Folding a toilet paper rose is a unique way to add a special touch to a plain roll of toilet tissue, especially if you're expecting guests in your home. If you're a professional housekeeper you might want to consider learning a few origami folds such as this rose to increase your income by encouraging bigger tips, or to provide a "signature" that helps to market your services to prospective clients.
How to Make a Toilet Paper Rose
To begin making your toilet paper rose, tear off one square of toilet tissue. Set it aside, then roll out six more squares of tissue. Leave these squares attached to the roll.
Fold the tissue in half lengthwise, creasing well.
To form the petals of your rose, you will need to roll the tissue around itself until you've rolled all six squares. Start at the center, close to the roll, and turn the tissue around your finger to create a flower shape. Keep the base as tight as possible and make the outer rolls a bit looser to give the rose the desired shape. Be very gentle as you're rolling the paper. If you pull too hard, you may accidentally rip the paper and have to start over.
The square of tissue you set aside earlier will be used to make leaves for your rose. Accordion fold the tissue from one diagonal to the other. Pinch the diagonal folded square in half to make two small leaves.
Use a tiny square of clear tape to secure the leaf and rose to your toilet tissue toll, placing the tape underneath the rose to hold it in place. The toilet paper rose is usually removed and set aside, so there's no need to worry about using tape to hold everything in place.
Toilet Paper Origami Tips
Toilet paper origami works best when done with a fresh roll of high quality toilet tissue. A half empty roll doesn't have enough bulk to display your finished creation appropriately. Poor quality tissue won't hold a crease well enough to fold properly.
Linda Wright, the author of several books on toilet paper origami, recommends Full Circle toilet paper, or the 2-ply Bright Green tissue from Safeway's eco-conscious line of household paper products made from 100% recycled fiber.
If you're making a toilet paper rose at home, consider how the embossing on the roll will affect the finished design. Some brands of toilet paper have swirls or floral patterned embossing, while others are completely plain. Embossing can add texture to your design, but you may find that you prefer a rose folded from plain paper.
The toilet paper rose is considered an intermediate level project. If you're new to toilet paper origami, you may want to practice making a few simpler folds before tackling the rose. The toilet paper origami sailboat is a good beginner level project.
An Alternative Rose Design
Generally, toilet paper origami is meant to be kept on the roll and displayed in your bathroom. However, this rose project creates a flower that can be used to decorate the bride and groom's car at a wedding reception or displayed in your bathroom on top of a spare roll of toilet tissue. It would also be a fun yet inexpensive craft project for young children to do.
Brighten Up the Bathroom with Toilet Paper Origami
Toilet paper origami will never be as popular as traditional paper folding, but this unique craft is an excellent way to add a touch of beauty to an otherwise overlooked spot within the home. With just a few folds, you can make a pretty flower that is sure to earn rave reviews from anyone who sees it.
