Brainstorm and create works of art only using a toilet paper roll.
It is always a challenge to repurpose a material and create artwork that is innovative. Recycling materials is a good way to show appreciation for the environment and to push us to be creative. For this challenge we are to create a sculpture out of a paper roll.
During the pandemic paper rolls were a scarcity, but many artists had brilliant ideas on how to use this material to create art and comment on the scarcity of the product. For this piece I decided to combine some ideas about contemporary art that combines some abstract elements and a hint to symmetrical elements. I created a roll with 3D designs going in an out creating a new abstract from for the roll.
Materials
A toilet paper roll
Acrylic Paint
Brushes
Ruler
Xacto knife
Pencil
Acrylic Marker
Step 1: Painting
I began by painting the roll with vibrant colors. Make sure to think about the design you would like to make with the cuts before painting so that the painting adds to the 3D design. I also painted inside following the same pattern from outside.
Step 2: Sketching
After paint has dried, I began sketching the lines that will guide me to cut and be the overall design. I measured the middle and made horizontal lines 1in down and up, then I measured another horizontal 1in line up and down to draw the line where the cutting area would be. This leaves the middle area at 0.5in. In the strips where the cutting area is, I drew vertical line of about 1/3 of an inch.
Step 3: Cutting
Using the Xacto knife start cutting the vertical lines using the horizontal lines as stopping points. I did the two rows and decided to add more cuts to make thinner lines. Adding the secondary cuts after the broader cuts helps to stabilize the paper since the roll is delicate and we are adding pressure with the knife.
Step 4: Folding and Bending
Using the xacto knife or any object small enough to go in between lines with a straight angle, start making a little fold in between the cut vertical lines so they can bend better. I chose to do a pattern of one in and one out. Once I made sure all the folds were there, I pressed in a little to it will bend and the patter will form. I would recommend doing one at a time since it is easier to push grabbing from the middle. I some of the vertical lines start detaching from the back paper roll you can strengthen them with a little bit of glue.
Step 4: Adding Details
Now that we got our design, we can start adding details. I used an acrylic marker to draw some lines in the corners.
It is really fun to try and come up with other ways the folding could go. Maybe spirals, circles or smaller and bigger lines.
Paper Roll Artist
Anastassia Ellias
Worlds inside a paper roll is the theme Anastassia Ellias, a French artist, uses to create miniature paper roll art. Anastassia creates dioramas of different world that she displays inside paper roll. By adding light, she showcases different planes and shadows that add to the cut-out designs. The amazing designs go in hand with her other medium which is animation. Here is a work she shares on her Instagram account.
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