Toilet Paper Roll Steampunked

Pat Ruge
by Pat Ruge
5 Materials
3 Hours
Easy
As luck would have it, I was just in the process of creating a steampunked project (coming soon to Hometalk, hopefully by the end of this week). This challenge offered me the opportunity to try out my skills before walking off the cliff on a project which, if done well, means a lot to me and hopefully to my granddaughter, Sarah.

Since everything I used was pre-owned and most products were a small part of the project, it is hard for me to estimate a cost. Keep in mind that when you start with a "Toilet Paper Roll" as a challenge, you probably won't be investing very much.
Begin by squeezing one end and run a hot glue bead to join it together. When glue is dry, I painted the exterior and part of the interior with my special black gesso (will be included in my next project). After that is dry, I painted same areas with black acrylic paint.
icon
Assemble all the steampunk and glue down
To mount the suede strap, I first installed an eyelet on each side. Finally glad to be able to use my Crop-A-Dile eyelet tool. It allows you punch the hole in a very precise manner for both sides. Once the hole is in place, it installs the eyelet, much like a paper punch and it handles awkward positions very well.
Now we get to the fun part. The beauty of steampunk is that there are no rules.. Although, I do think in a steampunk project, it is important to include some expression of gears and bling is always welcome to join the party.
With both sides completely steampunked, I brushed lightly over the gears and metal parts with my "special gesso" and then hit it up with Color Box pigment brush pad in silver. Without the gesso, the pigment will wipe off when rubbed against anything, including your hands The last step was to spray lightly with Tattered Angle glimmer mist in "Coffee Shop 02362.
I am hoping a close up will show better detail
Still hoping for the detail
This picture represents most of the tools and products used. I've added the little flowers to the "Steampunked Toilet Paper Roll" to indicate one possible display. The little yellow envelop can be used to include a money or small jewely gift when slipped inside. ...Or you can use your imagination and leave some other suggestions for our Hometalkers as to how you might use this .
Suggested materials:
  • Crop-A-Dile   (Joanns)
  • Acrylic Craft Paint - Black   (Joanns)
  • Tattered Angle Glimmer Mist   (Joanns)
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Barbara Brown Barbara Brown on Jan 23, 2018

    Did you have a store in Hemet where you taught painting skills?

  • Krafty Mrs.K Krafty Mrs.K on Oct 26, 2018

    Black gesso recipe please.

    Could I add black tempera powder to white gesso???

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 12 comments
  • Terri Terri on Aug 03, 2018

    Where do you find your gears...I love streampunk and I love your project.

  • Shelly Moore Shelly Moore on Oct 10, 2021

    This would be cool as a little purse bouquet for the bridesmaids for a Steampunk or Goth Wedding. You could use this idea to decorate funky vases to even decorate the tables. Could be fun for a teen birthday too!

Next