Toilet Paper Isn't Just for the Bathroom...

 Hello!

 Yes, you saw that correctly.  Today, I'm showing you how to make a gorgeous card, with lots and lots of texture using toilet paper! My friend and fellow demonstrator, France Martin had this on her blog and I was so intrigued, I just had to try it. I'm sure you remember when COVID-19 first started, everyone was rushing to the store and buying out all the toilet paper. Then came anti-bacterial wipes, and a whole lot of other sanitizing items.  I've noticed that the toilet paper hoarding has calmed down quite a bit, and it's a good thing, otherwise this card may not have been. 😌😌😌 Here's my card:

My card base is our new In Color, Bumblebee, with a layer of Soft Suede on top. The sunflowers are from one of my favorite bundles, Celebrate Sunflowers. This set includes beautiful stamps and matching dies, so cutting out these lovelies is super quick. I colored the sunflowers with Stampin' Blends in Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Early Espresso and Black. I stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede and punched it out with the Story Label punch. I sponged the edges with Bumblebee ink and added some Gingham ribbon in Bumblebee color.

So now let's get to the toilet paper! Roll out as much as you can, so that you will end up with at least 4 layers; 6 would be better. I used 4 and found it a little difficult to cut. I just rolled it out and loosely folded it then tapped it down so it wasn't so fluffy.  Find an embossing folder that has some good texture.  I used our gorgeous Old World Paper embossing folder, because it's so organic looking and makes very deep impressions (which is what you want).  Lay your paper inside your folder and spritz with water, both sides. Don't soak the paper too much or it will shred, but give it a fine mist of water.  You don't have to wet all areas of the toilet paper; just a couple of spritz should do it. Fold over your embossing folder and run it through your embossing machine, just one time. Do not go back and forth, as this will probably rip your paper. Carefully lift out your paper, and set it aside to dry.  I let this dry naturally overnight, because I was concerned about using a heat gun so I wouldn't burn the paper.   You might try a hair dryer though if you're in a hurry, but I would use a lower setting.

I lightly sponged both Soft Suede and Bumblebee in various areas, but made sure I used a very light touch. I also used a sponge and not a dauber, so I could cover more area at a time. Depending on the colors you choose, you may have to tap off some of the ink on a blotter first, so you can gradually add color instead of heavier application.  

The hardest part of this was cutting it down to the size I wanted for my card.  When I started, my toilet paper layer was almost as wide as the Soft Suede layer, but careful measuring and cutting gave me a couple of snags, and the piece ended up a little smaller.  I highly recommend you use a pencil and ruler and mark your lines, then cut with your paper snips.  Cutting on a paper cutter may not work well.

The end result is gorgeous in any case, and it's totally worth taking your time.  I've made 4 of these cards so far, and each one is  unique.  Let me know how you like it and please contact me if you have any questions.

Stay tuned for more toilet paper cards soon! Have a wonderful day!  Happy Stamping!