She Turned an Empty Toilet Paper Tube Into the Grinch With Just Paper and Pipe Cleaners
An empty toilet paper tube, a sheet of red paper, and a few green pipe cleaners don’t look like the start of a Christmas decoration. The cardboard has no shape beyond its hollow cylinder, and the materials cost little. Yet the tube provides the body for a familiar holiday character without cutting wood or sewing fabric.
The project turns the cardboard roll into the Grinch wearing a Santa hat and red outfit. A green paper face, drawn features, and bent pipe cleaners complete the figure, with the original tube hidden beneath the colored paper.
Red Paper Covers the Empty Toilet Paper Tube
The supplies include an empty cardboard tube, red and green craft paper, green pipe cleaners, glue, scissors, a pencil, a black marker, and small craft eyes.
Red paper forms the body, while green paper provides the Grinch’s face. White paper or small white craft pieces can be used for the Santa hat’s trim.
The Cardboard Tube Sets the Size of the Body
Place the tube against the red paper and mark enough material to wrap around its circumference. Cut a rectangle long enough to cover the cardboard from top to bottom.
The paper should overlap at the back so the brown tube does not remain visible through the seam.
Glue Holds the Red Paper Around the Tube
Apply glue along the cardboard surface, then position the red paper against the tube. Press the paper into place, working around the cylinder to keep the covering flat.
The open ends remain uncovered, allowing the cardboard tube to retain its hollow shape.
A Black Marker Defines the Paper Body
Once the red paper is attached, a black marker can cover visible seams or guide the placement of the character’s features.
The smooth red cylinder forms the main body, leaving the top available for the green face and Santa hat.
Green Paper Becomes the Grinch’s Face
Cut a green face shape with a wide forehead, rounded cheeks, and a pointed chin. Attach the small craft eyes near the top, then use a black marker to draw the eyebrows, nose, mouth, and lines around the cheeks.
The raised eyebrows and curved smile give the figure its recognizable expression. A red paper Santa hat with white trim sits above the face.
Green Pipe Cleaners Form the Arms and Legs
Cut the green pipe cleaners into shorter lengths for the arms and legs. Their wire centers allow the pieces to bend into different positions without additional supports.
The arms can curve outward from the sides of the cardboard body, while the legs extend beneath the tube.
The Face and Limbs Complete the Character
Attach the paper face near the top of the red tube, with the Santa hat extending above it. The pipe-cleaner arms are fixed along the sides, while the legs are secured near the bottom opening.
Bending the ends creates small hands and feet. The wire can also be adjusted to change the character’s pose.
The Finished Toilet Paper Tube Becomes a Christmas Grinch
The finished figure has a red cardboard body, a green face with yellow eyes, a pointed Santa hat, and green pipe-cleaner limbs. The hat curves to one side, with a white pom-pom at its tip.
The cardboard tube remains the main structure beneath the paper covering. The project uses materials found in basic craft supplies, turning a discarded household item into a small Christmas decoration.
Would you make a Grinch from an empty toilet paper tube or use the same materials for another Christmas character?