Turning recycled paper into art is a great way to give it new life. There are some amazing and inspiring examples of rolled paper art, which I have linked to at the end of this post. And while they may seem long and involved to make, small versions can be just as impressive. As long as kids can roll a strip of paper, they can create something cool to display and enjoy.
Materials
- recycled paper
- cutting mat
- craft knife
- ruler (quilting rulers are great for this)
- scissors
- glue stick
- white glue
- small paintbrush for applying white glue
- surface for gluing paper rolls eg. canvas board, tile, wood
Instructions
1. Cut paper into strips of varying lengths and widths, using a craft knife, ruler and cutting mat. You can use all sorts of paper from magazines, leftover craft paper, wrapping paper, newspaper, and of course tax returns, like one artist has done.
2. To make the rolls, take a strip of paper and begin rolling it tightly until you’re close to the end. Add some glue with a glue stick, finish rolling, and press well so it sticks. Other options include making more open rolls, and combining several different coloured strips in a single roll. The possibilities are endless…
3. When selecting a base, think about whether or not you’ll be showing part of it in your design. I used an old tile which had a colour and texture that worked well with the paper rolls.
Play around with the layout of the rolls, and when you’re ready, add some white glue to the surface, and press the rolls down. Adding the glue with a small paintbrush makes it easy. You can work on small areas at a time, so the glue doesn’t dry.
There are many interesting and inspiring examples of paper art on the internet. Here are just a few:
ArtClubBlog 
Wonderful links! I love this project!
Thanks Cindy. It is quite amazing what people have made with paper rolls.
Oh ! Cool. I love that ! ( Because it’s so easy ! ! )
That’s always a bonus!
Well now I won’t be able to throw away my scraps any more. So very cool. Loved the examples too…except I couldn’t see the last one.
Sorry you couldn’t see it. I checked, and didn’t have a problem. You could always give it another try 🙂
Nice. I can give my team tips for making Christmas decor with recycled paper!
Wonderful! A little red and green, and you’re all set.
Such an awesome idea!
Thank you!
Great post I like the idea of recycling to create ART!
http://fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/
Thanks Karen!
Brilliant! Cannot wait to try this idea….maybe add lace too 🙂
Thanks Tiffany. Like the lace idea!
What a brilliant idea. The links are wonderful.
Ali xx
Thanks so much!
This is such an awesomely fun activity! Thank you for sharing your post with The Natural Homeschool and The Life of Jennifer Dawn Linky Party. 🙂 See you next Wednesday! 🙂
I have seen some amazing works of rolled paper art. Takes time, but can be gorgeous! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann. I agree, there is some amazing work out there!
Thank you for sharing this rolled paper art post at City of Creative Dream’s City of Links last Friday! I appreciate you taking the time to party with me. Hope to see you again this week 🙂
Thanks Shanice!