Turn Toilet Paper Rolls Into A DIY Paint Roller For All Your Crafty Projects

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If you're art-minded, you probably already save items from the trash can, such as empty toilet paper rolls. These cardboard tubes are a versatile addition to any craft room. A near-endless number of DIY ideas are born from one of these cardboard tubes. Depending on the size of your collection, you can DIY stunning wall art you'd never know was made from old toilet paper rolls or transform toilet paper rolls into the cutest desk storage solution. However, you don't just have to use them to create pretty home decor or useful containers. Artsy TikToker meghann.the.moon used an empty toilet paper roll to create a craft tool — a roller that adds whimsical patterns to her DIY projects.

With just a few simple supplies, you can transform a small, utilitarian cardboard tube into a textured paint roller. All you need is a hot glue gun, a paint roller frame, and a few empty toilet paper rolls. Choose a smaller paint roller frame, like the 4-inch Rollingdog Mini Paint Roller Frame for about $10, that fits one toilet paper roll. If you already have a full-size paint roller frame, you can still use it — just fit it with two tubes instead of one. To use your new texture paint rollers, you'll also need a tray for the paint. A 6-pack of 4-inch Mister Rui Sturdy Plastic Paint Trays costs about $10. With everything gathered, you're ready to create a simple tool that adds unique stamp-like designs to flat surfaces.

You can upcycle empty toilet paper rolls into unique wall decor, or you can also use the same roll to create a bespoke decorating tool. Start by making sure that the roll is free from any leftover toilet paper and adhesive. You only want to see raw brown or white cardboard. Next, trail hot glue around or along the tube to create a repeating pattern. For example, TikToker meghann.the.moon made squiggly lines running horizontally along the roll, leaving about a finger-width between each line. You can, however, choose any pattern you wish. Once the hot glue has set — a process that takes just minutes — push the toilet paper roll onto a paint roller frame. Your textured paint roller is now ready to use. Fill your tray with paint and get making!

@meghann.the.moon ♬ original sound – Meghann & The Moon

You can make this quick and easy DIY tool your own by creating personalized patterns with the hot glue. Spend some time researching decorative art roller patterns online — art supply stores are a good resource — and note down the designs you want to replicate. You could create straight lines, a series of small circles, simple flowers, or zig-zags. If you have time, wait 12 hours for the glue to cure for a stronger bond. You could even try using Geometric Silicone Adhesive Bump Dots to create patterns in place of the hot glue. Note that these rollers can only be used a few times. With repeated use, the wet paint will weaken the cardboard and the roller will eventually fall apart.