Aaargh!!! Make this cardboard tube pirate and parrot craft and get ready for some fun adventures at sea! Perfect for imaginative or small world play.

We’re big fans of recycled crafts over here at Artsy Craftsy Mom, especially when it involves turning trash into treasure! It’s simply amazing how the most insignificant materials can turn into interesting projects – egg cartons, bubble wrap, Styrofoam containers, drinking straws and many more.

And one popular one among these is the humble toilet paper roll, also referred to as cardboard tube or cardboard roll. These rolls are so versatile; the cylindrical shape and the sturdiness lends itself to several unique toilet roll crafts. And today’s post is about one such interesting project; I’ll give you a clue – “Aargh!”

Yes, we’re having a pirate on board today, accompanied by his trusted friend, a parrot. So get yourself a couple of cardboard rolls, some colored paper and glue – we’re waiting for you!

Cardboard Tube Pirate and Parrot Craft for Kids

Supplies to make the Cardboard Tube Pirate Craft

Cardboard Tube
Patterned crepe paper in different colors
Colored Craft Paper
Markers and Pencil
Scissors and Glue

Instructions to make the Cardboard Tube Pirate Craft:

1. Start out by getting the different parts of the pirate body ready. Cut out a large piece of brown craft paper for the face, red for the shirt and black for the bottom.

2. Glue the sheets on the cardboard tube in this order – brown first, red next and black last. Then add on the main accessory – the bandanna! Use a patterned crepe paper on top of the head for this.

3. Time to make our pirate look rather mean! Use a black marker to draw in facial features – don’t forget the eye patch!

4. Okay, now for more details to really dress up our pirate! He needs to look a little rugged, so tear off the top part of his pants – be careful so he’s not bottomless! Give him a scarf to match his bandanna – bonus points if you can make it look a little messy!

Supplies to Make the Cardboard Roll Parrot Craft:

Small Cardboard Roll (Or a larger one cut into half)
Googly Eyes
Craft paper in bright colors
Brightly colored feathers
Markers and Pencil
Sticky tape
Scissors and Glue

Instructions to Make the Cardboard Roll Parrot Craft:

1. Cover the cardboard roll in bright green paper to make the parrot’s body. Cut off any excess.

2. Use tape to stick the feathers on either side of the parrot’s body for wings. Use different colors to make it bright.

3. Almost done! Attach a feather on the inside of the roll at the top of the parrot’s head. Then stick on a yellow paper beak and some googly eyes – and your parrot is ready!

Now all you need to do is to put the pirate next to his best friend – don’t they look cute together?

Okay, the pirate looks more mean than cute, but they still make a perfect pair together! If you like, you can make a few smaller pirates with clothes in different colors. They can be the minions and this big guy can be their boss. And let them all set out on some interesting adventures at sea – who knows, maybe they’ll find some gold and jewels too!