Recycled Newspaper Tubes Tray

Easy
I love to create things out of recycle materials. And right now I'm into newspapers. It's a great way to use those stacks of newspapers I throw out each week. Besides, it costs next to nothing and is very versatile! To make this easy tray/basket, you will need: Newspaper rolled tubes White glue Skewer stick Cardboard, pick, pencil/pen Clamps Mod podge Paint, primer, acrylic, sealant Paint brush
The first thing to do is to make lots of newspaper tubes (25) by rolling newspaper into a tube, using a skewer and gluing the end.
Next, draw a half circle on a rectangular shaped cardboard, mark seven places on the half circle, punch holes through the marks using a pick, and enlarge the holes with a pen so that the paper tubes fit snug.
Insert seven tubes midway into the holes.
Add glue to end of another tube and secure to first inserted tube. Flatten tube with fingers to make the paper pliable to weave. Once secure, begin weaving over and under inserted tubes.
Continue weaving over and under until reaching last tube, wrapping around, and weaving back to the other side.
Add glue to end of a new tube and insert into weaving tube to lengthen and continue weaving over and under.
Tighten tubes and adjust as you weave toward the narrow ends. Wrap around the ends with the paper tube and glue to secure with clamps.
Begin weaving the other side the same way. Straighten and tighten all of the tubes before finally securing together as before.
Carefully, remove the cardboard.
And finally, I used hard surface mod podge to help make the tray firm and stiff, then I sprayed it with a white primer.
For a distressed look, I painted on brown and copper acrylic paint and rubbed it off,
and then sprayed on a matte finish sealant once the paint was dry. The finished paper tube tray is for decorative purposes only! But I love how it ends up being quite functional and very ornamental! And to think it's made out of newspaper - so cool!
Gail@Purple Hues and Me
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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