Brighten up a desk or shelf with a burst of playful creativity! These standing clown pencil holders are a joyful DIY project that combines upcycled materials with colorful craft supplies. Perfect for organizing pencils, holding small treats, or simply adding a pop of fun to a child’s room or classroom, this craft is as enjoyable to make as it is to display. Follow this simple guide to create your own charming circus friend.
Materials You’ll Need
Gather these easy-to-find supplies:
- Empty toilet paper rolls (1 per clown)
- Colored craft paper or foam sheets (for the body)
- Small foam balls or ping-pong balls (1 per clown, for the head)
- Construction paper (in black, red, and assorted bright colors)
- Tissue paper or crepe paper (for the ruffled collar and hair)
- Glue (white school glue; hot glue can be used by an adult for faster adhesion)
- Scissors
- Black marker
- Googly eyes (or use the marker to draw them)
- Pipe cleaners (for hat decorations)
Step-by-Step Method
Create your whimsical clown in just a few steps.
- Create the Body: Wrap a toilet paper roll neatly with your chosen colored craft paper or foam sheet, securing it with glue. This forms the clown’s torso.
- Attach the Head: Firmly glue a foam ball or ping-pong ball to the top center of the wrapped roll to create the head.
- Make a Face: Glue on two googly eyes. Use the black marker to draw a smiling mouth and red construction paper to cut out and glue on a small circular nose.
- Add a Ruffled Collar: Cut a long strip of tissue or crepe paper (about 2-3 inches wide). Gently gather it along one long edge and glue it around the base of the head/neck to form a frilly collar.
- Design a Hat: Roll a small rectangle of colored paper into a cone and glue it shut. Decorate it with dots or stripes cut from contrasting paper. Glue a small pipe cleaner spiral or pom-pom to the tip. Attach the hat to the top of the head.
- Give Them Hair: Cut strips of fringed tissue or crepe paper. Fluff them up and glue tufts to both sides of the head for playful hair.
- Ensure They Stand: Cut two simple oval or rounded shoe shapes from black construction paper. Glue these to the bottom of the roll, extending slightly out the front, to act as stable feet.
- Let it Dry: Allow your clown to dry completely before filling it with pencils or treats.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Go Bold with Color: Use bright, contrasting colors for the body, hat, and hair to make each clown unique and eye-catching.
- Add Stability: If your clown is a bit top-heavy and tips over, tape a small coin or metal washer inside the bottom of the toilet paper roll for extra balance.
- Versatile Use: While perfect for holding pencils and markers, these also make adorable favor holders for a birthday party or circus-themed event.
- Group Activity: This is a fantastic craft for birthday parties, classroom art time, or a fun indoor activity on a rainy day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What can I use if I don’t have foam balls for the head?
A: You can crumple a piece of paper or aluminum foil into a ball and wrap it tightly with masking tape to create a solid base, then cover it with colored paper.
Q: Can I make this without a hot glue gun?
A: Yes, white school glue works perfectly. It just requires a bit more patience and pressure to hold pieces in place as they dry.
Q: How can I make the collar extra fluffy?
A: Use two or three layers of gathered tissue paper, or gently stretch the crepe paper along the gathered edge to create more volume.
Q: Is this craft suitable for young children?
A: Yes, with supervision for cutting and gluing. Pre-cutting the pieces for younger kids allows them to focus on the fun of assembling and decorating.
Conclusion
Transforming a simple toilet paper roll into a cheerful standing clown is a testament to the magic of recycled crafts. This project not only promotes organization in a fun way but also encourages imaginative play and fine motor skill development. By following these easy steps, you can create a colorful character that is sure to bring a smile. Gather your bright papers and get ready for a crafting performance that’s full of fun!