What do you see when you look at an empty toilet roll tube? For most of us, it’s just a piece of cardboard destined for the recycling bin. But in the right hands, even something as simple as this can be transformed into a masterpiece. Take Junior Fritz Jacquet, for instance – a talented artist who creates stunning masks and sculptures using nothing more than toilet roll tubes (see the images that accompany this post). His work reminds us that creativity has no boundaries, and even the most mundane items can spark inspiration.

While we might not all be professional artists, there are countless simple, creative ways to reuse toilet roll tubes in our daily lives. Here are ten ideas to inspire you to think twice before tossing them out.

1. DIY Desk Organisers

Turn those empty tubes into practical and attractive desk organisers. They’re perfect for holding pens, pencils, markers, and even paintbrushes. Cut the tubes to different heights, attach them to a sturdy base like a piece of cardboard or wood, and decorate with paint, paper, or fabric. Personalise them with patterns or labels to make your workspace uniquely yours.

2. Cable and Cord Management

Say goodbye to tangled cables and cords! Toilet roll tubes are an eco-friendly solution for organising them. Simply coil your cables neatly, slip them into a tube, and label the outside for easy identification. They’re great for keeping phone chargers, earphones, and other wires tidy.

3. Seed Starters for Gardening

Empty toilet roll tubes are an excellent, biodegradable option for starting seedlings indoors. Fill the tubes with soil, plant your seeds, and place them in a shallow tray to water. When it’s time to plant them outside, you can place the entire tube into the ground – it will decompose naturally as the plant grows.

4. Kids’ Craft Projects

Toilet roll tubes are a treasure trove for children’s crafts. They can be transformed into binoculars, animals, castles, or even holiday decorations. For example, you could make a cardboard dragon by cutting and painting the tube or create a butterfly by adding paper wings. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to keep kids entertained and engaged.

5. Bird Feeders

Create a simple bird feeder to attract wildlife to your garden. Spread peanut butter around the outside of a toilet roll tube, then roll it in birdseed until it’s fully covered. Slide the tube onto a branch or string it up with some twine, and watch the birds flock to enjoy their treat.

6. Gift Wrapping or Party Favours

Toilet roll tubes can be upcycled into small gift boxes or party favours. Fold the ends inward to create a secure container, and decorate the outside with wrapping paper, paint, or ribbon. They’re perfect for holding sweets, jewellery, or small trinkets.

7. Wall Art or Home Décor

Get creative and craft beautiful wall art using toilet roll tubes. Cut them into thin rings, shape them into patterns or flowers, and glue them together to form a unique piece of décor. While these projects are simpler than Junior Fritz Jacquet’s intricate sculptures, they’re a great way to bring an artistic touch to your home.

8. DIY Napkin Rings

Add a touch of charm to your dining table by making napkin rings from toilet roll tubes. Cut the tubes into smaller sections, then decorate with ribbons, lace, paint, or even dried flowers. These custom napkin rings are perfect for dinner parties or festive occasions.

9. Pet Toys

Toilet roll tubes can double as inexpensive toys for your pets. Hamsters and other small animals will love crawling through them or shredding them for bedding. For cats, you can turn a tube into a simple treat dispenser by cutting small holes and placing a few snacks inside. Just make sure the tubes are clean and free of adhesive residue before giving them to your furry friends.

10. Science and Learning Experiments

Turn toilet roll tubes into tools for STEM activities. Use them to build marble runs, mini catapults, or simple physics demonstrations. They’re an excellent resource for educational projects that combine creativity with hands-on learning, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.

Who knew that an empty toilet roll tube could have so many uses? From desk organisers to bird feeders, these simple yet creative ideas prove that sustainability and imagination go hand in hand. Before you toss your next tube into the recycling bin, consider how you could repurpose it instead.

Feeling inspired? Share your own toilet roll tube creations in the comments or on social media – we’d love to see them! And remember, artists like Junior Fritz Jacquet remind us that even the simplest materials can hold the potential for something extraordinary. Let your creativity flow!