Paper tubes can be upcycled into so many fun, simple objects with kids. Here are some holiday ideas to try this April.
Tubes to flowers
Cut a cardboard tube into equal sized strips with scissors. Thin card is easier to cut than thick!
Squeeze the cut tube sections into different shapes – perhaps a love heart, or a square, or a petal-shaped oval – whatever your imagination can think of. Make at least six of the same shape.
Using a fast-setting PVA or a low-temp hot glue, arrange the shapes into a circular shape so the sides are touching and glue lightly. You will end up with a ‘mandala’ pattern.
When dry, colour your mandala with textas or acrylic paint, or simply leave a natural colour.
If you want, add extra things to personalise your mobile – we added a small bottle top to the centre of this to look like a flower. Pom Poms, dried leaves, coloured tissue paper or cellophane all work well.
Attach a string to one side to hang from a window and dance in the light.
If you make a shape with many pieces, so that it is very sturdy and strong when glued, give it two extra coats of PVA glue and let it dry completely.
It can then be used as a small trivet or coaster.
Other ideas
1. Fold a toilet paper tube in half vertically, then in half again. Open it up – it should now be forming a square shape, not a circle. Make 4 x 2cm vertical cuts up from the base and fold inwards. Voilà! You now have a small seedling pot to grow seeds in – throw in 1/4 cup of soil, wet coir or potting mix and gently place the seeds. Once sprouted you simply plant the whole tube into the soil and let it decompose as the plant grows.
2. In our household we like to use empty Pringles tubes as original pencil and brush cases. Simply wipe the inside clean with a damp vinegar cloth, then wrap the outside of the tube with colourful wrapping paper, or perhaps an art work from school. A light all-over brushing of PVA glue works to keep it in place, as does a school glue stick. I like to wrap colourful tape around the top and bottom to seal the edges. Note: as paper expands when wet, don’t get the paper too saturated with wet glue as it will crinkle and tear.
A good idea is to put glue on the Pringles tube not the paper, and carefully wrap it around, pushing air bubbles out as you roll.
3. Glue small drink bottle caps to the side of a long tube with PVA or hot glue and you have the base of a train. Use a few 30cm rulers to create a track. Cut small openings in the top to create carriages.
Imogen Ross runs Go Create Art classes at Coledale Community Hall and Thirroul Community Centre. To invite her to your school, community group or event to deliver creative upcycling craft workshops, email gocreatearts@gmail.com
