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Kids get hooked on crafts with toilet paper rolls! Idea collection for elementary school students

Kids get hooked on crafts with toilet paper rolls! Idea collection for elementary school students

Last updated:2025/8/13

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Many of you are probably wondering what to make for your summer vacation craft project.

So here, we’re sharing fun craft ideas you can make using a familiar material found at home: plastic wrap cores (cardboard tubes).

We’ve gathered lots of projects—like a lint-roller-style cleaner, hanging toys, and coin clappers—that you can play with and learn from once they’re finished.

All of them use easily sourced materials and have simple instructions.

Use this as a guide to get creative with your kids and make a one-of-a-kind original piece together!

Kids Get Hooked on Toilet Paper Roll Crafts! Ideas for Elementary Schoolers (1–10)

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

An idea that’s sure to get everyone excited is making a toy gun.

The method is simple: first, glue cardboard around a plastic wrap tube.

Then attach a part to hook a rubber band onto.

After that, just place the rubber band along the barrel and it’s done.

For the ammo, cardboard works well, and for the target, paper cups are recommended.

It also sounds fun to set some rules and compete.

By the way, you can tweak it to increase range with some fine adjustments.

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lint roller

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

lint roller

It’s not only fun to make, but it could also get kids to help with chores—the idea is a DIY lint roller.

You know that cleaning tool you roll over carpets? Keep that in mind.

First, prepare a cardboard tube from a roll of plastic wrap and cut it to about half its length.

Next, make several slits at both ends.

Finally, loop rubber bands around the tube so they bite into the slits, and you’re done.

As you roll it, the rubber bands will snag and pick up dirt.

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Rainstick

Let's make a rainstick with a plastic wrap core!

Rainstick

Do you know what a rainstick is? A rainstick is a musical instrument that originated in Africa, and it looks like a tube.

Inside, it’s filled with things like beans, and when you tilt it sideways it makes a sound that resembles falling rain.

If you’re making one with a cardboard tube (like from a roll of wrapping paper), first make several holes, then attach the bottom and the lid, and pour beans inside.

After you make it, listen closely and let it soothe you.

By the way, if you mix different kinds of beans, the sound becomes even more realistic.

Experimenting with blends is part of the fun.

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Speaker

With Kiramager! [Crafts] Make a Speaker [Using a Paper Towel Roll] Challenge: Building a Portable Speaker!

Speaker

Making a simple speaker with a plastic wrap tube and a smartphone—amazing! It enhances the sound resonance, so you can enjoy your favorite songs with powerful impact.

You only need items you already have at home, so it’s easy on the wallet, too.

It’s great for outdoor use as well—perfect for listening to music at a picnic! The crafting process is fun, and the finished product is practical.

It’s good for recycling, fosters creativity, and offers not just two benefits but maybe three.

Highly recommended for elementary school science projects.

Adults, please try it together with your kids!

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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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