TP roll houses...

I saw some toilet paper roll bird houses recently, and thought I would give it a go! They are meant to be Christmas ornaments, but would look cute any time of year......

Although the one I originally saw was covered in felt....... http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/handmade-gifts-2015-make-little.html 

.......it was based on this version : http://kiflieslevendula.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/baglyos-papirgurigas-mobil.html

So, this is my first attempt.... I was going to put all sorts of fancy stuff on the outside, but decided to go with a simple tree.

 

I didn't shorten my roll, but these are just experiments, right?

Second one, I used the rest of my circle to make the roof, and it ended up like a tiki hut, so I used markers to make it look like reeds. The tops of plastic bottles fit exactly into the TP roll, so I used a matching blue one to fill in the gap! Handy!!

I have not embellished this at all, yet, just seeing where it is going to take me....

The last one is an experiment with doors, not Windows. I cut these from the base, and experimented with manipulating the top. I just cut strips down to the same depth, and twisted them to form the spiral. Not too hard, but LOTS of glue required! I also added the bell, but felt like you needed to see another angle, so I cut a window into the reverse side. Still deciding if the lid is too much, but it's there for now. The top is a button....

Something else I discovered, is that LED tealight candles fit perfectly inside the lid, which fits perfectly into the roll! What happens if I put one inside my little houses??

Cute, huh? More experiments required, methinks.....

I wonder if I can make some cutout covers for some tealights? Pass me the scissors!! ;)

By the way, all have a topcoat of Mod Podge, some matte, some gloss. Note, though, I used textas to embellish the roof and (originally) the tree after the colour coat, and the Mod Podge took it right off, like paint stripper! I had to redo the tree in paint, but have not yet sealed it. Not sure if it was the fault of the pens or the Mod Podge, but it's good to know on a project like this, than with something I paid good money for... Gotta love a free, recycled project!!

More Christmas recycling!

I'm on a recycled Christmas blitz! All the bits and pieces I have been hoarding are finally finding a use!!

Cue the unfinished items with big plans (lucky I still have a couple of months up my sleeve).

Just had the bathroom renovated, so no need to a shower curtain anymore. What do I do with all the rings? So far, a mini wreath, but I my also thinking dream catcher? This one is a bit of  red bias binding and some white ribbon, with a bell and a bow to top it off. I haven't finished this one yet, but it is very close. 

Next is this snowman variation. Before I painted the last one, I thought about glueing on some fleece. Not too successful, as you can see the red poking though, but once there is a face and buttons on, it should be ok. I can't remember what I used for the head, but the body is a milk bottle top. Maybe it's a coke bottle top? Not sure.....

Last year I made a gift out of cardboard and felt, I may make some more, but make them smaller. Maybe houses? Will have to see what happens...

So much inspiration at the moment, but not so much motivation. I'm gonna blame winter.... ;)