In my opinion, those cardboard that you are thinking of throwing into the recycling bins are pretty much a treasure. From toilet paper rolls to paper towel tubes, these humble cylinders can be changed into amazing crafts with just a bit of creativity and basic supplies.
Now, I’ve spent some time thinking about what to do with these versatile materials, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite projects that anyone can try at home.
DIY Crafts With Cardboard Rolls
1. Memory Time Capsule
Create a special container for those precious memories, by decorating a paper towel roll, then filling it with photos, notes, and small mementos.
Seal both ends. Hide it away for future discovery, it’s a meaningful way to preserve special moments.
2. Garden Seedling Starters
Start your spring garden early. Cut rolls in half, fold the bottom to create a base, then fill with potting soil. Plant your seeds.
When seedlings are ready, plant the whole biodegradable container in your garden.
3. Holiday Crackers
Design festive crackers for celebrations. Wrap rolls in decorative paper, then fill them with small treats and trinkets.
Add tissue paper ends. Include ribbons and decorations, they’re perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or birthday parties.
4. Rocket Ship
Launch your creativity with this simple space craft, paint a paper towel roll white, and add fins cut from cardboard.
Create a cone-shaped top from construction paper. Decorate with stickers or drawings of windows and control panels, this project encourages hours of imaginative play.
5. Desk Organizer
Change those plain cardboard rolls into a stylish desk companion. Cut tubes to different heights, then paint them in coordinating colors that match your workspace.
Group them together on a base made from sturdy cardboard. The varying heights create visual interest while keeping your pens, pencils, and art supplies neatly organized.
6. Marble Run
Make multiple rolls into an exciting marble run. Cut them at angles, create paths and drops, tape them to a large cardboard backing, then add loops and curves.
Paint each section in bright colors, this engaging project teaches kids about gravity and motion while providing endless entertainment.
7. Advent Calendar
Build a countdown to Christmas. Stand 24 rolls upright, and decorate each one uniquely.
Number them from 1 to 24. Fill with small treats or notes. Cover the tops with tissue paper. Kids love discovering a new surprise each morning.
8. Bracelet Holder
Create a jewelry organizer for your bracelets, start by covering a tall roll with fabric. Mount it upright on a decorative base.
And add ribbons or paint for extra flair, it keeps bracelets organized and easily accessible.
9. Fire-Breathing Dragon
Craft a mythical creature. Connect several rolls for the body. Add cardboard wings and spikes. Create a head with sharp teeth.
Paint in bold colors, kids can blow through one end to make tissue paper “flames” flutter.
Related: 16 DIY Crafts with Cardboard Boxes for Kids
10. Percussion Instruments
Create a drum set. Cover one end of rolls with balloon rubber, and secure with rubber bands.
Make different sizes for various sounds. Paint the outside, then add beads inside some for shaker effects.
11. Bubble Wands
Design unique bubble blowers. Cut one end into interesting shapes, dip in bubble solution, and watch as unusual bubble shapes form.
They’re perfect for summer outdoor play and cost almost nothing to make.
12. Rain Stick
Make a soothing musical instrument. Push pins through a long tube in a spiral pattern, and seal one end.
Add rice, dried beans, or small pebbles, then seal the other end. Decorate the outside, and slowly tilt to hear rain-like sounds.
13. Phone Amplifier
Fashion a simple speaker amplifier. Cut an angled opening in a large roll, decorate the outside.
Place your phone inside, now the shape naturally amplifies sound without electricity.
14. Candleholders
Consider designing a festive lighting, by cutting rolls into different heights. Paint them metallic colors, and add glitter or designs.
Place battery-operated tea lights inside for safe, beautiful ambiance.
15. Mini Greenhouse
Build tiny plant environments. Cut windows in rolls, cover with clear plastic, and plant small seedlings inside.
Watch them grow in their protected space, they’re great for windowsill gardens.
16. City Skyline
Try making a miniature cityscape. Cut rolls at different heights, create windows and doors, and also paint buildings various colors.
Add paper rooftops, and light them from behind for a dramatic nighttime effect.
Related: 20 Easy DIY Denim Pocket Crafts
17. Geometric Wall Installation
Create modern wall art. Cut rolls into equal sections, paint with contemporary colors, and arrange in repeating patterns.
Mount on canvas. The result looks like expensive 3D art.
Conclusion
These projects prove that ordinary cardboard rolls can become extraordinary creations, becsause they’re budget-friendly, environmentally conscious, and suitable for crafters of all ages.
Most importantly, they show that creativity doesn’t require expensive materials, just imagination and willingness to experiment.
Now, the next time you’re about to recycle those cardboard rolls, consider giving them new life through one of these engaging projects.
