TURN TOILET PAPER ROLLS INTO ELEGANT SNOWFLAKE ORNAMENTS

Looking for a creative way to repurpose empty toilet paper rolls? Get ready to be inspired as we transform them into delicate and enchanting snowflake ornaments. Welcome to a world where upcycling meets artistry, turning everyday waste into beautiful holiday décor!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of crafting these stunning winter decorations. From collecting your supplies to adding those magical finishing touches, you’ll learn how to create unique snowflake ornaments that bring charm and eco-friendly flair to your home. So, gather your materials and let’s dive into this delightful DIY project together!

Gather Your Materials

Before we get started on this fun crafting journey, let’s make sure we have all the materials needed to create these beautiful snowflake ornaments. One of the joys of this project is its simplicity and the ability to use items you likely already have at home.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • 8 toilet paper rolls
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Glue gun
  • Paint (any color you love—try metallics for an extra festive touch!)
  • Decorative elements of your choice (think glitter, rhinestones, sequins, or even small beads)

With these supplies in hand, you’re ready to start crafting your enchanting snowflake ornaments! Let’s transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Prepare the Toilet Paper Rolls

To get your toilet paper rolls ready for their magical transformation into snowflake ornaments, it’s important to prepare them properly for crafting.

PREPARATION STEP:

  • Clean the Rolls: Carefully remove any leftover toilet paper from the rolls to ensure they are smooth and ready for decorating.
  • Flatten the Rolls: Using your hands or a flat surface, press down gently on each roll to flatten it. Apply even pressure to create a smooth, flattened surface, which will make cutting and shaping them into snowflakes much easier.
  • Draw Geometric Shapes: Once the rolls are flattened, draw symmetrical geometric shapes (such as diamonds, rectangles, or triangles) on the cardboard. Make sure the design is even on both sides.

You can use a ruler to help guide your shapes, ensuring they are neat and precise.

These marks will act as guides for cutting the rolls, helping you create perfectly symmetrical snowflake ornaments!

Cutting the Snowflake Shapes

Now that the rolls are properly prepared, we can move on to the next step: cutting out the snowflake shapes. This is the moment when the delicate toilet paper roll snowflakes really start to take form. Using sharp scissors or a craft knife, carefully follow the marks you’ve drawn on the tube. Take your time with this step to ensure precision, as accurate cuts are essential for achieving symmetrical snowflake shapes.

Remember, no two snowflakes are alike, and that’s part of what makes them so charming. Embrace the individuality of each cut, as it adds character and beauty to your ornament.

Once you’ve cut your first tube into a snowflake shape, use it as a template to replicate the same cut lines on the remaining toilet rolls. You’ll need 8 rolls to complete one snowflake ornament.

As you slice through each roll, watch as the cut segments begin to form unique patterns, much like the delicate designs found in real snowflakes. Make sure to cut all the way through each section, but avoid cutting too close together, as this can weaken the snowflake’s structure.

Feel free to experiment with different cutting styles and techniques to add your own creative flair. Whether you prefer elegant, lacy curves or sharp, intricate angles, let your imagination lead the way as you transform each plain roll into a one-of-a-kind snowflake ornament.

Assemble the Ornament

Now that you’ve carefully cut out your snowflake shapes, it’s time to assemble your ornaments.

Start by placing one snowflake shape flat on your workspace. Apply a small amount of hot glue along the base and a tiny strip of glue in the center of the tube. Then, position a second tube on top and press gently to secure it in place.

Continue the process, gluing each of the remaining 7 toilet rolls on top of the previous one. Apply glue to the base and center of each roll before pressing it onto the stack to ensure they adhere securely. Repeat this until all 8 rolls are glued together, forming your complete snowflake ornament.

Once all the tubes are glued together, gently open them to create the snowflake shape. Carefully adjust the rolls until they form a symmetrical, star-like pattern. Once you’re happy with the shape, apply glue to the last two sides and press them together to hold the shape in place. This will secure your snowflake ornament, giving it a delicate, finished look.

Decorate and Personalize your toilet paper roll snowflakes

With your snowflake ornament assembled, it’s time to move on to the fun part—decorating and personalizing! Let’s continue turning these toilet paper rolls into enchanting winter wonders.

Start by painting your snowflake ornament. You can apply a thin layer of acrylic paint with a brush for a more detailed finish, or use spray paint for a quicker result. Choose any color that complements your holiday décor—whether it’s classic white, cool blue, shimmering gold, or elegant silver, the possibilities are endless!

Once the paint is dry, you can start adding extra flair to your snowflake ornaments. Experiment with a touch of glitter, additional paint, or other festive elements like beads and sequins to enhance their beauty.

To add glitter, apply craft glue to specific areas of the snowflake and gently sprinkle glitter over the glue. Let it dry for a few minutes before shaking off any excess. The twinkling glitter will mimic the look of fresh frost on a winter morning, adding a magical touch to your ornaments.

For a more personalized look, consider adding small beads or sequins to the tips of each snowflake arm using hot glue. The sparkle from these decorative touches will catch the light, giving your snowflakes even more dimension.

With each unique addition, your DIY ornaments will evolve from simple toilet paper rolls into stunning works of art. Let your creativity shine through and add those final touches that reflect your personal style and capture the holiday spirit.

Remember, even the most ordinary materials can be transformed into extraordinary creations. Embrace the art of repurposing and discover the hidden treasures that await in the world of crafting. Toilet paper rolls, once considered waste, can become the epitome of both beauty and functionality with a little creativity.

So gather your materials, let your imagination soar, and bring these delicate snowflakes to life. Your home is ready to be filled with the enchanting charm of snowflakes, all born from the simplest of beginnings.

conclusion

In conclusion, this simple yet creative project proves that with a little imagination and some repurposed materials, you can transform everyday items into beautiful, festive decorations. These toilet paper roll snowflakes are not only charming but also a meaningful way to celebrate the season while being environmentally mindful. Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch to your holiday décor or engage in a fun, crafty activity, this project offers endless possibilities. So, let your creativity shine and enjoy the process of turning humble materials into works of art that will brighten your home this holiday season.

DIY PILLOW SPRAY FOR A RESTFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, a DIY pillow spray might be just what you need. This simple homemade sleep spray features three soothing lavender essential oil blends designed to encourage relaxation and help you drift into a deep, restful slumber.

Winding down after a stressful day can feel impossible. Despite eating well, exercising, and taking care of ourselves, sleep is often the hardest part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

And in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to see why!

Creating a calming bedroom sanctuary is more important than ever for restful sleep. Along with healthy sleep habits, natural remedies like aromatherapy can help set the stage for a peaceful slumber.

This is where a soothing essential oil pillow spray for beauty sleep comes in. This DIY pillow spray recipe is a simple way to add a calming fragrance to your bedding, encouraging relaxation and helping you drift off into a deep sleep.

Whether you have essential oils or not, this recipe includes options for both, as well as an alcohol-free version. Whatever supplies you have on hand, you’ll be able to create your own pillow mist.

For the ultimate wind-down, try pairing this spray with a relaxing lavender shower steamer during your bedtime routine. To take it even further, apply a homemade magnesium lotion once you’re tucked into bed for extra relaxation!

How this pillow spray helps for sleep

As we explored in our post on DIY aromatherapy perfume, the scents of certain essential oils have the ability to soothe the mind and body. If sleep is a struggle for you, essential oils can be a powerful addition to your nighttime routine.

And what better place to experience their calming effects than right beside your head, on your pillow?

It’s not recommended to apply essential oils directly to your pillow, as they can be too concentrated. However, by making your own DIY sleep spray, you can safely dilute the oils for proper use.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without the need for a diffuser!

Lavender essential oil for sleep

Below, I’ve shared 3 calming essential oil blends for your pillow spray, each featuring Bulgarian lavender oil.

Why choose lavender for your sleep spray? Lavender is one of the most renowned and well-researched essential oils for promoting rest and reducing stress. Numerous studies have highlighted lavender oil’s powerful sedative, anxiety-relieving, and calming properties, making it a go-to choice for improving sleep through aromatherapy.

Lavender’s sleep-enhancing benefits are threefold. First, as a sedative, lavender oil can help you feel sleepy. Second, its anxiolytic properties can ease the anxiety that might be keeping you awake.

Not only can lavender essential oil help you fall asleep faster, but it can also improve the quality of your sleep. Research has shown that lavender’s soothing fragrance enhances sleep quality and promotes deeper rest.3,1

However, it’s important to note that this effect is even stronger when combined with good sleep hygiene. So, be sure to incorporate healthy habits into your nighttime routine, like limiting blue light exposure before bed.

Engaging in relaxing activities is also key. One calming ritual you can try? Gently massaging your face with a homemade lavender cleansing balm. While you’re at it, check out 5 tips to protect yourself from blue light!

DIY sleep spray ingredients

While there are plenty of store-bought pillow sprays available, there’s really no need to buy one when making your own at home is so simple.

To create your DIY pillow spray, all you need is a liquid base like vodka or witch hazel, a natural emulsifier (as shown below), and your favorite essential oils (or a hydrosol). You’ll also need a glass spray bottle to store and dispense your homemade spray.

VODKA, ALCOHOL, OR WITCH HAZEL

For the longest shelf life, I recommend using vodka or high-proof alcohol, as it helps prevent bacterial growth. However, if you prefer a version without alcohol, you can use witch hazel, as long as it contains a preservative to keep it fresh.

Tip: You can use any leftover alcohol or witch hazel to create your own DIY perfume.

NATURAL EMULSIFIER

A natural emulsifier is key for dispersing the essential oils in your pillow spray. Since essential oils don’t mix with water, the oils would simply float on top without an emulsifier. This is problematic because spray nozzles dispense from the bottom, not the top!

There are various natural emulsifiers and solubilizers you can use for this recipe. I used Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside from my Simply Earth essential oil box, which comes in a convenient dropper bottle for easy dispensing and measuring. If you don’t have this emulsifier, I’ve listed other options in the how-to section below.

If you’re hesitant to buy another ingredient, rest assured that emulsifiers are easy to use—just mix with your essential oils before adding the rest of the ingredients. Plus, any leftover emulsifier can be used in other DIY projects like essential oil deodorant or room sprays.

If you decide not to use an emulsifier, remember to shake your pillow spray well before each use. However, this can result in uneven distribution of the oils, which isn’t ideal.

ESSENTIAL OILS

It’s important to avoid using products with synthetic fragrances, especially in pillow sprays, as they often contain chemicals that can be irritating and lead to headaches—something you definitely don’t want when trying to fall asleep!

Unlike artificial fragrances, essential oils like lavender contain natural aromatic compounds that offer real benefits. Lavender, in particular, is known for its calming, sleep-inducing properties, making it an ideal choice for your DIY pillow spray.

While lavender is one of the best essential oils for relaxation, it’s far from the only option. This homemade pillow spray recipe includes three different essential oil blends to promote sleep, which you can customize based on your preferences.

HYDROSOL

If you’d prefer a pillow spray without essential oils, you can use lavender hydrosol, the floral water left over from the essential oil distillation process. Simply spritz lavender hydrosol directly onto your bedding—there’s no need to mix it with anything else!

While hydrosols are not as potent as essential oils, they retain many of their benefits. Their light fragrance makes them a great option for those who are sensitive to stronger scents or for use with children.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR PILLOW SPRAY

Here are three calming essential oil blends for your lavender sleep spray. Each blend has its own unique fragrance profile and benefits:

Sleepytime Lavender:

  • 12 drops Sleepy essential oil blend
  • OR 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops ho wood essential oil
  • 2 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Vanilla:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 2 drops patchouli essential oil (or copaiba essential oil)

Lavender Chamomile:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops amyris essential oil

Feel free to experiment with these blends to find the perfect scent that helps you unwind and relax before bed!

SLEEPTIME LAVENDER

The Sleepy blend is a relaxing mix of lavender, ho wood, grapefruit, and bergamot essential oils that I received in my Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. I was curious about the choice of citrus oils in this blend, since citrus scents are typically invigorating. I often use them in energizing products like “wake me up” shower steamers and roll-ons.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this blend. The citrus notes mellow out the lavender, which can sometimes be overpowering or too floral. This makes it a great option for those who want the benefits of lavender essential oil for sleep but find its scent too strong or intense.

Ho wood adds a grounding, earthy tone to the blend, while also acting as a fixative oil, which helps the fragrance last longer on your pillow. Sleepy comes pre-bottled as a blend, so it’s easier and more affordable than buying each individual oil to recreate it on your own.

LAVENDER VANILLA

Lavender essential oil is already an effective natural sleep aid, but when paired with vanilla oleoresin, it creates a calming blend that smells like a sweet dessert. Vanilla is also known for its relaxing properties, making this combination a perfect bedtime scent. The warm, comforting aroma of lavender and vanilla together can help you unwind and drift off to sleep with ease. This blend not only promotes relaxation but also creates a cozy, indulgent experience.

LAVENDER VANILLA WITH PATCHOULI

I also added a couple of drops of patchouli to my lavender vanilla pillow mist. Patchouli is one of those scents that people either love or hate, but it has powerful aromatherapeutic properties that can help reduce anxiety. Plus, it’s the most well-known fixative essential oil, meaning it helps your pillow spray’s fragrance last throughout the night.

That said, I know not everyone is fond of patchouli’s distinct aroma. If you’re one of those who aren’t keen on it, you can easily swap it for copaiba oil, which also has calming properties. Copaiba has a sweet, slightly spicy scent that pairs beautifully with lavender and vanilla. Additionally, if you’re on a budget, you can choose a more affordable vanilla blend instead of pure vanilla essential oil.

LAVENDER CHAMOMILE

This Lavender Chamomile blend combines floral lavender, herbal chamomile, and sweet amyris for a pillow spray recipe that smells just like a calming cup of lavender chamomile tea. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing properties, which is why chamomile tea is such a classic bedtime drink.

Chamomile essential oil also carries these sedative effects, which help promote relaxation and reduce insomnia.

The addition of amyris adds a rich, vanilla-like aroma to the blend. While amyris may not be as extensively studied as lavender oil for its sleep benefits, it’s certainly linked to relaxation. I personally find its fragrance to be deeply calming and peaceful.

If you prefer a sweeter-scented spray, especially for children, you can replace amyris with benzoin oil, which has a similar soothing effect and a lovely fragrance that’s more universally liked.

DIY Pillow Spray Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 drops lavender essential oil blend (choose from the blends above)
  • 36 drops natural liquid emulsifier (options below)
  • 1/4 cup vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel

EQUIMENT

  • 2oz glass spray bottle
  • Small funnel
  • Glass pipette for measuring

HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OIL SLEEP SPRAY

  • Sanitize: Start by cleaning and sanitizing your spray bottle and all equipment to ensure the spray stays fresh.
  • Add Essential Oils: Using a glass pipette, measure and add your chosen sleep essential oil blend to the glass spray bottle.
    • Add Emulsifier: Using a glass pipette, drop the liquid emulsifier into the bottle, one drop at a time. Pause occasionally to swirl the mixture gently, ensuring the emulsifier blends well with the essential oils.
    • Shake and Mix: Once you’ve added the emulsifier, securely replace the nozzle of your spray bottle and shake it gently to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed.
    • Add Alcohol or Witch Hazel: Using a funnel, pour your chosen liquid base (vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel) into the bottle to fill the rest of the container. Leave a little space at the top to allow for shaking.
      • Final Shake: Affix the spray nozzle to your bottle and shake well to ensure everything is fully combined. Your DIY sleep spray is now ready to use! Spritz it onto your pillow or bedding before bedtime for a calming, restful night’s sleep.

      Natural Emulsifiers for Essential Oil Sprays

      Here are some natural solubilizers and liquid emulsifiers you can use in your pillow spray recipe. Choose the one that’s most accessible to you, as availability may vary depending on location:

      • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
      • Emulsium (available in Canada only)
      • CreamMaker FLUID (available in Canada or USA)
      • Polyglyceryl Oleate
      • Poly Suga Mulse D9

      How to Use Your Pillow Mist for Sleep

      Here are a few ways you can incorporate your calming pillow mist into your bedtime routine:

      Spritz on Your Pillow: The most common way to use your spray is to dispense 1-3 sprays directly onto your pillow before you sleep. This will help infuse your bedding with a relaxing fragrance as you drift off.

      Spray on Your Sheets: You can also use your pillow spray as a homemade linen spray. Spritz it onto your sheets, duvet, or blankets to imbue your entire bed with the calming aroma.

      Room Spray: For a broader relaxing effect, use the spray as a calming room mist. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your space, even if you don’t have a diffuser. Simply spritz around the room for a peaceful atmosphere.

        Important Tip: Keep in mind that darker essential oils like vanilla and chamomile can stain light-colored fabrics. To avoid any potential damage, always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area of your fabric before using your pillow spray more widely.

        Additionally, be cautious when using your sleep spray on delicate fabrics like silk. While I personally use a 30 momme silk pillowcase with no issues, it’s always a good idea to test it first on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause any staining or damage.

        Sweet dreams!

        CONCLUSION

        Making your own DIY pillow spray is an easy and effective way to enhance your sleep routine with the calming power of essential oils. With just a few simple ingredients like essential oils, a natural emulsifier, and a liquid base, you can create a customized sleep spray that promotes relaxation and restful slumber. Whether you choose lavender, chamomile, or a blend of oils, the right fragrance can help ease anxiety and prepare your mind for sleep.

        Remember, always perform a patch test to ensure your spray is safe for your fabrics, especially with delicate materials like silk. And, by incorporating your pillow spray into a calming bedtime routine, you’re setting yourself up for sweet dreams and a better night’s rest. Sweet dreams, and enjoy your peaceful slumber!