How to Find Toilet Paper Tube Craft Ideas

Toilet paper tubes can be recycled into so many fun crafts, party favors, ornaments, toys, and games. There are many fun ways to recycle them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• empty toilet paper tubes
• Computer
• Internet Access
• Printer and printer paper
• Various Craft Supplies for each project

1. 
   Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars

   Make Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars. These can be decorated with paints, markers, or stickers. For complete directions copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.mycraftbook.com/craftidea.asp?craftID=484

2. Make a Kaleidoscope. For directions for this craft, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://optics.nasa.gov/soda_bottle.pdf

3. Build a toilet tube castle. Kids will have fun creating their own castle. For a photo and instructions for this activity, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.kitsapgov.com/sw/pdf/3206_hands_on.pdf

4. 
   Sea Creatures from Toilet Paper Tubes

   Make Sea Creatures. For directions and more photos, copy and paste the following Web address to your address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.makingfriends.com/recycle/tp_sealife.htm

5. Make a cardboard tube kazoo. Combine this with a musical lesson. For simple instructions for this craft, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.makingfriends.com/music/kazoo.htm

6. 

   Make a Lincoln Hat Craft for President's Day. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address in your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/presidentsday/lincolnhat/

7. Make Cardboard Tube Puppets. Once have have them made, ask the kids to put on a puppet show. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.crayola.com/crafts/detail/jack-and-jill-puppets-craft/

8. Make a Not-So-Scary TP Snake. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://makingfriends.com/animal/tp_snake.htm

9. Make sunflowers with toilet paper tubes. Keep kids busy over the summer with this craft project. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.makingfriends.com/recycle/tp_flowers.htm

10. 

    Make a 3-D Snowflake Craft during the winter holidays. For the instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Decorations/C0100_3DSnowflake.asp

11. 

    Make pencil holders (ages 6-12). These can be decorated with stickers, paints, pictures cut from old magazines and more. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.makingfriends.com/pencil_holder.htm

12. Make Fire Cracker Favors. Combine this carft with a lesson on the history of fireworks and Independence Day, or add them to your holiday festivities. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link in resources below) and enter: http://www.makingfriends.com/patriotic/fire_crackers.htm

13. Make a Kachina Doll Craft. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/na/kachina/

14. 

    Make a Wind Sock. This is another boredom buster activity for kids. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/decorations/C0797_windsock.asp

15. 

    Make napkin rings. There are so many ways to make these. Using scissors and cutting the tubes in desired sizes, kids can help decorate them and theme them for any holiday. For a pattern and instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the links provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.craftelf.com/Craft_elf_Valentine_Heart_Napkin_ring.htm

16. Make a Clover Top-Hat Coin holder for St. Patrick's Day decorations. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://highlightskidsplus.com/Express/Crafts/Holidays/C0399_pattysdaybank.asp

17. 
    Secret Message Tube

    Make a secret message tube. Kids will have a blast with this craft. The one in the photo was decorated by a six year old, and the straw is a recycled straw from a drink pouch. For complete instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Toys/C0600_secretmessageTube.asp

18. Make Yummy Mummies. I made these for a class treat and they were a big hit with this kids. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11286

19. Make Reindeer Party Favor. For our version we used construction paper and used googly eyes instead of the M&M's. These made nice party treat favors for school Christmas classroom parties. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.brightideas.com/bright_idea.aspx?ID=164

20. Make cute Halloween classroom party treat favors. For instructions to make witches, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.brightideas.com/bright_idea.aspx?ID=174

21. 
    Toilet Paper Tube Angel Using Free Printable Template (color or B&W)

    Make Cardboard Tube Angels for the winter holidays. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address in your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.dltk-bible.com/mangel.html

22. 

    Make a toilet paper tube Santa. The one in the photo was created by an 11 year old. Kids can make these any way they want, and with various craft items. For a pattern for one, copy and paste the following Web address in your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter:
    http://www.freekidcrafts.com/toilet-paper-tube-santa.html

23. Make a drum Christmas Tree ornament. This project is more difficult to complete. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/treeornaments/l/blorntpdrum.htm

24. Make a toilet paper tube Christmas Tree Ornament. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.makingfriends.com/recycle/tp_xmas_tree.htm

25. Make a paper tube Menorah. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.makingfriends.com/menorahtp.htm

26. Make a cardboard tube wreath for the winter holidays. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.make-stuff.com/hollidays/tube_wreath.html

27. 

    Use for chew toys for Hamsters and Guinea Pigs. For more information, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://frugal.families.com/blog/creative-uses-for-toilet-paper-rolls

28. 

    Use to store extension cords. For more information, copy and paste the following Web address in your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.haltonwatch.com/Household%20Tips.htm

29. Make Kellogg's Sound Shakers. For the directions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.ricekrispies.com/activities.aspx

30. Make an indoor croquet game for rainy days, indoor winter games, family gatherings and more. For directions, copy and paste the following Web address in your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Games/C0102_croquetFun.asp

31. 
    Made by a 12 year old

    Make Ponytail Barrettes. For directions on how to make these, copy and paste the following Web address in your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Wearable/C0795_barrette.asp

32. Make stacking bears. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Toys/C0201_stackingBears.asp

33. Make a Rock-a-Bye Horse Craft. This is an easy project for kids who love horses. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Toys/C0596_rockinghorse.asp

Tips & Warnings

• Place a bag in the bathroom to save empty toilet paper tubes.
• Party Favor ideas above are great inexpensive elementary classroom party favors.
• Use the Kachina Doll Craft along with a home school lesson plan on the Hopi Indians.
• Recycle school papers by loading them into your home computer to print off these craft project instructions. 3-hole punch the papers and store in a 3-ring binder for convenient use.
• be sure to use caution when children are helping in any activity

Resources

• Toilet paper tube Santa
• Red Nosed Reindeer Favors
• Toilet Paper Tube Drum Ornament
• Toilet Paper Tube Angels
• Fire Cracker Favors
• Cardboard Tube Kazoo
• TP Sunflowers
• Paper Tube Christmas Tree Ornament
• Paper Tube Menorah
• Sea Life Creatures
• Cardboard tube Puppets
• Not-So-Scary TP Snake
• Toilet paper tube pencil holder
• Cardboard tube wreath
• Toilet Paper Roll Crafts ~ Lots of Ideas
• Napkin Rings
• Seashell Napkin Rings
• Thanksgiving Napkin holders
• Toilet Roll Napkin Rings
• Turkey Napkin Rings
• Heart Napkin Rings
• More napkin rings
• Creative Uses ~ Chew toys
• Household Tips - store electrical cords
• Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars
• Soda Bottle and toilet tube Kaleidoscope
• Making a Kaleidoscope
• St. Patrick's Day Clover Top-hat Coin Bank
• Kellogg's Rice Krispies Activities - Sound Shakers
• Family Fun - Cardboard tube crafts video
• Secret Message Tube Craft
• Yummy Mummies - Halloween treat holders
• Kachina Doll Craft
• Lincoln Hat Craft
• Jack and Jill Puppets Craft
• Jungle Binoculars
• Roaring Rockets
• Indoor Croquet Game
• USA Hummer Craft
• Make Ponytail Barrettes
• Stacking Bears Craft
• Rock-a-Bye Horse Craft
• 3-D Snowflake Craft
• Wind Sock Craft
• Perfect Party Poppers Craft
• Educational Activities Using Recycle Materials (page 2 of 5, pdf, Toilet Tube Castle)
• Halloween Party Bewitching Favors

[ourlastchance]

on 5/26/2009 WOW lots of great ideas! 5 *'s

[ljbinkop]

on 1/17/2009 Great crafty ideas. Thanks for the websites, I know it took a lot of time to write it all down! I will save to my faves and recommend you!

[pamom24]

on 1/17/2009 WOW amazing...i have been wanting to do more crafts with my daughter. What great ideas, we always have lots of toiler paper roll things. I'm saving this to my favorites...5

[3-Point]

on 1/17/2009 These are great preschool and kindergarten crafts for busy little ones. Thanks

[nlheinert]

on 1/17/2009 Very creative, and a lot of great ideas!