Seriously, this project is the epitome of upcycling. These toilet paper rolls thought their destiny had them in a trash heap at the dump. Not in a million years could they have imagined something quite so glamorous.
I saw this project on Pinterest a few weeks ago and I even mentioned it HERE. Now, the Pinterest picture was slightly cuter because they had a cute kid looking all happy and holding the flower. I didn’t have any cute kids hanging around last night, so don’t dock me for that. The original project came from Inspirations Decorations and she did such a good job.
TUTORIAL
1. Collect a bazillion toilet paper and paper towel rolls. I think I ended up using some where around 30 paper towel rolls and close to 50 toilet paper rolls.
Though, it was really fun to ask people to save their toilet paper rolls for me. Their expressions were priceless.
2. Cut all of the rolls in to 1 inch circles. I could have measured, but I didn’t care if it was perfect. I eyeballed it and got about 10 circles out of each paper towel roll and 4 out of each toilet paper roll.
Next, squash them all so they look more oval than round. Sorry about this picture. Apparently, my camera was more interested in focusing on the items behind the paper.
3. Now start gluing them together. I used my hot glue gun.
4. One you have the inner flower finished, it’s a matter of filling in the gaps until the flower is as big as you’d like it to be. I had a big blank wall, so mine has a diameter of 31”. That took about 300 “petals” (calling them petals makes it seem so much better than toilet paper).
5. Once it’s as large as you want, then spray paint it. That was the only real expense in the project.
Total cost is $3.50 plus a lot of time. I probably could have done this faster if I weren’t watching a combination of So You Think You Can Dance (seriously, Melanie better win) and HGTV Design Star (Why is Cathy so horrible? She really shouldn’t take her personality cues from Omarosa any more).
See how big this wall is? My huge flower is dwarfed by it.
There are other versions of this project on Pinterest:
I love that last one! I’d also love to see what versions you’ve seen around of upcycling random items into something new?
you're so cool. I love that.
ReplyDeleteThis is so amazing! I will definitely try this :)
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower - thanks for all the inspiration!
that's great soo cool
ReplyDeleteI live this - it's so green of you! Should you need a cute kid for any future posts, I have one available ;)
ReplyDeletelooks amazing! i always think that i need to add this to my to do list. i love that you made such a large scaled one-great impact and cheap art!
ReplyDeletelove it! just copied you. but now i'm wondering how to hang it up? how'd you do it?
ReplyDeleteLots of little nails all over. Put some in the center where it's strongest and then some to act as anchors on the ends. If you hang it by a single "petal," that petal will rip out. Learned that after it happened.
ReplyDeleteThat looks so gorgeous on the wall! You wall art turned out great! Thanks for sharing at Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays.
ReplyDeleteThat looks great and a lot of work. I don't think I have the patience to do that. I like fast and easy satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI've done this in my house too! so cute
ReplyDeleteHi! I saw your post over at "Serenity Now". So VERY cute. Thanks for posting how to do this.
ReplyDeleteToilet paper rolls? Who would have thought? I love it!
ReplyDeleteSuperb!! I like the other ideas as well. Pinning up. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSaw your link on 'Coastal Charm'. I am hosting my first Link-up party - Tea Time Thursdays. Would be glad to see some of your awesome posts there. Hope to see ya at the party :)
http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrating-one-party-time.html
Wow! I am so impressed! I have never seen such a think and I wrote a whole blog post on new uses for toilet paper rolls! Ha ha. I would love for you to link your post up at my Savvy HomeMade blog party on Monday at HomeSavvyAtoZ.com.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower!
Stumbled upon your blog via Pintrest, what a great idea! I just ravaged my cardboard recycling bin and grabbed a bunch of cardboard rolls! Now I just need to buy some spray paint in a nice color and I'll have some great new wall art. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteLoving this idea! And from toilet paper rolls!? It looks like it could be a labour of love but I am definitely going to give this a try!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for linking up and partying at Home Savvy A to Z this week, Maury!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking. The party for this week - Tea Time Thursdays @ Kreative Korner - is on. Hope to see you there with latest posts.
ReplyDeletehttp://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/tea-time-thursdays-2-and-features.html
Looks really kewl and I didn't realize they were toilet paper & paper towels rolls until I read how you made it! P.S. Don't have any cute kiddos, but will loan you my Rott's for future pix if you need them! They love to DIY!
ReplyDeleteI must let all the other art teachers know about this one. We are always trying to find free art projects young children can do. It looks fantastic! I'm following.♥
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ReplyDeleteI LOVED it so much the other night at the party, that I've already started my collecting. Can't wait for the project adventures ahead. Thanks for always sharing!
ReplyDeleteStopping over from Hating Martha to say hello and check out the woman behind the toilet paper rolls. Just let me know if you ever need a mountain of 'em because I am pretty sure my whole family is full of, well you know..... we go through TP quick so have plenty of empty rolls.
ReplyDelete~Bliss~
LOVE LOVE LOVE!! I have seen these before, but didn't really like them until I saw yours! I'm totally making one now. What color/brand spray paint is that? thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Julie! The spray paint is Rustoleum spray paint in Wildflower Blue.
DeleteI a saved up a year of paper towel tubs for another project and my husband threw them away and this is so pretty that I have to make one gonna kill him ,not really but it is very neat and I have am telling everyone to eaves me some tubs. Janet
ReplyDeleteNice post. We are impressed by your clear description of your topic. Thanks for the information. Keep on writing.
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