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Health & Fitness

Upcycled Crafting: The Paper Towel Cardboard Roll Challenge!

There are still a few classes left in the winter session with my young friends in our Upcycled Crafting class.  They seem to enjoy a challenge rather than following a step-by-step tutorial on how to make something from a recycled item.  What joy it brings me to see their creative minds at work!  On this day, I gave them the paper towel cardboard roll challenge:  Make whatever you want using one paper towel cardboard roll and the few other items I supplied.

I wanted to get their wheels spinning, so I showed them a rough sample of how to make a flower.  First, flatten the roll.  Next, cut 3/4-inch strips, about 5 of them.  Then, paint them.  Once dry, add glue to the pointed edges and about 1/2" down each side and put the flower together.

Once they got the idea, I set out the supplies - scissors, glue, paint, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, pom poms, feathers, and markers - and let their minds and hands get to work.  Some started out making the flower, while others were up to the challenge and tried something new.

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There were winter-themed ideas flowing from so many of my young artist friends; a Christmas tree complete with gold ornaments, A lovely snowman built on a cold but snowless day.

Some left the winter's day and went to warmer weather in their minds.  We had a set of palm trees and even an underwater scheme, complete with an octopus and a crab.

I was delighted by their creativity!  There are so many things that can be made by a single paper towel roll; there are ideas all over Pinterest, but I knew these kids didn't search the internet for inspiration, they searched their brains!

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Upcycled crafting is a lot of fun, gets your brain working, and uses items that you would normally toss into the recycling bin.  And best of all, it's not just for kids!  Next time you are done with a roll of paper towels, hang on to that cardboard roll.  You never know, you may just be in the mood to make napkin rings, cuff bracelets, toy telescopes... the possibilities are limitless!  What will you make?

For more photos and ideas, head over to Goodness Gracious Living!


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