Ever finish a roll of toilet paper and sigh, knowing another cardboard tube is destined for the recycling bin? Well, hold on! Those humble cardboard rolls hold a universe of creative potential.
They’re free, readily available, and perfect for crafting with kids or on your own.
We’ll explore 20 easy toilet paper roll crafts that are fun, creative, and perfect for all ages.
From adorable animals to functional organizers, get ready to transform those cardboard tubes into something truly special!
Getting Started: Your Craft Kit Essentials
Before we dive in, let’s gather some basic supplies you’ll likely have on hand:
- Empty toilet paper rolls: The stars of the show!
- Scissors: Essential for cutting and shaping your cardboard creations.
- Glue: A good all-purpose glue or white school glue will work wonders.
- Paint: Acrylic paint is versatile and dries quickly, but tempera or watercolors can also be used.
- Markers, crayons, colored pencils: Add details, patterns, or facial features to your crafts.
- Construction paper, yarn, buttons, googly eyes: Let your imagination run wild with these embellishments!
The Craft Collection: 20 Toilet Paper Roll Delights
Now, let’s unleash your inner artist! Here are 20 toilet paper roll crafts categorized by theme:
Adorable Animals:
Owls:
Paint a roll brown, add white circles for eyes, and create a triangular beak with construction paper. Glue on felt or paper wings, and for an extra touch, attach yarn for feathery tufts.
Elephants:
Flatten one end of a roll to create the elephant’s head. Paint it grey, add floppy ears cut from construction paper, and don’t forget a long, curly trunk made from a pipe cleaner!
Monkeys:
Paint a roll brown and glue on black construction paper circles for eyes. Cut out a long, curved tail from brown paper and attach it to the back. Use pipe cleaners to create bendable arms and legs.
Penguins:
These are super easy! Paint the roll black and white, with a white belly. Glue on googly eyes, a small orange beak, and tiny flippers cut from black felt.
Snakes:
Paint a roll green with brown stripes, and glue on wiggle eyes. You can add a forked tongue made from red felt.
Blooming Beauties:
Flowers:
Cut a roll into a spiral shape. Carefully unfurl it to create a beautiful flower. Paint it and add leaves cut from green construction paper.
Miniature Cacti:
Paint a roll green, add small spines with toothpicks, and glue on tiny paper flowers made from colorful construction paper circles.
Sunflowers:
Paint a roll yellow and glue on black sunflower seeds (buttons work well!). Cut out large brown leaves from construction paper and attach them to the base of the roll.
Under the Sea:
Fish:
Flatten one end of a roll to create a fish head. Paint it colorful and add scales cut from construction paper or glitter. Glue on fins and a tail made from construction paper.
Octopus:
Cut eight long strips from the bottom of a roll, curling them outwards to create octopus tentacles. Paint the body and add googly eyes.
Jellyfish:
Cut long, flowing strips from a plastic bag. Glue them to the bottom of a painted toilet paper roll. Add a string for hanging and watch your jellyfish “swim” in the breeze.
Playful Pretend:
Binoculars:
Decorate two rolls with paint and stickers. Use yarn or string to connect them and explore the world with your homemade binoculars!
Telescopes:
Decorate a long roll and add a small magnifying glass (check dollar stores!) at one end. Now you’re ready to stargaze!
Dolls or Puppets:
Decorate a roll and add yarn hair, felt clothes, and googly eyes. Glue on wooden craft sticks for arms, and put on a puppet show!
For the Organized Mind:
Pencil Holders:
Decorate rolls with paint or patterned paper. Line them up in a box or basket for a colorful and functional pencil holder.
Gift Wrap Holders:
Cut rolls in half and decorate them. Use them to hold gift wrap rolls neatly and avoid tangled chaos!
Jewelry Stands:
Cut rolls in half vertically and glue them onto a decorated cardboard base. You can create different sized holders for necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
A Touch of Whimsy:
Party Favors:
Decorate rolls with colorful paper and fill them with small toys, candies, or trinkets. Tie them shut with ribbon for a delightful party favor.
Wall Art:
Cut rolls into various shapes and sizes. Paint them and arrange them on a canvas to create a unique and textured wall hanging.
Gift Boxes:
Decorate rolls with wrapping paper or fabric scraps. Add a lid made from construction paper and use them for small gifts or treats.
Bonus Craft: Feed the Bird!
Feeling extra creative? Here’s a bonus craft that’s fun for both kids and adults:
- Bird Feeder: Decorate a roll with paint and birdseed-friendly embellishments (twigs, leaves). Poke small holes near the top and thread yarn or string through them. Hang it outside for feathered friends to enjoy a tasty snack!
Tips and Tricks for Crafting Success:
- Get Messy! Crafting is all about having fun and letting your creativity flow. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, patterns, and embellishments.
- Think Outside the Roll! While toilet paper rolls are the stars, consider incorporating other recycled materials like paper cups, egg cartons, or even plastic bottles.
- Involve the Whole Family! Crafting is a fantastic bonding activity. Get your kids involved in decorating and assembling the crafts.
- Embrace the Imperfections! Handmade crafts are charming precisely because they’re unique. Don’t worry about achieving absolute perfection.
With these 20 easy toilet paper roll crafts and a little creativity, you can transform everyday waste into something beautiful and useful. So, gather your supplies, unleash your inner artist, and get ready to craft something amazing! Remember, the possibilities are endless!
