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)

Fly! Core Rocket

http://www.lemon8-app.com

Here’s how to make an easy “core rocket.” You’ll need a plastic wrap core, a toilet paper core, two rubber bands, and a straw.

First, cut the straw so it’s just a little longer than the opening of the toilet paper core.

Link the two rubber bands by looping them together.

Tape the rubber bands to the straw, then tape the straw onto the plastic wrap core with cellophane tape.

Once it’s set up so the toilet paper core can be launched, you’re done! Decorate the toilet paper core however you like to make your own original rocket.

Have fun and get creative!

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Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

No drill or cutter needed: Make instruments with a plastic wrap core [Crafts]

Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

Let’s make a Chilean instrument that sounds like rain using a plastic wrap core! First, mark a bunch of toothpicks at the length of the wrap core so they match its length.

Next, cut the wrap core in a spiral.

Glue the cut toothpicks along the spiral using wood glue or similar adhesive.

Once you return the spiraled core to its original shape, seal the openings with duct tape.

Put in grains like mixed grains, different sizes of rice, beads, or beans.

After you cap it, your Chilean instrument, the rainstick, is complete!

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

Let’s make a bow and arrow

How to make a bow and arrow from a single plastic wrap core (Beginner)

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.

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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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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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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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