Toilet Roll Butterflies – A Sweet and Simple DIY
Okay but… this was SO fun to make.
After trying out this flower idea with just a plain old toilet roll, I couldn’t stop thinking about more ways to turn these little cardboard tubes into something cute. And honestly? I’m nowhere near done. Expect more of this kind of crafty fun soon.
But let’s talk butterflies first.

This one is super simple—no glue, no extra pieces, no stress. You draw the whole thing on the roll, cut it out in one go, and then bring it to life with a little paint or color. That’s it.
Perfect for kids, but also secretly so relaxing for grown-ups too. Let me show you how I made them.
What You’ll Need:
- Toilet rolls
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Acrylic paint (or markers, crayons, kid’s paint—whatever you’ve got!)
- Acrylic paint pens (optional, but fun for details)
Video Tutorial:
How to Make Toilet Roll Butterflies (No Glue Needed!)
- Flatten your toilet roll just a little
Don’t squish it flat—just gently press it so it’s easier to draw on and cut.
- Draw your butterfly shape
With the roll positioned vertically, sketch out a butterfly shape that fits the length of the roll. Make sure to add a little stand or base at the bottom (this will help your butterfly stand up when it’s done). The closed sides of the roll? Those will become the wings—so keep those connected.
- Cut it out
Carefully cut around the outline. The goal is to keep everything as one solid piece, with the wings and body all attached. You’ll see the butterfly start to take shape right away!
- Paint and decorate
Time to get creative! I used acrylic paint for the base colors and acrylic pens for details like dots and lines.
Want a no-mess version: You can totally go with markers, crayons, stickers, or washi-tape!
- Let it dry and stand it up
Once it’s dry, place your butterfly on a flat surface—the base you cut should keep it standing upright. And just like that: a recycled butterfly, ready to flutter its way onto your windowsill, shelf, or craft table.
Why This Craft is Totally Worth It:
There’s something super satisfying about turning a plain old toilet roll into something this cute. It’s quick, it’s simple, and there’s zero pressure to make it perfect.
Plus, this is one of those crafts where both kids and adults get into it.
And let’s be real—it’s a pretty adorable way to reuse something you’d normally toss in the bin.
So there you have it—a super sweet butterfly craft made from something you probably already have at home. Cute, calming, and way too easy not to try.
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