DIY Cardboard Tube Flower Lamp — Upcycle Toilet Paper Rolls into a Charming LED Bloom

Brighten a corner of your home with this simple, eco-friendly DIY: the Cardboard Tube Flower Lamp. Using upcycled cardboard tubes (from toilet paper rolls), a bit of paint and lace, and a safe LED tealight, you can create a delicate flower-shaped lantern perfect for shelves, mantels, or as a handmade gift. This project is inexpensive, kid-friendly with supervision, and a lovely way to repurpose materials.

The process is straightforward: cut a tube in half, make petal cuts, shape and paint the petals, add decorative trim, and place a battery-powered tea light inside. Below are the supplies and step-by-step instructions with photos to guide you.

SUPPLIES:

• TP roll cardboard tube
• Paints
• Paintbrush
• Decorative lace
• LED tealight candle
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the cardboard tube into half.

2. Take one half of the tube and make five vertical cuts around 1.25" deep.

3. Make the shape of petals as shown below. Round or point the petal tips to get the look you prefer.

4. Paint the cardboard flower-shaped lamp. Use acrylic or craft paint and allow it to dry fully between coats.

5. Decorate the lamp with some nice lace or other trim glued around the base or edges for a finished look.

6. Put an LED tea light candle in the lamp and light up your house to celebrate the special day. Always use an LED tealight for safety—do not use real candles inside cardboard.

Quick tips: Try varying the number of cuts to create fuller or narrower petals. Mix colors or add metallic accents for a more decorative effect. These also make charming table decorations or party accents.