This idea was inspired by the book Poupées Marionettes et Pantins by Ilse Strobl-Wohlschalger, a vintage craft book from 1968. These paper tube people are easy to make and are fun for small world play! My five year old really enjoyed crafting these up with me, and he managed all the steps by himself.

Crafting With Kids: Paper Tube People

Supplies for Paper Tube People:

• Paper tube from a roll of paper towels or plastic wrap, about 1″ to 1&1/2″  in diameter
• Wooden spheres or beads 1&1/2 ”  to 2″  diameter.
• Popsicle sticks
• Strong wood or craft glue
• Yarn
• Fabric scraps
• Ribbon scraps
• Scissors
• Paint brushes
• Permanent marker
• Craft knife
• Cutting Mat

First, cut your tube into pieces 3″ to 4″ long

Next cut fabric slightly taller that the tube, and wide enough to fit around. Apply glue to long edges of fabric

Align the edge of the paper tube with the edge of the fabric as shown, and wrap fabric around the tube.

Tuck the excess piece into the top of the tube

Apply glue along the join of the fabric, and add a piece of ribbon

To make the arms, cut a popsicle stick into two and wrap fabric around them to make sleeves

Stick the arms to the sides of tube

While waiting for the body to dry, it’s time to give them heads!

Use the permanent marker to draw a face on the wooden sphere

Cut some yarn for the hair, and glue to top of head

Tip: It might be easier for younger children to stick the hair on first and then draw the face, using the hair as a reference.

Finally, stick your head on top of the tube

We made another set too. Once they are all dry it’s time to play!

(Yes, that’s a cheesy take a photo grin)

Kieran told me they are a family, the Dad, Mom and two sisters, even though they are all the same size. So you can go ahead and make yours different heights, and maybe make them to represent your own family?

Have fun crafting up some small world play!

Try these other paper tube crafts:

• Paper Tube Stamped Fireworks for the New Year
• Holiday Paper Tube Napkin Holders
• Recycled Paper Tube Train
• Paper Tubed Snowflake Stamps
• St. Patrick’s Day Paper Tube Stamping
• Paper Tube Stamped Snowman
• Paper Tube Apple Stamps for Fall
• Fall Inspired Paper Tube Pumpkin Stamps
• Cardboard Tube Snowman Craft