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?

Use it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up DIY ideas using plastic wrap cores (21–30)

Extending Sword

Let's make a sword that extends using a calendar and a wrapping paper core!

Extending Sword

Here’s how to make an extendable sword using a plastic wrap core and paper.

First, cut the core and use construction paper or similar to make the handle.

Next, make the blade with calendar paper.

Cut the paper so it’s as long as possible.

Roll it tightly so it fits inside the plastic wrap core.

Apply cellophane tape to the paper and adjust it so it matches the inside of the core, then stick it in place.

Once it’s the right size, you’re done! You can twist to extend and retract it for play.

Be careful not to pull it out too far.

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A climbing ladybug!

Easy magnet craft! A climbing ladybug! Recycle plastic wrap and toilet paper cores! #crafts #handmadeToys #summerVacationCrafts #recycledCrafts

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!

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Use Before You Toss! Practical, Grown-Up DIY Ideas Using Plastic Wrap Cores (31–40)

A climbing ladybug!

Easy magnet craft! A climbing ladybug! Recycle plastic wrap and toilet paper cores! #crafts #handmadeToys #summerVacationCrafts #recycledCrafts

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!

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Balloon pistol

Hit-the-target game powered by balloons! Super easy recycled craft: the “Balloon Pistol” #crafts #handmadetoys

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!

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Balloon pistol

Hit-the-target game powered by balloons! Super easy recycled craft: the “Balloon Pistol” #crafts #handmadetoys

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!

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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.

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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!

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