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 the most of it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up craft ideas using plastic wrap cores (11–20)
Christmas tree
Let’s make and display them with ease! Here are some Christmas tree ideas.
When the holiday season arrives, many people probably want to decorate their homes with a Christmas tree.
Try making a small Christmas tree to place on a shelf or by the entrance.
You’ll need a plastic wrap core, wheat-based clay, a paper cup, construction paper, scissors, double-sided tape, and string lights.
Decorating the construction paper with stickers or adding cotton can really set the mood.
Be sure to give it a try!
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!
Masking tape cutter
Here’s an idea for a masking tape cutter you can make using a plastic wrap core and cardboard.
Masking tapes tend to pile up, but with this idea you can organize plenty of them together.
It’s very simple to make: shape the cardboard into a box to match the length of the wrap core, then attach supports on the left and right for the core to rest on.
Use the cutting edge from the plastic wrap, too, to finish it as a cutter.
If you decorate the side opposite the blade with cardboard, it will also serve as a cover to hide the masking tapes.
small accessory case
Here’s a craft idea for making a small container using a cut paper wrap core.
The materials are a wrap core (cardboard tube), thick paper, felt, and origami paper.
First, attach circular pieces made from thick paper to the cross-sectioned ends of the tube to create the container body and lid.
After sewing felt onto the outside of both the body and the lid, insert a slightly taller cylinder made from origami paper inside the body and secure it so it follows the inner wall.
Finally, decorate the lid, and it’s complete! For decorations, use whatever you like, such as felt pieces, large beads, or rhinestones.
Toothpick holder
Toothpicks can make a space feel a bit too lived-in if you leave them out as they are, but how about making a case out of a plastic wrap core to hide them? With a lid, it stays dust-free and hygienic.
If you have a core—like from aluminum foil—that’s slightly smaller in inner diameter than the plastic wrap core, you can make a lidded container that fits snugly.
It’s also fun to decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or fabric you have at home.
It could even make a nice gift.
violin
Many people take up music as a hobby in adulthood.
Some even attend voice training or music schools.
Here’s a craft idea for making a violin using a plastic wrap core.
The violin body is made from a tissue box, and the neck uses the core from a roll of plastic wrap.
You can make it quite realistic by adding a bridge that allows tuning and using fishing line as strings wound around eye screws.
Give it a try! You’ll also make a bow, so once it’s finished, you can actually play it.
Use it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up DIY ideas using plastic wrap cores (21–30)
Let’s make a bow and arrow
Here’s how to make a bow and arrow from a plastic wrap core! First, poke a hole in the center of the core, then make four vertical cuts along the tube.
Bend the cut middle sections inward on both sides.
Next, use rubber bands and twine to make the bow.
Hook a rubber band onto the indented part of the bow to finish it.
Make the arrows using a bamboo skewer and paper.
Since bamboo skewers are light, be sure to wrap them with paper.
Once your arrows are ready, set up a target and try it out.
You might be surprised at how far they fly.
Make sure small children are careful.
