February 13, 2009

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.


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13 comments:

C and Co. said...

Between you and Wendy at Shabby Nest my "to do when I ever get a moment" file is totally full to overflowing. I love all of your fun, creative projects. Someday I will copy every last one of them...just so you know.

christy said...

I love, love, love this idea! I just have to decide what upcoming holiday to make these for. Thanks for the fun, fun idea. We have empty toilet paper rolls practically coming out of our ears around here.

Apis Melliflora said...

Anyone who can recycle toilet paper rolls into something that pretty deserves a crafting crown.

Can't wait to see the Saturday post!

Kasey said...

What a great idea!! Good job Martha!!

Suzanne C said...

THAT is a fun idea. Can't wait to see the pics from dinner!

Emily said...

Can't wait to use this idea sometime. You are so creative! Looking forward to the pictures from dinner.

The Queen Vee said...

I pronounce them totally British and wonder if I will find my crown in one of those Love Crackers.

Anonymous said...

My wife is wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Awww You are so sweet and what a great looking craft!!!
xo
Eddie

The Queen Vee said...

I'm just leaving a comment to see if my picture pops up.

MelancholySmile said...

clever idea! I thought about you when I was at Target this morning-- they just got a new 'naturals' line of table linens, dish towels, etc with dragonflies all over them!

jd said...

how can anyone ever stand next to you?? I'm just sayin'. Wow.

Tobi said...

How do you come up with all of these crafty ideas? Do they just wander into your head like Harry Potter wandered into J.K. Rowling? Seriously it's sickening how talented you are Sam!!