If you’re anything like me, you probably have a stash of empty toilet paper rolls sitting around, waiting for a fun craft project. Instead of tossing them away, I love turning them into adorable DIY animals! These 17 creative projects are a great way to recycle, spark creativity, and enjoy some quality crafting time with kids—or even on your own.
Let’s dive into these fun and easy crafts, complete with materials and step-by-step instructions.
1. Owl
I start by flattening the top of the roll inward to create little owl ears. Then, I cut out wing and belly shapes from colored paper and glue them on. Adding googly eyes and drawing a small beak with an orange marker brings this cute owl to life. A few feather details with a marker make it even more adorable!
2. Fox
To make a fox, I cover the roll in orange paper and glue on a white belly. I add black-tipped ears, paws, and a white tail tip. With a black marker, I draw on the eyes, nose, and whiskers. So simple, yet so cute!
3. Penguin
For a penguin, I wrap the roll in black paper and glue a white oval to the front for the belly. Googly eyes and an orange triangle beak complete the face, and I cut out little orange feet to glue to the bottom.
4. Butterfly
I cover the roll with colored paper, then cut out large butterfly wings and decorate them with markers. Curling some pipe cleaners for antennas and gluing them to the top makes this craft extra charming.
5. Frog
I paint or wrap the roll in green paper, then cut out four little legs and glue them to the sides. Attaching big googly eyes on top and drawing a wide, happy smile makes my frog look so cheerful.
6. Lion
For a lion, I wrap the roll in yellow paper and cut out a mane from orange paper, gluing it around the top. A cute face drawn with a black marker, plus little paper ears and a tail, completes my mini jungle king!
7. Elephant
I cover the roll in gray paper and cut out big floppy ears to glue on the sides. A long trunk attached to the front, along with googly eyes and a sweet smile, makes this elephant totally lovable.
8. Giraffe
I wrap the roll in yellow paper, then cut out and attach brown spots. Adding paper ears, little horns, and a tail, plus drawing a cute face, makes this giraffe one of my favorites!
9. Snake
For a snake, I paint the roll green, let it dry, then cut it into a spiral shape. A red forked tongue at the end and googly eyes bring my slithery friend to life.
10. Rabbit
I wrap the roll in white or pastel-colored paper, then cut out long ears and attach them to the top. Drawing a sweet bunny face with a pink nose and whiskers and gluing a cotton ball on the back makes it perfect.
11. Bear
For a bear, I wrap the roll in brown paper, cut out round ears, and glue them on top. A friendly bear face drawn with a black marker, plus little paper arms, gives it a cuddly touch.
12. Cat
I use black or any color paper to wrap the roll, then cut out pointed ears and glue them on top. A tiny nose, whiskers, and eyes drawn with a marker bring this cute kitty to life. A curled paper tail finishes it off.
13. Dog
For a puppy, I wrap the roll in brown or white paper, cut out floppy ears, and glue them on. A cute little snout drawn with a marker, plus a paper tail at the back, makes this doggy irresistible.
14. Peacock
I cover the roll in blue paper, then cut out colorful feather shapes and glue them to the back to create a beautiful peacock tail. A small yellow beak and googly eyes complete my fancy bird.
15. Zebra
I wrap the roll in white paper, cut out black stripes, and glue them onto the body. Adding a small paper mane, ears, and a cute zebra face makes this craft super fun.
16. Turtle
I paint the roll green and let it dry, then cut out a rounded shell shape and glue it to the top. Small paper legs and a head, plus a little marker-drawn shell pattern, make this turtle adorable.
17. Mouse
I wrap the roll in gray or brown paper, cut out large round ears, and attach a small pointed nose. A few tiny whiskers and a thin curled paper tail complete my little mouse.
With just a few simple supplies, I can turn plain toilet paper rolls into adorable animal friends. Whether crafting alone or with kids, these DIY projects are a fun way to recycle and get creative. So grab those empty rolls and start crafting today!
