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?
- [For Adults] Simple yet Impressive Crafts: A Stylish, Eye-Catching Collection
- Kids get hooked on crafts with toilet paper rolls! Idea collection for elementary school students
- Adults will be hooked! A collection of craft ideas using toilet paper rolls
- Christmas crafts for adults: stylish project ideas you'll want to display
- [For Adults] Fun Craft Ideas Perfect for Killing Time
- Made with toilet paper rolls! Exciting and fun easy handmade toys
- [Easy] Practical craft ideas. Great for beginners too!
- Let's make a handmade tissue case: a collection of stylish and easy ideas
- [Great for killing time!] Winter-Recommended Craft Ideas for Adults
- Easy-to-make crafts for adults. Projects recommended for beginners.
- [For Adults] Recommended Craft Kits
- [For Seniors] Handmade gifts they’ll love: a roundup of simple ideas
- Fun for elementary school kids! A collection of craft ideas using plastic bottle caps!
Make use of it before tossing! Practical adult DIY ideas using plastic wrap cores (1–10)
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!
paper holder
@cocoa6938 How to make a kitchen paper holder for less than 100 yenLife hacksSmall life hacksI want to connect with fellow lifehack enthusiasts.Lifehack#LifeWithPetsIngenuity 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!
Infinite Chain
Let’s make a toy that infants will love! Here’s an idea for an infinite chain.
This infinite chain idea can be used at home with infants or in childcare settings.
It’s a fun item that shines during the stage when pulling is exciting! You’ll need a cardboard tube from plastic wrap, a plastic chain, tape, and so on.
Put the chain inside the tube and connect it into a loop.
Once the finished piece is secured to a wall or similar surface, it seems the chain can be pulled endlessly.
Give it a try!
Make the most of it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up craft ideas using plastic wrap cores (11–20)
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.
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!
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!
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.