Looking for a super cute and easy craft for kids? These ladybug toilet paper rolls are the perfect DIY project! With a free template, simple materials, and a little creativity, kids can make their own adorable ladybug friend. This craft helps with fine motor skills and learning about bugs and it’s also so much fun. A great Spring time activity. Let’s get started!
- Table Of Contents:
Materials
- One toilet paper roll
- Red and black paint
- Paint brushes
- Black and red construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Free printable template
Instructions
Step 1)
Gather your supplies then print off and cut out the free printable template from this article. If you don’t have an empty toilet paper roll you can use a larger paper towel roll and cut it down to size.

Step 2)
Cut a toilet paper roll. Instead of cutting it perfectly in half, make one section slightly larger than the other. Cut open the larger section and round the edges; this will become the bug wings.

Step 3)
Paint the larger section red on the outside and black on the inside. Set it aside to let the black and red paint dry completely.

Step 4)
Paint the smaller paper roll section black.

Step 5)
Use the template pieces to trace onto black and red paper. The head, antennae and legs should be black. Use the white template circles for eyes, then draw in the pupil and cut out two small red circles and a half circle for the cheeks and mouth. You’ll also need some small black circles for the bug’s polkadots.

Step 6)
Assemble the pieces to put together the ladybug’s head and the spots on its body.

Step 7)
Glue the head to the black toilet paper roll and glue on the wings to wrap around the body.

Step 8)
Glue on the ladybug legs. Insects have 6 legs; if you’re learning about bugs with your kids see if you can add 6 legs to this craft!

Video Instructions
Prefer video instructions for your crafts? Subscribe to the YouTube channel for Crafty Kids Play and watch the full video tutorial for this ladybug craft here.
Ladybug Paper Roll Template Download
Download your free printable ladybug paper roll craft template using the link below this next image. This ladybug template is intended for personal use only or for classroom use, not for resale or commercial purposes.

Tips & Troubleshooting
Use Thin Layers of Paint: Thick paint takes longer to dry and can make the paper roll soggy. Apply thin layers and let each coat dry before adding another.
Let Paint Dry Completely: Before gluing any pieces together, make sure the paint is fully dry to avoid smudging.
Pre-Cut Template Pieces for Younger Kids: If you’re crafting with preschoolers, cut out the template pieces in advance so they can focus on assembling their ladybug.
Use a Glue Stick for Paper Parts: Liquid glue can get messy and make the paper warp. A glue stick works best for attaching the face and spots.
Wings Won’t Stay in Place? If the wings keep slipping off, try using double-sided tape for a secure hold. An adult could also help attach them using a hot glue gun.

Benefits of This Bug Craft For Kids
Fine Motor Skills Development
Cutting, gluing, and painting all help strengthen little hands and improve fine motor coordination.
Creative Expression
Kids can customize their ladybugs with different facial expressions, colors, and wing shapes. Add googly eyes as a fun way to customize it or add your black dots with black marker instead of black paper. Let children choose their own paint color for this easy craft and you’ll have a whole rainbow of bugs in your classroom or home! You can also try using pipe cleaners for the ladybug’s antennae and legs.
Educational Fun
This fun ladybug craft is a great way to introduce kids to insect anatomy, teaching them about body parts like the head, legs, and wings while creating their own ladybug.
Eco-Friendly Crafting
Using recycled toilet paper rolls teaches kids about sustainability and repurposing materials.
Final Thoughts
This toilet paper roll ladybug craft is a fun and easy project for kids of all ages. It’s perfect for a bug-themed lesson, a rainy-day activity, or just for creative play. With simple materials and a free printable template, you’ll have an adorable ladybug in no time! Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more insect crafts, and step-by-step tutorials for kids of all ages! Happy crafting!



