Easy Toilet Paper Roll Firecracker Craft for Kids

The truth for me is that the toilet paper rolls from Grove are so awesome and sturdy that they call out to be recycled into things like this Easy Toilet Paper Roll Firecracker Craft for Kids. Of course, larger paper tubes work too — like shipping tubes! I love painting with kids and creating decor items to celebrate the holidays.

Materials and Supplies Needed

Paper Tubes (Toilet Paper Rolls, Paper Towel Rolls, Pringles Cans for Crafts, Shipping Tubes)
Paint (Acrylic or Poster Paint)
Paint Brushes
Purple Tape from Therm-O-Web
Tape from Therm-O-Web
Card Stock (White)
Scissors
Bowl or Round Object to Trace Around

Directions for Toilet Paper Roll Firecracker

Start by painting the paper tubes base colors. For the most vivid end color, painting the tube white first can be super helpful.

It is fun to do an assortment of colors. For these four tubes, I used poster paints.

While the base coats are drying, create the firecracker or rocket tops. Trace a circle on to a piece of card stock.

Cut a slit to the center and place a piece of Super Tape along it then roll the paper to create a cone and use the Super Tape to secure it in place.

Once the base coat is totally dry (or layers of the base coat if more than one was applied) add painted accents like dots, stripes and stars.

To get the best stripes, I recommend using Purple Tape from Therm-O-Web. It is just the right stickiness to adhere to the paper tube and create a blank space from the paint and then peel off without leaving any marks. I know, amazing!

To make the stripes, apply the Purple Tape around the tube. For the super long tube, I used acrylic paints.

Paint in between the tape strips. Once dry, peel the strips.

Paint the rocket tops and add details to the tubes. When everything is dry, glue the tops to the tubes to create darling decor.

Why Painting with Kids is a Good Idea

Painting with kids is so much more than a craft project or simple activity. It is a way for kids (of all ages really) do many very important things. Here are some fabulous reasons to get kids painting.

It helps them convey ideas and share.
Painting gives kids an opportunity to express emotions — even ones that might be hiding deep inside.
It uses several senses to paint and through that kids make connections.
Exploring color, the process and the outcomes teaches cause and effect.
When kids made handmade masterpieces, it boosts confidence.

Preparation Steps for Painting with Kids

One of the biggest factors in creating successful paint crafts with kids lies in the prep. Here are four things you can do to prepare for a great time crafting.

Expect a little mess. Prep your area knowing that paint can spill, drip and splatter. Cover your work are with kraft paper before starting.
Provide aprons for the kids. If you don’t want to but them, they can wear old adult sized shirts as aprons.
Have paper towels nearby and ready if needed.
Know the dry time of the project before starting. If there are several steps, there might be a dry time involved. Have a puzzle or activity on hand to do during that in between time. You can grab free ones here on the blog.