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?
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Use Before You Toss! Practical, Grown-Up DIY Ideas Using Plastic Wrap Cores (31–40)
A climbing ladybug!
Here’s how to make a ladybug toy you can play with using magnets.
First, decorate a half-sphere of Styrofoam to look like a ladybug using pens or any materials you like.
Attach a magnet to the back of the ladybug with double-sided tape.
Next, flatten a toilet paper tube and cut it in half.
Use double-sided tape to fix the cut piece around a wooden stick to form a ring, then attach a magnet so it attracts the ladybug’s magnet.
Make a “tree” using a plastic wrap (cling film) tube, and insert the stick inside the tube.
When you move the stick up and down, the ladybug will move too! It’s also fun to make other bugs or your favorite characters instead of a ladybug, so give it a try!
Balloon pistol
You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.
First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.
Make the targets out of milk cartons.
It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
Balloon pistol
You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.
First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.
Make the targets out of milk cartons.
It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
Kokin scooter
Let’s make a scooter you can play with at home! Here’s an idea for a Kokin scooter.
How about making a scooter inspired by Kokin-chan from “Go! Anpanman,” so kids can have fun playing with it? You’ll need 11 milk cartons, a plastic wrap core, newspaper, colored tape, a flower stand, a PP sheet, LED lights, construction paper, clear tape, a utility knife, scissors, and more.
You can also customize it to match your child’s favorite character.
Marble coaster
Get mesmerized by the spinning motion of marbles! Here are some ideas for a marble coaster.
These are great for anyone who wants to make a handmade toy at home.
What you’ll need: paper plates, a plastic wrap tube, a utility knife, scissors, tape, and marbles.
It’s best to prepare about 4.5 paper plates to match the length of the wrap tube.
Also, please make sure small children don’t put marbles in their mouths.
Give this fun, spiraling marble coaster a try!
deafening horn
Kids will love these fun sounds! Here are some ideas for a super-loud horn.
Children love unique noises, right? Even if you don’t have any instruments at home, why not make a sound-making instrument using a cardboard tube from plastic wrap? All you need are a plastic wrap tube, a balloon, vinyl tape, a utility knife, and your choice of decorations like masking tape or stickers.
Cut the tube, stretch a balloon over one end, and secure it with vinyl tape—that’s it! It’s easy to make, so give it a try.
wheelchair brake cover
Let’s try making them with fabric in your favorite design! Here’s an idea for wheelchair brake covers.
It’s a great suggestion for those who have a family member using a wheelchair.
Simply making the brake covers more colorful can also serve as a visual marker.
What you’ll need: a cardboard core from plastic wrap, fabric in a design you like or quilted fabric, a sewing machine, etc.
Fabric covers can be removed, so you can wash them regularly to keep them clean.
Give it a try and incorporate this idea!
slope toy
A toy with pleasant rolling and clattering sounds! Here’s an idea for a slope toy.
It’s a toy where balls or marbles spin around as they roll down a ramp, and both the look and the sound are soothing—highly recommended.
You’ll need items like a plastic wrap tube, paper cups, bamboo skewers, an awl, and glue.
The cool, airy finish blends well with interiors and looks stylish.
You can also customize it by adding color to the wrap tube or paper plates.
Give it a try!
Totem pole
Let’s try making an easy wooden-style sculpture inspired by those created by Indigenous peoples living along the Northwest Coast of North America on the Pacific Ocean! Here are some ideas for a totem pole.
One characteristic of totem poles is their wide variety of designs, since their appearance stacks elements like various animals, human faces, and figures from mythology.
This time, let’s make an original totem pole using a plastic wrap core.
What you’ll need: the core from a roll of plastic wrap, scissors, a stapler, glue, and wrapping or patterned paper.
Enjoy customizing it as you create!
teapot mat
How about making a teapot mat using your favorite fabric and a plastic wrap core? Wrap cores are sturdy and thick, hard to break, and useful in many ways; they also withstand the heat from pots.
You’ll build it using cartonnage, a French crafting technique, with your favorite fabric.
Despite being called a crafting technique, it’s not difficult: dilute wood glue with water, brush it onto the wrap core, and attach the fabric over it.
Cover both ends of the core with cardboard wrapped in the same fabric to make lids—this hides the inside of the core and gives it a neat appearance.
