It's time for Playdate Thursday for Flying Unicorn! Today I am going to share with you a little mini album that I created based off an album I saw made out of toilet paper rolls. Well, I thought - "I have several tubes left from Christmas, so why couldn't I use leftover wrapping paper rolls to make a mini?" I guess the principle is the same but there is one step extra in cutting down the wrapping paper roll (unless you want a very long album!)

So here are my steps and tips for creating a recycled wrapping paper roll mini....

To begin, you need a wrapping paper roll - usually they are around 24", but some differ in size. You also need some paper, ribbon, paint, ink and embellishments.

The first step is to flatten the roll as well as you can. Wrapping paper rolls are pretty heavy duty so getting them completely flat is nearly impossible, but that is okay because it makes the final project seem fuller and the more you work with it, the flatter it will become.

Next, I measured 5 inch increments and marked with a line where I wanted to cut the rolls. Each piece will be a page in the mini.

When you have the pieces cut (I got 5 out of my roll) then punch holes on one side to be used for the binder. I could have punched the holes after I papered them, but hindsight is 20/20. I really don't measure for the holes, but I do use the first one as a template for the others.

I paint around all of the edges of the rolls, making sure I paint the inside rim on the side where I didn't hole punch because it would be used as an open pocket to hold a journaling card.

I also cut out 10 pieces of paper in various patterns. I used the gorgeous Authentique Pretty papers from the June Kit of the Month. In fact, most of my embellishments and trim came from the kit! This is a great way to use the extras up!!!

I inked around each piece of paper so it would blend better with the black paint. I papered each "page" and then punched the holes again.

After I adhered the paper to each page, I then threaded ribbon through the holes and tied two bows.

Next it was time to embellish! This is my favorite part of the project and I loved using so many beautiful pieces from the kit. I also used some flowers and ribbon from my stash.

Here is the inside of the first two pages. I kept it simple for photos and each page is dressed with gorgeous trim and each possesses a pull out journaling card.