How to Make a Confetti Cannon - Katherine Learns Stuff! (2024)

How to Make a Confetti Cannon

After I posted my Things To Do On Canada Day post, I received a comment that I should expand my decoration fireworks into actual confetti launchers… or confetti cannons. I thought this was a good idea as we are not allowed to set off fireworks this year.

Keep reading below for 2 different methods to make a confetti cannon…aka make a big mess!

Enjoy!

Let’s Begin! Confetti Cannon Method 1

What You Need:
For Method 1

1. Two (2) empty rolls of toilet paper, or one (1) empty paper towel roll cut in 2.
2. Scissors
3. Tape
4. Scrap paper
5. Confetti or just small bits of paper cut up
6. Decorative paper/tape to final look – optional.

Prepare Your Roll!

Cut one of the rolls along the length. This cut piece will become your plunger

The roll that was cut will need to be rolled slightly so that it will fit comfortably into the other roll. You will need to make sure it is small enough so that it can become the plunger. Before you tape this piece read the next step to better understand.

Using some scrap paper, make a top for the plunger piece and tape it down. Try to keep this top as minimal as possible.

With the uncut roll – using some scrap tissue paper – tape a piece inside the roll about 1 inch from the top.

I used tissue paper as regular paper is tough to get inside the roll but also doesn’t provide a good surface to launch the confetti.

Optional – add some decorations to the outside of the confetti holder and to the outside of the plunger so they don’t look like ugly toilet paper rolls.

Fill with confetti.

Your confetti canon is ready to go! Be prepared for a big mess!

Let’s Begin! Confetti Canon Method 2

What You Need:
For Method 2

1. One (1) empty rolls of toilet paper, or one (1) empty paper towel roll cut in 4 using only one piece per launcher.
2. Scissors
3. Tape
4. Balloon
5. Confetti or just small bits of paper cut up
6. Decorative paper/tape to final look – optional.

Repair your Roll

Cut the empty toilet paper roll in half. Or cut the paper towel roll into 4.

You only need one piece per confetti launcher.

Do not blow the balloon up but tie the end closed and cut off the top of the balloon.

Insert the cut roll into the balloon.

Using tape – I used duct tape – tape around the roll – this will hold the balloon to the roll.

Optional – add some decorative paper/design onto the toilet paper roll to make it look less industrial.

Fill with confetti.

Your confetti cannon is ready to go! Be prepared for a big mess!

An important note about method 2 – with the balloon underneath the roll it does not allow the roll to site flush on the surface and may tip over.

And That’s It! You’re Done!

Important notes

1. The end result of this (after you use your confetti cannon) this is very messy. Be prepared!
2. Both of these methods do not have a top on the confetti cannons. I have tried several different covers to avoid spilling the confetti before launch time but anything on top will stop the confetti from flying out.

Was this Tutorial Helpful?

Did you find this tutorial helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you liked this tutorial, be sure to check out my other tutorials here.