At some point in our lives, we’ve all run around the house in a cape! My cape of choice was always tea towel clipped onto my t-shirt with clothes pins, and I’m not going to lie, I’ve been known to still wear one from time to time. Superhero tales never fail to capture the imaginations of the young (and the not-so-young), so what better way for you and your kids to bring them to life together than with a few Paper Roll Superhero Dolls? Paper crafts at their best!

Today I’m sharing how to make superhero dolls out of the humblest of materials – kitchen paper tube, colored paper, and a fluffy pom pom! I added a little ‘bam’ to the big guy’s chest with a fine black marker and coloring pencils. An exclamation mark seemed to be the right fit for his expression (ha!). Encourage your child to design their own superhero emblems – something cool and fierce! Maybe a lightning bolt like Captain Marvel, or an initial like Superman. How about a number like the Fantastic Four ? Let their imaginations guide them in creating a superhero of their very own.

Want more? Encourage them to take it a step further by writing an original comic strip starring their new super craft!

Let’s get started.

• Paper tubes (kitchen paper towel tube for super dad, and toilet paper tube for his son in training)
• Colored craft paper
• Skin colored paint and brush
• Pom poms for the shaggy hair
• Scissors
• Glue gun or fast drying craft glue

Step 1
Take your scissors and make short slits all around the top of the paper tube.

Step 2
Fold the tabs into the center and glue the slits into position. This acts as the perfect base to glue the pom pom hairdo on later.

Step 3
Add some flesh colored paint towards the top of the paper tube for the face. Leave aside to dry for a few minutes.

Step 4
Next it’s time to cut out your superhero’s clothes – the cape, boots and pants!

Step 5
Now the fun part – putting your superhero together! Start by gluing bright colored craft paper around the paper tube. Then glue on the pants, cape, and boots.

Step 6
Squeeze a generous amount of glue on the top of the paper tube for the pom pom hair.

Hold for a minute or so until the glue has set. Fiddle around a bit with the pom pom until it sits right for you.

Step 7
And finally with some paint markers, or paint and a brush, add the facial details. Watch the character come to life in your hands! I always love this part (the eyes tell the story).

Now channel your inner superhero and get to playing!