Got a toilet paper roll? Don’t toss it! You can use toilet paper rolls for fun crafts, starting seedlings, organizing cables, and even composting. They’re easy to cut, paint, and glue. Plus, they’re free! Learn how to turn these everyday items into something useful and creative with our simple ideas.
Ever find yourself staring at an empty toilet paper roll, wondering if it’s destined for the trash? We’ve all been there. It seems like such a small thing, but those little cardboard tubes can actually be super useful around the house and garden. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a DIY expert to make the most of them.
This guide will show you simple, step-by-step ways to reuse toilet paper rolls. From organizing your messy drawers to getting a head start on your spring garden, you’ll be amazed at how versatile these little tubes can be. Let’s get started and turn trash into treasure!
Crafting with Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet paper rolls are fantastic for crafts. They are easy to cut, paint, and glue. Kids and adults alike can enjoy these simple projects.
Toilet Paper Roll Animals
Turn a simple roll into a cute animal. Here’s how:
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need toilet paper rolls, paint, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and construction paper.
- Paint the roll: Choose a color for your animal and paint the entire roll. Let it dry completely.
- Add features: Cut out ears, tails, and other features from construction paper. Glue them onto the roll.
- Glue on googly eyes: This brings your animal to life!
- Draw details: Use markers to add details like whiskers, spots, or stripes.
Example: Toilet Paper Roll Bunny
- Paint the roll pink or brown.
- Cut out long ears from pink or white construction paper.
- Glue the ears to the top of the roll.
- Add googly eyes and draw a nose and whiskers.
Toilet Paper Roll Flowers
Create beautiful flowers for decoration.
- Flatten the rolls: Flatten several toilet paper rolls and cut them into 1-inch sections.
- Shape the petals: Shape each section into a petal by rounding the edges.
- Glue the petals together: Arrange five petals in a circle and glue them together at the base to form a flower.
- Paint the flowers: Paint the flowers in various colors. Let them dry.
- Add embellishments: Glue beads, glitter, or buttons to the center of each flower.
Tip: Use different colors and sizes to create a bouquet of unique flowers.
Toilet Paper Roll Stamps
Make custom stamps for art projects.
- Shape the roll: Bend the toilet paper roll into different shapes, like hearts, stars, or triangles.
- Secure the shape: Use tape or glue to hold the shape in place.
- Apply paint: Dip the shaped end of the roll into paint.
- Stamp the paper: Press the painted roll onto paper to create a stamped image.
- Experiment with colors: Use different colors to create a variety of patterns.
Gardening with Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet paper rolls are perfect for starting seeds. They are biodegradable and easy to use.
Starting Seedlings
Give your seedlings a great start with these simple steps:
- Prepare the rolls: Cut the toilet paper rolls in half or leave them whole, depending on the plant.
- Create a base: Make four small cuts around one end of the roll and fold them inward to create a bottom. This will hold the soil.
- Fill with soil: Fill each roll with potting soil.
- Plant the seeds: Plant one or two seeds in each roll, according to the seed packet instructions.
- Water gently: Water the soil gently to avoid disturbing the seeds.
- Place in a tray: Place the rolls in a tray or container to catch any excess water.
- Provide light: Place the tray in a sunny location or under grow lights.
Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings are ready, transplant them directly into the garden.
- Prepare the soil: Dig a hole in the garden large enough to accommodate the roll.
- Plant the roll: Place the entire roll into the hole. The cardboard will decompose over time.
- Water well: Water the newly transplanted seedling thoroughly.
Benefits of Using Toilet Paper Rolls for Seedlings:
- Biodegradable: The rolls decompose in the soil, enriching it with organic matter.
- Easy to transplant: You can plant the entire roll, minimizing root disturbance.
- Cost-effective: It’s a free and sustainable way to start seeds.
Organizing with Toilet Paper Rolls
Keep your home tidy with these simple organization hacks using toilet paper rolls.
Cable Organizer
Tame those unruly cables with this easy solution:
- Gather your cables: Collect all the cables you want to organize.
- Fold each cable: Fold each cable neatly.
- Insert into a roll: Slide each folded cable into a separate toilet paper roll.
- Label the rolls: Label each roll with the name of the cable (e.g., “Charger,” “HDMI”).
- Store in a box: Place the rolls in a box or drawer for easy access.
Desk Organizer
Keep your desk clutter-free.
- Decorate the rolls: Decorate the toilet paper rolls with paint, paper, or fabric.
- Glue together: Glue the rolls together in a cluster to create a pen and pencil holder.
- Add a base: Glue the cluster to a piece of cardboard to provide a stable base.
- Organize your supplies: Place pens, pencils, scissors, and other desk supplies into the rolls.
Drawer Dividers
Organize drawers with these simple dividers:
- Measure the drawer: Measure the height of the drawer to determine the length of the rolls needed.
- Cut the rolls: Cut the toilet paper rolls to the desired length.
- Arrange in the drawer: Arrange the rolls in the drawer to create compartments.
- Organize items: Place socks, underwear, or other small items into the compartments.
Composting with Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet paper rolls are a great addition to your compost pile. They break down easily and add carbon.
Adding to Compost
Here’s how to use toilet paper rolls in your compost:
- Tear or shred the rolls: Tear or shred the toilet paper rolls into smaller pieces. This helps them break down faster.
- Add to the compost pile: Add the shredded rolls to your compost pile along with other organic materials.
- Maintain moisture: Keep the compost pile moist by watering it regularly.
- Turn the pile: Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
Benefits of Composting Toilet Paper Rolls
- Adds carbon: Toilet paper rolls are a source of carbon, which is essential for a balanced compost pile.
- Reduces waste: Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Enriches soil: The compost can be used to enrich garden soil.
Tip: Avoid composting toilet paper rolls that have been used with harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
Other Creative Uses for Toilet Paper Rolls
Beyond crafts, gardening, organizing, and composting, there are many other ways to reuse toilet paper rolls.
Bird Feeders
Create a simple bird feeder.
- Cover with peanut butter: Spread peanut butter all over the toilet paper roll.
- Roll in birdseed: Roll the peanut butter-covered roll in birdseed until it is completely coated.
- Hang it up: Thread a string or twine through the roll and hang it from a tree branch.
Fire Starters
Make easy fire starters for your fireplace or campfire.
- Stuff with dryer lint: Stuff the toilet paper roll with dryer lint.
- Wrap in wax paper: Wrap the roll in wax paper, twisting the ends to seal it.
- Light the end: Light one end of the wax paper to start a fire.
Gift Wrap
Use toilet paper rolls to create unique gift wrap.
- Flatten the roll: Flatten the toilet paper roll.
- Fold the ends: Fold in the ends to create a small box.
- Decorate: Decorate the box with paint, paper, or fabric.
- Fill with a gift: Place a small gift inside the box.
Safety Tips
When working with toilet paper rolls, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Supervise children: Always supervise children when they are using scissors or glue.
- Use non-toxic materials: Use non-toxic paints, glues, and other materials.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands after handling toilet paper rolls, especially before eating.
- Avoid used rolls with chemicals: Do not use rolls that have been exposed to harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
Recycling as an Alternative
If you don’t want to reuse toilet paper rolls, recycling is a great alternative. Check your local recycling guidelines to see if they accept cardboard tubes. Recycling helps conserve resources and reduces waste in landfills. Many communities now offer curbside recycling programs, making it easy to recycle your toilet paper rolls along with other paper and cardboard products. By recycling, you contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Pros and Cons of Reusing Toilet Paper Rolls
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of reusing toilet paper rolls:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Can be flimsy |
| Environmentally friendly | May require some preparation |
| Versatile | Can accumulate quickly |
| Easy to work with | Might not be suitable for all projects |
| Great for kids’ crafts | Need to be stored properly |
Where to Find More Ideas
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these resources:
- Pinterest: Search for “toilet paper roll crafts” or “toilet paper roll organization.”
- YouTube: Watch tutorials on how to make specific projects.
- DIY blogs: Many DIY blogs feature creative ideas for reusing toilet paper rolls.
- Local craft stores: Craft stores often offer classes and workshops on upcycling materials.
Here are some external resources to help you get started:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recycling Guide
- University of Minnesota Extension Composting Guide
FAQ About Toilet Paper Rolls
What are some easy crafts I can make with toilet paper rolls?
You can easily make animals, flowers, and stamps. Just paint the rolls and add details like googly eyes or construction paper features.
How can I use toilet paper rolls in the garden?
Use them to start seedlings. Plant seeds in the rolls filled with soil, and then transplant the entire roll into the garden when the seedlings are ready.
Are toilet paper rolls compostable?
Yes, they are! Just tear or shred them into smaller pieces and add them to your compost pile.
How can I organize cables with toilet paper rolls?
Fold each cable neatly and slide it into a separate roll. Label each roll to keep track of what’s inside.
Is it safe for kids to use toilet paper rolls for crafts?
Yes, but always supervise children when they are using scissors or glue. Make sure to use non-toxic materials.
Can I use toilet paper rolls to make fire starters?
Yes, stuff the rolls with dryer lint and wrap them in wax paper. Light one end of the wax paper to start a fire.
Where can I find more ideas for reusing toilet paper rolls?
Check out Pinterest, YouTube, DIY blogs, and local craft stores for more inspiration and tutorials.
Conclusion
So, next time you’re about to toss that empty toilet paper roll, remember all the amazing things you can do with it! From fun crafts to practical gardening solutions, these little tubes are a treasure trove of possibilities. You don’t need fancy tools or expert skills to get started. Just a little creativity and this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to transforming trash into something truly useful. Get creative, have fun, and start making the most of those humble toilet paper rolls today!
