Paper Roll Elf
A toilet paper roll becomes Santa's helper in this quick Christmas craft. Children paint the roll in elf colors, add a tiny cone hat, and give it a cheeky little face — producing an elf that can sit on shelves, mantels, and windowsills throughout the holiday season.
What You'll Need
- Cardboard toilet paper roll — one per elf
- Green and red paint — for the elf suit
- Felt or cardstock — for the cone hat
- Pink pompom — for the nose
- Googly eyes — two per elf
- Markers — for smile and cheek blush
How to Do It
Step 1: Paint the roll. Paint the roll green for the elf body, with a red stripe for a belt. Let dry.
Step 2: Make the face. Glue two googly eyes near the top of the roll. Add a pink pompom nose and draw or paint a wide smile. Add pink cheek blushes with a finger dab of pink paint.
Step 3: Make the hat. Roll a piece of red or green cardstock into a cone and tape. Add a small white pompom to the tip. Glue to the top of the roll.
Step 4: Add arms. Optional: curl small pipe cleaners and attach to the sides as arms.
Step 5: Place your elf! Let the elf watch over the house until Christmas.
🎓 Skills Your Child Will Develop
3D character construction — Building a recognizable character from a cylinder develops spatial thinking.
Holiday narrative — Elves carry a rich cultural narrative; children expand and personalize it through their own creation.
Tips & Variations
- Make a whole workshop of elves in different colors.
- Write each child's name on the base of their elf.
- Add a tiny gift box prop made from a square of paper.
My Two Cents
The googly eye placement is the most important step for personality — eyes high on the roll with a big smile create the cheeky, happy elf expression. Have children try different eye positions before gluing to find the most expressive face.
