2. Cardboard Tube Wall Art
Toilet paper rolls and paper towel tubes are one of the most underused craft materials in any home. Cut into shapes, painted, and arranged on a canvas, they create textured wall art that looks far more expensive than it actually is.
Materials: Several cardboard tubes, a piece of cardboard or canvas as a base, scissors, a pencil, acrylic paint, a hot glue gun or strong craft glue, and optionally some buttons, beads, or pieces of fabric for embellishment.
Instructions: Flatten the cardboard tubes and cut them into equal-width rings, usually about half an inch thick. Squeeze each ring gently into an oval or pinch one side to create a teardrop or leaf shape. Paint each piece in your chosen color palette. Once dry, lay them out on your base in a pattern that speaks to you, whether that’s a flower, an abstract design, or a repeating geometric layout. Glue each piece in place and let everything dry flat. You can leave the piece as is, or add small embellishments like painted buttons in the centers of flower shapes.
Time: Around 45 minutes plus drying time.
Difficulty: Easy, though younger children may need help with the hot glue.
Customization: For a more modern look, paint all pieces in the same neutral tone. For something playful, go bold with multiple colors.
Display tip: Lean your finished piece on a shelf instead of hanging it, so the texture catches the light beautifully.