cookies for Everyone!” or “Kindness is Key.”
Why Crafting with Hello Kitty Matters
Beyond the fun and the glitter, these crafts offer a wonderful opportunity to bond with your children. Hello Kitty represents kindness, friendship, and acceptance—values that every parent wants to instill in their kids.
As you sit down to paint, glue, and fold, take a moment to talk about these values. Remind your children that, like Hello Kitty, they don’t need to speak the loudest to be heard; they just need to speak from the heart.