How do you reuse wrapping paper tubes?

Wrapping paper tubes are very versatile and can be reused in many creative ways around the home. Rather than throwing them in the recycling bin, consider repurposing them for fun DIY projects, storage solutions, or even as playthings for kids and pets.

Uses for Wrapping Paper Tubes

Here are some ideas for how to reuse wrapping paper tubes:

Arts and Crafts

Wrapping paper tubes are great for arts and crafts. Their cylindrical shape lends itself well to being turned into all kinds of creations:

• Make picture frames by cutting tubes into rings and decorating them with paint, glitter, fabric, etc.
• Glue tubes together to form 3D sculptures or shapes like stars, snowflakes, animals, letters, etc.
• Make stamps by gluing designs like shapes, letters, or drawings onto the ends of tubes.
• Cut out notches or shapes from tubes to make crowns, picture frames, or decorative borders.
• Cover tubes in colorful duct tape to make vases, pencil holders, or organizers.

Toy Instruments

Let kids transform tubes into fun musical instruments they can play. Options include:

• Maracas – put beans, rice, beads, coins, etc. inside sealed tubes.
• Kazoos – cover one end with wax paper secured with a rubber band.
• Pan flutes – cut tubes into different lengths and arrange like a xylophone.
• Drums – stretch fabric over open ends of tubes.
• Horns – decorate tubes with construction paper to look like horns or megaphones.

Outdoor Fun

Take wrapping paper tubes outside for these fun ideas:

• Seed starters – plant seeds in soil inside tubes.
• Bird feeders – coat tubes with peanut butter or suet and roll in birdseed.
• Bug catchers – decorate tubes to use for catching and observing insects.
• Bean bag toss – use tubes as targets for a DIY cornhole or bean bag toss game.
• Bubble blowers – use large tubes as giant bubble wands.

Storage and Organization

Tubes are great for keeping items organized and protected. Repurpose them as:

• Pen, pencil, and marker holders on a desk.
• Jewelry or makeup brush organizers.
• Protective sleeves for storing rolled documents like posters or maps.
• Desk organizers for office supplies.
• Safes for keeping small treasures like money, keys, notes, etc.

Pet Toys

Pets love playing with empty tubes too! Stuff them with old socks or paper for cats to play fetch. Use peanut butter to seal tubes closed and make puzzle feeders for dogs.

Prepping and Cutting Tubes

To prepare wrapping paper tubes for crafts and repurposing:

• Make sure tubes are empty and clean out any debris.
• Trim away any excess paper or cardboard from the ends to make them smooth.
• Cut tubes to desired lengths using scissors, utility knives, or a hobby saw.
• Sand rough edges smooth with fine grit sandpaper.
• Cut notches, patterns, or shapes using scissors or hobby knives.
• Seal ends closed with tape, glue, caps, or other adhesives.

Wrapping Paper Tube Craft Ideas

Here are some more specific craft ideas and tutorials for repurposing wrapping paper tubes:

Wrapping Paper Tube Picture Frames

Make pretty custom picture frames using just a few supplies:

• Wrapping paper tubes
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors or hobby knife
• Sandpaper
• Glue
• Decorative materials like glitter, ribbon, fabric scraps, etc.

Instructions:

1. Cut tubes to desired length for frame. Common sizes are 5×7, 8×10, 11×14 inches. Leave a little extra length to overlap ends.
2. Sand cut edges smooth.
3. Cut a 45 degree angle on each end so the joints overlap neatly.
4. Glue angled ends together to form a ring.
5. Decorate frame by painting, adding glitter, wrapping ribbon around it, gluing on lace or fabric, etc.
6. Add a cutout photo or artwork and glass pane when dry.

Wrapping Paper Tube Stamps

Make stamping tools using tube ends:

• Wrapping paper tubes
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Self-adhesive foam
• Acrylic paint
• Glue (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut tubes to a length about 3-4 inches long.
2. On one end, draw your stamp design like a star, heart, letter, etc. with pencil.
3. Cut out the shape with scissors.
4. Apply foam sheet to the stamp end to create a stamp pad.
5. Paint the foam different colors.
6. Press onto paper to stamp designs.
7. Optional – Glue on decorative buttons, pom poms, etc. to make stamp handles.

Wrapping Paper Tube Kazoos

Make a simple musical instrument using:

• Wrapping paper tube
• Wax paper
• Rubber band
• Scissors
• Decorative materials like stickers, marker, etc. (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of wax paper slightly larger than one end of the tube.
2. Cover one end of the tube with the wax paper and secure with a rubber band.
3. Decorate the tube with markers, stickers, etc. if desired.
4. Hum a tune into the open end to play your kazoo!

Wrapping Paper Tube Bird Feeder

Attract feathered friends with a peanut butter bird feeder:

• Wrapping paper tube
• Scissors
• Twine or string
• Peanut butter, shortening, or suet
• Birdseed

Instructions:

1. Cut tube into a 3-4 inch section.
2. Poke a hole on each side of the tube near the top and thread string through to create a hanger.
3. Spread peanut butter, shortening, or suet around the outside of the tube.
4. Roll the tube in birdseed until fully coated.
5. Hang outside and wait for birds to discover this yummy snack!

Tips for Wrapping Paper Tube Crafts

Follow these tips for getting the best results from wrapping paper tube crafts and repurposing:

• Choose tubes with thicker cardboard rather than thin paper for more durability.
• Seal all cut edges with glue or tape so they don’t fray.
• Use strong adhesives like epoxy, hot glue, or contact cement for a more permanent hold.
• Spray paint tubes for a more finished, decorative look.
• Mix and match tubes of different sizes and colors for more interest.
• Recycle paper towel and toilet paper tubes too.
• Store unused tubes organized by size for easy crafting.

Where to Get Wrapping Paper Tubes

Looking for sources of free wrapping paper tubes?

Check with:

The gift wrap aisle at craft and department stores after the holidays.	Friends, family, churches, and other organizations that have recently had gift-wrapping events.	Big box retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon that accumulate large quantities.
Schools and childcare facilities that often receive presents around the holidays.	Gift wrapping services after they’ve used up rolls of paper.	Local businesses who may be willing to save tubes if you call ahead and ask politely for leftovers.

Buying new rolls of wrapping paper yourself is another great way to get tubes. Choose multipacks of paper in coordinating colors or patterns so you have a variety of tubes to work with.

Buy Wrapping Paper Tubes

In addition to collecting free tubes, you can also purchase tubes ready for crafting online or in stores. Options include:

• Bulk packs of plain brown cardboard tubes of various sizes.
• Variety packs with different colored or patterned tubes.
• Pre-cut tubes for common craft sizes like picture frames.
• Themed packs for holidays or seasons like Christmas, Halloween or summer.

Buying tubes is a little more expensive but provides convenience. You’ll have easy access to the quantity and sizes of tubes needed for all your projects.

Wrapping Paper Tube Crafts

In summary, wrapping paper tubes are a versatile craft supply with endless possibilities for DIY repurposing. With just a little creativity, you can reuse tubes to make:

• Fun art projects
• Toy instruments
• Outdoor playthings
• Organizational tools
• Pet toys
• And much more!

So before throwing out the tubes from your next gift wrapping session or party, consider how you might be able to breathe new life into them. Repurposing tubes is a great way to expand your craft skills, entertain kids, and keep useful items out of the landfill.