Toilet Paper Roll Mini Album

This will be my first 'Tutorial'. I have to say, it's not going to be as professional as some you have probably witnessed, but hey.....you work with what you have, right? ;-)

I first learned of this project over at Jules' blog. You can watch her video and probably create one from that. But, I promised my stamp club ladies that I would write up directions and post photos of the process so that they could follow along visually.

Since we had to cancel our stamp club meeting because of freezing fog and snow, this seemed the simplest way to show them how to make these fun albums so they didn't have to wait till next month. Besides, I had them all wondering what on earth we were going to do with TP rolls.

To start with, you will need to find 3 empty toilet paper rolls. If you don't have any, go ahead ask your neighbors, they'll wonder what you are up to? Ask me how I know ;-)

First off, here are a few I have finished already.

The one at the top right is the one I have chosen to do step by step so that you can follow along.

Basically, what you will need for supplies are:

1. 3 empty TP rolls
2. 3 pieces of designer paper (5 3/4 x 5 3/4)
3. Adhesive (I used my ATG dispenser, but you can use double sided tape or YES glue)
4. 3 pieces of card stock cut 2 5/8 x 4
5. Crop A Dile or whatever you use to punch and set eyelets.

 
6. Scissors
7. Binder Rings (3/4" - 1")
8. Ribbon
9. 6 Large Eyelets (and 3 small eyelets if you choose to use those on your tags)
10 Brayer and Bone folder (the brayer is optional but it helps)
11. Pencil or Sharpie
12. Small calendars (if you choose to use them)

Ok, now let's get started!!

I will be showing mostly photos with a little bit of instruction as I feel visual works best.

Start with 3 empty TP rolls.

And, three pieces of designer paper cut to 5 3/4 x 5 3/4

Run your tape along the top and bottom very close to the edges and along the sides. Then
..about 5 or 6 times down between the left and right sides. This will give you the best coverage.

Lay your TP roll at the very top and then begin to roll it down, making sure you adhere it well.

At the bottom, make sure the two ends are secured to the TP roll. Cut several slits at each end and fold the tabs inside. This is where you can add YES glue to the inside edge of your TP roll or if you have used the tape, it will automatically adhere to the roll when you fold it inside.

This is what your rolls should look like when finished.

Next, you will take your brayer and bone folder and flatten them.

Now, take your Crop A Dile or hole punch and punch two holes at one end of your first TP roll. Using that as a pattern, lay it on top of the other two rolls and mark through the holes with a pencil or Sharpie.

Ok, now we are ready to attach the eyelets. You can use your Crop A Dile or an eyelet setting tool.

You will add these to all three TP rolls.

Add your Binder Rings and tie on ribbons and you are done!! Well, except for embellishing and finishing the inside cards.

I didn't add ribbons here as I used smaller binder rings.

Now for the fun part! You can decide what you want to do with the card stock that fits inside each TP roll. You can add photos, stamp on them, make little calendars, add Scripture or verses. It's entirely up to you. The possibilities are endless. You could even add Gift Cards to each slot.

For those that would like to make the calendar pages to fit inside, here are the rest of the instructions.

The Calendars can be found at Red Castle. I just downloaded the free software to be able to print calendars from my computer on card stock.

You are able to make them whatever size you need. You will need follow these guidelines, once you are at the calendar page, if you want them to fit the card stock for your tubes.

Width 2
Height 2
Year on page
Border - None
Year 2009

Print a years worth off (they all fit on one sheet of card stock) and then cut them to fit your tags. I used a Palette Burnt Umber pad to sponge the sides.

If you like, you can also punch holes and add little eyelets to the ends of your tags and add ribbon to make them easier to access.

I sure hope this tutorial makes sense. If you need help, just e-mail me and I will try to get back to you as quickly as I can.

If you do decide to make some, please leave a comment or e-mail me and let me know. I would love to see yours!!

And, if you use my tutorial, please leave a link back to my blog! Thanks!!!!

Have a great day,

Char