Make the most of it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up craft ideas using plastic wrap cores
“It feels like such a waste to throw it away!” “Isn’t there some way to use it?” Many of us probably think this when we’re holding a sturdy plastic wrap core.
In fact, with a little creativity, wrap cores can be transformed into handy, stylish accessories.
In this article, we’ll share craft ideas using wrap cores—like pen holders, trinket boxes, and kids’ toys—that adults will genuinely want to make.
With easily sourced materials, you can create original pieces that add fun to your everyday life.
If you’ve been unsure how to dispose of those wrap cores, why not enjoy making some lovely handmade items instead?
Make use of it before tossing! Practical adult DIY ideas using plastic wrap cores (1–10)
How to make a paper popper
Here’s how to make a simple paper pop gun using a plastic wrap core.
First, roll up some paper to make a small ball about 1 cm in diameter.
Cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to the end of the wrap core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it doesn’t come off, and you’re done! Put the paper ball inside, pull the balloon back, and launch the paper ball you made.
You can also decorate the gun however you like or use cardboard to give it a cool gun shape.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
Magneed
A tornado-spinning magnet! Here’s an idea for a “Magneid.” How about combining magnets with items you have at home to make a unique toy? It’s such a fun idea that you might find yourself getting hooked before you know it! You’ll need a plastic wrap tube, paper cups, magnets, glue, and vinyl tape.
You can also customize the length, or decorate the wrap tube with stickers or drawings to make it even more fun.
pencil case
Let’s try making one using your favorite decorative paper! Here’s a pen case idea.
When you think of pen cases, many people might imagine fabric or aluminum ones.
This time, let’s repurpose scrap materials and make a pen case using a plastic wrap core.
What you’ll need: a plastic wrap core, thick paper/cardboard, a ruler, scissors, double-sided tape or glue, decorative paper, a craft knife, and a ruler.
Your original pen case will be a one-of-a-kind treasure you’ll want to take good care of.
plastic wrap core pop-gun
Have fun with target practice at home! Here’s a fun idea: a wrap-core pop gun.
During long breaks or days off, many kids might sigh, “I want to do something fun,” or “I want a new toy.” That’s when this wrap-core pop gun idea comes in handy.
You’ll need the cardboard cores from plastic wrap or aluminum foil, cardboard, glue, rubber bands, scissors, and paper cups.
You can customize the targets however you like—paper cups or construction paper with point values written on them are great options.
Give it a try and have fun making and playing!
kaleidoscope
How about making a sparkling, beautiful kaleidoscope that opens up a whole new world when you peek inside? Besides a roll from plastic wrap, you’ll need items like a card case or plastic sheet (sold at 100-yen shops), and beads to put inside.
Use tape or black paper to block out light, and insert a plastic sheet formed into a tube so that the beads inside will reflect.
Put beads or glass marbles at the end of the tube.
If you don’t have a card case, you can use lids from bento boxes or recycled PET bottles instead.
It’s an item that brings back childhood nostalgia.
Disposable adhesive carpet cleaner (substitute for a lint roller)
If you’re bothered by fine dust sticking to your carpet or clothes even after cleaning, here’s a handy tip: make a lint roller using an empty plastic wrap core.
Cut the wrap core in half, make evenly spaced slits around both open ends, and hook rubber bands across them in a crisscross pattern.
Bend a wire hanger to create a handle, and you’re done.
Once it picks up fine hair and dust, you can throw the rubber bands away as is, so it’s useful for particularly dirty areas or when you’ve run out of replacement lint roller sheets.
Nichirin Sword from the anime Demon Slayer
Even adults want to tuck a sword like the ones in anime and dramas at their side and play at sword-fighting! For you, we recommend making a Nichirin Sword from Demon Slayer, which became a hit with kids and adults alike.
If you prepare two plastic wrap cores with different inner diameters, you can make both the sword and the sheath.
Create the guard (tsuba) of your favorite sword using thick paper, punch a hole to pass the wrap core through, and cover the blade section with black or silver colored paper.
Decorate the handle as well, and attach gold origami to the top and bottom of the sheath to finish.
Your child would probably be delighted if you make one for them, too!
Hairpin & Hair Tie Holder
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi6Gr4vgIeK/Let’s make storage for your fashion accessories! Here are ideas for a hairpin and hair tie holder.
They’re perfect for kids who care about style or adults who want a designated spot for the pins and hair ties they use every day.
Try making one using scrap materials you have at home.
You’ll need a cardboard tube from plastic wrap, hair ties, hairpins, fabric glue, your favorite fabric, washi tape, and thick paperboard.
Decorating it with fabric or washi tape you like will make it even more fun!
Rainstick
Let’s make a rain stick—a traditional musical instrument said to have originated in Africa—using an empty wrapping paper tube.
Use an awl to make evenly spaced holes in the tube, insert toothpicks into the holes, and trim off the ends that stick out.
Apply wood glue to the cut ends to keep the toothpicks from coming loose.
Create lids for both ends, and fill the tube with your choice of beads or adzuki beans to complete it.
You can leave it as is, but if you care about appearance, try decorating the outside of the tube with masking tape or anything you like.
The sound will change depending on what you put inside, so making several can be a fun way to enjoy the different tones.
Swirling Wrap Maze
https://www.tiktok.com/@mii_asobi03/video/7449390564195224840Let’s make a 3D maze! Here’s an idea for a spinning plastic-wrap-core maze.
When you think of mazes, they’re usually flat, right? This time, let’s use a plastic wrap core to create a maze you can spin and enjoy! You’ll need construction paper, a plastic wrap core, pens, illustrations, tape, scissors, stickers, and a bag.
Even if kids get bored with the same course, you can create a brand-new 3D maze just by sticking a different course or new stickers onto the construction paper! Give it a try and have fun.