On A Roll . . .

Toilet paper roll, that is. I've been saving our empty ones for a few weeks now and my kiddoes are dying to know why. They'll find out tomorrow night at our Valentine's Dinner that I used them to make crackers. Don't think Ritz or Club, think British holiday tradition with a bang. Okay, mine don't have a bang - I couldn't quite figure out how to do that part, but they are full of fun little Valentine treats. I thought I'd show you how easy it was to make them.

My weird kids are obsessed with these tiny flocked bears which fit perfectly into their crackers. The grown ups get no bear, but lots of delicious chocolate.

To make crackers you'll need large sheet crepe paper. I found mine at a local craft store. Cut through the entire stack of crepe paper at one time, so you only have to measure once, leaving ample room on both ends so you can tie it off with some cute ribbon.

Use your trusty glue stick or even scotch tape to adhere the crepe paper to the tube. Don't worry about visuals here - this is all going to get covered up with pretty paper. I rolled the crepe paper to a double thickness for extra fluffy fun.

Use decorative scissors to cut the edges of some lovely Valentinesy paper just shorter than the actual toilet paper roll. This paper is for the Queen's cracker. It's very vintage and Victorian . . . perfect for her.

Glue or tape that puppy around the tube. I went with tape on this part because the glue and crepe paper didn't seem to be getting along and my fingers were covered with a sticky, papery mess.

I stamped a little tag for each cracker using this cheap as dirt stamp set I got for a dollar at Michaels craft. I noticed the fabulous Eddie Ross used the same type of set here. What can I say? The man's got great taste.

Tie off the ends of your cracker with some curling ribbon, embroidery floss, or twine. Be gentle when you tie - crepe paper is fragile stuff. Attach your name tag and call it done!

Here's the whole stack, ready to go on red plates for tomorrow night's dinner. This whole project took me maybe one hour to complete (not counting the time it took to use up eight rolls of toilet paper, but I won't go into that). I think crackers would be cute at any holiday celebration and great for birthday parties. Kids can totally help in the making process and would especially enjoy filling the crackers with all sorts of goodies. I didn't involve mine because this is a surprise for them.

Cheery-o then, have a great Valentine's Day celebrating those you love. Dinner pictures will be posted tomorrow - on a SATURDAY - don't fall out of your chair.