Lovely Play & Recreation

Make the most of it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up craft ideas using plastic wrap cores

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

“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)

Nichirin Sword from the anime Demon Slayer

Make a Demon Slayer Nichirin sword using a plastic wrap core!

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!

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pen holder

Cute Masking! Wrap Core Pen Holder | How to Make a Pen Holder | LIMIA

pen holder

No difficulty at all—let’s make a pen holder using a plastic wrap core! Cut the wrap core to your preferred lengths with a utility knife.

Try creating different heights or adjusting them depending on the length of the pens and stationery you’ll store.

Wrap each piece with your favorite masking tape, then tie the three pieces together with a ribbon to finish.

If a ribbon feels unstable, you can bundle them with masking tape instead.

There’s no bottom, but it will still hold pens, utility knives, scissors, and more upright securely!

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Masking tape storage spindle

33 / How to make core wraps / masking tape storage / recycling

Masking tape storage spindle

For those who can’t resist buying cute-patterned masking tape and are now struggling to store their growing collection, here’s a recommended idea: use a plastic wrap core to make a masking tape organizer.

Cut thick paper, colored paper, or origami paper to a diameter larger than the masking tape, glue the pieces together, and firmly attach them to one end of the wrap core with wood glue or similar—done! Masking tapes tend to scatter even when packed in a box, but if you thread them onto this core and place it in a box, they won’t get jumbled.

The number you can store depends on the length of the core, so you might want to make several!

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Make the most of it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up craft ideas using plastic wrap cores (11–20)

Hairpin & Hair Tie Holder

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!

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Swirling Wrap Maze

@mii_asobi03
Save this and give it a try ✂️✨ [What you need] • A plastic wrap core (cardboard tube) • Construction paper • A zip-top bag • Stickers of your choice • Double-sided tape • Clear tape • Scissors • Pens/markers for drawing Instead of stickers, it’s totally fine to draw with pens 🙆‍♀️⭕️ Both my 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter were totally absorbed in playing with it 👦👧💡 They might be even happier if you make a maze they love 🤭 (Examples: cars, dinosaurs, trains, etc.) If you don’t have a plastic wrap core, you can connect toilet paper tubes as a substitute 💡 If there’s anything you’re unsure about or want to ask, leave a comment—I’m happy to help 🙆‍♀️✨ ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝ I’m Mii! Thanks so much for stopping by 😊🌈 I share projects in the hope of adding even one more fun parent–child memory 🩷 Follows and likes make me so happy 🥹✨ ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝#AtHomePlay #AtHomePlay #StayHomeTime Play ideas Educational #EducationalPlay #Indoor Play Core of plastic wrap drawing paper Maze #kurukuru absorbed; engrossed; obsessed; infatuated; in a daze (context-dependent)#HyperFocus ⁡
♬ Original song – mii_asobi03 – mii_asobi03

Let’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.

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code holder

Recommended when you want to organize cords! Here are some ideas for cord holders.

Do your chargers and appliance plugs get messy, tangled, and annoying? Let’s solve that problem with a paper towel or plastic wrap tube! All you need are the inner tubes from plastic wrap or toilet paper.

If you decorate the tube with washi (masking) tape, it can blend in with your interior and look cute, too.

Give it a try!

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paper holder

@cocoa6938
How to make a kitchen paper holder for less than 100 yenLife hacks Small life hacks I want to connect with fellow lifehack enthusiasts.Lifehack #LifeWithPets Ingenuity and Laziness
2:23 AM – Sharo

Practical and delightful! Here’s an idea for a paper holder.

It’s a handy hack that makes use of an empty plastic wrap core.

It’s perfect for anyone who thinks, “It’d be convenient to have one,” or “I want a paper holder!” All you need is an empty wrap core, some string, scissors, and a roll of kitchen paper.

It could be ideal for pet owners or anyone who struggles with storing kitchen paper.

The steps are simple and easy, so take this opportunity to give it a try.

It might make your daily life a little richer!

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