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Create a desk organizer using recycled cardboard, toilet paper rolls, and glue; decorate it and learn about reuse and creativity.
Step-by-step guide to make a desk organizer from recycled cardboard and toilet paper rolls
Step 1
Gather all materials and bring them to a clean workspace.
Step 2
Cut a piece of cardboard about the size of a sheet of paper to make the base.
Step 3
Stand the toilet paper rolls upright and arrange them on the cardboard until you like the layout.
Step 4
Lightly mark the bottom edge of each roll with a pencil so you know where to glue them.
Step 5
Put a ring of white glue around the bottom of each toilet paper roll.
Step 6
Press each glued roll onto its matching pencil mark on the cardboard and hold for a few seconds so it sticks.
Step 7
Reinforce the base of each roll with a strip of clear tape for extra strength.
Step 8
Decorate the outside of the rolls and the cardboard base using colouring materials and decorative scraps.
Step 9
Let the glue and any wet decorations dry completely before using the organizer.
Step 10
Write or draw a short note about why upcycling is important and attach it to your organizer.
Step 11
Take a photo of your finished desk organizer and share your creation and upcycling story on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have white glue, clear tape, or toilet paper rolls?
Use low-temp hot glue or strong craft glue in place of white glue, masking or duct tape instead of clear tape for the 'Reinforce the base...' step, and substitute paper towel tubes cut in half or rolled-up cereal-box cardboard for the 'Stand the toilet paper rolls upright...' pieces while keeping the sheet-sized cardboard base.
My toilet paper rolls keep tipping over or coming unglued—how can we fix that?
Press each roll onto its matching pencil mark and hold a bit longer after applying a fuller ring of glue (step 'Put a ring of white glue...' and 'Press each glued roll...'), add a wider strip of clear tape under the base as described in 'Reinforce the base...' and prop with small books until the glue dries.
How can I adapt this activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?
For preschoolers, pre-cut the cardboard base and pre-mark pencil spots and let them arrange and decorate (steps 'Cut a piece...' and 'Lightly mark...' and 'Decorate...'), while older kids can trim paper towel tubes to varied heights with a craft knife, add internal dividers, and experiment with stronger adhesives before sharing on DIY.org.
What are easy ways to enhance or personalize the finished desk organizer before taking the photo?
After decorating (step 'Decorate the outside...'), seal the surface with a clear-drying Mod Podge or diluted white glue for durability, add labeled stickers or recycled buttons to each roll, attach the upcycling note from 'Write or draw a short note...' and then photograph your finished organizer to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a desk organizer from recycled cardboard and toilet paper rolls
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Facts about upcycling and recycled crafts for kids
♻️ Upcycling turns old things into new treasures—kids can make something cooler than the original item!
🚽 A typical empty toilet-paper roll is about 4 inches (≈10 cm) long—just the right size for pen and pencil holders.
📦 Cardboard is easy to cut, fold, and paint, making it a favorite material for homemade organizers and models.
🎨 Decorating with scraps like fabric, washi tape, and buttons makes each desk organizer one-of-a-kind and super fun to design.
🌍 Hands-on reuse projects teach kids about sustainability by turning waste into useful items for their room.
How do I make a desk organizer from recycled cardboard and toilet paper rolls?
What materials do I need to create a recycled cardboard desk organizer?
What ages is making an upcycled desk organizer suitable for?
What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for this upcycling activity?
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