20 things to do with … toilet paper rolls

Posted in DIY Activities & Play.

20 things to do with toilet paper rolls
If there is one craft item that’s plentiful in every household, it’s toilet paper rolls. And the bigger your family, the more of a stockpile you’re likely to produce! So what to do with them?

Here are 20 fun ideas to try out – from kiddie crafts to practical recycling options.

1. DIY gift boxes

Make gift boxes from toilet paper rollsSo, gifts and toilet paper aren’t usually two things that go together, but with a couple of folds and some decoration you can transform toilet rolls in to pillow boxes perfect for party favours or little treats. See how it’s done at Skip to My Lou.

2. Wall art

Make wall art from toilet paper rollsBeautiful, graphic and architectural, you can make just about any pattern you like using this technique. The cut-up rolls are glued together and then held in place with clothes pegs until dry. See it close up at Myrtle & Eunice.

3. Crafty flowers

Toilet paper flowersA rainy day craft with a big payoff – bright, gorgeous flowers! Get the tutorial from Better Homes & Gardens, and see the finished product over at Saltwater-Kids.

4. Bird feeder

Toilet roll bird feederToilet paper rolls + peanut butter + birdseed + twine = a recycled bird feeder that the kids can help make. Get the tutorial at TP Craft.

5. Hanging heart decorations

Heart decorations made from toilet paper rollsSave this idea up for next Valentine’s Day, or surprise your loved one today! See how it was made over at DRI (Spanish language site).

6. Seedling containers

Toilet paper rolls uses as seedling containersGrow seedlings in toilet paper rolls and when they are ready to plant, you simply put the whole thing in the ground (the rolls will decompose). Source: saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com

7. Party crowns

Party crowns made from toilet paper rolls

Teeny tiny crowns for teeny tiny princesses – how gorgeous! Cut, decorate, and attach some elastic. See the steps over at Creative Jewish Mom.

8. Cable storage

Toilet paper rolls as cable storageLet’s pretend we all thought of this. Because … why didn’t we?! A super simple cable fix (pretty paper covering optional). Cables can then be stored vertically in boxes to save space. Apartment Therapy has a tutorial for how to make this covered version.

9. Race track

Toilet paper roll race trackFancy, schmancy toys, eat your heart out. Create cool race tracks and marble runs with this idea from What do you do all day?

10. Costume wig

Toilet paper rolls used as a costume wigThis idea reall had us giggling. Grab the tutorial at Handmade Spark and save it up for your next dress up party. Via tpcraft.blogspot.com.au

11. Owl puppets

Owl puppets made from toilet paper rollsHoot if you’re cute! These sweet winking owls featured on Decoldias are very charming, and there are loads of other animals you could make with this technique.

12. Craft caddy

Craft caddy made from toilet paper rollsGet step-by-step instructions for creating this mega craft caddy over at Instructables.

13. Papercut art

Papercut art made from toilet rollsThese creations might be a bit beyond your average crafter, but they are beautiful to look at nonetheless. Artist Anastassia Elias mounts miniature papercut scenes inside toilet rolls, producing a tiny, layered world inside a very unlikely object.

14. Heart stamp

Heart stamp made from toilet paper rollsSuper sweet! Let your little one create heart-stopping artworks with this easy DIY stamper created by Rust & Sunshine.

15. Play binoculars

Binoculars made from toilet paper rollsYour next jungle-themed party needs these! Get the instructions at World of Mex.

16. Cardboard castle

Carboard castle made from toilet paper rollsKnights and princesses will be equally captivated by this DIY castle. We love the little trees – such a simple idea. Read the step-by-step at bloesem kids.

17. Doll’s chairs

Dolls chairs made from cardboard tubesGlenyce from Mid-Craft Crisis made these fancy little chairs for her daughter’s Barbie out of recycled mailing tubes, but you easily make a version from toilet rolls too.

18. Animal marionettes

Animal marionettes made from toilet paper rollsLeaf prints and toilet paper rolls combine to make Autumnal marionette birds. See how they were made over at Red Ted Art.

19. Race cars

Race cars made from toilet paper rollsA simple idea, but a classic. Toilet paper rolls plus juice lids and detergent caps. And they’re off! Created by Rubbish Craft For Toddlers.

20. Music maker

Tubular bellsKate from Mini Eco makes very beautiful things from paper, card and ordinary objects. This simple instrument is made by skewering holes in a cardboard tube and attaching bells with a needle and thread. A pop of coloured paper in this inside makes it fun!

READ MORE:
• 20 ways to recycle Christmas packaging
• 14 cool things to make with recycled milk cartons
• Plate it up: 15 craft projects to make with paper plates

Share On