So far, holidays in 2020 have looked a little different. Unfortunately Mothers Day is no exception this year. For many people stuck at home, coming up with a thoughtful gift or activity may be tough. Until it dawned on me. I recently did a ‘Handcrafted Challenge’ with McQueen Building Co to create new items out of dun dun dun, toilet paper rolls! Given that many of us have lots of these lately, it can make for a really fun project to do together, or a beautiful handcrafted gift! Who would have thought toilet paper rolls could be so pretty?

Let me introduce to you the ‘Toila-Tree’. This homemade cherry tree is a super cute gift for mom this season! Let me take you through step by step on how to create this one of a kind piece.

1.       First you will need the following items:

• Paper rolls

• Scissors

• Hot glue

• Pliers

• Wire cutters

• Flower boa

• Hoop (12 inches or larger)

• Wire

2.       Cut the rolls along the lines until the roll is completely open. Then cut one inch strips that you will soon use to wrap the wire.

3.       Next cut a piece of wire using the wire cutters based on the size of the hoop. Add an additional half inch of wire to each end to use to secure the cardboard. Now wrap the wire with the cardboard. You can wrap as tightly or loosely as you want. To secure the ends, fold the wire over the cardboard and pinch with the pliers.

4.       Since the wire is pliable, you will be able to bend the branches however you want. Move the branches to your desired look. To attach the branches to the hoop, simply loop the ends around the hoop to secure.

5.       Continue to add branches and roots to the tree as you like. Once you are complete, you can begin to add the flowers.

6.       Cut the flowers off the boa individually. Apply the flowers to the rim of the hoop first. Once that is complete, add flowers to the branches. The hot glue sticks well and you shouldn’t have any issues getting the flowers to adhere.

7.       Lastly, if you want to hang your tree, add a mounting hook to the back.

And voila! You are done! No one would have ever guessed your beautiful tree was once toilet paper rolls. Hope you enjoyed this project and Mom gets lots of compliments on her new piece of wall décor.