How to Make Binoculars from Toilet Roll Tubes

Boostib

Editor

posted on 12 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

3
views

What better for the little birdwatcher or spy in your life than a pair of play binoculars? Whether they make these on their own (highly encouraged) or you make them yourself for playtime, these cheap and cheerful toys will amuse for hours.

Steps

Preparing the Cellophane Ends

Cut two squares of yellow cellophane. The squares need to be large enough to cover the ends of the toilet roll tubes.

Tape each square over one end of each toilet roll tube. Be neat and cover all of the hole.

Covering the Tubes and Cork

Cut the colored paper into rectangles. The paper must be long and wide enough to fit around the toilet tubes. Also cut a piece of paper in the same color to fit around the cork.Make Binoculars from Toilet Roll Tubes Step 3Bullet1.jpg

Paint the end of the cork black.

Paint the glue over the cork piece of paper. Roll this around the cork neatly. Let dry. Paint or mark black lines around this piece of paper, to represent the winder mechanism of real binoculars.Make Binoculars from Toilet Roll Tubes Step 5Bullet1.jpg

Paint the glue over the tube pieces of paper. Roll this paper around each tube neatly, covering up the edges of the cellophane that were taped down the sides. Let dry.

Stick a circle of black tape around the cellophane end of each tube. This highlights the "lens" end and makes the binoculars seem more realistic.

Assembling the Binoculars

Run a line of glue down one edge of one tube. Gently press this against the edge of the other tube. Align both tubes together precisely; they are now forming the body of the binoculars. Place a rubber band around both of the tubes to keep in place while they dry together.Make Binoculars from Toilet Roll Tubes Step 8Bullet1.jpg

Add the cork piece. Run a line of glue along each flattened edge of the cork. Then insert the cork in the valley join of the two toilet roll tubes, at the end opposite to the cellophane lenses. Let dry.

Thread the neck loop in place. Cut the string/cord or other material long enough to go around the neck and hang freely. To attach: Poke two holes through the side ends of the back of the binoculars.Make Binoculars from Toilet Roll Tubes Step 10Bullet1.jpg Thread through one end of the string or cord and tie a knot to keep it intact. Do the same for the other side, completing the loop.Make Binoculars from Toilet Roll Tubes Step 10Bullet2.jpg