How to make a Kraft Paper Roller

There’s a fun trend of paper rollers that you hang on the wall and you can make your own art. When it came time to work on our playroom, I thought one would be so cute! I could use the paper for art time with my son. Plus, I could draw cute quotes between using the paper for crafts. Win, win!

BUT buying one is around $150!!! Way too expensive for something I could make one. So I decided- why not create my own?!

If you’ve missed any of the playroom posts, you can catch up here-

tiger wallpaper installation / how to create a mood board / how to paint walls super quick / how to lay laminate floors

how to make a Kraft paper roller

Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:

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step 1

The main elements of this roller are the wooden shelf brackets. Start by marking on them where the dowel go. Essentially, you’re making an oversized paper towel dispenser and are marking the cylinder that holds that paper on. Drill out the hole with a 3/4″ spade drill bit.

step 2

Next, cut the dowel so that it’s 3″ longer than the paper roll and the shelf brackets. Cut the metal bar the same length. Cut a piece of wood that will act as a shelf the same length. Attach a wood knob to the end of the dowel with a screw. This is how you’ll pull out the wood dowel so that the paper roll can be replaced.

step 3

And now, sand all of the pieces of wood and metal. Paint the wood your color of choice. I decided to paint the silver metal bar so it is gold. For that, I used rub and buff in gold. I applied the gold with my finger. After it dried, I buffed it with a clean rag.

step 4

Now it’s time to start building the roller! Use screws to connect the shelf to the brackets. Secure the shelf and brackets to the wall. If needed, use anchors in the wall before hanging the shelf. Cover the screws with the included wood covers.

step 5

Drill holes in the metal bar with a metal drill bit on each end. Attach the bar to the wall with screws and some washers so it isn’t flush with the wall. Pull the paper down through the metal ban and you’re good to go!

after

There you have it! My pretty paper roll dispenser! We used some of the paper to paint on. I swear, there’s something magical about having a big piece of paper to draw on.

Side note, I mounted my metal bar higher than in most of the example photos. I have a play kitchen going under the roller and wanted to leave plenty of space for a cute backsplash.

I drew a quick quote on the paper- a good one from Mister Rogers. Side note, I just watched the documentary “Won’t you be my Neighbor?” And I loved it! When I was little, I spent many afternoons watching his show. And now, it was so cool seeing his passion for helping kids feel special and work through their feelings.

There’s so many good moments in the movie (like when he testifies to congress)! And now we’re having Don watch old episodes of the show because my husband and I remembered how special it is. If you need something worthwhile to watch, I 100% recommend it! I rented it from Redbox or you can rent it on Amazon Prime or YouTube.

Anyway! It was fun to bring the first decorative element to the playroom. Next up, shiplap will be going on the ceiling!

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