Not only are they budget-friendly (hello, toilet paper rolls!), but these tulips also fun and easy ways to get kids involved in making something special. Whether you’re looking to add a homemade touch to your spring decor, make a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day , or simply boost flower-themed lessons, this project has you covered. Plus, it only uses a few simple supplies (paint, toilet paper rolls, and scissors).
I’ll walk you through easy-to-follow instructions (with pictures!) and share creative ways to use your tulip crafts with your students.
Simple and Frugal 3D Crafts for Kids
If you’re looking for a creative project for children to enjoy this spring, this tulip craft is a must-try. I love how this activity provides your students with opportunities to transform an everyday object like a toilet paper roll (that you’d normally throw away) into something beautiful. It’s a wonderful way to spark outside the box thinking!
Plus, your kids get to work on developing fine motor skills . This hands-on approach is a great way to engage kids while reinforcing concepts like shape, symmetry, and color.
I’ve used this tulip project with my younger boys for art + math fun . We have a wood puzzle that features tulips. After watching my boys work on that puzzle, I was inspired to use these toilet paper roll tulips as tools for our homeschool math. First, the boys would count the tulips. Then, they started to add them (1 tulip + 1 tulip = 2 tulips). Then, I wrote numbers in chalk (so I could erase and use again) for the boys to work on larger sums. I have more ideas for combining this project with other subjects so keep reading!
Supplies You’ll Need to Make These Colorful Tulips
For the basic craft, you only need a few materials. Since this project involves paint, I encourage you to have something to protect the surface that you’re working on (like an older plastic tablecloth, tray, cardboard, or newspaper).
Empty toilet paper roll
Pencil
Scissors
Paint (green for the stem, various colors for the petals)
Paintbrush
Tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix ) are terrific options if you prefer a more mess-free experience.
To add some variety to your DIY tulips, try glitter paint . Once the paint is dry, you can also use glue and glitter or sequins. Washi tape can be an easy way to add texture, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Toilet Paper Roll Tulips
Before you begin this craft for kids, make sure that you have an area with a protected surface and enough room for the supplies.
Flatten the Toilet Paper Roll and Draw the Tulip Pattern .
Press down on the toilet paper roll to flatten it, making it easier to draw and cut. Use a pencil to sketch a tulip shape on the flattened roll. Ensure that the stem runs down the center and the leaves remain connected on both sides of the roll.
Cut Out the Tulip.
Carefully cut along the drawn lines going through both layers. Keep the leaves attached to the sides.
Paint the Stem and Leaves.
Use green paint to color the stem and leaves. Let the paint dry before moving on to the next step.
Paint the Petals.
Choose your favorite color for the tulip petals and paint them. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Shape the Tulip.
Gently open the toilet paper roll tulip to give it a three-dimensional effect.
Frequently Asked Questions About this Toilet Paper Roll Tulips Craft
How do I make the tulip petals?
To make the petals, simply cut the toilet paper roll into sections. Then, shape each piece into a petal form. You can make a variety of petal shapes – like rounded or pointed. Also, you can different number of tips to your tulips. I would have a minimum of three tips to make sure your flower looks most like a tulip.
Can younger kids make this craft?
Yes! This craft is awesome for all ages. Younger kids can paint and decorate the petals with help from an adult. Older kids can practice cutting and assembling the tulips on their own. Just be sure to supervise when using scissors.
How can I keep this project as mess-free as possible?
Keep a plastic tablecloth or newspaper down for easier cleanup. A tray designated for crafts work well, too. Tempera paint sticks or paint markers can be used to prevent dripping. For hands, have a damp towel or baby wipes available.
Creative Ideas for Making and Using Your Tulip Crafts
When your toilet paper roll stamp tulips have completely dried, you can either put out for display or add embellishments (with crayons, markers, or stickers). Make multiple tulips to show as part of a table setting, centerpiece, or on a mantle. These cuties look amazing on window sills, shelves, bookcases, and counters.
These colorful flowers are perfect for spring, Mother’s Day, or even classroom decorations . Consider using as DIY gifts for family and friends.
To personalize their tulips, each student can choose their favorite colors, add patterns or designs . This level of creativity gives kids the freedom to express themselves and make their crafts unique.
For educational use , apply small stickers (bugs are cute!) that you can place and remove. Your students can practice simple addition and subtraction facts on their flowers. Also, you can use chalk to add letters or numbers.
More Fun Budget-Friendly Crafts for Kids
Let this toilet paper roll tulip activity be just the beginning of your springtime fun! Keep your frugal fun going with these ideas and activities for spring and any time of the year:
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