DIY | Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Tree Forest
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With all the quarantining we've been doing this year the amount of toilet paper rolls that have piled up around here is too many to count...which made me think to figure out something creative to do with them. I wanted to have a hand made touch from my kiddos on display this year, so making Christmas trees out of these little things instantly came to mind.
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So in case you have piles of toilet paper or paper towel rolls rolls laying around too, here's another project to keep your little ones busy and entertained.
So in case you have piles of toilet paper or paper towel rolls rolls laying around too, here's another project to keep your little ones busy and entertained.
I shared this quick Reel on my IG last week and since then it's been shared and seen over 100K times!! I decided to give you some more step by steps here for some that might need more guidance than a 15 second video ;)
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WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
-empty toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls
-marker or pencil for sketching tree shapes
-craft paint of choice
-scissors
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HOW TO CREATE:
1. Take your cardboard rolls and flatten them a little so you know where to draw your tree.
*Tip: I used various toilet paper and paper towel rolls so I could get different sizes with my trees. I like the dimension and height differences it give when putting them all together in the end.
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2. Draw your tree shape on the cardboard however you want it to look. Make sure to leave a bottom for your tree to stand up with. I left the bottoms of my rolls about 1-2 cms in height.
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3. Start cutting around your lines, but be sure to have the roll still connected on some parts of the tree. This will help with the balance of the tree and for painting when the cardboard gets wet.
For example: The tips on my tree branches are still connected after I cut around the outlined tree shape.
I did try some by leaving only one side of the tree and cutting off the back but in the end, I found they didn't stand up as straight as I wanted them to.
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4. Once your shape is cut out, "fluff" out your tree a little so the bottom part is rounded again and is able to stand up. I had to pinch/fold it the opposite way it was folded before to bring it back to shape.
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5. Grab your favorite paint colors you want to paint your trees and get creative!
*Tip: Choose 3-4 of colors for your palette, mix them to make different shades, make patterns, or use the cardboard color itself for a neutral look. This will make it more appealing to your eyes when the colors are all coordinating and draw your eyes in to look at it more.
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6. When you're done set them up on your mantle, or in little vignettes around your house. I put them next to some ceramic white houses we pull out each year and I love how they contrast next to the houses. You can also use battery operated candles to put inside them to light them up. I used some copper while lights we had and intertwined them in the trees and houses and I love the simple, magical look to it all!
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And there you have it! If you decide to make some too please share with me on instagram! I'd love to see what you create!
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And now that you're in the holiday spirit, check out my Christmas collection with all new artwork, hand lettered quotes you'll love and intentional advent calendars to bring in more meaningful moments to your season.
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Here are some supplies we use to help you get started!
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Pin this photo below so you have this to refer back to later on! And if you're not already, you can follow me here on Pinterest to see all the things I'm being inspired by.
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Enjoy friends!
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WATCH US CREATE THESE TOGETHER STEP BY STEP HERE!
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Comments
Robin Michaels said:
These could easily be painted with acrylic craft paint. Using them on a Christmas wreath would be cute—just don’t put them outside. Even on a covered porch, I’d be afraid the dampness would make them a bit limp.
joan said:
We had an unexpected day off of school so my 9 yo twin grandsons painted these up (I did the cutting, etc) for our Christmas centerpiece. More important than the simple centerpiece, it’ll be happy memories! Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Emily said:
This was such a good craft to do with my kids! Because I didn’t need to buy anything extra, I really wasn’t bothered if these didn’t look how I imagined them. Instead, I mixed paints and let my two boys paint. Once they are dry, we will break out the glitter pens to add a little bit of sparkle.
Cheryl said:
Love the toilet paper Christmas Tree. I like simple craft ideas. Something that everyone can make by utilizing what you already have in your home. I had six children and I always used things on hand. Not everyone can run out and buy things. Thank you for this idea. I may add to it by place a bottom and a few candy canes inside. Looking forward to seeing more from you!
Sandy said:
What kind of paint did you use?
Judy said:
You can paint then inside and out easier to do before you cut it. Also, use a paper hole punch to cut out holes for a battery tealight to shine through. Adding white sparkly glitter or some puffs of cotton on the branches would also look great!
Gayle said:
I am making these for a Christmas table setting a fill them with Chocolates in small bags
Carrey said:
I have been saving our toilet paper rolls too and wondering what could be done with them… between your creative idea and all of these suggestions I now have the answer I’ve been waiting for. thank you All so much. <3
Veronica Pikes said:
You can try this idea using paper towel rolls cutting them to various heights to get the forest look. 😊
Hope said:
Dianne McFerren, je retiens votre idée de peindre l’intérieur du rouleau afin que la finition soit plus belle. J’ai déjà plein d’idées dans la tête… merci
Marian said:
Love this idea, and the project turns out as depicted. I can see this craft idea being used at Girl Scouts/Cub Scout meetings among other places where up-cycling is a trend and keeping to a budget is a focus.
Mag lowe said:
I had my 4 and 2 year old kids paint these and I wrote names below the trunk and they will be our place settings for Christmas Eve brunch!!
MsY said:
Going to try this and hubby suggested I place a Battery operated candle in the base to add a little glow.
dona mote said:
looks grerat
NICOLE E DUBE said:
I love these!! Going to try chalk paint with baking soda technique for some added texture!!!
Dianne McFerren said:
Wonderfully creative idea!! I will try spray painting the whole thing green (inside & out)…decorating with dots and designs and cutting them at different heights. I want a colorful display for the fireplace mantle.
Thanks for an exciting use of toilet paper rolls!! Oh, and these could also be adapted to Autumn, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day.
Michelle A Hechler said:
I am picturing napkin rings.
Lauren said:
Super cute! What kind of paint did you use?
Judy said:
I wonder if you could put the little trees on a holiday wreath
Ester Wadley said:
I will use these for our arts and crafts today. They are very nice.
Kim shepherd said:
My 51/2 yr old Grandson asked Santa last night for a Christmas tree fortress ! Using theses trees and some tubing this grandma is making him one! Bless you for your creativity!!
Diana Crick said:
These are fabulous. The whole family which is just 4 Adults and two kids, 11 and 13 are going to Cabo for Christmas. The house we are renting has no Christmas decorations. We are going to have great fun painting and decorating these. We might even try making a cactus…lol.
Dee said:
Very artistic
Sally Hartman said:
I am going to make some of those trees Thanks!
Garden Goddess said:
This would make a cute napkin ring for Xmas dinner.