How to Upcycle Toilet Paper Rolls into Halloween Decorations: 5 Easy DIY Ideas

Eco-friendly reuse recycle décor, kindergarten paper Halloween craft | Katerina Morozova

Looking to spook up your home this Halloween season? Look no further than your bathroom! Yes, you read that right. Those simple toilet paper rolls can be transformed into spine-chilling Halloween decorations. With just a few supplies and a dash of creativity, you can upcycle these everyday items into hauntingly beautiful crafts. In this article, we’ll explore five easy DIY ideas that will leave your guests in awe.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a DIY novice, these projects are perfect for all skill levels. From adorable ghostly lanterns to eerie bat garlands, each idea is sure to impress. Not only will you be able to express your unique creativity, but you’ll also be doing your part in reducing waste.

So, grab your scissors, glue, and some googly eyes, and get ready to turn those empties into Halloween masterpieces. Let’s dive into the world of toilet paper roll upcycling and get ready to create some spooktacular decorations that will bring your holiday spirit to life!

Upcycling benefits

When it comes to Halloween decorations, the possibilities are endless. However, using upcycled materials adds a unique touch to your creations. Upcycling toilet paper rolls not only saves money but also helps reduce waste. By repurposing something that would otherwise end up in the trash, you’re giving it a new lease on life and contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Toilet paper rolls are versatile and can be easily transformed into various shapes and sizes. Their cylindrical shape makes them perfect for creating spooky lanterns, characters, treat holders, garlands, and even candle holders. With a little imagination and some basic crafting supplies, you can create one-of-a-kind Halloween decorations that are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.

Materials needed for upcycling toilet paper rolls

Before we dive into the DIY ideas, let’s gather the materials you’ll need for these projects. Most of the supplies can be found around the house or purchased inexpensively at your local craft store. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Toilet paper rolls (collect as many as you can to have a variety of crafts)

2. Scissors

3. Craft glue or a hot glue gun

4. Paint (acrylic or spray paint)

5. Paintbrushes

6. Googly eyes

7. Colored paper or cardstock

8. Ribbons or string

9. LED candles or tea lights (for lanterns)

Once you have these materials ready, you’re all set to start creating your Halloween decorations!

DIY Idea 1: Spooky Halloween lanterns

Create an eerie atmosphere with these ghostly lanterns made from toilet paper rolls. Start by cutting the rolls into different heights to create a variety of lantern sizes. Next, use a paintbrush to apply a layer of white paint to the outside of each roll. You can also add texture by lightly dabbing the paintbrush to create a mottled effect.

Once the paint is dry, cut out eyes and mouths from black construction paper and attach them to the front of the lanterns using glue. For an extra spooky touch, you can add some torn white tissue paper or gauze to create a ghostly veil. Finally, place an LED candle or tea light inside each lantern, and watch as they flicker and cast a haunting glow.

These ghostly lanterns are perfect for lining your front porch, staircase, or windowsills, creating an eerie ambiance that will give your home a Halloween feel.

DIY Idea 2: Creepy crawlies toilet paper roll characters

Give your Halloween decorations a touch of creepiness with these toilet paper roll characters. Start by painting the rolls in different colors, such as black, green, or orange, depending on the character you want to create. Once the paint is dry, use your imagination to transform the rolls into spiders, worms, or any other creepy crawlies.

For spiders, attach pipe cleaners as legs and googly eyes for a spooky effect. To create worms, cut the rolls into shorter segments and paint them in shades of pink or red. Add googly eyes and draw a mouth with a black marker. You can also create other creatures like snakes, centipedes, or caterpillars using the same technique.

These creepy crawlies can be placed around your house, in corners, on bookshelves, or even hanging from the ceiling to add a touch of Halloween horror.

DIY Idea 3: Halloween treat holders

Get creative with your Halloween treats by transforming toilet paper rolls into fun and spooky treat holders. Start by painting the rolls in Halloween-themed colors like black, orange, or purple. Once the paint is dry, decorate them with stickers, glitter, or cut-out shapes from colored paper to create a personalized touch.

To make the treat holders, simply fold one end of the roll over and secure it with glue or tape. Fill the holder with your favorite Halloween candies or small toys, and fold the other end over to close it. You can also add ribbons or string to create a handle for a mini trick-or-treat bag effect.

These treat holders can be displayed on a Halloween party table or given out as party favors to delight your guests.

DIY Idea 4: Bat and ghost garlands

Add some spookiness to your Halloween decorations with these bat and ghost garlands made from toilet paper rolls. Start by cutting the rolls into thin strips to create rings. Paint the rings black for bats and white for ghosts.

For bats, cut out bat wing shapes from black construction paper and attach them to each ring using glue. Draw eyes and fangs with a white paint pen or marker. For ghosts, simply draw spooky faces on each ring using a black paint pen or marker.

Once the rings are dry, thread them onto a string or ribbon, alternating between bats and ghosts. Hang the garland across doorways, walls, or windows for a hauntingly delightful effect.

DIY Idea 5: Pumpkin candle holders

Create a cozy and warm ambiance with these pumpkin candle holders made from toilet paper rolls. Start by painting the rolls in a pumpkin orange color. Once the paint is dry, cut out facial features—eyes, nose, and mouth—from black construction paper. Attach the features to the front of the rolls using glue.

Next, place an LED candle or tea light inside each roll. The cut-out facial features will allow the light to shine through, creating a spooky yet inviting glow. Arrange the pumpkin candle holders on your mantel, dining table, or any other surface that needs a touch of Halloween charm.

Tips for upcycling toilet paper rolls

– Flatten the toilet paper rolls before cutting or painting them. This will make them easier to work with and provide a smoother surface for painting.

– Experiment with different paint colors and textures to create unique effects. Metallic paints can add a touch of elegance, while glitter paints can add a sparkly and magical feel.

– Don’t limit yourself to the suggested ideas. Let your creativity flow and come up with your own Halloween-themed creations using toilet paper rolls.

– If you don’t have any toilet paper rolls on hand, ask friends, family, or coworkers to save them for you. You’ll be surprised how many you can collect in a short amount of time.