Glowing Firefly Craft: How To Make With Toilet Paper Roll
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement. Thanks for visiting!
This glowing firefly craft is about to light up your days in the most adorable (and frugal) way! Whether you're looking forward to summer fun, preparing letter F lessons, or just looking for a cute rainy day activity, this simple project will have your children buzzing with excitement.
You only need a few supplies to make and enjoy this delightful project. This craft is not only easy on the wallet but also perfect for sparking creativity and having screen-free fun. I'm sharing everything you need to get started including a supplies list, step-by-step instructions, and some fun ideas for how to use these glowing fireflies . So, grab your supplies and let’s light up your day with this sweet and simple craft!
Brighten Your Day With This Simple Craft
If you're searching for a creative project that your children can do for summer fun, I think you'll really like this toilet paper roll firefly craft. It's simple, affordable, and super cute!
After watching fireflies (or lightning bugs as we called them where I grew up in New Jersey) twinkle in the summer night sky, my boys and I decided to bring that magical glow inside with this fun craft. We used this glowing firefly craft as part of our summer homeschool fun. It was such a special project! It tied in beautifully with our outdoor adventure and gave us the chance to talk about fireflies, their natural glow, and the science behind it.
I love how this craft combines hands-on creativity with a touch of nature. Plus, it’s a simple yet engaging project that all of my boys enjoyed, from the youngest to the oldest.
If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and frugal way to bring a bit of magic into your summer homeschooling, this glowing firefly craft is a must-try. It’s a great way to explore the beauty of nature while giving kids a chance to get creative. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to talk about science, light, and bugs in a hands-on way.
What You'll Need to Make This Firefly Craft
To make sure that your project looks like the example pictures in the tutorial found below, you'll want to gather these craft supplies:
- Toilet paper roll
- Black construction paper
- White construction paper
- Yellow tissue paper
- Googly eyes
Black pipe cleaners - Tealight (battery-operated)
- Scissors
- Glue
And if you'd like to add a special touch or have extra time, you could consider using tissue paper (especially glitter tissue paper) on the wings. Also, you can use glitter glue to add details to the body and face of your firefly.
Bright Creations 48 Pack Empty Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts, Brown Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes, DIY Craft Cardboard Rolls for Classroom, Halloween Decorations and Dioramas (1.6 x 4 in)30-Pack Thick Craft Rolls, Multicolored Round Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, 4.5 x 1.5 inches Cardboard Craft Rolls in 6 Colors, Large Classroom Pack Paper Tube (Red Yellow Blue Green Purple Black)Prang (Formerly Art Street) Construction Paper, 10 Assorted Colors, Standard Weight, 9Ocean Tides Wrapping Tissue Paper for Gift Bags - 100 Sheets Colorful Tissue Paper for Crafts, Stuffing, & Packaging - Decorative Multicolored Gift Wrapping Sheets for All Occasions (14 x 20 inches)200pcs 20colors, Pipe Cleaners, Chenille Stems, Pipe Cleaners for Crafts, Pipe Cleaner Crafts, Art and Craft SuppliesMerrynights LED Tea Lights, 24-Pack Battery Operated, Long-Lasting 200 Hour Flameless Candles, Flickering for Halloween & Fall, Warm Yellow, 1.5'' D x 1.25'' H
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Your Glowing Firefly Craft
Prepare firefly body (toilet paper roll).
Cover the toilet paper roll by gluing a strip of black construction paper around it. Cut an arch shape out of the bottom edge of the toilet paper roll. This area is where the firefly’s light will shine through.
Prepare light area.
Glue tissue paper inside the toilet paper roll behind the arch opening. This step will give your firefly a soft, glowing look.
Make the firefly face.
Make the head. Cut out a black circle from construction paper. Glue on two googly eyes. Cut a small mouth shape from white construction paper and glue it onto the head.
Make antennae and attach head.
Bend two small pieces of black pipe cleaner into curved shapes. Glue them to the back of the head. Attach the head by gluing it to the top of the toilet paper roll.
Make wings and add light.
Cut out two wing shapes from white construction paper. Glue them to the back of the toilet paper roll. Place a battery-operated tealight inside the toilet paper roll. Turn it on to make your firefly glow.
Creative Ideas for Making and Enjoying This Firefly Activity
As with any project for kids, I encourage you to think of ways that you can tweak it. Talk with your students about fireflies and their observations. Have them share their ideas for how they can customize this craft.
You can use different colors for your firefly face and body. Use stickers, glitter glue, or tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix) to add details.
To display your DIY fireflies, you'll want to have stable surfaces, like a shelf or table. If you'd like to hang your fireflies (by a string or on a garland), you will need to stabilize the base of the battery-powered tealight. Use tape and construction paper, light cardboard, or cardstock to hold the tealight in place.
More Frugal Ideas for Summer Fun with Kids
Easily brighten your summer fun with kids by using frugal and simple ideas! Remember: You do not have to spend a lot of money or time preparing activities to make it a special summer! Here are some of our most popular summer activities for kids:
- Paper Plate Beach Ball Craft
- Summer Coloring Bookmarks
- DIY Ocean Slime
- Under the Sea Mindfulness Activities
- DIY Campfire Craft
- Super Cute Ice Cream Cone Craft
⭐ Have you seen fireflies (or lighting bugs) in your area yet? And how will you be using this glowing firefly craft with your children? Please share (and any questions you may have) in the comments area at the bottom of this post!