Turn toilet paper rolls into vintage-inspired botanical art
This modern take on an old-fashioned botanical chart is created in a fun three-dimensional style. Shape the plant parts from toilet paper rolls, and paint them in muted tones. To make them pop, coat the background with a thick layer of paint.
Old-fashioned botanical chart—materials
A painting board (A4 or A3 size)
Black and plant-colored craft paints
Paintbrush
Three toilet paper roll cores
Pencil
Scissors
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Metallic or white paint pen
Old-fashioned botanical chart—instructions
1. Open the toilet paper roll cores along the seams, then draw the parts you need for the botanical chart on their curved side. At a minimum, include a stylized plant with roots, enlarged petals, an inflorescence, and a seed cross-section. If you wish, you can also add a seed pod, pistil, and stamens.
2. Cut out the pieces. You can bend them more or add folds. For example, the root strips look realistic when crumpled, and you can shape the tips of the stamens by rolling a strip.
3. Paint the background black, using plenty of paint. The three-dimensional effect stands out when the brushstrokes stay visible. Also paint the plant parts, except the roots. Avoid a single, flat color—blend different shades.
4. Arrange and glue the plant pieces in place. Leave space at the bottom for the plant’s name. Use glue only along the edges or the center of each piece so they appear to grow out of the background rather than lie flat.
5. Label the chart in cursive. First sketch in pencil, fix as needed, and then go over it with a paint pen. A metallic pen adds a refined finishing touch.
Tip!
Create a whole series of charts. Besides plants, you could also craft insects or fish.
