How to Make Napkin Rings Out of Paper Towel Holders

Custom-made napkin rings can dress up any table setting. A visit to interior design showrooms will yield napkin rings made of metals, bamboo, stone, wood, acrylic, plastic, glass and even lead crystal. They may be carved, polished smooth or decorated with other materials. These miniature works of utilitarian art are as varied as the people who create and use them. For a quick and enjoyable craft project that even children can easily execute, why not design your own napkin rings out of materials that you may already have around your home? Here are simple instructions for creating beautiful napkin rings out of cardboard paper towel holders. These lightweight tubes are full of endless possibilities, and you are only limited by your imagination. One of the best things about this project is that these napkin rings are made mainly of recycled materials that are primarily biodegradable. An added plus comes from knowing that if you damage them at some future date, it's easy to make more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard paper towel tube(s)
• Glue
• Brightly colored ribbon
• Buttons or decorative brads
• Glitter (optional)
• Beads (optional)
• Scissors
• Craft paper or wrapping paper
• Ruler
• Marker pen

1. Take your cardboard paper towel holder and grasp it horizontally.

2. Use your ruler and marker to mark two-inch sections along the length of the cardboard tube.

3. Cut the tube, at the markings, into two-inch long segments, using scissors.

4. Cut your craft paper into several 4 1/2 inch by 4 1/2 inch squares. Apply glue to the outside of the tube. Position the paper over the outside of the tube and press gently to attach the paper. Set aside to dry for 3 minutes. Trim away the excess paper with your scissors. For a more finished look, trim away all but a 1/2 inch portion at the open edges on either side. Apply glue in small dots along the inside of the edge of the cardboard paper towel holder tube. Gently and evenly fold over the excess 1/2 inch of paper at the edges and press the paper onto the dots of glue. Allow the napkin ring to dry for 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Finish your napkin ring by gluing on embellishments like strips of colored ribbon, buttons, glitter or any other items that match your décor or holiday theme. Set aside your completed napkin rings for later use. To use your napkin rings, fold paper or cloth napkins and pull them through the center of the napkin ring until equal amounts of the napkin is visible on either side of the ring. Position your napkin-filled napkin rings on your dining table as part of an elegant table setting.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be helpful to gently squeeze the cardboard paper towel holder slightly (without sharply creasing it) as you cut. These napkin rings are made of recycled materials that are primarily biodegradable.
• Because these napkin rings are made of cardboard and paper, they should be kept dry. Do not submerge them in water. Store them tied in a plastic bag when not in use to extend their "life" through several table settings. Assist younger children by either cutting for them or by closely supervising them as they use the scissors. Never leave small children unattended with sharp tools such as scissors.

Resources

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