These paper towel roll crafts are perfect boredom busters, and will bring out kids’ creativity on a budget. Grab a cardboard tube and get started.
I just recently wrote an article on toilet paper roll crafts, and I shared over 50 recycled kids craft ideas to make with cardboard tubes. I decided, when looking at my ever growing stash, that paper towel rolls needed to be represented too.
Especially with times as they are right now – we’re all inside a lot. And given the purchases earlier this year, everyone has a lot of cardboard tubes taking up space in their home.
It’s time to start getting crafty with the tubes, if you haven’t already. And even if you have, there are a lot of ideas here you probably haven’t tried!
Paper Towel Tube Crafts
Before we dive into the crafts, let’s go through some frequently asked questions about toilet paper tube crafts! If you’re ready to dive into the projects, simply scroll down to the list below the questions.
What crafts can you make with paper towel rolls?
I’m actually kind of excited to share everything that you can do with the cardboard tubes. For years the only thing I knew about was seed starters, and I had no idea there were other things you could make.
Turns out there’s a lot, from kids projects to wall art to holiday. You’ll see in the list.
What is the inside of a paper towel roll called?
The cardboard in the center of the roll is called the “core” and that’s what you’re going to use for your projects.
Sometimes you can slide it out before the roll is done – but for the most part you have to wait until all the paper towels are off to use the cardboard tube within.
What paint can I use on cardboard tubes?
I recommend using Apple Barrel or FolkArt paint. Apple Barrel is the less expensive of the two craft paints, and it’s got great pigmentation. This brand is also non-toxic and waterbase for easy clean up, so it’s perfect to use with kids.
Are you ready to jump into the paper towel tube crafts? Keep on reading to get the list!
Paper Towel Roll Crafts
Grab a bunch of cardboard tubes and get started on these paper towel roll craft ideas! You're going to love the variety of the suggestions - plenty of ideas for ages kid to adult.
DIY Desk Organizer
Use old cereal boxes and toilet paper rolls to create a unique DIY desk organizer! This craft organizer is perfect if you're on a budget.
Geometric Wall Art
When I say this cardboard tube wall art is easy enough for kids to make, I mean it! The color and shape possibilities are endless!
DIY Napkin Rings
Use recycled paper towel rolls to make these burlap DIY napkin rings. You’d never guess they were made for pennies! Perfect for the holidays.
Polka Dot Paper Lanterns
Grab an old string of twinkle lights and make some cool covers with paper towel rolls! You're going to the love the polka dotted glow when you plug these in at night.
Heart Stamping
Did you realize that you can turn a paper towel roll into a stamp? Yes you can! In this case a heart was made - and a group of littles had a blast decorating canvases in this cute craft.
Make a Rainstick
A rainstick is a long tube-like instrument that makes a sound like rain falling when it is turned over. It’s easy to make a kid-friendly rainstick out of a recycled paper towel roll and some items from your kitchen and craft room.
Duct Tape Bracelets
These duct tape bracelets are a great idea for kids who like recycled crafts! They’re easy to make and wear, and all you need in addition to the tape is a paper towel roll.
Fantastical Fortress
All you'll need is some construction paper, markers, and a bit of washi tape to make this unique castle! Your princes and princesses will really enjoy making the fortress of their dreams.
Make a Kazoo
Kids always love making homemade instruments! Here’s how to make a kazoo using a cardboard tube. It’s a fun craft for kid and a great science activity for exploring sound.
Flower Stamping
Make adorable stamp flower works of art using recycled materials. This paper roll flower stamping craft is fun for kids of all ages and the end result makes a perfect gift!
Cardboard Snake
I not only love that the fact that this reptile is recycled - I love that its segments move! This cool snake will fascinate children and is a great teaching activity.
Star Wars Characters
These Star Wars characters are SO easy to make out of cardboard tubes! One tube can make multiple Rebels or any member of the Empire.
Paper Roll Gift Box
No need to buy gift boxes when you can make adorable, pretty, and personalized recycled gift boxes for a fraction of the cost! Crafters of any age will love personalizing these.
Very Lonely Firefly
This colorful craft was inspired by the Eric Carle book "The Very Lonely Firefly." Make your own fireflies (or lightning bugs as they're also called) using a cardboard tube and some paper!
Easy Wind Twirlers
Don't throw those paper towel rolls away - turn them into colourful, spinning outdoor ornaments! Make these for the 4th of July or just because you love summer.
Bowling Game
Grab a roll of Duck Tape and some cardboard tubes to make this inexpensive bowling game! Kids will love knocking over the "pins," stacking them up, and playing another round.
Rainbow Wind Catcher
This cardboard tube craft was made for St. Patrick's Day, but you can customize it for any time of year! Pick your favorite paint colors and ribbon.
Simple Swan
Paper roll swans are a fun recycling craft for kids of all ages! Your finished swan can be embellished with real feathers and sparkles if you choose.
Dragon Pencil Pot
Brighten up your desk and keep your pens and pencils safe with a fiery dragon pencil pot holder! This project is fun, easy, and looks cool in a variety of colors.
Cardboard Tube Zebra
I love the black and white pipe cleaner mane and tail on this African equine! Once you start making zebras from paper towel rolls - you'll never go back.
Advent Calendar
Make your Christmas countdown a little more fun with the addition of tealights! Every day your faux tree will get just a little bit brighter. So fun and easy to do.
Seahorse Puppets
Aren't seahorses magical? These strange little creatures are a crucial part of an aquatic habitat. Paper roll puppets are so fun to make and will provide hours of undersea fun.
Giraffe Marionette
The long necks and legs of giraffe make them perfect for turning into marionette puppets! Easy to make and paint in the colors of your choice.
Paper Roll Cacti
If you love cute paper towel roll crafts, you're going to have to try these cacti! You can use one tube to make some prickly friends in a variety of sizes.
Paper Roll Angel
This easy paper roll angel makes for a fun upcycling craft for Christmas. She looks beautiful sitting on the mantlepiece!
Caterpillar Pencil Holder
Caterpillars are perfect for paper towel roll crafts - the segments of their bodies are conducive to getting creative with color! Learn how to make this simple pencil holder with a few tubes.
Paper Tube Pumpkins
Paper towel roll pumpkins are a simple fall decor craft that makes a big impact. Create them by repurposing items you already have in your home!
DIY Kaleidoscope
I love working with perler beads, and in this craft you can use them along with cardboard tubes to make a super colorful kaleidoscope!
Homemade Xylophone
Musical toys are great developmental tools for kids. Try letting your child personalize their xylophone by decorating the tubes before you fasten them together!
Ice Castle
One of my favorite parts of this lovely winter castle is the base - made out of old CDs! So sparkly, and perfect if you're looking for a magical Frozen craft idea.
Colorful Superheroes
Superhero tales never fail to capture the imaginations of the young (and the not-so-young), so what better way for you and your kids to bring them to life together than with a few paper roll superheroes?
Cardboard Tube Minions
Add a few Minions to the family with this fun craft idea! Let kids personalize their Minions with the expressions that most resonate with them.
Flower Wall Art
I love that this is almost like a shadow box! The paper towel rolls add a cool dimension to this wall art.
Recycled Flowers
These recycled flowers are a perfect rainy day or summer boredom buster activity! Kids will love the unlimited ways to paint and decorate their seasonal blooms.
Paper Roll Mermaid
Turn one paper towel roll into a pretty under-the-sea princess! Make a variety of these cute girls using various colors of hair and sparkly tails.
Simple Party Crowns
These paper tube crowns are great party favors, or a perfect kids' activity to do during a celebration! Very easy to cut and decorate with washi tape.
DIY Phone Speakers
Ever notice that how your phone just doesn't play music loud enough, even at the highest volume setting? Well, if you have a cardboard roll and two cups lying around, you can fix that problem in a couple of minutes!
Jumping Jellyfish
Turn a cardboard tube into a cute and colorful jellyfish craft for kids! You’ll just need an empty paper towel roll, some paint, and scissors.
If you enjoyed these crafts with paper towel rolls, let me know in the comments. Then check out these other craft project collections for kids:
Boredom Busters • Bottle Caps • Camping • Cardboard • Christmas • Clothespins • Crafts for Boys • Crafts for Girls • Crafts at Home • Crosses • Easter • Easy Crafts • Egg Cartons • Googly Eyes • Halloween • Handprints • Mod Podge • Painting • Paper Mache • Paper Plates • Pipe Cleaners • Poinsettias • Popsicle Sticks • Rainbows