Learn how to make a Recycled Telescope Pirate Craft in about 30 minutes. Grab that cardboard tube straight out of the recycle bin, then add a paper cup and some twine to create a Pirate Telescope perfect for spotting the buried treasure!
Looking for more projects like this? Check out our full list of Dollar Tree Crafts using traditional materials in unique and unconventional ways to create upscale home decor.
Dollar Tree Pirate Telescope Kids Craft
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Here's what you need to make Cardboard Tube Pirate Telescope
- Recycled Cardboard Tube – Think paper towel
- Paper Cup, Black – Dollar Tree
- Dazzling Metallics Glorious Gold Craft Paint – DecoArt
- Americana Acrylic Craft Paint Lamp Black – DecoArt
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Tree
- Basecoat Paintbrush Set – DecoArt
- Scissors – I love my Fiskars!
- Craft Knife
- Natural Jute Twine – Dollar Tree
- Rhinestones, Black – Dollar Tree
- White Cardstock – Dollar Tree
- Washable Marker, Black – Dollar Tree
- Pencil
Here's how to create a Pirate Telescope for Kids
STEP ONE
To begin the Dollar Tree Pirate Telescope Kids Craft, gather all supplies. Have an adult carefully remove the bottom of the black paper cup with a craft knife. You can use black plastic cups for this craft as well.
Dry fit the paper towel tube inside the base of the black paper cup to make sure the fit is snug. If the fit is too loose, wrap the end of the paper towel tube with duck tape or painter's tape from Dollar Tree.
STEP TWO
Basecoat a band around the top edge of the black paper cup with Dazzling Metallics Glorious Gold craft paint. Add gold bands around the paper towel tube with a paintbrush. Let dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Accent the Pirate Telescope with stripes of Lamp Black acrylic craft paint using a paintbrush. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary. I love Americana Acrylics from DecoArt because they have one-coat coverage on most surfaces.
STEP THREE
Attach the black paper cup to the paper towel tube using a glue gun and glue sticks. You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
STEP FOUR
Embellish the gold stripes along the length of the Pirate Telescope with self-adhesive black rhinestones. I like to use the tip of a craft knife blade to accurately place self-adhesive rhinestones.
Attach sections of natural jute twine to the black stripes along the length of the Pirate Telescope with a glue gun and glue sticks. We wrapped the twine around five times for each section.
STEP FIVE
To finish, draw a skull and crossbones on white cardstock with a pencil. Cut out with scissors, add a mouth, then eye and nose sockets with washable black marker.
Attach the skull and crossbones to the viewing end of the Pirate Telescope with a glue gun and glue sticks. You could also use white shipping labels instead of white cardstock. Dollar Tree has such a HUGE selection of materials that can be upcycled and good quality craft supplies which won’t blow your budget!
Dollar Tree Pirate Telescope Craft for Playtime
Perfect for a fun party craft for a Pirate themed birthday or an afternoon spent getting creative with the kiddos. Use different color rhinestones or letter stickers for each of the kiddos, so they know which telescope is theirs! Create this recycled pirate telescope craft to encourage hours of imaginative pirate playtime with your kids.
These Pirate Telescopes are fun to make and then create your own party games like a spot the pirate treasure map! Let your imagination run wild. The possibilities are endless!
Additional Pirate Crafts for Kids
Learn how to make a DIY Pirate Treasure Chest Recycled Craft for kids. Strawberry season is here, so let’s upcycle that plastic container straight out of the recycle bin add some strips of brown butcher kraft paper, and create a Pirate Chest, perfect for all your treasures!
Create a Recycled Gold Coins Pirate Craft with cardboard straight out of the bin, then add some glue and gold paint to create the most valued Pirate treasure to fill that chest.
Learn how to make a Recycled Compass Pirate Craft in about 30 minutes. Dollar Tree Pint Mason Jar Lids, some paint, and twine transform into an old world compass sure to get those Pirates home safe and sound!
Create a Recycled Pirate Hook Kids Craft in just about 30 minutes. Grab that cardboard straight out of the recycle bin, then add some aluminum foil to create the most dreaded accessory, a Pirate Hook!
Sharing is Caring! If you LOVE it, Please PIN it!
Are you too busy to make this Recycled Tube Pirate Telescope Kids Craft right now? Pin it for later! I'd love for you to pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and then it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I'd love to hear what you think about this project, or if you want to know more about pirate crafts. If you've made your own recycled projects, I would love to see your creations! Share them on Instagram, and Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #CreativelyBeth
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