How to Make a Cage from Newspaper Tubes

The first thing I did was make a cardboard template the same way as the cage and my daughter. This template would be the base of the cage. Then I went echos tubes sticking a newspaper and when they were all around the template, I hit another cardboard template on top.

Forget buying expensive baskets! Upcycling old newspapers into stunning, rustic cages is my absolute favorite eco-craft. It’s surprisingly sturdy once you get the hang of it.

You’ll need: Newspapers, white glue, a knitting needle or skewer, clothespins, and scissors.

The Process:

Rolling Tubes: Lay a full sheet of newspaper flat. Place the skewer on one corner at a 45-degree angle and roll it up tightly, securing the end with a dab of glue. This is your “wood.” Let them dry.

The Base: Weave a simple flat square or circle for the bottom. I always start with a simple square base—it’s easier for beginners. Criss-cross 4-5 tubes and weave another tube over-and-under in a spiral.

Building the Walls: Once the base is big enough, bend your vertical tubes upwards. Use a clothespin to hold them in place while you start weaving your horizontal rows. This is where the cage shape forms!

The Arch & Door: To create the iconic domed top, gradually decrease the tension of your weave, pulling the horizontal tubes inward. For a door, simply don’t weave a section, leaving an opening. You can trim and shape it later.

Pro Tip: In my experience, a 50/50 mix of water and glue makes the perfect “paint-on” sealant. Once built, paint it with this mix to harden it, then finish with acrylic paint or a wood stain for a gorgeous, vintage look.

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