I’m sure reading the title of this posting, you’re curious how I created something worth showcasing out of toilet paper rolls. They belong in the trash, right? No challenge is too much for me, the crafty little woman I am. I found inspiration for this project on Pinterest and knew I could do it!
The first step is to collect toilet paper rolls (about 20) for a few months. Hide them somewhere because if a guest in your house finds them, they are going to be really freaked out.
Use a scissors to cut them into rings about 1 inch wide. Any skinnier is difficult, but I think the skinnier they are, the cooler the mobile turns out.
Use a paint brush and acrylics to paint the rings of toilet paper roll whatever colors you please. I chose blue and green to match with the colors of our nursery.
After they’ve been painted to the correct color (it might take two coats) the hard part begins. You need to find a metal circle. You can bend an old wire clothes hanger or any old wire. I bent two chain link fencing stakes into a circle. Then you use clear fish line to string the metal circle to a hook in the ceiling where you can work from. I had a paneled drop ceiling in our basement that worked swell to remove a panel and hook it on there while I worked.
Next, tie your clear fishing line around each ring of toilet paper roll and then to the metal ring. Pay attention to what height you want it to fall or what color you want it to be next to. I wanted mine to be random and jumbled. Ask a friend to help you with this part because it gets tedious and tiring. Thank you, Lexi, my crafty side kick, for helping me with this arduous task!
The last step is to use a scissors to clip off any excess fishing line from your ties.
Here is the end result:
Would you ever have guessed this was made from toilet paper rolls?
This craft is easy, costs almost nothing, and looks very cool! It is a fun way for me to decorate my nursery. And let me tell you, my baby boy LOVES this mobile. I have a DIY bird mobile on his crib, paper lanterns and tissue paper puffs above his crib, and this toilet paper roll mobile is his favorite.
Sometimes when I’m nursing, he would rather smile and coo at the mobile than eat! That’s a true testament to how cool this craft really is. Try it for yourself!
Published by Melissa Woods
My name is Melissa Woods, homemaker and parent. I am an amateur handy-woman and avid DIY-er. I am an adept painter and deft crafter. I am a finance enthusiast and frugal to the core. View all posts by Melissa Woods
6 Replies to “DIY Toilet Paper Roll Mobile”
Great idea !!!! 👍👍👍 just a quick suggestion…. rather than tying the fishing line AROUND the circles, couldn’t you just poke a hole through the cardboard, and stick the fishing line thru the hole …. tying a knot (or using a fun brad!!) to keep it from coming off. I’m just thinking that way, the circles would spin even more freely !!!!! Really terrific idea, and wonderful that it’s so entertaining for yours boy!!!!! Great use of something we ALL have !!! 👍👍😊😊😊😊🙋
I love this idea and I also have a suggestion….paint the inside & outside of the rolls first then paint the rest afterwards. For me that would be easier than painting each circle when all the cutting is done.
Great idea !!!! 👍👍👍 just a quick suggestion…. rather than tying the fishing line AROUND the circles, couldn’t you just poke a hole through the cardboard, and stick the fishing line thru the hole …. tying a knot (or using a fun brad!!) to keep it from coming off. I’m just thinking that way, the circles would spin even more freely !!!!! Really terrific idea, and wonderful that it’s so entertaining for yours boy!!!!! Great use of something we ALL have !!! 👍👍😊😊😊😊🙋
What a great idea Linda! That wouldn’t have added much extra time but it definitely would have made the craft even better! Thank you for your comment.
How about using 1/2 of an embroidery hoop instead of wire? Then you could use the other 1/2 to make one for a friend’s baby!
Great idea!
I love this idea and I also have a suggestion….paint the inside & outside of the rolls first then paint the rest afterwards. For me that would be easier than painting each circle when all the cutting is done.
You’re right, that probably would have been easier! Ha, great tip.