Key Takeways
- This toilet paper roll owl craft step by step guide uses one clean cardboard toilet roll, paper, glue, scissors, googly eyes, and markers.
- It is a fun craft for preschoolers, younger kids, and older kids, roughly ages 4–10.
- You can wrap, paint, decorate, and create seasonal owls for Valentine’s Day, autumn, Christmas, or halloween.
- Finished owls can sit on a mantlepiece, become desk pets, or hang as ornaments with string.
Introduction to Toilet Paper Roll Owls
A toilet paper roll owl is a small owl character made from a recycled toilet paper roll, construction paper, and simple school supplies. Crafting with toilet paper rolls is an eco-friendly option as it repurposes materials that would otherwise be discarded.
This hands-on roll owl craft is a fun way to swap screen time for cutting, folding, gluing, and creative choices. Kids love making birds with big eyes, bright colours, and funny expressions, and you can explore even more fun paper activities for creative minds to keep the inspiration going.
Use any standard toilet roll, paper roll, or kitchen roll cut in half. No template is required, but you can print one if your kids prefer a guide.
Supplies Needed for Your Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft
The supplies needed are: an empty toilet paper roll, construction paper or paint, glue, scissors, googly eyes, and markers. Add a pencil, ruler, black marker, white paper, orange or yellow construction paper for the beak, and coloured paper for feathers and wings.
Optional materials include fabric scraps, sequins, buttons, beads, felt, stickers, ribbon, and dollar store craft packs. Choosing the right craft paper supplies for creative projects and adding embellishments like sequins, buttons, and fabric scraps can enhance the visual appeal of your owl crafts, making them more personalized and fun.
Use tempera paint for washable work, or acrylic craft paints, which are commonly used for painting toilet paper rolls due to their vibrant colors and wide range of options. If your family enjoys upcycling, you can branch out into creative toilet paper roll crafts for fun projects. Older kids can cut wings; adults should pre-cut small pieces for toddlers.
Preparing the Toilet Paper Roll (Hygiene & Setup)
Use clean, dry toilet paper rolls. Save the tube before it reaches the trash, or buy new craft tubes if preferred. Check each roll for dust, tears, moisture, or crushed edges.
Lightly flatten the roll, then let it spring back into shape. Cover the table with newspaper, especially if using paint, glitter, or beads. Wash hands before and after the owl craft.
Step by Step: How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Owl
These step instructions show how to make one paper roll owl craft from start to finish. An owl craft can be made using a paper roll, and this version breaks the process into wrapping, shaping the head, and decorating the face and feathers.
Step 1: Wrap the Toilet Paper Roll
Measure a strip of coloured craft paper the same height as the toilet paper roll and wide enough to overlap at the back. Wrap it snugly around the roll and secure the line with glue or tape.
Use brown for a natural toilet roll owl, yellow or purple for a super cute version, or red and white for seasonal ideas. Smooth wrinkles as you wrap.
Step 2: Shape the Owl’s Head and Ears
To create an owl from a toilet paper roll, start by squeezing the end of the tube to form the ears and secure it with tape or glue. Wrap the toilet paper roll with colored craft paper, then press down the top middle part to shape the owl’s head.
Press slowly with thumbs so the roll does not collapse. If the fold pops open, add a small tape sign inside. Older kids may repeat a matching fold at the bottom half, but it is optional.
Step 3: Add Feathers, Wings, and Tummy
Cut feathers from paper in oval, teardrop, triangle, or fingertip shape. Glue them in rows on the bottom half, starting low and working upward so the rows overlap.
Cut out wings from craft paper, fold the edges, and glue them to the sides of the toilet paper roll to complete the owl’s body. Try to make both wings the same size. Add a heart or oval tummy in the middle.
Step 4: Create the Owl’s Face
Cut two white circles for the owl’s eyes and two smaller black circles, or use googly eyes. Glue them near the top under the folded ears.
Fold orange or yellow paper, cut a triangle from the fold, and glue the folded edge between the eyes to make a 3D beak. Draw eyelids, lashes, or eyebrows with a black marker to make each owl cute, silly, or sleepy.
Step 5: Add Feet and Final Details
Cut two feet from orange or brown paper, then glue them inside the front bottom so they peek out. Decorate with dots, stripes, washi tape, sequins, buttons, beads, or fabric scraps.
Let glue and paint dry before play. You can use your finished owls to decorate your mantlepiece or add a loop of string to turn them into Christmas ornaments.
Variations for Seasons, Ages, and Themes
The same toilet paper roll craft can feel new all year with different colours, patterns, and ideas, and you can mix it with cute paper craft ideas for easy DIY projects for even more variety.
Valentine’s Day Toilet Roll Owl
Owls can be made in various colors, such as red or white with hearts for Valentine’s Day, allowing for seasonal decoration themes. Use heart wings, a heart tummy, glitter glue, and a message on the back. This adorable owl craft also works as a treat holder.
Autumn and Woodland Owls
Use brown, orange, mustard, burgundy, and green. Add leaf-shaped feathers and display several toilet paper roll owls as a woodland family. Older kids can copy real owl speckles and stripes.
Christmas and Winter Owl Decorations
Paint the toilet roll white, silver, gold, or deep blue. Add scarves, hats, earmuffs, and ribbon loops. A row of winter owls looks darn cute on a mantlepiece with greenery, especially when paired with simple decorations like paper stars made step by step.
Tips for Crafting with Younger and Older Kids
This is a great craft because it scales easily.
- Younger kids and preschoolers: Pre-cut eyes, feathers, and wings. Use glue sticks, washable paint, large foam stickers, and short 10–15 minute sessions.
- Toddlers: Avoid tiny sequins, buttons, and beads. Let adults handle scissors and the top fold.
- Older kids: Research real owls, add layered wings, talons, symmetry, or a paper branch.
- Groups: A mom, teacher, or older girl can lead a mini workshop. Label each roll inside so kids find their own.
Displaying and Using Your Toilet Paper Roll Owls
Finished paper roll owls can be shelf decorations, desk pets, reading props, or pretend-play characters. If you love owls, make a rainbow set or a family with different sizes, or browse Simply Paper Crafts for more paper inspiration.
They also pair well with story videos, classroom bulletin boards, or an owl learning activity from the NC Zoo. Store them in a shoebox so they do not get crushed. I absolutely love making a new one each season; I hope this inspired your next craft session.
Share your owl on facebook, leave a comment, or read more comments for ideas from other families.
FAQ
Can I use paper towel rolls instead of toilet paper rolls?
Yes. Cut a paper towel roll into two or three pieces, then shape the ears the same way. This is useful if you prefer not to use bathroom toilet paper rolls.
How can I make this craft in a large classroom group?
Set up stations for painting, cutting, and gluing. Pre-wrap rolls or pre-cut basic shapes to fit a 30–45 minute class. Write names inside each tube.
What if I don’t have coloured paper at home?
Paint directly on the roll, or use magazine pages, old gift wrap, paper bags, or scrapbooking scraps. Kids can also draw feathers with crayons or markers.
How long do toilet paper roll owls last?
If kept dry and handled gently, a toilet paper roll owl can last a season or school year. Store it away from moisture and heavy books.
Are toilet paper roll crafts safe for very young children?
Clean cardboard is generally safe, but supervise sharp tools and small parts. For under-threes, focus on painting the roll and adding large glued-on features.
