The Art of Recycling

A few weekends ago I ran across an amazing idea for toilet paper rolls. It was fancy, frugal, and I had to do it.

Now, I live by myself, and I'm not frugal when it comes to the cloth that touches my bum, but one person could not possibly go through enough toilet paper and paper towels in months to get this project done. It doesn't help that I lack patience. what was I to do?

I embarked on my toilet paper adventure. I was going to make my art, and soon! ( I don't lack determination! ;) )
Step one: contact family

When I ask my family to save something for me, they do not take that task lightly. A few years ago, I asked my parents to save me the comics from the Sunday paper so I could send them to a soldier overseas. What did I get? Entire paper bags filled with nothing but comics! Needless to say, it was no big deal when I sent the email along to the family asking them to save me some rolls. Turns out, my sister-in-law already had a big bag filled up and it was all mine! I love you Caroline!

step two: gather other materials

What I used:
3/4 inch balsa wood cut into 4 10inch strips (99 cents for 32inches at Michael's)
Paper towel rolls for straight pieces (approximately 3 rolls total for all nine squares)
Toilet paper rolls (free!)
1 bottle Tacky glue (1.29 at Michael's)
Black and White spray paint (98 cents a can at Walmart)
1 pair of scissors
1 ruler
1 pencil (for making curly edges)

Step three: Turn on a Boy Meets World marathon and get started!

After about an hour I had my first creation:
This was so cool, I had to keep going! It took me an hour for the first one, but only 20 minutes for the other eight. I had it down to a science!

Step four: Spray Paint

Now, anyone who knows me knows that I do not like to paint. At all. I thought spray painting wouldn't be too bad, and the final creation looked pretty darn nice:

Yeah, I painted three of them and gave up. Did I mention I HATE painting?
of course that didn't stop me from moving on to the next step

Step five: assemble on wall


Step six: admire pretty artwork


So it's not done, but I couldn't hold it in any more. They look so cool!
total cost of project: $15!! That's 1.67 per square.
Sure beats this one square I found that retails for $49.99:

I'm so frugal and fancy free!