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I have always wanted to make binoculars for the kids!
After collecting some toilet paper rolls for awhile to do some crafting with, we finally got to make a pair of special craft binoculars!
You will need the following to make craft binoculars.
- 2 cardboard tubes (we used toilet rolls)
- Some yarn / wool
- Scissors to cut
- Glue (we used white school grade glue)
- a Q-tip / earbud to spread the glue
First, I took the ball of yarn and measured a length around the kids neck to get a good fit for neck halter, then cut 3 strands and platted / braided them to make a thicker more durable neck halter. Be sure to tie a knot at each end and leave a few strands to make attaching to the craft binoculars easier.
Next up, spread some glue on your cardboard toilet roll and start wrapping the yarn around it, stop then you come to about half way to attach the neck halter.
When you reach half way, glue down the tails of your neck halter with the knots touching the base of your toilet paper roll. Continue wrapping over the yarn tails to the bottom of your cardboard binoculars and cut the yarn at the base.
Make two like this linking the binoculars from roll to roll with the neck halter cord.
Next apply a generous line of glue and press the cardboard binocular tubes together. Take care that you have lined up the neck halter knots in on the same side.
Use a clothing peg on both sides to keep the tubes in place and add a functional and decorative yarn band over both of your tubes to keep the middle firmly in place. I used a contrasting color on both of our craft binoculars.
After leaving the craft overnight to dry fully, the weather cleared up the next day for us to go out and “hunt” some birds to watch! There were very few, but my preschooler did spy a horse, a cloud and a cat! We made two craft binoculars to play with (I have 2 preschoolers) and he insisted that I wear the other pair and play “I see you” as he says.
This one is a keeper, simple and easy to make, homemade and crafty AND we used things in the house and didn’t have to buy anything!
Print the fab Free Printable Bird Book for Birding with Kids from Buddy and Buddy to go with this craft and if the birds are reluctant you can always lure them with some bird seed yummies! Be sure to also checkout our awesome list for simple kids crafts ideas.
fiftarina says
Lovely, I should be making this at home. My son always begs for binocular for seeing animals at the zoo. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.
Amy @ Wildflower Ramblings says
I love these and can’t wait to make them for my little guy, thanks for the great step-by-step!!
Carrie says
These are so cute!! Much nicer than the ones we made in a class that are just the tubes colored. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
Momma Jo says
What a cool idea. I’ve never thought of using yard to decorate the loo roll binoculars before 🙂 Thanks for Sharing
Tracie says
Cute idea! I think kid would really enjoy making these.
[email protected] says
These are awesome! I know my girls would love them! And I really like the look with the yarn, great job! Thanks for sharing on We Made That!
Janis Cox says
Hi,
I am following you from We Made That Wednesday. I think it is funny that we made binoculars at our VBS this morning. We covered them in sparkles, markers and cotton balls (we are doing sheep). We also made horns from paper towel rolls.
Blessings
Janis http://www.janiscox.com Author of Tadeo Turtle
Chelsey~ Buggy and Buddy says
These are just too cute! Can’t wait to try them out ourselves! (And thanks for including our bird book printable!)