These paper roll tulips are such a colourful and creative way to celebrate spring! This eco-friendly craft is a fun way to upcycle cardboard tubes into bright, cheerful flowers. With just a few simple craft supplies, kids and adults can create their own vibrant bunch of tulips — no special tools or advanced skills required.
Use these toilet paper roll tulips as handmade spring decorations, add them to a DIY Easter craft display, or let kids use them in imaginative play. Whether you’re crafting for Earth Day, a classroom art project, or just a fun weekend activity, this recycled craft is sure to be a hit!
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How to Make Paper Roll Tulips
Materials:
- Toilet paper roll
- Acrylic paint (flower colour and green)
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Draw the tulip
- Flatten the paper roll.
- Use a pencil to draw 2 upside-down triangles on the top of the paper roll. The triangles should meet in the center and go out to either edge.
- Just above the halfway point, draw a curved line.
- Draw a stem in the middle of the flower that goes about 3/4 of the way down the paper roll.
- Make 2 angled, slightly curved lines going from the bottom of the stem up to the outsides of the paper roll. These will be leaves.
Step 3: Cut the flower
- Cut the flower shape from the paper roll. Start by cutting the 2 triangles at the top and along the curved line, stopping in the center to leave the stem. Finish by cutting at the top of the leaf lines and along the stem.
- Push the sides of the paper roll in to make the tulip round again.
Step 4: Paint the tulip
- Paint the stem and leaves with green acrylic paint, going all around the outside of the paper roll.
- Choose a cheerful colour to paint the top flower part of the tulip. (We used pink, but red, yellow, orange, or purple are other great choices). Allow the paint to dry. Add a second coat of paint, if needed.
- Your paper roll tulip is complete!
- Now have fun making a whole garden of colourful paper roll tulips!
Helpful Tips:
- To make different heights of tulips, try using different sizes of paper rolls. Toilet paper rolls are what we used for our tulips, but you can also use a paper towel roll or wrapping paper roll and cut it to your desired size.
- If your flower needs more than two coats of paint for good coverage, try painting the next one white first. Let this dry before adding your colours. The white base works as a primer, making the colours appear brighter and more vibrant.
Do I have to use a toilet paper roll for my paper roll tulips?
No, if you don’t like the idea of using a toilet paper roll to make your tulip craft, you can simply cut an empty paper towel roll or wrapping paper tube to be the same size as a toilet paper roll (about 4-1/2 inches tall). You can also buy a package of craft rolls from Amazon.
Another option is to use thicker paper, like cardstock, to create your own roll. However, cardstock may not return to a round shape as easily after flattening, compared to the other rolls. On the plus side, cardstock comes in many different colours, so using it may cut down on how much of the tulip you need to paint!
What’s the best paint to use for my tulip craft?
For these toilet paper roll tulips, we recommend using an acrylic craft paint with good coverage. You’ll find this type of paint at your local dollar store or craft store.
If you’re making this craft with kids, make sure you’re using a kid-safe, non-toxic paint. A lot of acrylics are non-toxic, but tempera paints are usually recommended for kids crafts, since they’re also washable.
What can I do with my toilet paper roll tulips once I’ve made them?
These standing paper roll tulips are a versatile spring craft, making them great for decorating. Here are some fun ideas for how to use them:
- Line them up on a windowsill for a cheerful spring display.
- Tuck individual flowers into gaps on bookshelves or tiered trays.
- Place a paper roll tulip on your bedside table for a bright, handmade touch to wake up to.
- Gather a DIY tulip bouquet in a small flower pot filled with pebbles or dried beans.
- Use your paper tulips as seasonal napkin rings by threading a folded napkin through the center (remember, your tulips don’t have to be made with toilet paper rolls)!
- Cut 2 slits in the top of the tulip to create a photo holder craft.
With so many creative ways to use your upcycled tulip flowers, this spring DIY is sure to bloom in your home!
These paper roll tulips are a fun and eco-friendly craft that lets you turn everyday recyclables into colourful spring decorations. Whether you’re creating a DIY tulip display for a classroom art project, adding a handmade touch to your Easter decor, or simply crafting for fun, these recycled paper flowers will bring cheerful spring vibes to any space — no April showers required!
Here’s even more paper roll craft ideas:
How to Make Paper Roll Bunnies
Paper Roll Monarch Butterflies
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72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
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