DIY Elmo-Themed Centerpieces: Fun and Easy Project!

This article is about how to create Elmo-themed centerpieces. 

As a mom of three, I love decorating my kids’ parties. Elmo has become popular, so I wanted to create a few centerpieces that pair with the theme. Elmo’s bright red fur, cheerful personality, and infectious laughter makes him a beloved character for kids and adults alike. 

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a playdate, or a fun-filled event for little Sesame Street fans, Elmo-themed centerpieces can be the perfect touch to tie the celebration together. 

These vibrant and playful decorations will add character and charm to any table setting, making your party space feel magical and inviting.

In this guide, we’ll explore creative ideas and step-by-step instructions for crafting eye-catching Elmo-themed centerpieces that are as delightful to make as they are to display. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just looking for simple ways to personalize your party, these centerpieces will help you celebrate in style and bring joy to every guest. Let’s get started!

Materials Needed:

1. Cutting Machine
2. Colored cardstock paper (12×12)
3. Photo cardstock paper or white cardstock paper for printed sign images
4. Wooden dowels (size varies/up to you)
5. Popsicle sticks
6. Toothpicks
7. Rubber cement glue
8. Glue gun and glue sticks
9. Tape 
10. Wood base (design varies/up to you)
11. Drill and drill bit (match size to wooden dowels)
12. Paint brush and paint (color up to you)

Everything can be purchased from Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Amazon, etc..

Step One: Choosing an Elmo

The first thing I like to do with any project is find an SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). I own a Cricut, and  I like to search for SVG’s on Etsy. For this particular project, I purchased a 525-file bundle from an Etsy shop named CraftArtPink for $1.99. I plan on using these files for multiple projects. 

Step Two: Design

Once you have the files downloaded to your computer, upload the images that you want to use to your cutting machine software. For this project, I’m using the Elmo with one hand and one foot out. Size the Elmo to 11.5 inches in height. This is so that you can maximize your cardstock. Next, look for balloons in the Cricut image search. I found a set of three balloons, but you can choose whichever style you like.

*Important note, make the balloon strings slightly thicker before cutting them out. This will allow for a better gluing process. You can do this by using the offset tool. 

The sign is optional, but I purchased the cloud sign from FunnyArtLabatory. They seem to have shut down their Etsy shop but you can find others on Etsy. The street sign is from CraftArtPink, and was included in the bundle. *Add names and ages to your signs, then make them print then cut images. This will allow for easy-cut images. 

Before cutting, be sure to duplicate and flip one of the designs. This allows for a front and back centerpiece.

Step Three: Cut

Now that you have your images ready to be cut, make sure you have all the colored cardstock paper that you need. Cut out your images and organize them on your craft table for easy assembly. 

Step Four: Assemble

Before gluing, be sure to organize your pieces. Make sure that you group all of the pieces for the front of Elmo together and all of the pieces for the back of Elmo together. Now, let’s assemble!

Body Assembly: 

1. Lay the black Elmo base on the table
2. Glue the red Elmo body to the black base
3. Glue the red Elmo face to the black base 
4. Glue down the white eyes
5. Glue down the orange nose
6. Flip over and hot glue the wooden dowel and a few popsicle sticks to the base. 
7. Repeat assembly for reverse Elmo set, minus step 6. 
8. Hot glue the back of the reverse set to the back of the original set, creating one double-sided Elmo centerpiece. 

Balloon and Sign Assembly:

1. Gather and tape the balloons together on the back side 
2. Tape the balloon strings to the backside of the balloons
3. Hot glue a toothpick on the middle backside of the balloon sting
4. Repeat assembly for reverse balloon set, minus step 3. 
5. Hot glue the balloons with the strings attached to the first set, creating one double-sided balloon piece. 
6. Hot glue the balloons in between the backsides of the two Elmo fists. 
7. Glue the signs to the front of the hands facing out. 

 Base Assembly:

1. Drill a hole on the right or left side of the wooden base. 
2. Test the hole by sticking the wooden dowel in it. Make sure it fits inside. 
3. Paint the wood base with your desired color (I recommend two coats)
4. Once dry, attach the Elmo to the base!

Give yourself a few hours to a couple of days to complete this project, especially if you’re new to using a cutting machine. I’ve been using my Cricut for a few years but it still takes me a few hours to complete projects due to frequent stops from the kids. 

This article is about how to create Elmo-themed centerpieces.