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3D Cactus Craft
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How to Make a Paper Roll Cactus

Have fun making this adorable paper roll cactus! This paper roll craft is fun for kids of all ages and you only need a few simple craft supplies.
Active Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Yield: 1 paper roll cactus
Author: Debbie Chapman
Cost: $1

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

Step 1: Find what you need

  • Gather your supplies and materials.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus Supplies

Step 2: Prepare the pieces of the cactus

  • To make your paper roll cactus you'll need 1 toilet paper roll to be the center base of the cactus.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • You'll also need a 2nd roll for the arms. Flatten this roll down with your hands.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Use a pencil to draw 2 arms for the cactus on the flattened paper roll. You want the raised (vertical) parts of the arms to be along the sides of the roll.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Cut out the cactus arms and then trim the horizontal section of the arms down. This will open it up, so it's no longer connected on the one side.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Then fold in the horizontal pieces on both arms to create little tabs. This is where they'll connect to the cactus.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus

Step 3: Paint the cactus pieces

  • Add a coat of green paint to the full paper roll.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Make sure you paint the top of the roll and a bit inside the top as well.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Then add the same colour of paint to the outside of the cactus arms.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Allow the paint to dry, and then paint the inside of the arms as well. Allow to dry again.
    You now have the main parts of your cactus ready!
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus

Step 4: Put the cactus together

  • Add hot glue to both tabs on one of the cactus arms.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Attach the arm to the side of the cactus. Hold it in place for a minute to allow the glue to dry.
    Then repeat with the second arm, attaching it at a different height on the opposite side.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus

Step 5: Add the details

  • Use hot glue to attach googly eyes to the front of the cactus.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Then use a black acrylic paint marker to draw a smiling mouth.
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Finally, use a yellow or light green paint marker to draw cactus spines all over the cactus body and arms.
    Here we drew alternating slanted lines, but you can also do little "Vs" or "Xs". Take a look at the picture below to get more ideas!
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Your paper roll cactus is complete!
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus
  • Have fun making cacti in all different shapes and shades of green!
    Toilet Paper Roll Cactus

Video

Notes

Looking for more ways to craft with paper rolls? Here's a few of our favourites:
Paper Roll Butterfly
Toilet Paper Roll Tulips
Paper Roll Birds