How to Make Quick DIY Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

My obsession with empty toilet paper rolls only started when I became a grandma. I began to look at these cardboard cylinders, so perfectly shaped, and I would think…there must be some toilet paper roll crafts the grandkids and I can make with these!

Toilet paper rolls are the base for three fun projects you can do with kids.
Toilet paper rolls can be the base for many fun projects to do with the grandkids.

Here are three of my favorite toilet paper roll crafts, gleaned from the “Call Me Grandma!” archives. Search my blog for more Grandma Crafts to do with the grandkids.

Magazine Cutout Puppets

Little N tells a story using his magazine puppets.

Little N and I made these puppets when he was nearly three. It’s a good way to use imagination to tell stories and to practice small motor skills like cutting and pasting. I’ve included some sample stories to give you some ideas.

Learn how to make magazine puppets.

Pom Pom Canons

Pom pom canons are easy to make and fun to play. It's a simple toilet paper roll craft.
Pom poms go flying when you release the balloon trigger.

We made these over zoom two years ago as a birthday party activity for Miss T during the height of the pandemic. They’re super easy and super fun.

Learn how to make pom pom cannons.

A Sports Car from Toilet Paper Rolls

Cars made with toilet paper rolls and cardstock are toilet paper roll crafts kids can have fun with.
Colorful cars are made from toilet paper rolls and cardstock.

Fold and cut a toilet paper roll to make a pattern. Then use it to manufacture as many cars as you like!

Learn how to make a sports car.

More Toilet Paper Roll Craft Ideas

You’ll find other imaginative toilet paper roll craft ideas that I’ve collected on my Pinterest board.

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During my vacation, for the next three weeks, I’ll be reposting curated archived stories. I will return on Wednesday, August 3 with more great “Call Me Grandma!” ideas.

Next week: kid-pleasing recipes for the summer. Come visit!

4 Comments

  1. Anna Gershenson on July 6, 2022 at 2:07 pm

    Your imagination has no limits! Your grandkids must adore you.



    • Grandma Sandy on July 7, 2022 at 7:16 pm

      Thank you so much, Anna! What a lovely thing to say.



  2. Hopalong on July 6, 2022 at 4:52 pm

    …for the Magazine Cutout Puppets project, my office is always throwing out old manilla folders. I recycle them into “cardstock” for projects such as this…



    • Grandma Sandy on July 7, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      Such a great use for those discarded folders. They’re the perfect weight for so many craft projects.