“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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Make use of it before tossing! Practical adult DIY ideas using plastic wrap cores (1–10)
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!
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.
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.
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.
kaleidoscope
How about making a sparkling, beautiful kaleidoscope that opens up a whole new world when you peek inside? Besides a roll from plastic wrap, you’ll need items like a card case or plastic sheet (sold at 100-yen shops), and beads to put inside.
Use tape or black paper to block out light, and insert a plastic sheet formed into a tube so that the beads inside will reflect.
Put beads or glass marbles at the end of the tube.
If you don’t have a card case, you can use lids from bento boxes or recycled PET bottles instead.
It’s an item that brings back childhood nostalgia.
Rainstick
Let’s make a rain stick—a traditional musical instrument said to have originated in Africa—using an empty wrapping paper tube.
Use an awl to make evenly spaced holes in the tube, insert toothpicks into the holes, and trim off the ends that stick out.
Apply wood glue to the cut ends to keep the toothpicks from coming loose.
Create lids for both ends, and fill the tube with your choice of beads or adzuki beans to complete it.
You can leave it as is, but if you care about appearance, try decorating the outside of the tube with masking tape or anything you like.
The sound will change depending on what you put inside, so making several can be a fun way to enjoy the different tones.
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!