Ninjas are big at our house right now but this ninja nunchucks craft is a blast from my past. When I was 13 I volunteered at day camps and this was actually the very first craft I made for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle themed camp. I know I just dated myself , it was 1990 and my life path was forming for sure. Now I know this craft won’t be for everyone but with strict rules about not using it on anyone and with supervision ( like all activities on our site) it’s really fun! As you will see I also squeezed in some really important skill practice too.
- Gather your materials. You will need 2 toilet paper rolls or a paper towel roll cut in two. You can paint the rolls if you want just make sure they are completely dry before you proceed because this is a craft that will get played with as soon as it’s done. We used markers but use whatever you want. You’ll also need some ribbon and a hole punch.
- Start by coloring your rolls.
- This is why I love doing crafts with my kids , he told me all about ninjas while he was coloring.
- One down one roll to go. If your kids want stickers, glitter or sticky back foam use them too. I offered all of the above but my son just wanted to use the very special permanent markers.
- Time for the hole punch. Think he was excited?
- It was tough! Using one hole punches are great for building hand strength which is important for writing.
- Punch two holes in one end of each roll .
- I was just going to thread the ribbon through but earlier when my son was telling me about ninjas he told me that real nunchucks have a chain so to make it look more like a chain we tied knots. This is also great for hand eye coordination and our ongoing shoe lace tying attempts!
- Now thread it through the ends.
- Tie
- Ninja time!
Anjie @ Of Pandas and Pirates says
That looks like such a fun and easy craft! I’d be afraid the cardboard tubes would rip easily with all the flailing around though. Any way to reinforce them? Duck tape maybe?
admin says
So far ours are good – it helps to use thicker ribbon that doesn’t cut into the roll as much. But regular reinforcements or tape would work really well too.
Nina says
Isn’t it funny how your crafts have changed over the years based on the kids ages and interests? If someone would have told you four years ago that you would be making nunchuck crafts you probably wouldn’t have believed them. 🙂
admin says
Nina this is possibly my favorite comment ever. I love that you know that, yes kids have a way of making you eat your words don’t they? I love that the blog chronicles my kids’ phases. Last summer the only thing my son would wear was Batman, this year it’s all Adidas if only I could make them a sponsor!
Rachelle | TinkerLab says
OMG, Allie, the nunchuck photo totally grabbed me. It’s too funny. Who would have thought that the simple TP roll could be turned into a ninja tool? I love it.
Amy says
Thanks for this idea! It’s perfect for the party I’m throwing. Keep the great ideas coming.
Tiffany says
Thank you for this great craft idea! It will be perfect for my 4 year old’s Ninja Turtle birthday party craft!
Allison McDonald says
Yay – happy birthday to your 4 year old. Have fun with the craft!