How to make cardboard tube sculptures using cut pieces of recycled tubes. Fun, open-ended artwork from items found at home.
Updated October 2024
We love to give our kids the opportunity to create using recycled materials. It’s a great way to spark creativity while teaching them about sustainability. Recycled art also encourages kids to see everyday objects in new, imaginative ways.
Making cardboard tube sculptures in a fun and easy recycled art project for kids. Simply cut cardboard tubes from the recycling bin and glue them together in a unique sculpture. Once your sculpture looks just how you like it, you can paint it using bright colors!
Here’s a video showing how to make these cool sculptures. And be sure to keep scrolling to get the step-by-step instructions!
How to Make Cardboard Tube Sculptures
MATERIALS
- Cardboard tubes
- Piece of cardboard for base
- Glue
- Tempera paint
- Paint brushes
- Scissors
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut your cardboard
Cut the cardboard tubes into sections crosswise (adult step), so you have a lot of cardboard circles.
- Build your sculpture
Using the cardboard square as a base, glue the cardboard circles onto it, building them up to create a sculpture.
Let dry. Note: You can continue to build your sculpture over the course of a few days if you like, letting the glue dry between building sessions. - Paint
When your sculpture is completely dry, you can paint it! You can paint it all one color, different sections of it different colors, or paint each individual piece of cardboard a different color!
When the paint is dry, find a special spot for your sculpture and display it!
More Sculpture Art Activities for Kids
- How to Make a Rainbow Cardboard Sculpture for Kids
- Toothpick Sculptures Ideas for Kids
- How to Make Colorful Cardboard Sculptures
- How to Make Your Own Magnetic Building Set with Cardboard
- How to Make Cardboard Building Discs for Recycled Cardboard Sculptures
- 3D Art & Sculpture Activities from The Artful Parent
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