7 Things to do with...Loo Rolls

Chances are you might have a couple of extra loo rolls around the house at the moment, so we’ve pulled together an activity a day to put them to good use.

1. SHAPE STAMPING

To get started Shape Stamping is a super simple & really quick activity to set up. Just reshape 4 or 5 rolls into shapes – square, rectangle, triangle, heart & circle are our favourites. Then dip the ends into different coloured paint and off they go.
 
Great for making cards to send to friends or grandparents while we’re in isolation.

2. CREATE A CREATURE

Loo Roll creatures are another quick & easy activity to pull together at a moments notice. They’re also great for getting your little ones to explore their creativity.
 
Bunnies, bugs or crazy monster creations, whatever your little ones would like (& craft supplies allow).  You will need some coloured card & paper, googly or sticker eyes and any other decorations you have to hand. Set them out on a tray with some glue.

Then wrap the rolls in coloured paper, cut out any features like ears or antennas from card ready to glue on, then embellish however you would like.  

3. CARS, ROCKETS & THINGS THAT FLY

Similar to creature creating, there is also a huge range of vehicles that can be made from loo rolls.

Why not try a racing car (check out the link below for instructions) or how about a space shuttle or our favourite a flying rocket!
 
To make the flying rocket you will need a loo roll, some coloured card & coloured paper, maybe some glitter pens or stickers if you have them.

Wrap the roll in coloured paper, cut out 4 rocket wings and decorate.  Make a cone of card for the top of the rocket, but leave a good gap to thread the string through. Thread your rocket onto your string, then hook up your string, making sure it’s nice and tight.

Do a dramatic countdown & blast your rocket off along the string. See how far you can get it to go.
 
Follow this link for instruction to make racing cars: https://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2013/04/toilet-paper-roll-race-cars.html

4. BIRD FEEDER

Attract some wildlife to the garden, for little, eagle eyed nature watchers, with a homemade bird feeder. You’ll need a loo roll, some peanut butter (or coconut oil/sunflower butter), birdseed mix and some string.
 
Start by covering the outside of toilet paper roll with peanut butter (or substitute).  Then roll the peanut butter covered toilet paper roll in the birdseed until covered. It works best if you get a really thick covering of seeds.
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Finally thread a piece of twine through the toilet paper roll and hang somewhere ideally out of reach of squirrels.

5. SEEDLING PLANTER

Another quick and easy idea for the garden is to create some little biodegradable seedling pots out of loo rolls. Plant seeds in them, then as the seedlings grow you can transfer them directly into your garden as the ‘pot’ will decompose in the soil.

To make these you will need a parent to help with the snipping. Start by making four cuts in the roll about a third of the way up. Then fold the cut area on the bottom like you would to close a box.  Then fill with some light potting soil and add your seeds.

Sit them in a waterproof tray or dish on a nice sunny windowsill, keep them regularly watered and watch the magic happen. Once the seedlings are strong enough you can transfer them to the garden.

6. FLYING FISH

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not try making some of these beautiful windsock fish from Squirrelly Minds. Little ones might need a bit more of a hand with these ones but they are a really nice thing to make together.

All you’ll need is a few toilet rolls, some coloured tissue paper (we love the craft it mini tissue squares from Baker Ross), some double sided tape or glue & some string.

You’ll find full instructions here:  http://squirrellyminds.com/2013/05/03/koinobori-japanese-flying-carp-diy/
 

7. KALEIDOSCOPE

For something much more complicated, but well worth the effort, why not make your own kaleidoscope. Children will love looking at the beautiful coloured patterns they can create simply by spinning their kaleidoscopes.
 
This one works better with a paper towel roll but it can still work with a toilet paper roll as well. Head over to this link for detailed instructions:
https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1008403/diy-kaleidoscope-craft-for-kids/
 
 
We’d love to see your creations so please keep us posted on our Facebook page & group. Happy crafting x