15 Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

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Save those cardboard tubes! Toilet paper rolls are one of the best free craft supplies around. With a little paint, paper and glue, they turn into binoculars, rockets, animals and more. Here are 15 easy ideas.

1. Binoculars: tape two rolls side by side, decorate, and add a yarn strap.
2. Telescope: tape two or three rolls end to end and decorate.
3. Train: paint rolls as train cars and connect with yarn; add bottle-cap wheels.
4. Rocket: add a paper cone on top and tissue paper flames at the bottom.
5. Snake: cut a roll in a spiral, paint it and add a forked paper tongue.
6. Owls: fold the top edges in to make ears, then add cupcake-liner wings.
7. Bumblebee: wrap in yellow paper with black stripes and add wax paper wings.
8. Bird feeder: spread with peanut butter (or sunflower butter), roll in birdseed and hang on a branch.
9. Butterfly: add colorful paper wings and pipe cleaner antennae.
10. Superhero cuffs: cut a roll open, decorate and slip on wrists.
11. 3-D tree: cut slits in the top, fold out branches and add paper leaves.
12. Race cars: cut a hole for a driver, add bottle-cap wheels.
13. Pencil holder: glue a few decorated rolls to a cardboard base.
14. Stamp art: dip the end in paint to stamp circles, or pinch into heart shapes.
15. Bunny or cat: fold the top to make ears and draw a face.

Craft-time tips

• Cover the table with newspaper or a cheap plastic tablecloth.
• Set out supplies before calling the kids over.
• Let kids make it their own; it doesn’t have to look like the example.
• Grown-ups handle hot glue, ovens and sharp tools.

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FAQ

How do I keep cardboard tubes from getting soggy with paint?

Use a thin coat of acrylic paint or wrap them in paper instead.

Are toilet paper roll crafts sanitary?

Most crafters use them; you can also use paper towel tubes cut to size.

What age are these crafts for?

Ages 3 and up with help; older kids can do them on their own.

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