Most people toss out cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls without a second thought. But these humble tubes have so many creative and practical uses, from crafts to organization and even pet toys! Instead of throwing them away, why not upcycle them into something useful? Here are some genius ideas to give these everyday items a second life.
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23 Crafty Creations with Cardboard Tubes
If you love DIY projects, cardboard tubes can be a fantastic material to work with. Here are some fun craft ideas:
1. DIY Gift Boxes
Cut a toilet paper roll in half, press the edges inward, and wrap it with decorative paper or fabric. These make adorable little gift boxes for jewelry, candy, or small trinkets.
2. Handmade Binoculars
For a fun kids’ craft, tape or glue two toilet paper rolls together, decorate them, and attach a string. These homemade binoculars are perfect for imaginary adventures!
3. Holiday Decorations
Turn cardboard tubes into mini Christmas trees, Easter bunnies, or spooky Halloween characters. Simply paint and decorate them for festive fun.
4. Stamps for Kids
Dip one end of a roll into paint and press it onto paper for circle-shaped stamps. You can also shape the tube into hearts, stars, or other fun designs before stamping.
5. DIY Kaleidoscope
Cover a tube with colorful paper, add a piece of transparent plastic to one end, and fill it with beads or sequins. Close the end with another clear plastic piece, and look through it to see the magic!
Organization Hacks Using Cardboard Tubes
Who knew cardboard rolls could be a game-changer for tidying up?
6. Cord and Cable Organizers
Wrap charging cables, earbuds, or holiday string lights around a paper towel tube to keep them tangle-free. You can even label each roll to know what’s inside.
7. Drawer Organizers
Line up multiple toilet paper tubes in a drawer and use them to store pens, makeup brushes, or office supplies.
8. Scarf or Belt Holders
Slide scarves, belts, or ties through paper towel rolls and store them in a drawer to keep them neat and wrinkle-free.
9. Seed Starters for Gardening
Cut a toilet paper roll in half, fill it with soil, and plant seeds inside. Once the seedlings grow, you can plant the whole thing directly into the ground—cardboard is biodegradable!
10. Wrapping Paper Saver
Prevent your rolls of wrapping paper from unraveling by sliding a cut paper towel roll over them.
Fun DIY Pet Toys
Your furry friends will love these cardboard tube creations!
11. Treat Dispenser for Dogs
Fill a toilet paper roll with small treats, fold the ends shut, and let your dog enjoy tearing it open to find the goodies inside.
12. Cat Toy Puzzle
Cut holes into a toilet paper roll, place a few treats inside, and let your cat bat it around until the treats fall out.
13. Chew Toys for Small Animals
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters love chewing on cardboard tubes. Stuff them with hay or treats to make them even more entertaining.
14. Bird Perches and Toys
String multiple tubes together and hang them in a birdcage for an interactive toy that birds can peck at and climb on.
Learning & Educational Uses
Cardboard tubes can even be a tool for learning and discovery!
15. DIY Marble Run
Cut and tape paper towel tubes together on a wall or large board to create a fun marble run for kids.
16. Sound Tubes for Science Experiments
Use them to demonstrate how sound travels by speaking into one end while someone listens from the other.
17. DIY Rain Stick
Fill a long tube with rice or beans, seal the ends, and shake it to create a soothing rain-like sound.
18. Counting & Sorting Games
Use toilet paper rolls as containers for kids to practice sorting small items by color, shape, or number.
Miscellaneous Uses
A few more clever ways to repurpose cardboard tubes:
19. Fire Starters
Stuff them with dryer lint, newspaper, or small twigs and use them to start a campfire or fireplace.
20. Mini Desktop Trash Bin
Use a tube as a mini bin for pencil shavings or small trash items on your desk.
21. Play Swords or Wands
Let kids’ imaginations run wild with DIY swords or magic wands made from long paper towel rolls.
22. DIY Napkin Rings
Cut tubes into smaller sections, decorate them, and use them as napkin rings for a budget-friendly table setting.
23. Nature Explorers
Use tubes as bug viewers, telescopes, or even to store pressed flowers and leaves for nature collections.
Cardboard Tubes Conclusion
Cardboard tubes may seem like trash at first, but with a little creativity, they can be repurposed into so many useful and fun projects! Whether you’re organizing, crafting, entertaining your pets, or teaching kids, these simple rolls can make a big impact. Next time you finish a roll of toilet paper or paper towels, think twice before tossing it out—you might just find a new way to use it!
