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

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.

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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!

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slope toy

I tried making a slope toy using a plastic wrap core and bamboo skewers. #handmadeToy #easyCraft #craft #indoorPlay #summerVacationCraft #summerHomework #independentResearch

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!

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Totem pole

[Playable] Totem Pole Made with Paper Cores [Beginner] – How to Make –

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!

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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.

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Make Use Before You Toss It! Practical, Grown-Up Craft Ideas Using Plastic Wrap Cores (41–50)

certificate tube

There are times when you think, “It’d be nice to have a tube I can roll things into,” like when you receive a certificate or need to take home printed materials you don’t want to crease.

Here’s an idea for making a certificate tube using a plastic wrap core! First, cut the main body and the lid from the wrap core, and seal one end with a circle of thick paper.

As is, the lid won’t close, so glue a slightly smaller wrap core—trimmed to just the right size—along the inside of the main body to act as an inner sleeve.

Finally, cover it with fabric or add decorations to your liking, and your custom certificate tube is complete!

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Cat tower scratching post

[Handmade DIY] Making Cat Tree Posts / Plastic Wrap Cores & DAISO Cotton Rope

Cat tower scratching post

If you live with a cat, you probably have a scratching post somewhere in your home.

Scratching posts wear out, and every cat has their own preferences, but why not try making one yourself using the cardboard core from plastic wrap? Bundle several wrap cores together to reach your preferred thickness, then wrap them with cotton rope or jute twine.

Cotton rope is sturdy, so it should be quite durable.

If your cat plays with a handmade item, all the effort will feel worth it! Both cotton rope and jute twine are sold at 100-yen shops, so choose whichever you like.

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In conclusion

We introduced craft ideas that make use of everyday plastic wrap cores.

Even the cores you usually throw away can become charming accessories or toys with a bit of creativity and imagination.

Try combining your favorite fabrics and papers to enjoy making home goods that add color to your life.

New discoveries and surprises are surely waiting for you!