This year I'm trying to find ways to make novelty gifts for Christmas that are both eco and budget friendly, as part of my Christmas Shouldn't cost the Earth series.
This week I've made this super simple toilet paper dispenser that I've had 'pinned' for a long time after finding them for sale on ebay.
Here's how to make your own!
You will need
Two pieces of fabric 50 x 13 cm (20 x 5")
A piece of ribbon 18 cm (7") long
Scraps of black and white fabric for the eyes - or craft eyes!
First attach the eyes about 10 cm (4") down from the short end of one of your fabric pieces.
I used iron on fusible webbing and appliqué stitching, but you could just stitch on the scraps by machine or hand - felt would work well as it doesn't fray. Or hand-stitch on some googly craft eyes!
Next take your ribbon, fold it in half and pin then stitch it to the top centre of the same piece of fabric, above the eyes.
Now place your other fabric piece face down on top of this one and pin around all edges. Make sure the fabrics are facing right sides together, and leave a small gap in one side so you can turn it right sides out after stitching.
Clip the corners,
then turn the whole thing out through the gap you left in the side.
Pin the opening closed,
then top-stitch around all four sides.
The mouth
Measure down 17 cm (6.5") from the top ribbon and place a pin in to mark this point.
Fold the fabric in half lengthways and snip where the pin is with your scissors.
Open the fabric out and make this cut line longer until it stretches to about 2.5 cm (1") away from either side edge.
Next make the opening wider like a mouth by cutting both upwards and downwards.
Snip a little into each inside corner of the mouth.
Then fold the fabrics in from the front and back to hide all the raw cut edges. This is fiddly and does take a little bit of time. Pin.
Top-stitch around the mouth opening.
Finally, fold the fabric in half and pin, then stitch, across the top.
And that is your monster toilet paper dispenser finished!
Pop a roll of toilet paper into it, hang it up and you're ready to roll!
With the ribbon it can simply hang on a hook, but it does also fit on a regular paper roll holder.
Such a cute novelty gift - a perfect little stocking filler don't you think?
For the free downloadable PDF version of this tutorial, click here.
To see what other Eco and Budget Friendly Christmas Crafting Ideas I've shared so far - go here.
And for plenty more Christmas Crafting inspiration, check out our group Pinterest board!
I shall be linking this post to many of the fabulous linky parties whose pretty buttons can be found on the bottom of this page and direct links on my linky party page.
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