How to Make Heart-Shaped Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement. Thanks for visiting!
Looking for a fun, frugal craft that's fantastic for boosting imagination and creativity? These heart-shaped toilet paper roll binoculars are the perfect project!
Your children will have a blast making and enjoying these cute binoculars. This DIY project for kids is awesome for celebrating Valentine’s Day, a rainy day activity, or having screen-free fun.
With just a few basic supplies, you can turn ordinary toilet paper rolls into adorable binoculars that your kids will love. Use for pretend play, brain breaks, or even a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt.
I'm sharing my tips and ideas plus simple tutorial. Get ready to create a craft your kids will love!
Related: These felt heart puppets are more easy ways to enjoy creative time with kids!
Why Heart-Shaped Binoculars Are Delightful for Kids
Planning a Valentine's Day celebration with kids? Or maybe you're looking for ideas for frugal rainy day projects or screen-free activities?
Well, these heart-shaped toilet paper roll binoculars are lovely crafts for all of those things and much more!
When my boys were younger, I used to love seeing their faces light up as they worked on projects. I tried to provide them with a variety of crafts and activities to keep them busy, spark creativity, and keep them off screens. Always on a budget, our projects usually involved frugal or recyclable materials.
These heart-shaped toilet paper roll binoculars were one of our favorite crafts to enjoy around Valentine's Day. The boys would make their DIY tools in different colors and cover in all sorts of decorations. And then use their tools to "look for Cupid", go on a color scavenger hunt, and explore our backyard.
Related: Make an adorable thumbprint heart clay pot craft!
Recommended Materials for This Binoculars Craft
This craft definitely gets bonus points because it only uses a few supplies and recycles empty toilet paper rolls. You probably have these materials already in your home or classroom, too.
Oh, and if you'll be doing this binoculars craft with several kids (for a party, library event, or class), I suggest that you have extra materials, in case someone wants to customize or makes an oops.
Gather these supplies before starting this craftivity:
- Toilet Paper Rolls
- Paint
- Glue
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Optional: Hole Punch
If you'd like to keep this project as mess-free as possible, use tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix).
I prefer using a hole punch and tying the ribbon into place on the sides of these binoculars. But, you can give the glue option a try and see how it works!
Ruisky 64 Pack Cardboard Tubes Craft Rolls,Kraft Paper Rolls Cardboard Tubes For Crafts,Paper Towel Rolls For Crafts 1.57x 3.9in (White)HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts - 1.57 x 3.94 Inches - Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY ProjectsCaliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes, 24 Colors (59ml, 2oz) Art Craft Paints Gifts for Artists Kids Beginners & Painters, Halloween Pumpkin Canvas Ceramic Rock Painting Kit Art SuppliesRibbli Rainbow Satin Ribbon ⅜ Inch x 12 Rolls Total 60 Yards- Colorful Ribbon for Gift Wrapping Craft Party Decoration Baby Shower WeddingSingle Hole Punch ¼” Hole Puncher for Crafts, One Hole Paper Punch with Blue Soft Grip Handle, Small Hole Punch for Kids and Adults
Step-by-Step Instructions for This Fun Craft
01
Paint toilet paper rolls
Paint both toilet paper rolls. Allow time to dry.
02
Cut toilet paper rolls
Cut through the toilet paper rolls lengthwise.
03
Form heart-shape and glue
Fold both sides along the cut inward slightly, then glue them together. This step will form the crease in the top of the heart.
04
Attach toilet paper rolls and ribbon
Glue the two rolls together side by side.
Tuck the ribbon 1-2 inches into one end of one toilet paper roll. Glue in place, then repeat with the other end of the ribbon in the other roll.
OR use a hole punch on the side of the binoculars. Thread and tie ribbon.
Creative Ways to Make Your Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars Extra Special
Want to tweak this project (or take it to the next level)? I've got you!
If you're using these binoculars for Valentine's Day, you might want to stick with traditional holiday colors of red, white, pink, or purple. You could paint the toilet paper rolls different colors and add patterns (like lines or polka dots). Also, you can use a ribbon with texture or patterns.
Want to use for rainy day fun or screen-free activities throughout the year? Awesome! Paint the toilet paper rolls in your favorite colors (even rainbow).
Easy ways to decorate your toilet paper rolls include:
- Foam stickers
- Regular stickers
- Washi tape
- Pom poms
- String or yarn
- Glitter glue
- Puffy paint
Fun Ideas for Using Your DIY Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
You can use these craft binoculars with kids in so many ways! I encourage you (and your children) to think outside the box, brainstorm, and share your ideas.
Go on a scavenger hunt! Try our free printable Valentine's Day scavenger hunt and:
Hide cut-out hearts or candy around a room. Have your children use their heart-shaped toilet paper roll binoculars to find the goodies.
Make these DIY binoculars as cute party favors for your Valentine's Day party or other special occasion.
Okay, now I'd love to hear about your ideas for using these heart-shaped toilet paper roll binoculars! Please share in the comments section at the bottom of this post. And let me know if you have any questions about how to make!