Creating crafts from toilet paper rolls is not that difficult. It does require a lot of imagination, but will keep children occupied for hours. Here are some craft ideas that use these toilet paper rolls that are creative and fun to make.
Toilet Paper Roll Canoe
This makes a great canoe that a child will love to make and play with. It's simple, but requires adult supervision to help a child with the glue, or it could get rather sticky.
Materials Needed
- 1 toilet paper roll
- 1 Popsicle stick
- Brown acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Craft glue
- Scissors
Instructions
- Fold the toilet paper roll in half lengthwise.
- Using a pair of scissors, cut out the opening for the canoe. It should be in the shape of a half an oval and not too deep into the toilet paper roll.
- Glue the ends of the roll together and hold until set.
- Trim just enough the bottom corners to round it like a canoe.
- Squeeze the ends towards each other so the opening in the top spreads open.
- Glue small pieces of the Popsicle stick in the bottom for two seats.
This is a very simple, creative recycling project that children (especially little boys) love. They are very quick to make and are fun for kids of all ages. Take the craft one step further, and paint decorations on the canoe, too.
Beautiful Toilet Paper Roll Bracelet
What little girl doesn’t love to make jewelry? This is a terrific craft that uses just a few items found around the house and lets a child express her creativity. The boys may want to get involved as well, with pictures of cars, trucks, motorcycles, or even animals.
Materials Needed
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Craft glue
- Pictures from magazines, newspapers, old greeting cards, or even photos
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Glitter, sequins, or lightweight fake jewels
- Ribbon scraps
- Small hole punch
Instructions
- Cut the toilet paper roll down one side. Cut the roll into whatever width suits the child making the project. Small widths will make slender bracelets, while thicker widths will make stylish chunky bracelets.
- Using a small hole punch, punch one hole in either end of the roll.
- Let the child find pretty pictures in the magazines and cut them into strips. The pictures do not have to be the width of the bracelet because they will be wrapped around the piece of the toilet paper roll.
- Using a paintbrush, apply glue to the back of the picture and wrap it smoothly around the width of the roll. Keep going until it is completely covered in pictures.
- Use small pictures for details. Also glue on small pieces of sequins, glitter, or fake jewels that can be found at the craft store.
- Cover the top of the bracelet with clear clue and allow it to dry. Be sure to avoid any of the sequins. This will help to protect the bracelet.
- Thread the ribbon or string into each end and tie it in a bow.
The great thing about this craft is that a child can make at least 3 to 5 bracelets with one toilet paper roll, enough to share with friends!
Toilet paper rolls are just a terrific base for many craft projects. They also make it easy to teach children the importance of recycling in today’s world. Don't stop with these crafts; use the imagination to create new and unusual ideas with toilet paper rolls.
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Denise Oliveri - Denise has been writing for Suite101 for many years, and enjoys sharing her experiences and knowledge with readers. Her main occupation at ...
