Click here to read Abstract Toilet Paper Roll Sculptures Simple for Preschoolers on Hands On As We Grow®
Your preschoolers (and older kids too) will love turning toilet paper rolls, glue and paint into abstract art sculptures with this simple activity.
Paper rolls (aka toilet rolls or paper towel rolls) are a must for your craft cupboards.
Stock up on them as they can be used in endless activities.
Anytime you can take recyclables and turn them into an upcycled art project or activity it’s a win win!
They are not only great for crafts but they can used in so many different activities.
Check out this balancing colour matching activity for example!
Make Abstract Sculptures with Upcycled Toilet Paper Rolls
For this activity, I wanted to the kids to create something completely abstract.
No right or wrong way to it.
Just a free expression of art!
To Create Your Own Recycled Toilet Paper Roll Sculptures You Will Need:
- cut up toilet or paper towel paper rolls
- a piece of cardboard
- glue (a child safe glue gun works great)
- watered down washable paint
- cups or dishes for paint
- spoons
Getting All Set Up
First, cut up a whole bunch a recyclable paper rolls into smaller pieces.
We cut lots!
The more the better!
My oldest had lots of fun helping me cut them!
How to Create Your Toilet Paper Roll Sculptures
Now, using a piece of cardboard as a base, have your child create a sculpture by gluing the toilet paper roll rings together in random ways.
There’s no wrong way of doing this.
This is why I love abstract art!
Check out this abstract art project based on the book, “The Dot”.
We found that if we used a large amount of glue then the paper roll pieces would just slide off.
So a smaller amount of glue on the toilet paper rolls works better with these sculptures.
Also, its best to hold each piece in place for a bit before adding the next.
However, if you are using a child safe glue gun, then each piece will stick faster.
If you are not using a junior glue gun then I recommend tacky glue or a glue stick over clear and white school glue.
At a few points through out this process, my girls did notice that their sculptures were falling over a bit.
I then, brought up the topic of ensuring there’s a strong base.
This then forced the girls to use some critical thinking and problem solving skills to figure out how they could make a base stronger.
“Let’s make it wider”, they said!
Absolutely, lets do that!
They continued, piece by piece.
Making their own unique sculptures independently!
Once complete, set your sculpture aside to dry.
If you used regular glue, you may want to let it dry overnight.
Paint Your Abstract Paper Roll Sculpture
Now, it’s time to paint.
To paint our toilet paper roll sculptures, we used a process called drip painting.
We used water down paint and a spoon to drip paint onto our art.
Yes, this can get messy, so my girls did wear smocks for this.
I feel like as long as I’m prepared for the mess then all is good.
Look how cool that is!
Drip painting definitely added a different element to our art sculptures.
I love it!
It’s so fun to see how independent each toilet roll Sculptures came out.
It shows off each child’s individual personalities.
0 Commentaires