Random projects!

Hi everyone!!!  I just thought that I would post some random projects that I have completed in the last couple months! Enjoy!!! ♥

Mini TP Roll Tutorial

Hi all,


I've had a couple requests for a tutorial on how to make a mini album using recycled toilet paper rolls. Being a teacher, I tend to have lots of these rolls available to use in my classroom for the kids to use in the art area. But one day someone gave me the idea to use the tp rolls as books and I have been doing it ever since!


Okay so to start you need tp rolls. I use five when making a mini album. First, flatten the rolls. Get them as flat as you possibly can. I put a few in between my husband's weights. 

4 x 2 1/4

Most tp rolls are 4 x 2 1/4 when flattened. However there are some that are slightly larger. So measure it when it's flat so you know how large to cut your paper to put onto it. Do not cut the tp roll. You are going to use it as a pocket to hold your tags. :)


Next, take a 12 x 12 piece of paper and score it slightly more than  the size of the roll because you want to wrap the paper around the roll. Score So if the roll is 4 inches by 2 1/4 inches, score the paper at 4 1/4 by 2 1/2 inches. 

Use an ATG to adhere the paper to the roll. Cut off any excess paper. Then using your Big Bite, punch a hole in one end. 

I like to use eyelets so when I thread the ribbon through, the pages will be held together nicer. I use the 3/16 eyelets. Again, use your Big Bite to set the eyelet. 

Finally, make a tag that is approximately 3 3/4 X 2. These measurements are approximate because it depends upon the size of the tp roll that is used when flattened. You will actually make the tags just slightly longer but do NOT make the tag 4 x 2 1/4 because the tag will not be able to slide in and out as you need it. Punch a hole in one end of the tag and thread some ribbon through. 

Then add embellishments (e.g. ribbon, ink), journal notes and mini photos. This is a great to give as a gift especially with the holidays rolling around. 

That is the end of my tutorial! If there is anything that is unclear, please let me know and I will do my best to clarify the instructions.

Good luck and Happy Crafting! ♥

New toys and more crafting!

Since the last time, I have acquired some tools that I found absolutely necessary to have (although my husband would probably say otherwise, lol).

The first thing is the Scotch ATG. This is an adhesive gun that pretty much has a ton of adhesive tape. It's lightweight and very easy to use. I don't know why I didn't get this sooner! I will say that I had a little trouble loading it in the beginning. I searched youtube for a tutorial and found one demonstrating the proper way to load the adhesive tape (gotta love youtube!). I purchased the pink one because proceeds go to the Susan Komen foundation. So for anyone that wants to purchase one, purchase the pink one!

The next thing is the Crop o Dile Big Bite II. I had a 40% off coupon for Michael's so I used it for the Big Bite. This tool is amazing because it has a six inch reach to punch holes and set eyelets, brads, and gromlets. So far I like this a lot! I only played around with it for a little so I will discuss in detail at a later date if this was worth the purchase.

In the meantime, here are a couple items that I have worked on since my last post.

The first couple of pictures are cards that I made experimenting with color and texture. Of course the shapes were cut with the Cricut expression. I used the Walk in my Garden cartridge and another, but I don't remember which one. The last picture is something I made for a swap partner. This is going in a frame when it dries. The font is done with the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge. I really like the way that it came out! I find that my projects are looking much nicer as I am experimenting more.

Now the last time I promised to demonstrate how to make a mini book using toilet paper rolls, but I deleted the pictures by accident. So I am going to have to make another and show you all at a later date.

Before I go, today was the first time in my life that I experienced an earthquake! New Jersey rarely has them. As a matter of fact, we didn't have one. It was in Virgina, but the shaking could be felt up and down the east coast. It was a weird feeling but thankfully it wasn't enough to do damage where I live. I just hope it doesn't happen again anytime soon!