Transforming ordinary paper rolls into extraordinary creations is not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly! If you’re like me and have a stash of these rolls lying around, don’t let them go to waste. Instead, unleash your creativity by trying out some innovative paper roll crafts. With 20 clever ideas at your disposal, you’ll never look at those humble tubes in the same way again.
From repurposing paper towel and toilet paper rolls to creating something entirely new, this collection is bursting with inspiration for turning yesterday’s trash into today’s treasure.
Tubular Race Cars
Help your kids unleash their creativity by turning toilet paper rolls into custom-made racing cars. This project is easy to set up and requires minimal materials. Simply gather scissors, craft foam for the wheels, aluminum foil for the rims, glue, small paper fasteners, a hole puncher, and decorative paper or acrylic paint. You can even use your child’s favorite colors to make their car truly unique.
For younger children, you may need to assist with cutting out shapes or punching holes, but older kids will have a blast designing and building their own formula one prototypes. This project is perfect for some well-deserved ‘me’ time while the kids are occupied. And don’t forget about the race track – what’s racing without a proper course? You can create your own DIY track or explore more innovative options like an ingenious road track play mat that doubles as toy storage.
For even more creative projects, be sure to check out [link] for Dollar Tree crafts and ideas.
Extendable Pirate Spyglass
Bring the thrill of swashbuckling adventure to life with this simple yet effective DIY extendable spyglass, the perfect addition to your little one’s pirate costume. The magic lies in attaching a paper cup to the end of a toilet paper roll, which can be easily achieved by rummaging through your pantry for any spare cups you may have lying around.
If you’re unable to find any suitable options, consider using this gold paper cup as a substitute, adding an extra layer of realism to your child’s spyglass and their pirate role-play.
Roller Bird Feeder
Transforming toilet paper tubes into bird-friendly treats is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Simply apply peanut butter evenly onto the tubes, place them on a plate filled with birdseed, and then suspend them from tree branches. This low-maintenance project allows you to sit back and enjoy the anticipation of watching birds discover their new snack.
Gruffalo Character Set
Bringing the beloved characters from The Gruffalo to life through creative play can be an exciting and engaging experience for kids. One way to do this is by using toilet paper rolls as a starting point. These humble household items can become the foundation for imaginative storytelling, role-playing, and creativity.
For those who may not have had the pleasure of introducing their children to the Gruffalo, it’s worth noting that this award-winning and internationally bestselling children’s picture book has been delighting young readers with its unique blend of humor, wit, and charm. With various formats available, including audiobooks and paperbacks, there’s never been a better time to discover the world of The Gruffalo.
Star Wars Cardboard Figures
While the iconic Star Wars franchise may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it has the power to unite households across all ages. For those who are young at heart or have a fondness for nostalgia, this project is an opportunity to tap into their inner Jedi and create something truly out-of-this-world.
This low-key DIY endeavour requires minimal effort and resources – simply download the complimentary Star Wars printables, cut them out, and adhere them to your toilet paper cardboard. Voilà!
You’re now ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through a galaxy far, far away… For those seeking more creative ways to stretch their budget, we recommend exploring our curated selection of Dollar Tree crafts that offer endless possibilities.
Cardboard Easter Resurrection Scene
Building on our exploration of character sets, let’s embark on a creative endeavor to recreate an Easter resurrection scene. You’re free to draw the characters from scratch or utilize the pre-designed resurrection printables available on this page. While we’ve just celebrated Easter, this concept can be easily adapted for other occasions, such as conjuring up scary characters for Halloween or reenacting the nativity scene during the Christmas season. The possibilities are endless!
Cardboard Bunny
For kids who are still reeling from the Easter bunny’s sugary aftermath, redirect their excess energy into crafting creative cardboard bunnies. To breathe new life into plain hopping toilet paper rolls, incorporate wiggly eyes that come in a diverse array of shapes, sizes, and colors. This simple activity can be found here.
Cardboard Pencil Holder
Adding a touch of personalization to your home office or kids’ study space has never been easier. This affordable upgrade can be effortlessly incorporated into any existing setup, and its versatility knows no bounds. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere for yourself or inspire creativity in the young minds around you, this project offers endless possibilities for design experimentation.
Animal Cardboards
Why settle for just bunnies when you can explore a whole menagerie of fascinating creatures? To encourage your little ones to venture beyond familiar friends, try using this engaging interactive animal book, designed specifically for kids aged 3 to 8. This educational tool not only teaches them about the unique characteristics, behaviors, and habitats of various animals but also fosters creativity through cardboard craft activities.
And if you don’t have the necessary materials at home, fear not! There are plenty of affordable options available to get your creative juices flowing.
Elsa’s Bracelet
The Disney Frozen phenomenon refuses to thaw out. The release of Frozen 2 in 2019 has rekindled the fervor for Anna and Elsa’s icy adventures, and their iconic faces now adorn merchandise galore. To stay ahead of the trend and delight your little princess, consider crafting upcycled accessories that will surely resonate with her Frozen passion. Gather rhinestone gems, easily sourced here
Shining Shimmering Bangles
Add some sparkle to your DIY game by transforming toilet paper rolls into colorful bangles using tin foil wraps. Simply wrap the cardboard roll in layers of tin foil, then inject some personality with vibrant ribbons or embellishments. For an added bonus, skip traditional glues altogether and opt for washi tapes instead. Not only do they provide a decorative touch, but they also serve as a convenient adhesive solution.
Explore a vast array of washi tape designs to find the perfect match for your creative project.
Cardboard Kaleidoscope Fun
Kaleidoscopes are a fantastic way to introduce kids to the wonders of light and reflection, making them an engaging project for the whole family to work on together. The use of paper towel cardboards is particularly recommended, as they provide a longer surface area compared to toilet paper rolls. This DIY activity also offers an excellent opportunity to repurpose leftover washi tapes and gemstones from previous projects, such as the bracelet and bangle tutorials.
For a step-by-step guide on crafting your very own cardboard kaleidoscope, visit this page.
Paper Towel Roll Rainstick
A rainstick is an instrument designed to mimic the soothing sound of rainfall. To create a makeshift version using a paper towel roll, start by filling the tube with rice and wrapping it in spiralled aluminum foil. Seal both ends and let your creativity shine through by decorating the rainstick as you see fit. For a more detailed visual guide, check out this video, tailored specifically for learners who absorb information better through visuals.
Cardboard Roll Sculptures
Embracing the phrase ‘turn your trash into art,’ this project transforms ordinary cardboard rolls into an extraordinary piece of family art. Ditch the idea of disposing of toilet paper and paper towel rolls and gather the gang for a creative adventure. The beauty of this endeavor lies in its uniqueness, so you’re free to let your imagination run wild and dictate the final product.
One helpful hint: incorporate strategically placed slits on the cardboard and utilize a high-quality glue gun, such as the one mentioned, to secure the rolls and maintain their structural integrity.
Cardboard Bowling Pins
Transform your living room into a bowling alley without breaking the bank! Instead of spending money on a set number of games at a commercial bowling lane, why not get creative and have some fun with your loved ones? Simply recycle those toilet paper rolls and turn them into makeshift bowling pins. This not only reduces waste but also encourages healthy competition among family members. To take it to the next level, consider investing in a foam bowling ball for the kids (or adults!
) to learn proper handling techniques. Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be creating lasting memories with your family.
Space Rocket from the Toilet
While I may not have chosen the most innovative name for this project, the phrase did possess a certain ring to it. Moreover, the cylindrical design of toilet paper rolls makes them an ideal canvas for kids to express their creativity and craft their own space-age vehicles.
In related news, I recently stumbled upon an incredible planetarium projector that has left me utterly fascinated.
If your little ones are enthralled by the mysteries of the solar system and space exploration, you might want to consider adding this marvelous device to your gift registry for future reference.
Confetti Launcher
Transforming milestone celebrations into unforgettable experiences is a cinch with this DIY confetti launcher. No longer reserved for New Year’s Eve alone, this fun and easy project lets you mark every special occasion in your family’s calendar. To get started, gather three essential components: a balloon, confetti, and your imagination. Begin by cutting the balloon just below its neck, then place it atop one end of a toilet paper roll.
Unleash your creativity on the roll itself, adding any decorations that resonate with the celebration at hand. Next, pour an abundance of confetti into the roll’s interior. When the moment to mark the occasion arises, simply pull back the balloon and let the confetti rain down – a delightful surprise for all involved! This unique launcher is sure to bring joy and excitement to every family gathering.
Themed Cardboard Napkin Rings
Elevate your table setting by crafting unique napkin rings tailored to each occasion’s theme. Starfish-inspired rings make a perfect fit for beach-themed parties, but feel free to modify the design to match your event’s aesthetic. To create these charming accessories, start with a cut-out piece of toilet paper roll as your base and get creative with materials of your choice. For this particular design, you’ll need a sturdy jute rope – a simple online search can help you source one.
Personalized Napkin Ring Place Holder
Elevate the ambiance at your next gathering by adding a personalized touch to your table setting – a customized napkin ring place holder is sure to impress. For those looking to improve their handwriting skills or learn the art of beautiful lettering, exploring books on calligraphy for beginners can be an excellent starting point.
Cardboard Roll Memento
For those who cherish thoughtful presents, this DIY endeavor is a delightful pursuit. Essentially, it involves transforming empty toilet paper tubes into mini containers to store meaningful mementos and heartfelt notes for the special people in your life.
Conclusion
As you take a well-deserved break, we’re confident that the suggestions above provided the perfect opportunity for your children to be entertained, giving you some much-needed downtime. Take this chance to share your favorite activity with loved ones, whether it’s a creative project or a fun game – and enjoy the quality time together.
