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.

INSTANT POT MONGOLIAN BEEF

This Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a fast and delicious way to enjoy takeout at home. It’s even better than the restaurant version and comes together quickly thanks to the pressure cooker. Start by searing the beef for a crispy exterior, then pressure cook it with a sweet sauce that perfectly coats the steamed broccoli. You’ll have a healthy and satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups uncooked quinoa, white rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for serving
  • 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (Note 1)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, Tamari, or coconut aminos
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca starch or cornstarch
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
  • 4 stalks green onions
  • Sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or sriracha sauce (optional for topping)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Cook the brown rice or quinoa according to the package instructions and set aside.
  • Slice the flank steak into thin pieces against the grain and set aside. Turn the Instant Pot onto the sauté setting, drizzle the olive oil in the bottom of the pot, and let it heat up. Once hot and shimmering, sear the steak in 2-3 batches, 1-2 minutes on each side. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure proper searing.
  • While the steak sears, whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), garlic, ginger, and water in a small bowl.
  • Once the steak is browned, cancel the sauté setting and pour the sauce mixture over the steak. Lock the lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to “sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. It will take 5-7 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before cooking begins.
  • While the beef is cooking, whisk the cornstarch (or tapioca starch) with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small dish.
  • After the cooking time is complete, carefully quick-release the pressure by turning the valve to “venting.” You can place a dish towel over the valve to reduce steam noise and protect nearby surfaces.
  • Remove the lid, then add the cornstarch mixture, honey, and broccoli. Press the sauté button again and stir frequently until the sauce thickens. You can close the lid for a few minutes to steam the broccoli, which should take about 4-6 minutes. The broccoli is done when tender and the sauce has thickened. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch with water, add it to the pot, and sauté for a minute.
  • Serve the Mongolian Beef over rice (or cauliflower rice) and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

NOTES

  • Flank Steak: If flank steak isn’t available, skirt steak can be used as a substitute. For more tips on how to cut flank steak, see our tutorial.
  • Slow Cooker Version: For a slow cooker variation, add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Mongolian beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition (per serving):

  • Calories: 244 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 16.4g
  • Protein: 25.7g
  • Fat: 8.5g
  • Cholesterol: 68mg
  • Sodium: 74mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 12.5g

If you try this recipe, please leave a review and let us know how it turned out!