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How to make a toilet paper roll elephant craft

Learn how to make this adorable toilet paper roll elephant using construction paper, glue and a black marker. It’s super easy and turns out really cute!

how to make a toilet paper roll elephant

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I’m one of those people that saves everything because I might be able to find a use for it later. Because of that, I have a big stock pile of tin cans, toilet paper rolls, wine corks and paper towel rolls in my office/craft room.

The other day I was looking for my glue gun and stumbled across my big bag of paper rolls I had been saving. I then decided that for the time being I was going to try and use all of my current craft supplies before buying anything new.

And that is going to result in a ton of toilet paper roll and paper towel roll crafts! Today, I’m excited to share with you my tutorial on how to make a toilet paper roll elephant. The supply list is minimal and you probably already have everything you need to make it!

elephant template 1

Supplies Needed:

  • 1 toilet paper roll (you can also use a paper towel roll, I would just suggest cutting it down to the size of a standard toilet paper roll, around 4.5 inches tall).
  • Construction paper (I used light blue, pink and white. However, feel free to get creative with your color choices and make your elephant any color you would like!)
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Black marker

Instructions:

The first step is to download the toilet paper roll elephant template. The download link is located at the bottom of this post. The template includes stencils for the outer ear, the inner ear, the eyes, body and trunk.

The template is designed to print onto a standard 8.5×11 inch piece of paper or cardstock. I would definitely recommend printing on cardstock if you have some available. Especially if you are planning on using the stencils to make more than one elephant.

elephant in hand

I think that it’s easier to trace a stencil when it is made out of cardstock as opposed to regular paper. It also is more durable and can withstand being used multiple times without ripping.

Each stencil is labeled with which part of the elephant it is, along with how many of each piece you will need.

Once the stencils have been cut out, simply trace the patterns onto your choice of colored construction paper. I used light blue for the outer ears, body and trunk, pink for the inner ears and white for the eyes.

Next, cut out the construction paper patterns using scissors. Take a glue stick or liquid craft glue like elmers glue and adhere the body to the toilet paper roll. Let dry for a moment or two before moving on to the next step.

toilet paper roll elephant

Glue the inner ear inside the outer ear piece. Repeat for the second ear. Add a line of glue along the inside of the ear and attach to the back of the toilet paper roll. Repeat on the other side with the second ear.

You may have to hold the ears in place for a few moments to keep them from sliding down and moving out of place as the glue dries.

Next, glue on the whites of the eyes and use a black marker to draw in the pupils of the elephant’s eyes.

Leave a little bit of open space for the trunk and draw in the elephant’s mouth.

Finally, take the elephant’s trunk and fold it accordion style. Add a line of glue to the thicker end of the trunk and stick it to the elephant’s face. Hold it in place for a moment or two to ensure that the trunk doesn’t slide down as the glue dries.

And now you have an adorable toilet paper roll elephant! Make a few in a variety of colors to create a fun elephant family!

elephant toilet paper roll

Toilet paper roll elephant template

This template is designed to fit onto a standard 8.5×11 inch piece of paper or cardstock. Simply cut out the stencils with scissors and trace onto your construction paper.

Feel free to download as many copies of the template as you would like. However, please do not edit or redistribute the files in any way. This template was created for personal or classroom use only.

elephant template

Template download link is located at the bottom of this post.

If you enjoyed this toilet paper roll craft, you might be interested in some of our other popular paper roll projects below:

4 Fun Halloween Toilet Paper Roll Crafts
These fun Halloween toilet paper roll crafts would make great decorations to get get the whole family in the Halloween spirit. Learn how to make toilet paper roll monsters, pumpkins, bats and mummies! Pick your favorite one or make them all. Click here to read the full tutorial.

halloween toilet paper roll crafts pinterest

Toilet paper roll dog craft
Learn how to make this super cute toilet paper roll dog using a toilet paper or paper towel roll, paint and construction paper. It’s a great craft to do with kids at home or at preschool! The best part is that they have a toy to take home and play with when they are done! Click here to read the full tutorial.

how to make a toilet paper roll dog

DIY Thanksgiving Napkin Ring – Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft
These toilet paper roll turkey napkin rings will surely be a big hit at your Thanksgiving dinner table this year. This craft is easy enough for kids to make, while still being fun for all of the adults helping out. Not only is this a super fun holiday craft, but it also doubles as a useful item. Your dinner guests won’t be able to wipe a smile off of their faces when they see these cute handmade napkin rings sitting on their plates. Click here to read the full tutorial.

turkey napkin ring pinterest

Toilet paper roll elephant template download link:

Click here to download the elephant template.