In today’s world, where sustainability and creativity go hand in hand, finding innovative ways to upcycle everyday items is both rewarding and eco-friendly. This project, DIY Phone Holder from a Toilet Paper Roll, is the perfect example of how simple materials can be transformed into something functional and stylish. With just a few basic tools and minimal effort, you can create a convenient phone holder that not only organizes your space but also promotes sustainability by reusing materials that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a small step toward reducing waste while enjoying the satisfaction of crafting something useful with your own hands.
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often comes at a cost to the environment. However, upcycling offers a creative and eco-friendly alternative by giving new life to items that would typically be discarded. This project, DIY Phone Holder from a Toilet Paper Roll, is a perfect example of how sustainability and simplicity can go hand in hand. With just a few basic materials—like an empty toilet paper roll and a handful of decorative items—you can craft a functional, stylish phone holder in no time.
DIY Phone Holder From Toilet Paper Roll
A DIY phone holder made from a toilet paper roll is a creative and eco-friendly project that’s perfect for upcycling! DIY Phone Holder From Toilet Paper Roll involves repurposing an empty toilet paper roll to create a functional and customizable phone stand. With just a few supplies like markers, tape, scissors, and some decorative items, you can design a sturdy holder for hands-free phone use. It’s a fun and budget-friendly way to reduce waste while adding a personal touch to your desk or nightstand!
Basic Standing Phone Holder
This simple design is great for keeping your phone upright while watching videos or attending virtual meetings.
Materials Needed:
- One toilet paper roll
- Scissors
- Decorative paper or paint
- Glue
Steps:
- Cut a slit along the length of the toilet paper roll, slightly wider than your phone.
- Paint or wrap the roll in decorative paper to personalize it.
- Adjust the slit size to fit your phone securely.
- Place your phone in the slit and enjoy your hands-free setup.
Decorative Washi Tape Phone Stand
Give your holder a colorful, vibrant look with washi tape designs.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Washi tape in various colors/patterns
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cover the entire toilet paper roll with washi tape.
- Cut a slot into the roll, ensuring it fits your phone snugly.
- Add extra washi tape to reinforce the edges of the cut.
Nature-Inspired Phone Holder
Create an earthy vibe by decorating your holder with natural materials like leaves or twigs.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Dried leaves or twigs
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cover the roll with dried leaves or glue twigs to the surface.
- Allow the glue to dry completely.
- Cut a slot for the phone, keeping the natural design intact.
Minimalist Black-and-White Holder
For a sleek, modern look, use black and white patterns.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Black and white patterned paper or paint
- Scissors
- Glue
Steps:
- Paint the roll or wrap it in black and white paper.
- Cut a slit along the top, matching the width of your phone.
- Secure the edges with extra glue for a clean finish.
Animal-Themed Holder
Add personality by making your holder resemble an animal.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Colored paper
- Markers
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cover the roll with colored paper that matches your chosen animal.
- Use extra paper to create ears, eyes, and other details.
- Cut the slot for your phone and ensure it’s secure.
Geometric Painted Holder
Brighten your desk with bold, geometric patterns.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Acrylic paint
- Brushes
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint the roll with geometric shapes and patterns.
- Allow the paint to dry completely.
- Cut a slot to hold your phone securely.
Glitter Glam Stand
Add some sparkle to your setup with a glitter-covered phone holder.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Glitter
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Coat the roll in glue and sprinkle glitter over it.
- Allow the glue to dry.
- Cut the phone slot carefully, adding extra glitter to the edges.
Marble-Effect Holder
Create a luxurious look with a marble design.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Marble-effect contact paper or paint
- Scissors
Steps:
- Wrap the roll in marble-effect contact paper or paint it.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Smooth out any bubbles for a polished finish.
Travel-Themed Phone Holder
Use maps or travel prints to inspire wanderlust.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Old maps or travel-themed paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Wrap the roll in your chosen travel-themed paper.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Add extra glue to the edges for durability.
Lace-Covered Holder
Create a delicate, vintage look with lace.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Lace
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Wrap the roll in lace, securing it with glue.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Ensure the edges are neat and even.
Sports-Inspired Holder
Show off your favorite sport with themed designs.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Paint or sports-themed stickers
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint or decorate the roll with sports-related designs.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Add extra details like team logos or numbers.
Rainbow-Themed Stand
Brighten your day with a colorful rainbow holder.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Rainbow-colored markers or paint
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint or draw rainbow stripes on the roll.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Add clouds or other details if desired.
Vintage Newspaper Design
Create a retro vibe with old newspaper designs.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Newspaper or newspaper-print paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cover the roll with newspaper, securing it with glue.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Smooth out any wrinkles for a clean finish.
Galaxy-Themed Holder
Bring the universe to your desk with a galaxy design.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Black and metallic paint
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint the roll black and add metallic stars and swirls.
- Let the paint dry.
- Cut the phone slot carefully.
Emoji Phone Holder
Fun and playful, this holder is covered in emoji designs.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Emoji stickers or drawings
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cover the roll with emoji stickers or draw emojis by hand.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Add extra designs to personalize it further.
Boho-Chic Macramé Phone Holder
This boho-inspired design is perfect for those who love rustic, handmade aesthetics.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Twine or thin rope
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Wrap the roll with twine, securing it with glue at the start and end points.
- Add some decorative macramé knots or fringe to the sides.
- Cut a phone slot, ensuring the twine doesn’t unravel.
Faux Leather Holder
For a classy and professional look, faux leather works perfectly.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Faux leather fabric
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Wrap the roll in faux leather and glue it in place.
- Trim any excess material and cut a slot for your phone.
- Smooth the edges with glue for a clean, polished finish.
Seashell-Themed Holder
Perfect for beach lovers, this holder features a nautical, seashell design.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Small seashells
- Glue
- Paint (optional)
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint the roll in a beachy color like blue or sandy beige (optional).
- Glue seashells around the roll.
- Cut a phone slot and ensure the edges are smooth.
Sparkling Gemstone Holder
This dazzling holder is ideal for those who love a little bling.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Adhesive gemstones
- Glue (if needed)
- Scissors
Steps:
- Decorate the roll with adhesive gemstones, creating patterns or covering it entirely.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Reinforce the edges with glue for added durability.
Superhero-Themed Holder
Celebrate your favorite superhero with this bold design.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Superhero stickers or printed designs
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cover the roll with superhero-themed stickers or printed paper.
- Glue everything securely and cut a slot for the phone.
- Add finishing touches, like hand-drawn symbols or accents.
Floral Phone Holder
A lovely option for those who adore flowers.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Artificial flowers or floral stickers
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Glue artificial flowers or floral stickers onto the roll.
- Cut a phone slot, taking care not to disturb the design.
- Add smaller flower accents to cover the edges.
Comic Book Holder
For comic book fans, this design brings nostalgia and fun.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Comic book pages or printouts
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Wrap the roll in comic book pages and glue them securely.
- Cut a slot for the phone.
- Add extra cutouts for a layered effect.
Metallic Foil Holder
A futuristic, shiny look for your phone holder.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Metallic foil or wrapping paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Wrap the roll in metallic foil and glue it in place.
- Trim the edges neatly and cut a phone slot.
- Buff out any wrinkles in the foil for a sleek finish.
Sports Team Holder
Show support for your favorite team with this themed holder.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Team-colored paint or stickers
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint the roll in your team’s colors or decorate it with stickers.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Add team logos or mascots for extra flair.
Puzzle-Themed Holder
A quirky design for puzzle enthusiasts.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Small puzzle pieces
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Glue puzzle pieces onto the roll in a random or patterned arrangement.
- Allow the glue to dry completely.
- Cut a phone slot, ensuring the puzzle pieces don’t interfere.
Gradient Painted Holder
A modern and trendy ombré design.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Gradient spray paint or multiple shades of paint
- Scissors
Steps:
- Spray or paint the roll with a gradient effect, blending the colors smoothly.
- Let it dry thoroughly.
- Cut a phone slot and smooth out the edges.
Cartoon-Themed Holder
Bring your favorite cartoons to life with this playful design.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Cartoon stickers or printed designs
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cover the roll with stickers or glue printed designs onto it.
- Cut a slot for your phone.
- Add hand-drawn or colored accents to enhance the look.
Glow-in-the-Dark Holder
A fun design that lights up in the dark.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Glow-in-the-dark paint
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint the roll with glow-in-the-dark paint and let it dry.
- Add multiple layers for better brightness.
- Cut a slot for your phone and let it shine at night.
Polka Dot Design
A cute and cheerful polka dot theme.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Paint or polka dot stickers
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint or stick polka dots on the roll.
- Let it dry completely.
- Cut a slot for your phone, ensuring the dots remain intact.
Personalized Name Holder
Add a personal touch with your name or initials.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper roll
- Paint or markers
- Stencils (optional)
- Scissors
Steps:
- Paint or draw your name or initials on the roll.
- Add decorative elements around the name.
- Cut a slot for your phone and display it proudly.
Testing and Adjustments
Once you’ve created or assembled the slot for your phone, it’s important to test and make necessary adjustments to ensure it functions perfectly. Here’s how to proceed:
- Insert the Phone: Place your phone into the slot to check if it fits securely and comfortably without excessive movement.
- Check for Stability: Ensure the slot holds the phone firmly, preventing it from tilting, wobbling, or falling.
- Adjust the Size: If the slot is too loose or tight, modify it to match the dimensions of your phone. This might involve trimming or adding padding for a snug fit.
- Verify Accessibility: Make sure all necessary ports, buttons, and the screen remain accessible while the phone is in the slot.
- Test Multiple Angles: Adjust the slot to provide the ideal viewing angle if the slot design allows for it.
- Ensure Safety: Double-check that the slot does not scratch or damage your phone during insertion or removal.
Tips & Variations for Enhanced Design and Stability
When working on rolled projects, whether for crafting, decoration, or construction, there are a few tricks that can help elevate your results. Here are some tips and variations to consider:
- Double Roll for Extra Stability: For projects requiring extra sturdiness, consider using a double roll technique. Doubling up on the material adds strength and ensures your creation stays intact, especially in more dynamic designs or when using lightweight materials.
- Experiment with Cutting Patterns: To give your project a unique flair, try experimenting with different cutting patterns. Whether you opt for geometric shapes, wavy edges, or intricate designs, these variations can transform an otherwise simple roll into a decorative masterpiece.
- Add Small Legs for Height and Stability: For a more robust and elevated structure, incorporate small legs at the base of your roll. This added height provides stability, and the legs can also serve as an aesthetic element, giving your project a more professional, polished appearance.
FAQ
How do I make a phone holder from a toilet paper roll?
To make a phone holder, take an empty toilet paper roll and cut a vertical slit along the side. Then, create a curve at the top of the roll by gently folding it inward to form a cradle for your phone. Optionally, decorate it with paint, paper, or fabric to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
What materials do I need to make this phone holder?
You only need a toilet paper roll, scissors, and optionally some decorative materials like tape, glue, paint, or fabric.
Can I adjust the size of the phone holder?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the phone holder. If your phone is large, you can trim the sides of the toilet paper roll to widen it. Alternatively, you can stack two rolls together to provide extra support for bigger devices.
Will this holder support a heavy phone?
It works best for lightweight phones. For heavier phones, consider reinforcing the roll with extra cardboard or using a sturdier material.
Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.