How to Make a Paper Roller

It is always great to use scrap materials to make something new and useful. I am constantly looking for ways to make something new out of the left over materials that I accumulate from various projects. I found this latest project through my friend, Jimmy. He taught me how to use just a few simple items to make a paper roller.

The paper roller that Jimmy made was for his bathroom. He made a single toilet tissue paper roller using only a few items that he already had around his house. The same basic pattern can be used to make a double toilet tissue paper roller or a paper towel roller. You might also use this same set of instructions to make a smaller roller for stamps or rolls of stickers.

No matter what you choose to make your roller for, you can use these instructions and just adjust the size of a few things to fit whatever size paper roll you intend to use. You will only need a few items to get started on this craft project and they are listed below with instructions.

Items Needed To Make A Paper Roller
1. Three pieces of scrap wood
2. A hammer
3. Nails
4. Glue
5. A Jig saw
6. A broom handle
7. Paper roll
8. Beading or paint (optional)
9. Sandpaper

Planning and Measuring
The first thing you will want to do is to decide what you want to use your paper roller for and what size it should be. If you are planning on using your paper roller in your bathroom, you might want to consider making it wide enough to accommodate two rolls of toilet tissue on the spinner.

Decide on a length for your paper roller project and then measure and mark your scrap wood according to the size that you need. You will also want to consider the size of the circumference of the paper rolls you will be using in your roller. You are going to need one flat board for the bottom and two boards tall enough to accommodate your paper roll.

Consider where on your two side pieces of wood you will want to place your holes for the spinner and measure to be sure your paper will fit before you mark the wood. Be sure to remember that the size of the hole must be large enough for your broom handle to fit loosely inside of it. You will also want to measure and mark your broom handle to the appropriate size for your roller.

Assembling The Paper Roller
Use your Jig saw to cut the holes in your two side pieces of wood. Make sure to make a clear hole in the exact spot where you made your measured marks. Line the separate pieces up to make sure your holes will line up and make the cut in the exact same spot on each piece.

Cut your bottom piece of wood to your liking so long as it is large enough to accommodate both of your side pieces of wood with your paper roll between them. Use your hammer and nails to attach the side boards by nailing through the bottom of your board up into the centers of your side boards. Use two or three nails for each board and drive them fully in so that the side boards stand firm.

You will now want to use your saw to cut off the section of your broom handle that you want to use for a spinner on your roller. Make your cut and then use a bit of sandpaper to smooth out the cut ends. Slip this piece through the hole in your roller and add your paper to the spinner before pushing it through so that both ends are in the holes of your side pieces.

I love this project because you can build it to any size and for any purpose you may need a paper roller for. It is also a great green craft project and you can use any scrap material you have around your house to build and decorate it.

Consider panting your roller with vibrant colors or even adding some beading or trim work with just a little glue. You can use your imagination to decorate this roller in just about any fashion or style.