Sanrio Coloring Pages (Free PDF Printables)
Sanrio coloring pages offer more than just a fun coloring activity—they’re a gateway to endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging crafts, an educator seeking classroom activities, or a Sanrio enthusiast wanting to bring your favorite characters to life, these free PDF printables can transform into beautiful, functional art pieces that you’ll treasure for years.
From Hello Kitty to My Melody, Kuromi to Keroppi, and Cinnamoroll to Pochacco, Sanrio’s beloved characters have captured hearts worldwide for decades. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 12 innovative craft ideas using Sanrio coloring pages (Free PDF Printables) that range from simple projects perfect for toddlers to sophisticated creations that adults will love. Each craft is designed to maximize the value of your printables while creating memorable experiences and keepsakes.
Let’s dive into these creative adventures that will transform your colored masterpieces into practical, adorable items that bring joy every single day!
Why Sanrio Coloring Sheets Are Perfect for Crafting
Before we explore the craft ideas, it’s worth understanding why Sanrio coloring pages are exceptionally well-suited for creative projects. Unlike generic coloring sheets, Sanrio characters feature distinctive, recognizable designs that translate beautifully across different mediums. Their simple yet expressive features make them ideal for crafts requiring cutting, resizing, or transferring to various materials.
Additionally, Sanrio’s universal appeal means these crafts work for all ages. According to recent market research, 73% of millennials report nostalgia-driven purchasing behavior, with character-based crafts seeing a 45% increase in popularity over the past three years. This makes Sanrio crafts not just fun activities, but valuable bonding experiences that bridge generations. If you’re looking for more adorable options beyond Sanrio, explore our collection of cute coloring pages featuring various kawaii-style characters that work equally well for these craft projects.
The versatility of free PDF printables also means you can print as many copies as needed without additional costs, experiment with different color schemes, and resize characters to fit your specific project requirements—all while maintaining professional print quality. Characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll feature clean outlines, making Hello Kitty coloring pages especially ideal for cutting, resizing, and crafting projects.
1. DIY Sanrio Character Bookmarks with Popsicle Sticks
Transform your favorite Sanrio coloring pages into functional bookmarks that make reading more enjoyable. This craft is perfect for encouraging children to read more while creating personalized accessories for their favorite books.
Materials Needed:
- Sanrio coloring pages printed on cardstock (67 lb or higher)
- Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
- Standard popsicle sticks or jumbo craft sticks
- Scissors (safety scissors for younger children)
- White craft glue or glue stick
- Optional: Laminating sheets or clear contact paper for durability
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Print your chosen Sanrio characters on cardstock for added durability. Characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, or My Melody work wonderfully for bookmarks.
- Color the characters using your preferred medium. Encourage children to stay within the lines for a polished look, but embrace creative color choices.
- Carefully cut out the colored characters, leaving a small border if desired for a professional finish.
- If using laminating sheets, laminate the cut-outs now for water-resistance and longevity.
- Apply glue to the flat side of a popsicle stick and firmly press the character cut-out onto it, ensuring good adhesion.
- Allow to dry completely (approximately 30 minutes) before using.
Pro Tip: Create a set of matching bookmarks featuring different Sanrio characters for a complete collection. These make excellent gifts for classmates, party favors, or book club members.
2. Customized Sanrio Locker Magnets and Decorations
Sanrio characters remain incredibly popular with tweens and teens, making them perfect for personalizing school lockers, refrigerators, or magnetic boards. This craft allows students to express their personality while staying organized in style.
Materials Needed:
- Sanrio coloring pages printed on cardstock
- Coloring supplies
- Scissors
- Adhesive magnetic strips or magnetic tape
- Clear packing tape or laminating sheets
- Optional: Foam mounting tape for 3D effect
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Print and color your favorite Sanrio characters. For lockers, consider characters like Kuromi, Hello Kitty, Badtz-Maru, or Keroppi.
- Cut out the characters carefully, following the outlines precisely.
- Protect your artwork by covering it with clear packing tape or laminating it. This prevents wear and tear from daily use.
- Trim any excess lamination, leaving a small sealed border.
- Attach magnetic strips to the back of each character. For heavier cardstock, use stronger magnetic tape.
Creative Variation: Skip the magnets and use removable adhesive putty (like Fun-Tak or Sticky Tack) for damage-free locker decoration that won’t leave marks. This is especially important for school lockers where students must leave them in pristine condition.
3. Adorable Sanrio Character Masks for Pretend Play
Character masks unlock imaginative play and are perfect for dress-up parties, Halloween, or everyday fun. Children can literally step into the world of their favorite Sanrio characters, encouraging creative storytelling and role-play.
Materials Needed:
- Sanrio coloring pages with character faces (Hello Kitty, Chococat, Kuromi work exceptionally well)
- Computer and printer
- Photo editing software or word processor for resizing
- Cardstock paper
- Coloring materials
- Scissors or craft knife (adult supervision required)
- Elastic string or ribbon (approximately 12-14 inches per mask)
- Hole punch or sharp tool for making holes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Using a word processor or image editing software, isolate the character’s head/face from the full-body image.
- Resize the face to approximately 7-9 inches tall, depending on your child’s face size. You may need to measure and adjust for the best fit.
- Print the resized character face on cardstock.
- Have children color the mask with vibrant colors that match the character’s signature look.
- Carefully cut out the character face along the outline.
- Using scissors or a craft knife, cut out the eyes so children can see through the mask. Make the eye holes slightly larger than the printed eyes for visibility and comfort.
- Punch holes on each side of the mask at approximately ear level.
- Thread elastic string or ribbon through the holes and tie securely, adjusting length to fit comfortably around the head.
Safety Consideration: Always supervise young children when wearing masks to ensure eye holes are properly positioned and breathing isn’t restricted. Test the fit before extended wear.
4. Festive Party Poppers with Sanrio Characters
Add a personalized touch to celebrations with DIY party poppers featuring beloved Sanrio characters. Perfect for birthdays, New Year’s Eve, or any special occasion, these poppers bring excitement and kawaii charm to your festivities.
Materials Needed:
- Empty toilet paper rolls (one per popper)
- Tissue paper in coordinating colors
- Sanrio coloring pages
- Coloring materials
- Scissors
- Clear tape
- Ribbon (approximately 12 inches per popper)
- Confetti, small toys, or candy for filling
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Lay tissue paper on a flat surface and place a toilet paper roll at one edge.
- Roll the tissue paper around the tube 2-3 times, securing with tape. Leave approximately 2-3 inches of excess paper extending beyond each end of the roll.
- Tie one end closed with ribbon, creating a decorative bow.
- Fill the open end with confetti, small wrapped candies, or miniature toys. Don’t overstuff—leave some space for easy opening.
- Tie the remaining end with ribbon to seal the popper.
- Print, color, and cut out Sanrio characters of your choice.
- Attach the character cut-outs to the center of each popper using glue or double-sided tape.
Party Planning Tip: Make enough poppers for all guests and coordinate the Sanrio characters with your party theme. For example, use Hello Kitty for a pink-themed party or Keroppi for a green nature-themed celebration. You can even pair Sanrio poppers with seasonal coloring pages to create themed crafts for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or birthdays.
5. Miniature Sanrio Rings Using Shrink Plastic
Create custom jewelry that children will love wearing with this innovative craft using shrink plastic sheets. These tiny Sanrio rings make perfect party favors, friendship gifts, or accessories for character-themed outfits.
Materials Needed:
- Printable shrink plastic sheets (also called shrink film or Shrinky Dinks)
- Sanrio coloring pages
- Permanent markers or colored pencils designed for plastic
- Scissors
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- Conventional oven
- Adjustable ring blanks with flat pads (available at craft stores or online)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Print your chosen Sanrio characters directly onto shrink plastic sheets following the manufacturer’s instructions. Note that images will shrink to approximately 1/3 of their original size.
- Have children color the characters using permanent markers. Colors will intensify during shrinking, so use lighter shades than desired for the final product.
- Cut out the colored characters, leaving a small border around each.
- Preheat your oven according to the shrink plastic package directions (typically 325°F).
- Place cut-outs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Bake according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully as the plastic will curl, then flatten. Remove when completely flat.
- Allow pieces to cool completely (about 5 minutes).
- Once cooled, use a hot glue gun to attach each shrunken character to a ring blank pad. Apply pressure until the glue sets.
Size Matters: Since shrink plastic reduces to about 1/3 the original size, print characters at approximately 3 inches for final rings that are about 1 inch. Test with a sample piece first to perfect your sizing.
6. Sanrio Character Picture Frames
Transform plain picture frames into personalized treasures adorned with favorite Sanrio characters. These decorated frames make wonderful gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or teacher appreciation, allowing you to showcase precious photos in style.
Materials Needed:
- Printable shrink plastic sheets
- Sanrio coloring pages featuring multiple characters
- Permanent markers
- Scissors
- Oven and baking supplies
- Plain wooden or plastic picture frames (4×6 or 5×7 work well)
- Hot glue gun
- Optional: Acrylic paint, glitter, sequins, or rhinestones for embellishment
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- If desired, paint your plain frame with acrylic paint in complementary colors. Pink for Hello Kitty, blue for Cinnamoroll, or purple for Kuromi themes work beautifully. Allow to dry completely.
- Print multiple Sanrio characters onto shrink plastic sheets, choosing a variety of sizes for visual interest.
- Color and cut out the characters as described in the rings project.
- Bake according to shrink plastic instructions and allow to cool.
- Arrange the shrunken characters around the frame edge before gluing to find the most appealing layout.
- Hot glue each piece to the frame, varying placement and angles for a dynamic look.
- For added detail, cut small accessories like bows, flowers, or decorative hearts from colored paper and glue onto the head for extra charm.
Design Inspiration: Create themed frames by using characters from a single Sanrio universe (all Hello Kitty and friends, or all Sanrio boys characters) or mix and match for an eclectic, personalized look. Consider the photo that will go inside and choose complementary character colors.
7. 3D Sanrio Toilet Paper Roll Figures
Upcycle empty toilet paper rolls into adorable three-dimensional Sanrio characters that stand upright for display. This eco-friendly craft teaches children about reusing materials while creating charming desk decorations or playroom displays.
Materials Needed:
- Empty toilet paper rolls (one per figure)
- Sanrio coloring pages with full-body characters
- Coloring supplies
- Scissors
- White craft glue or glue stick
- Optional: Decorative paper, stickers, or craft foam for accessories
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Print and color your chosen Sanrio character. Hello Kitty, Keroppi, and Cinnamoroll work particularly well for this project.
- Carefully cut out the character, separating the head from the body along the neck line. Cut the body at approximately shoulder height.
- Apply glue around the outside of the toilet paper roll.
- Wrap the body cut-out around the roll, positioning it so the character’s arms and lower body are visible. The roll becomes the character’s torso.
- Once the body is secure, apply glue to the back of the head cut-out.
- Position the head so it overlaps both the top edge of the toilet paper roll and the body section, creating a cohesive 3D figure.
- Allow to dry completely before handling. For added detail, cut small accessories like bows, flowers, or hearts from colored paper and glue onto the head.
Creative Enhancement: Create an entire Sanrio village by making multiple characters. Display them on a shelf or windowsill, or create seasonal versions with holiday accessories like Santa hats, bunny ears, or flower crowns.
8. Customizable Pencil Toppers
Make homework and writing more enjoyable with personalized Sanrio pencil toppers. These functional crafts help children identify their school supplies while adding kawaii charm to their desk accessories.
Materials Needed:
- Sanrio coloring pages
- Computer and image editing software
- Cardstock
- Coloring supplies
- Scissors
- Plain pencil toppers or small foam tubes
- Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
- Optional: Clear nail polish or Mod Podge for sealing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Resize your chosen Sanrio characters to approximately 1.5-2 inches in height using image editing software. Smaller characters work best for pencil toppers.
- Print the resized characters on cardstock for durability.
- Color the characters carefully, using bold colors that will stand out.
- Cut out each character precisely, following the outline closely.
- If desired, seal the colored surface with clear nail polish or a thin coat of Mod Podge to protect from smudging. Allow to dry.
- Apply glue to the back of each character cut-out.
- Press firmly onto the flat surface of a pencil topper. Hold in place for 30 seconds to ensure good adhesion. Allow to dry completely before use.
Practical Tip: Create a set of pencil toppers featuring different characters so children can identify which supplies belong to them, or assign different characters to different subjects (Hello Kitty for English, Keroppi for Science, etc.).
9. Sanrio Pom-Pom Art (Perfect for Preschoolers)
This tactile craft is ideal for developing fine motor skills in toddlers and preschoolers. By gluing pom-poms within the lines of Sanrio coloring pages, young children practice their pincer grasp while creating textured, dimensional artwork.
Materials Needed:
- Sanrio coloring pages with simple, larger designs (Hello Kitty, Keroppi, and Pochacco work well)
- Craft pom-poms in various sizes (6mm to 15mm) and colors
- White school glue or glue stick
- Cardstock or heavy paper
- Optional: Small containers for sorting pom-poms by color
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Print Sanrio characters on cardstock, selecting images with simple, well-defined areas to fill.
- Optionally outline the characters with a thick black marker to make boundaries more visible for young children.
- Sort pom-poms by color into small containers or muffin tins for easy access.
- Show children how to apply a small dot of glue to the paper and press a pom-pom onto it.
- Guide them to select appropriate colors: white or pink for Hello Kitty, green for Keroppi, yellow for Pompompurin, etc.
- Encourage children to fill entire sections with pom-poms, working from one area to another.
- Allow the completed artwork to dry flat for several hours before displaying.
Educational Benefit: This activity develops hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and pattern completion skills. It also provides a calming, focused activity that can help with concentration and attention span in young learners.
10. Decorative Character Fans for Hot Weather
Create functional, adorable hand fans perfect for summer events, outdoor parties, or cosplay conventions. These Sanrio-themed fans combine practicality with kawaii aesthetics.
Materials Needed:
- Plain folding paper fans (available at party supply stores or online)
- Printable shrink plastic sheets
- Sanrio coloring pages
- Permanent markers
- Scissors
- Oven and baking supplies
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fully open a folding fan and secure it in the open position (use tape or clips temporarily).
- Select and print Sanrio characters onto shrink plastic, sizing them appropriately to fit the fan’s center medallion area.
- Color characters with permanent markers, keeping in mind colors will intensify.
- Cut out and bake according to shrink plastic instructions. Allow to cool completely.
- Remove any temporary securing materials from the fan and locate the center point where the handle meets the folded paper pleats.
- Using hot glue, attach the shrunken character piece to this central area. Apply glue to both the character and fan surface for strongest adhesion.
Event Idea: These character fans make exceptional party favors for summer birthday parties or Japanese-themed events. Create matching sets featuring complementary Sanrio characters, or personalize each fan with a different character for variety.
11. Layered Sanrio Greeting Cards
Handmade greeting cards featuring Sanrio characters add a personal touch to birthday wishes, thank-you notes, or seasonal greetings. This craft teaches children about paper crafting techniques while creating meaningful keepsakes for loved ones.
Materials Needed:
- Sanrio coloring pages
- Colored cardstock in various complementary colors
- Coloring supplies
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Foam mounting squares for 3D effect
- Optional: Ribbon, washi tape, stickers, or stamps for embellishment
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fold a piece of 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock in half to create a standard card base.
- Print, color, and cut out one or two Sanrio characters that fit the card’s theme.
- Cut a piece of complementary colored cardstock slightly smaller than the card front (approximately 1/4 inch smaller on all sides).
- Glue this layer to the card front, creating a border.
- Attach foam mounting squares to the back of your colored Sanrio character cut-outs.
- Position and press the character(s) onto the layered card front. The foam creates dimensional depth.
- Add additional embellishments like ribbon bows, washi tape borders, or hand-written sentiments.
- Write your personal message inside the card.
Occasion Ideas: Match Sanrio characters to occasions—Hello Kitty for birthdays, Little Twin Stars for baby showers, Keroppi for get-well cards, or My Melody for Valentine’s Day cards featuring romantic Sanrio designs. The character choice adds personality and thought to your handmade greeting.
12. Sanrio Memory Matching Game
Create a custom memory matching game that provides educational entertainment for children while celebrating their favorite Sanrio characters. This versatile game can be adjusted for difficulty levels and helps develop memory skills, concentration, and character recognition.
Materials Needed:
- Multiple Sanrio coloring pages (at least 8-12 different characters)
- Cardstock
- Coloring supplies
- Scissors or paper cutter for uniform cutting
- Laminating sheets or clear contact paper
- Ruler
- Optional: Decorative storage box or bag
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Resize 8-12 different Sanrio characters to uniform size (approximately 2×2 inches works well for memory cards).
- Print two copies of each character on cardstock—you need matching pairs.
- Color each character identically to ensure true matching pairs. This is important—both Hello Kitty cards should have the same colors.
- Cut out all cards to identical dimensions using a ruler and scissors or paper cutter for precise, uniform pieces.
- Laminate all cards or cover with clear contact paper to protect from handling wear and potential spills.
- Trim lamination edges, ensuring all cards remain the same size.
- Store cards in a decorative box or drawstring bag for easy organization and portability.
How to Play: Shuffle all cards and place them face-down in rows. Players take turns flipping over two cards, trying to find matching pairs. When a match is found, the player keeps the pair and takes another turn. The game continues until all pairs are matched, with the player holding the most pairs declared the winner.
Difficulty Adjustments: For younger children (ages 3-5), start with just 6-8 pairs. For older children (ages 6+), increase to 12-20 pairs. You can also create themed variations, like ‘Hello Kitty and Friends Only’ or ‘All Sanrio Boys Characters’ for focused gameplay.
Essential Materials and Tools for Sanrio Crafts
Successfully completing these Sanrio craft projects requires some basic supplies. While individual crafts have specific material lists, keeping these general items on hand will prepare you for most projects:
Basic Supplies:
- High-quality printer with color capability
- Regular printer paper (for practice prints)
- Cardstock in white and assorted colors (67 lb minimum)
- Variety of coloring supplies (colored pencils, markers, crayons)
- Sharp scissors (safety scissors for children)
- Craft glue, glue sticks, and hot glue gun with glue sticks
- Ruler and measuring tools
Specialty Items:
- Printable shrink plastic sheets (for rings, fans, and picture frames)
- Laminating sheets or laminator (for durability)
- Permanent markers suitable for plastic surfaces
- Foam mounting squares or tape
- Clear contact paper or clear nail polish for sealing
Expert Tips for Perfect Sanrio Crafts
Maximize the quality and enjoyment of your Sanrio coloring page crafts with these professional insights gathered from experienced crafters and educators:
Printing and Preparation:
- Always print test copies on regular paper before using expensive specialty materials like shrink plastic or cardstock.
- Adjust printer settings to ‘best quality’ or ‘high quality’ for crisp, clear character outlines that are easier to color and cut.
- Print multiple copies of popular characters—you’ll likely want backups for projects or to create sets.
- Store printed coloring pages in sheet protectors within a binder to prevent damage and keep them organized by character.
Coloring Techniques:
- Reference official Sanrio character colors online for authenticity, or embrace creative freedom with unique color schemes.
- Use light pressure with colored pencils first, then build up layers for richer, more professional-looking colors.
- Markers create bold, vibrant results but can bleed through thin paper—always place a protective sheet underneath.
- For crafts requiring cutting, color slightly beyond the lines to avoid white edges showing after cutting.
Assembly and Finishing:
- Allow adequate drying time for all glue—rushing leads to misaligned pieces and messy results.
- Use foam mounting squares instead of flat glue for added dimension and professional appearance.
- Seal finished crafts with clear acrylic spray for outdoor use or extra durability (adult supervision required).
- Photograph completed projects before gifting to maintain a portfolio of your creative work.
Educational and Developmental Benefits
Beyond pure entertainment, these Sanrio coloring page crafts offer substantial developmental advantages for children across various age groups. Research in early childhood education consistently demonstrates that hands-on creative activities support multiple areas of growth:
Fine Motor Skills Development:
Coloring, cutting, and gluing all strengthen the small muscles in children’s hands and fingers, crucial for writing readiness and daily self-care tasks. The American Occupational Therapy Association reports that children who regularly engage in craft activities show 34% improvement in fine motor precision compared to peers with limited craft exposure.
Cognitive Skills Enhancement:
Following multi-step craft instructions builds executive function skills including planning, sequencing, and problem-solving. Children learn to visualize end results and work backwards to determine necessary steps—a fundamental skill for academic success.
Creativity and Self-Expression:
While working with recognizable characters, children make personal choices about colors, embellishments, and design elements. This balance between structure and freedom helps develop creative confidence without the anxiety of completely blank-slate creation.
Social-Emotional Learning:
Group craft activities promote sharing, cooperation, and conversation. Creating gifts for others teaches empathy and consideration. Completing projects builds self-esteem and demonstrates the value of persistence and effort.
Storing and Displaying Finished Sanrio Crafts
After investing time and creativity into these projects, proper storage and display ensures longevity and continued enjoyment:
Display Ideas:
- Create a dedicated Sanrio craft shelf in children’s bedrooms showcasing 3D figures, decorated picture frames, and character fans.
- Install a gallery wall using command strips to display framed pom-pom art and greeting cards without damaging walls.
- Use clear acrylic display stands for bookmarks and masks, allowing 360-degree viewing.
- Rotate seasonal displays, storing off-season crafts in labeled boxes to keep displays fresh and interesting.
Storage Solutions:
- Store flat items like bookmarks and game cards in photo albums with sleeve pages.
- Keep small pieces like rings and pencil toppers in compartmented organizer boxes.
Archive children’s favorites by photographing them and creating digital albums, then recycle older projects to make room for new creations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanrio Coloring Page Crafts
Bringing It All Together: Your Sanrio Crafting Journey
These 12 creative craft ideas transform simple Sanrio coloring sheets (Free PDF Printables) into an array of functional, decorative, and entertaining items that celebrate beloved characters while fostering creativity, skill development, and quality family time. From practical bookmarks and pencil toppers to decorative picture frames and interactive memory games, each project offers unique opportunities for personalization and creative expression.
The beauty of these crafts lies in their accessibility—most require common household materials and basic skills, making them perfect for budget-conscious families, classroom activities, or rainy day entertainment. Yet despite their simplicity, the finished products possess professional quality and genuine charm that children treasure.
Whether you’re new to crafting or an experienced maker, these Sanrio-themed projects provide endless possibilities for adaptation and personalization. Mix and match techniques, create themed collections, or develop your own unique variations inspired by these foundational ideas.
Remember that the process matters as much as the product. The time spent coloring, cutting, and creating together builds memories that last far longer than the crafts themselves. Embrace imperfections, celebrate creativity, and most importantly, have fun bringing these adorable Sanrio characters to life in new and exciting ways.
Start with one or two projects that match your available materials and skill level, then gradually expand your crafting repertoire. Before you know it, you’ll have an impressive collection of unique Sanrio creations and a wealth of joyful crafting memories to treasure. Happy crafting!
