20 Paper Roll Crafts (Towel and Toilet)
Empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls are some of the best recycled craft materials you can keep at home. Instead of throwing them away, transform these cardboard tubes into creative toys, educational projects, holiday decorations, and practical organizers. These paper roll crafts are inexpensive, eco-friendly, and suitable for preschoolers, school-aged children, and even adults who enjoy simple DIY projects.
Whether you’re planning classroom activities, homeschool lessons, rainy-day entertainment, or weekend family crafting, these easy paper roll crafts encourage creativity while teaching children the value of recycling. Gather your cardboard rolls, paint, glue, scissors, and a few basic craft supplies to create these exciting projects everyone will enjoy.
1. Tubular Race Cars
Credit: thriftyjinxy.com
Turn empty toilet paper rolls into colorful race cars that kids can decorate and race around the house. Cut out a seat, paint the roll in bright colors, add paper wheels, racing numbers, and a tiny driver made from cardstock.
Children can create an entire racing collection and build homemade tracks using cardboard or masking tape on the floor. This fun recycled craft encourages imaginative play while introducing simple engineering concepts.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, cardstock, paint, glue, scissors, markers.
2. Extendable Pirate Spyglass
Credit: desertchica.com
Create an expandable pirate spyglass using two paper towel rolls that slide inside one another. Decorate the telescope with gold paint, pirate stickers, and black bands before heading off on imaginary treasure hunts.
This craft pairs perfectly with pirate-themed birthday parties, classroom adventures, or story time activities.
Materials: Paper towel rolls, paint, glue, ribbon, stickers.
3. Roller Bird Feeder
Credit: glitteronadime.com
Help children care for backyard birds by making a simple bird feeder from a cardboard roll. Cover the roll with peanut butter or sunflower butter, then roll it in birdseed before hanging it outside with string.
Kids enjoy watching birds visit their handmade feeders while learning about wildlife and nature.
Materials: Paper roll, birdseed, peanut butter or sunflower butter, string.
4. Gruffalo Character Set
Credit: teach-me-mommy.com
Bring the beloved Gruffalo story to life by transforming cardboard rolls into favorite characters like the Gruffalo, Mouse, Fox, Owl, and Snake. Paint each tube and add paper ears, tails, and facial features.
These handmade figures are perfect for storytelling, classroom reading corners, or imaginative play.
Materials: Cardboard rolls, acrylic paint, cardstock, glue, markers.
5. Star Wars Cardboard Figures
Credit: rockyourhomeschool.net
Create your favorite Star Wars characters using recycled toilet paper rolls. Paint them as Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, or Stormtroopers, then add paper accessories and details.
Kids can use the finished figures for pretend play or display them in their bedrooms.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, paint, cardstock, glue, markers.
6. Cardboard Easter Resurrection Scene
Credit: catholicicing.com
Teach the Easter story by building a simple resurrection scene from paper rolls and cardboard. Create the empty tomb, crosses, and surrounding landscape while discussing the meaning of Easter.
This meaningful craft works well for Sunday school, homeschool, or family activities.
Materials: Cardboard rolls, construction paper, paint, glue, scissors.
7. Cardboard Bunny
Credit: preemiemomtips.com
Transform a toilet paper roll into an adorable bunny with long ears, fluffy cotton tails, and a cheerful face. Decorate with pastel colors for Easter or spring celebrations.
Children love making bunny families in different colors and sizes.
Materials: Cardboard roll, cardstock, cotton balls, glue, markers.
8. Cardboard Pencil Holder
Credit: diyncrafts.com
Organize desks with a practical pencil holder made from paper towel rolls. Cover the cardboard with patterned paper, paint, fabric, or washi tape to match your workspace or classroom décor.
This simple craft combines creativity with organization.
Materials: Paper towel roll, cardboard base, paint, decorative paper, glue.
9. Animal Cardboards
Credit: somethewiser.com
Create a collection of adorable animals using toilet paper rolls. Make lions, elephants, frogs, foxes, penguins, or giraffes by adding colorful paper, paint, and googly eyes.
These recycled animals are ideal for zoo themes, storytelling, and imaginative play.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, construction paper, paint, googly eyes, glue.
10. Elsa’s Bracelet
Credit: darcyandbrian.com
Design magical Frozen-inspired bracelets using thin cardboard roll sections. Paint them icy blue, silver, or white before decorating with glitter, rhinestones, and snowflake stickers.
Young Frozen fans will enjoy creating wearable princess accessories.
Materials: Cardboard roll, acrylic paint, glitter, gems, glue.
11. Shining Shimmering Bangles
Credit: besttoys4toddlers.com
Recycle cardboard rolls into stylish bangles by cutting them into bracelet-sized rings. Wrap them with ribbon, yarn, or decorative paper, then embellish with sequins and beads.
These colorful accessories are fun for parties, pretend play, or handmade gifts.
Materials: Cardboard rolls, ribbon, yarn, glue, beads.
12. Cardboard Kaleidoscope Fun
Credit: darcyandbrian.com
Build a pretend kaleidoscope using a paper towel roll decorated with colorful paper and shiny foil. Add transparent beads or cellophane to create beautiful visual effects.
This engaging STEM-inspired craft introduces children to light and patterns.
Materials: Paper towel roll, foil, colored cellophane, beads, tape.
13. Paper Towel Roll Rainstick
Credit: craftingwithkids.net
Create a relaxing rainstick by filling a decorated paper towel roll with rice, beans, or tiny beads. Seal both ends securely and slowly tilt the tube to hear soothing rain-like sounds.
This sensory craft is perfect for music lessons and calming activities.
Materials: Paper towel roll, rice or beads, aluminum foil, tape, paint.
14. Cardboard Roll Sculptures
Credit: kitchentableclassroom.com
Challenge kids to build imaginative sculptures using cardboard rolls of different sizes. Stack, glue, paint, and combine tubes to create robots, castles, abstract art, or futuristic cities.
This open-ended project encourages creativity and engineering skills.
Materials: Cardboard rolls, hot glue, paint, scissors.
15. Cardboard Bowling Pins
Credit: Cardboard Tube Bowling Game
Turn toilet paper rolls into miniature bowling pins by painting them white and adding colorful stripes. Use a soft ball to create an indoor bowling game that’s safe for younger children.
This recycled activity combines crafting with active play.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, paint, soft ball, markers.
16. Space Rocket from the Toilet
Credit: in-our-spare-time.com
Launch creativity by building a colorful rocket from a toilet paper roll. Add a paper cone, fins, flames, and astronaut stickers before displaying the finished spacecraft.
This exciting project pairs perfectly with space-themed lessons.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, cardstock, paint, glue, scissors.
17. Confetti Launcher
Credit: craftingwithkids.net
Celebrate birthdays and holidays by creating a simple confetti launcher from a cardboard tube and balloon. Fill it with paper confetti and launch colorful bursts into the air during celebrations.
Adult supervision is recommended during assembly.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, balloon, tape, confetti.
18. Themed Cardboard Napkin Rings
Credit: ourcraftymom.com
Create festive napkin rings by cutting paper rolls into rings and decorating them for different holidays. Add flowers for spring, pumpkins for fall, or snowflakes for Christmas.
These handmade decorations brighten family meals and parties.
Materials: Cardboard rolls, paint, ribbon, stickers, glue.
19. Personalized Napkin Ring Place Holder
Credit: reusegrowenjoy.com
Combine place cards and napkin rings into one charming table decoration. Decorate each cardboard ring with names, seasonal embellishments, and colorful paper to create personalized settings for guests.
These reusable crafts are perfect for birthdays, weddings, and holiday dinners.
Materials: Cardboard rolls, cardstock, markers, glue, decorative paper.
20. Cardboard Roll Memento
Credit: makingmanzanita.com
Turn a simple cardboard roll into a keepsake holder by decorating it with meaningful photos, inspirational quotes, pressed flowers, or scrapbook paper. Store rolled-up notes, certificates, artwork, or special memories inside.
This thoughtful project makes a wonderful handmade gift and encourages children to preserve treasured memories creatively.
Materials: Cardboard roll, scrapbook paper, glue, ribbon, photographs, stickers.
Conclusion
Paper towel and toilet paper rolls are incredibly versatile crafting materials that can become toys, educational projects, home décor, games, and practical organizers with just a little imagination. These recycled paper roll crafts help children develop creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities while promoting environmentally friendly habits. Whether you’re crafting at home, in the classroom, or during holiday celebrations, these easy DIY ideas provide hours of affordable, hands-on fun for kids and families alike. Save your favorite projects and start transforming everyday cardboard rolls into amazing handmade creations.
