03/04/2012 - Toilet Paper Roll Tree

This project did not turn out anything like I wanted it to. I saw this neat cut out online of tree branches cut out of the toilet paper rolls (#5 Toilet Paper Art).

Reclaimed Material: toilet paper roll
Other/New Material: none
Tools: X-acto knife, pencil

How I did it: I sketched out the tree branch on the toilet paper roll before I started cutting it out. I cut out the branch and pulled it away from the roll. 

What I would do differently: The picture looks like a dorky monster trying to eat its own arm, so there is a lot I would do differently. The biggest issue I had was a dull X-acto blade and I didn't realize I had run out of fresh ones, so this is not as detailed as I wanted it to be. I think I will leave this one to the paper art professionals.

01/30/2012 - Cardboard Tube Owl

Whooo" loves this project? I do! The flu bug has stricken my household and this was all the energy I could summon to fulfill my New Year's Resolution. This was a great pin I found on Pinterest, http://pinterest.com/pin/181621797442261216/. Not sure if that link will work, but here are some similar instructions: http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/2010/10/owl-family-play-set.html. 

Reclaimed Material: toilet paper roll, fabric scraps, map 

Other/New Material: googly eyes 

Tools: glue, tape, scissors

How I did it: The first thing I did was cut the map (that came with junk mail) to fit around the roll and glued it to the roll. I focused the map on my new home state of Oregon. I folded down the top of the tube to make the owl's ears and taped it down. The scraps I used for the wings and beak are from a Christmas fleece project and are green and yellow in honor of my hubby's Oregon Ducks. I cut and glued the scraps on and added the googly eyes.

What I would do differently: Next time I will include my daughter on this owl-rific adventure...once the flu bug has left the premises. I just covered the roll, but will paint it next time. I also saw a cute little picture of this project where both ends were folded down to make a little gift box. Too cute.