DIY Paper Roll Pencil Organizer: Easy Recycling Craft Project

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for details.

Declutter your desk sustainably and create a charming and practical paper roll pencil organizer using items you likely already have around the house: toilet paper rolls and kitchen towel rolls! This paper roll pencil organizer is the perfect DIY project for eco-conscious crafters, kids, students, and anyone who loves turning trash into treasure.

Why Make a Paper Roll Pencil Organizer?

Recycling toilet paper rolls and paper towel tubes not only reduces waste but also sparks creativity. This pencil holder idea uses tubes of varying heights to store everything from pencils and pens to paintbrushes and markers. With a decorative twist using scrapbook paper and sleek black interiors, the result is stylish, functional, and sustainable.

This project is great for back to school supplies organizer and home offices. Students can keep it in their lockers or on school desk when working. It’s also a great school project for teaching kids to recycle. A sustainable and stylish organizing solution for art studios and craft rooms.

paper-roll-pencil-organizer

Paper roll pencil organizer

Paper roll pencil organizer tutorial:

Materials Needed:

  • Empty toilet paper rolls (at least 4-5) or Empty kitchen towel rolls (1-2)
  • A piece of sturdy cardboard (an old cereal box or shipping box works great!)
  • Scrapbook decorative papers of your choice
  • Black acrylic paint and Foam brush
  • Mod Podge or a hot glue gun (with adult supervision if needed)
  • Scissors
  • X-acto knife and self-healing mat
  • Pencil and Ruler

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Paper Rolls

Decide on the different heights you want for your organizer. Use your x-acto knife to cut some of the toilet paper rolls and the kitchen towel rolls to various lengths. This will create visual interest and help you organize different types of stationery.

Make sure none is taller than the pencils or the pens. The tallest one in my design is for keeping the paint brushes.

paper-tissue-roll-crafts

Empty paper rolls

toilet-paper-roll-crafts

Empty paper rolls organizer

2. Paint the Insides of Tubes

Paint the inside of the tissue rolls with acrylic paints using foam brush or paintbrush. I painted it black, you can paint it any color you like. This gives a clean and polished look to your organizer. Let the paint dry completely.

3. Choose and Cut Scrapbook Paper

Choose your favorite scrapbook papers—floral, geometric, or minimalist—and cut pieces to fit around the outside of each roll. Use glue to adhere the paper smoothly. Mix and match patterns for a fun look or stick to a single theme for a cohesive feel.

Now for the fun part! Measure the height and circumference of each paper roll tube. Cut pieces of your chosen scrapbook decorative papers to fit.

The simplest way to do this is by first rolling the paper over the tissue roll. Next mark the length and width of the roll. Once you have marked all the papers, it is easy to cut them to the right sizes. Make sure you leave some excess just in case, more is better than less.

recycle-kids-organizer-homemade

Scrapbook paper to decorate tubes

4. Wrap the Outside with Scrapbook Paper

Apply mod podge to the outside of each tube and carefully wrap it with the decorative paper. Smooth out any wrinkles with a foam brush. Next cover the paper with Mod Podge to seal it. Let it dry.

paper-roll-organizer-kids-craft-idea-tutorial-diy

Wrap the outside of paper rolls

5. Join the Paper Rolls

Use mod podge to join the tubes together by holding them together as shown in the picture.

recycle-kids-stationary-organizer

Join the paper rolls

6. Attach the Paper Rolls to the Base

Place your prepared paper roll tubes on the cardboard and trace around the outer edges of all the tubes to determine the size and shape of your base. Cut out the cardboard base and paint it black.

Apply mod podge to the bottom of each paper roll tube and carefully attach it to your cardboard base. Place acceptable book weight on top to ensure they adhere well. Let the glue dry completely.

paper-roll-recycled-crafts-for-kids

Glue the base

You will need some paint touches on the edges.

recycle-kids-crafts

Glue and cut alternatively

Once all the glue is dry, your paper roll pencil organizer is ready to use! Fill it with your pens, pencils, markers, or even paintbrushes. Enjoy your newly decluttered and stylish desk.

paper-roll-pencil-organizer

Paper roll pencil organizer

Tips and Variations:

You can design it anyway you want, here are some options:

  • Get creative with your scrapbook decorative papers! Mix and match patterns and colors.
  • Add embellishments like buttons, ribbons, or stickers for an extra personal touch.
  • This organizer isn’t just for pencils! Use it for paintbrushes, small craft supplies, or even makeup brushes.
  • Add a ribbon or lace trim around the base.
  • Use metallic scrapbook paper for a glam look.
paper-roll-organizer

Paper roll organizer

Say goodbye to desk clutter and hello to sustainable style. Our paper roll pencil organizer, crafted from recycled toilet paper rolls and kitchen towel rolls, and adorned with beautiful scrapbook decorative papers, is the perfect addition to any organized and eco-conscious workspace. The thoughtful touch of the black painted inside elevates its look and feel.

You will also like:

Recycle tin cans

Teaching kids with color wheel

Make decorative letters

Find more trending craft ideas on our pinterest boards.

Welcome to craftionary

...

Hi, I’m Hani

I’m so glad you're here. I'm a mom of 2 with a passion for DIY and crafting. I love to share ideas for turning simple materials into beautiful home and garden decor that brings warmth and personality to any space.

Whether you're looking for inspiration or easy tutorials, you're in the right place! Stay a while, explore, and don't forget to follow along for new ideas. Let's create something beautiful together!

Follow us

Good Reads

My Home

  1. CREATIVE MIND says:

    Hi dear, its a cute organizing idea..
    by the way i think its again inspired by my TP roll organizers 🙂 isn't it? well thanks for sharing! keep rocking 🙂

  2. El Olor de Cádiz says:

    HOLA HANI!!!! QUE SENCILLO Y PRACTICO!!!!! SALUDOS DESDE ESPAÑA.

  3. JUJU e LELÊ Artesanatos says:

    Olá Hani,
    Muito criativa sua ideia de organizar os lápis.
    Gostei muito, parabéns!
    Beijos,
    Lelê

  4. Venassa says:

    I think I'll try this out sometime this week since I really need something to organize all my pens, markers and paintbrushes. My desk is a huge mess.

  5. The Doodler says:

    I love this idea! I am saving this in my inspiration folder for future use, thanks so much for sharing! I'm your newest follower and came over form the simply sweet home link party!

    Brie from darlingdoodles.blogspot.com

  6. DeeDee says:

    I love recycling and this is a perfect idea! 🙂

  7. Kassi @ Truly Lovely says:

    You come up with some of the cutest organizing ideas! Love this! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on Fancy This Fridays Hani!!

  8. Joseph says:

    This makes a great idea. But do take care of bugs also…this is what really scares me…

  9. BeingBrook says:

    Love this! Would be the perfect idea for on top of a kids desk.

  10. Donna says:

    what a fun idea!! came by from A Vision to Remember-would love if you stopped by my post too End of Summer Purse

  11. Good Girl Gone Green says:

    Great idea! NEver thought of that! Thanks for sharing!

  12. Walking by Faith says:

    What a neat idea! I'll have to try this sometime!

    Thanks for sharing with So Sweet Sundays! I'm your newest follower. 🙂

  13. Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com says:

    I wrote a post recently on repurposing TP and papertowel rolls, so this really made me smile! 🙂 These turned out great!

  14. Miss Kitty says:

    I'm always wondering what to do with the leftover rolls when the paper towels or toilet paper is finished. This is a great craft and has so many possibilities. Thank you for sharing your idea and the instrucitons. I saw your post over at Home Savvy A to Z.

  15. Suzanne says:

    Sorting by color is such a good idea!

  16. June Scott says:

    Okay, you may think I'm weird, but I love this idea for me!~ for organizing my craft table, in the midst of the crafting! Thanks for sharing!

  17. Casey says:

    great idea!!

  18. One Tough Mother says:

    Really cute! This is one of those ideas that makes me slap my forehead and say, “Why didn't I think of that?!” Thanks for sharing!

  19. Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com says:

    Thank you so much for linking up at HomeSavvyAtoZ.com's Savvy HomeMade Monday this week!

  20. Vintage Precious says:

    Fantastic! Love this project very creative and I have everything I need to make them, thanks! Thank you for stopping by my Wednesday blog hop too. 🙂

  21. trophyw.blogspot.com says:

    What a fun way to keep organized

  22. A Lived in Home says:

    What a great craft for kiddos. I'm going to feature this

  23. Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says:

    Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday

  24. shopannies says:

    love it great way to stay organized and love it that it was recycled material

  25. c.w.frosting says:

    Great, creative idea! I love recycled projects!-caroline

  26. Brittany says:

    i love this! i've been looking for ideas for using things i already have like this.

  27. Tanya Anurag says:

    Wonderful idea. I loved how you joined the pieces together.

  28. Krista says:

    What a thrifty idea! Too bad we just finished off a roll of paper towels and I threw the tube away. Next time… I also wanted to let you know it'll be featured at this weekend's party

  29. Mod Podge Amy says:

    Very fun! I love the way you did the base. Great idea!

  30. Madigan at madiganmade says:

    I love simple and recycled organizing ideas! This is so cute.

  31. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says:

    This is such a labor of love! Thanks for linking up at Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop 🙂

  32. Alexis says:

    Lo

  33. Priscila says:

    Love the different levels! Cute!

  34. Natasha says:

    So Cute xx

    Would love it if you could share this on Serenity Saturday over at serenityyou.blogspot.com

    xxx

  35. The Outlaw Mom says:

    Great repurposed paper roll idea – we're always looking for more and this one is SO cute! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  36. Candace @ Candace Creations says:

    LOVE IT! I hope you will link up to Scrappy Saturdays linky party @ candacecreations.blogspot.com

  37. CraftyCupcake13 says:

    Hani! These are WONDERFUL what a great and clever idea!!! I'm so glad I found you over at Tatertots and Jello, thanks for linking UP! I'm your newest follower! I'm definitely going to have to try this out!!XOXOXO,Lilli

  38. Chris Wooten says:

    I love to use trash for my treasures..I use coffee cans cover with pretty paper or fabric of choice.You did awesome jobvery cute..love your blog…Hop over and visit mine when you get a chance. I do monthly giveaways. Some of my giveaways are worth lots of money. Hope you see you there. Join my site and be sure to leave comments on as many top 5 post.I get so much inspiration by visiting these blogs. Ladies you all have Talent.ThanksChris

  39. Chris Wooten says:

    Awesome…I love to use trash for treasures…..You did awesome jobvery cute..love your blog…Hop over and visit mine when you get a chance. I do monthly giveaways. Some of my giveaways are worth lots of money. Hope you see you there. Join my site and be sure to leave comments on as many top 5 post.I get so much inspiration by visiting these blogs. Ladies you all have Talent.ThanksChris

  40. Katie says:

    WOW! This is amazing. I would have never thought to use paper rolls to make something like this.

    Thank you for linking up to Sew Woodsy last week. We hope you'll join us for another edition of What's Up Wednesday's!

  41. Katie's Nesting Spot says:

    I love it, what a great upcycle project!

  42. Desiree @ The 36th Avenue says:

    Hani,

    Thank you so much for visiting my party. I shared your project on my FB page… so CLEVER!

  43. hey sis! says:

    Love this idea! I am going to use this in my classroom for my desk… Thanks for the inspiration.

  44. Erin @ How to Nest for Less says:

    LOVE THIS! I featured you on my Favorites of the Week! Erin @ How to Nest for Less

  45. Craft 4 Change says:

    GREAT idea…I've been saving (and my friends too!) TP and paper towel rolls for just this kind of project. I'm going to use it with the kids I teach crafts to at the Transitional Housing apartments (formerly homeless families) to! Thanks for reminding me how cute this is. ~~Robyne~~

  46. Jenifer Harrod says:

    great looking!

  47. farah gul says:

    dear hani, u did nice job. i really like these holders. keep it up

  48. Jen says:

    Very resourceful these are awesome and perfect for the kids! This is a very creative and innovative way to do a pencil holder. We did a toilet paper roll snake project out of the same materials you used.

  49. Nikki says:

    So creative!

  50. Maria Vogue says:

    Thanks for this pencil organizer idea, Hani!
    Very beautiful, but simple to do.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.