When I saw this toilet paper tube star garland on Creative Jewish Mom, I knew my 3 year old would enjoy it. We didn’t have any toilet paper rolls on hand, so I improvised with what we had.
We made them from a chipboard box (very sturdy, just like toilet paper/loo rolls) and from construction paper (not so sturdy, but it worked well too).
I cut the front off a box of yummy cookies, and then cut that in half.
Then I stapled them right up like a toilet paper roll.
Next, I cut vertical strips to about 1/2″ from the bottom.
Spread them all out to reveal a starburst or snowflake.
And then added glitter glue to make them a bit fancy.
Before we bought the cookies, we tried this out with construction paper using the same process.
And we hung them from the ceiling with a couple feet of baker’s twine.
They’re a bit wobbly compared to their chipboard box cousins, but my 3 year old is quite pleased with the results.
Because I’m sure it’s the same for many of you, it’s a busy time at Casa Tinkerlab. I’m half-way through sewing an elf costume (it’s the only thing my 3 year old has asked me for this season!), cookies are cooling in the kitchen, and homemade sugar scrubs are in the works. I plan to slow down on the posts through the end of the year. But do check back because I have a few more ideas in the hopper before the end of 2011.
How are you getting busy on these days of early winter? What are you making?
{If you haven’t had a chance to read my interview about setting up a kids art space with the inspiring Jean Van’t Hul of The Artful Parent, take a look today, and leave a comment by 9 pm PST to be entered into the giveaway.}
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
you have made me hungry for those dark chocolate dipped shortbread cookies that are already sold out at our local trader joe’s. Â sweet snowflakes.
Aren’t they yummy? They don’t last long in our house. Hope your TJ’s carries them soon
What a cute idea! And, I’m craving for the “no artificial flavour”, “no preservative” dark chocolate! I’m a sucker for all-natural stuff!
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Hee hee. They’re yummy, Rashmie. Maybe I need to mail you a box (I’m assuming you don’t have TJ’s in India?)?!
These are awesome Rachelle! And I’m off to check out the NAEYC site.
Thanks so much, Jamie
I haven’t spent too much time on the NAEYC site myself, but there’s so much good information there!
Oh, and you deserve to be recognized J You’re a favorite of many!
These are great! I saw these too and thought about making them. Â I like how you made your own tube material! We made flowers like this and added sticks for stems ages ago, but maybe make some more and add the spangles. Â I hope to slow down too…..we shall see. We need a break! Congrats for being mentioned in the Naeyc Magazine…..you rock!
Oh, adding stems to make flowers is a great idea, Melissa. I think we have a spring activity in the works! I also hope you can find a way to slow down. When you’re the kind of person who likes making stuff, the work can be endless!
These are lovely! Â I would love to make these with the kids over the winter break. Â Congrats on the feature! Â Happy Holidays
Thank you, Chrissy. Happy holidays to you too!
good idea ! bravo pour ton blog
We did something similar to this last year during the holidays with tp rolls too. Thanks for reminding me, lol! I better start saving those rolls for this year. I love your improvisation!
Hi Stephanie!
I’ve learned that improvisation is at the center of my parenting style! I love going with the flow and following my kids’ lead (most of the time!). Look forward to meeting you in person soon!
Rachelle
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