For one reason or another, I began saving toilet paper rolls a while back. (Don’t ask me why, because I don’t remember. Probably something Pinterest related?) So with a collection of 10 or more paper rolls just sitting around, I decided it was time to do something with them.  I don’t know how I came up with the idea for this project actually…  Maybe I’ve seen it somewhere before? I don’t think so, but it’s certainly a possibility given my tendency to snoop around the internet in the wee hours of the morning.  Either way, I’m probably not the first person in the world to think of using empty toilet paper rolls to create heart-shaped stamps, but since I’ve scoured the web and I can’t find paper roll heart stamps anywhere else on the internet, maybe I’m the first to post about it?

(Disclaimer: While I wouldn’t have my students bring in tp rolls to use for crafts in my classroom, I’m {semi} okay with using rolls from our house in our house.  If you’ve read the same article I read as a beginning teacher about tp rolls being covered in fece particles, you can always opt for paper towel rolls, craft paper rolls, or wrapping paper rolls instead. ☺)

To get started, you’ll need two things: paper tubes and some rubber bands.

First, flatten your paper tube and press down along the two creases.

Next, invert one of the creases in order to begin creating a heart shape.

Play with the shape of the heart by squeezing the tube until you’re happy with it.

In order to help the heart keep its shape, wrap an elastic band around the tube once or twice.

Make one heart stamp for each colour of paint you intend to use.

Lastly, pour out a few dollops of paint (we used crafter’s acrylic) and place one stamp in each paint puddle.

Then set your wee one loose!

We started on the easel, and ended up on the floor using the stamps to make some homemade wrapping paper, but the stamps would also be perfect for making beautiful homemade cards or some art to hang in your little one’s room.

♥