Toilet paper rolls are like duct tape

Toilet paper rolls are like duct tape in that they can fix anything. Okay, maybe not to the extent that duct tape can, after all I recently watched a few episodes of Myth Busters where the scientists put the sticky rolls of fun to the test. However, toilet paper rolls are the ultimate organizing tool. A while ago I decided to start a craft project using toilet paper rolls. I collected the cardboard centers and stock piled them while I brainstormed and drafted ideas for what kind of art project I could turn them into. I had several ideas and they all included cutting the rolls into smaller circles and painting them. My most interesting and plausible solution was to make a mobile of the brightly colored rings, but I couldn't figure out how to make the creation look like something that belonged in my house rather than that of a college student. So, I abandoned ship. I am moving soon and I don't want to pay to transport needless craft items that are in a holding pattern. I had amassed quite a number of tubes and they were taking up a bit of space. So, I folded them up and put them into my recycling.

After I decided my tube art project was a wash I came across an article that detailed some great uses for toilet paper rolls. Add those ideas to the ones I already knew about and have already implemented and you have a great cure-all. I use rolls to organize my cords so I do not have extension cords laying around everywhere. My toes always find a way to wrap around cords and trip me up, so this is a broken bone saver. I like finding new and fun uses for toilet paper rolls. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is my motto. So, I decided I'm going to use rolls to secure gifts before wrapping (in cloth napkins). Another thing I'd like to try is securing wrapping paper with the tubes. They help keep your wrapping paper on the roll and not scrunched up with a rubber band by using a toilet paper roll. Just make one cut lengthwise and slide it over for a paper keeper. There are all sorts of websites and blogs with interesting ideas, like Green and Frugal Living. I'm a fan of the plastic bag holder and the document protector.