Lovely Play & Recreation

Make the most of it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up craft ideas using plastic wrap cores

Make the most of it before you toss it! Practical, grown-up craft ideas using plastic wrap cores

Last updated:2025/8/18

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?

Make use of it before tossing! Practical adult DIY ideas using plastic wrap cores (1–10)

How to make a paper popper

How to Make a Paper Pop Gun [Craft Using a Wrap/Core Tube]

How to make a paper popper

Here’s how to make a simple paper pop gun using a plastic wrap core.

First, roll up some paper to make a small ball about 1 cm in diameter.

Cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to the end of the wrap core.

Secure it with a rubber band so it doesn’t come off, and you’re done! Put the paper ball inside, pull the balloon back, and launch the paper ball you made.

You can also decorate the gun however you like or use cardboard to give it a cool gun shape.

Have fun with your own original ideas!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

plastic wrap core pop-gun

Aim carefully and hit the target! How to Make a Toy Gun [Crafting with a Wrap Core]

plastic wrap core pop-gun

Have fun with target practice at home! Here’s a fun idea: a wrap-core pop gun.

During long breaks or days off, many kids might sigh, “I want to do something fun,” or “I want a new toy.” That’s when this wrap-core pop gun idea comes in handy.

You’ll need the cardboard cores from plastic wrap or aluminum foil, cardboard, glue, rubber bands, scissors, and paper cups.

You can customize the targets however you like—paper cups or construction paper with point values written on them are great options.

Give it a try and have fun making and playing!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

pencil case

How to repurpose a plastic wrap core: Pen case edition

pencil case

Let’s try making one using your favorite decorative paper! Here’s a pen case idea.

When you think of pen cases, many people might imagine fabric or aluminum ones.

This time, let’s repurpose scrap materials and make a pen case using a plastic wrap core.

What you’ll need: a plastic wrap core, thick paper/cardboard, a ruler, scissors, double-sided tape or glue, decorative paper, a craft knife, and a ruler.

Your original pen case will be a one-of-a-kind treasure you’ll want to take good care of.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Disposable adhesive carpet cleaner (substitute for a lint roller)

Before you throw away an empty plastic wrap core, try making this! It lets you clean easily and neatly! [Lifestyle]

Disposable adhesive carpet cleaner (substitute for a lint roller)

If you’re bothered by fine dust sticking to your carpet or clothes even after cleaning, here’s a handy tip: make a lint roller using an empty plastic wrap core.

Cut the wrap core in half, make evenly spaced slits around both open ends, and hook rubber bands across them in a crisscross pattern.

Bend a wire hanger to create a handle, and you’re done.

Once it picks up fine hair and dust, you can throw the rubber bands away as is, so it’s useful for particularly dirty areas or when you’ve run out of replacement lint roller sheets.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Magneed

Impromptu Craft No. 75: “Magnade” #ImpromptuCraft #HandmadeToys

Magneed

A tornado-spinning magnet! Here’s an idea for a “Magneid.” How about combining magnets with items you have at home to make a unique toy? It’s such a fun idea that you might find yourself getting hooked before you know it! You’ll need a plastic wrap tube, paper cups, magnets, glue, and vinyl tape.

You can also customize the length, or decorate the wrap tube with stickers or drawings to make it even more fun.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hairpin & Hair Tie Holder

Let’s make storage for your fashion accessories! Here are ideas for a hairpin and hair tie holder.

They’re perfect for kids who care about style or adults who want a designated spot for the pins and hair ties they use every day.

Try making one using scrap materials you have at home.

You’ll need a cardboard tube from plastic wrap, hair ties, hairpins, fabric glue, your favorite fabric, washi tape, and thick paperboard.

Decorating it with fabric or washi tape you like will make it even more fun!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Swirling Wrap Maze

@mii_asobi03
Save this and give it a try ✂️✨ [What you need] • A plastic wrap core (cardboard tube) • Construction paper • A zip-top bag • Stickers of your choice • Double-sided tape • Clear tape • Scissors • Pens/markers for drawing Instead of stickers, it’s totally fine to draw with pens 🙆‍♀️⭕️ Both my 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter were totally absorbed in playing with it 👦👧💡 They might be even happier if you make a maze they love 🤭 (Examples: cars, dinosaurs, trains, etc.) If you don’t have a plastic wrap core, you can connect toilet paper tubes as a substitute 💡 If there’s anything you’re unsure about or want to ask, leave a comment—I’m happy to help 🙆‍♀️✨ ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝ I’m Mii! Thanks so much for stopping by 😊🌈 I share projects in the hope of adding even one more fun parent–child memory 🩷 Follows and likes make me so happy 🥹✨ ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝#AtHomePlay #AtHomePlay #StayHomeTime Play ideas Educational #EducationalPlay #Indoor Play Core of plastic wrap drawing paper Maze #kurukuru absorbed; engrossed; obsessed; infatuated; in a daze (context-dependent)#HyperFocus ⁡
♬ Original song – mii_asobi03 – mii_asobi03

Let’s make a 3D maze! Here’s an idea for a spinning plastic-wrap-core maze.

When you think of mazes, they’re usually flat, right? This time, let’s use a plastic wrap core to create a maze you can spin and enjoy! You’ll need construction paper, a plastic wrap core, pens, illustrations, tape, scissors, stickers, and a bag.

Even if kids get bored with the same course, you can create a brand-new 3D maze just by sticking a different course or new stickers onto the construction paper! Give it a try and have fun.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem