Chances are you, got a slew of extra toilet paper in the house. When the time comes, why not upcycle those empty tubes into works of art? From crafting your fave Star Wars characters to flying fish, the possibilities are endless when you’ve got a stash of toilet paper rolls on hand!
Bird Finder Binoculars
Whether you're on an outdoor adventure or peeking birdies from your window, these adorable Bird Finder Binoculars from Art Bar are perfect for exploring. All you need are some empty toilet paper rolls, string and colorful masking tape to make your own peepers.
Star Wars Characters
The gang's all here! This cast of Star Wars characters from Hello, Wonderful are perfect for your young Jedis. Great for an entire afternoon, these mini crafts use up that collection of TP rolls you've been collecting.
Flying Carp
Everyone's day can use a little more color, especially in the form of whimsical and cheery flying carp from Spuirrelly Minds! With basic supplies like tissue paper and double-sided tape, your littles will be running around with a few flying fish in no time.
Butterflies
Whether it's spring or not, you and the kiddos can enjoy the beauty of butterflies with this craft from One Little Project. The playful activity uses googly eyes, pipe cleaners and other crafty materials you most likely have on hand.
Collage Animal Marionettes
How adorable are these Collage Animal Marionettes from Art Bar?! Make your own with simple supplies, including bright beads and tissue paper.
Rocket Ships
3..2..1..blast off! Let your little astronaut explore the galaxy when you create this fun rocket ship made with supplies you already have on hand. Head to The Inspiration Edit for the free template!
Happy Birthday Sign
If you have a stack of old TP rolls lying around, why not turn them into a useful sign like this one? Color the tubes, do some specific cutting and you have a truly unique way to say "happy birthday!" Get all the details over Super Make It.
Race Car
Hook their LEGO men up with a new set of wheels by painting and adding cardboard tires to a toilet paper roll. Let them pick the colors and add the stickers to make it a unique ride all their own. Get the details over at Kifli és Levendula.
Super Hero Cuffs
You don't need special powers to make these awesome wristlets with your little hero. After painting the tubes, let your kids decorate them with stars, flowers, lightening bolts, or anything that they think gives them special powers. Find out how to make the slits for little arms just right over at Reading Confetti.
Toilet Paper Roll Tunnel
Keep Junior busy for hours—indoors or outside—with this simple project. Collect all of your leftover toilet paper and paper towel rolls, and tape them together on a wall into any kind of formation. The magic happens when you drop a marble or pom-pom down one end of the tunnel. Get the right angle over at Healthy Mama Info.
Seedling Pots
Work those green thumbs by using a toilet paper roll as a mini plant pot, perfect for starter herbs and veggies. Wrap each tube in brown packing paper to keep dirt from spilling out the bottom, and secure with a ribbon or string. Get inspired over at Home Work.
Slinky Snake
Practice dexterity and scissor cutting by whipping up one of these goggly-eyed reptiles. Start by painting and letting dry a toilet paper roll. Next, have your little one use safety scissors to snip a spiral shape into the roll. Decorate the bouncy creature with stripes or dots and a pair of inquisitive eyes. The gals over at Eighteen 25 have the low-down on how to get it just right.
Shape Stamps
Mama Jen of Mama Papa Bubba wows again! This project is the ultimate win-win. While the bambino brushes up on shapes and colors, you get to upcycle all of those saved rolls. On a rainy day, use the shapes to make cards or just let kiddo go stamp crazy on poster board.
Birthday Crowns
Inspired by Where the Wild Things Are, a batch of these adorable crowns can be crafted in a matter of minutes—just paint, cut and add an elastic string. Your little princess will want to be queen for more than a day. Get the low-down by skipping over to Baby Jungle.
Confetti poppers
Speaking of parties... turn your kid's next one into the shindig of the year with these confetti poppers crafted out of a tied balloon wrapped and taped over a toilet tissue roll. Pour confetti into the open end, gently pull the end of the ballon... and POP! We love the version created over at Smashed Peas and Carrots.
Bird Feeder
Keep an eye on your feathered friends by whipping up this easy feeder. All you have to do is spread peanut butter onto a toilet paper roll, and then dip the tube into bird seeds. The seeds will stick to the roll so that you can hang it up porch-side. Play from Scratch has the details for this awesome idea.
Wall Art
This (or something like it) is just the thing for that blank wall in your kid's room. Obviously, you'll need A LOT of toilet tissue rolls, but once you're stocked up, tacky glue the rolls together. Bonus: The piece of art doubles as funky, hanging storage compartments. Admire this and other ideas by popping over to Style Me Pretty.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady & Karly Wood
RELATED STORIES
30 Easy & Fun Paper Crafts for Kids
19 DIY Instruments That Really Work