How to Craft a DIY Phone Holder from Toilet Paper Rolls

Ever found yourself in a pickle, trying to watch a video or follow a recipe on your phone while your hands are busy? Or perhaps you're on a video call and need to keep your phone steady. A DIY phone holder can be a lifesaver, and guess what? You can make one using an empty toilet paper roll! Not only is this a eco-friendly upcycling project, but it's also incredibly easy and fun. Let's dive into how to create your very own phone holder out of a toilet paper roll.

Before we start, ensure you have the following materials: an empty toilet paper roll, scissors or a craft knife, duct tape or strong adhesive, and your phone. Optional materials include decorative paper or fabric for added flair. Now, let's get started!

Preparing the Toilet Paper Roll

The first step is to prepare your toilet paper roll. If it's not already empty, make sure to use up or remove any remaining paper. Then, flatten the roll slightly to make it easier to work with.

Next, decide on the size of your phone holder. Most toilet paper rolls are about 4 inches in diameter, which should fit most standard-sized smartphones. However, if you have a larger phone, you might need to adjust the size. To do this, carefully cut the roll along its length, then re-roll it to your desired diameter. Be careful not to cut yourself or damage the roll.

Creating the Base

Now that your roll is the right size, it's time to create a base for your phone holder. This will keep your phone stable and prevent it from tipping over. To do this, cut a small piece of duct tape, sticky side out, and attach it to one end of the roll. Make sure the tape is wide enough to provide a stable base but not so wide that it makes the roll wobbly.

If you'd like, you can also decorate the base using colorful duct tape, washi tape, or even paint. This can add a personal touch to your phone holder and make it more visually appealing.

Securing the Phone

The next step is to create a way to secure your phone to the roll. To do this, cut two small strips of duct tape, sticky side out, and attach them to the inside of the roll, opposite each other. These strips will hold your phone in place and prevent it from slipping out.

To make sure your phone fits snugly, measure the width of your phone and mark the corresponding point on the roll. Cut two small slits at this point, one on each side of the roll. These slits will allow you to bend the duct tape strips outwards, creating a pocket for your phone. When you're done, your phone holder should be able to securely hold your phone in place.

Customizing Your Phone Holder

Now that your phone holder is functional, it's time to make it your own! There are countless ways you can customize your phone holder to reflect your personal style. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

One popular option is to cover the entire roll in decorative paper or fabric. To do this, simply wrap the paper or fabric around the roll and secure it with glue or tape. You can also paint the roll, use stickers, or even wrap it in yarn to create a cozy, textured look.

Adding a Stand

If you want to be able to prop your phone up for hands-free viewing, you can add a stand to your phone holder. To do this, cut a small piece of cardboard or foam board into a triangle shape. Then, attach it to the back of the roll using glue or tape. The stand should be tall enough to prop your phone up at a comfortable viewing angle.

For added stability, you can also create a weighted base for your phone holder. To do this, fill a small plastic bag with sand or rice, then attach it to the bottom of the roll using tape or glue. This will help keep your phone holder steady, even on uneven surfaces.

Creating a Handle

If you want to be able to take your phone holder with you on the go, you can add a handle to it. To do this, cut a small hole in the side of the roll, then insert a piece of string, ribbon, or twine. Tie a knot on the inside of the roll to secure the handle in place.

You can also create a more robust handle by cutting a slit in the side of the roll, then inserting a wooden dowel or chopstick. Glue the dowel or chopstick in place, then sand down any rough edges. This will give you a sturdy handle that's easy to grip.

And there you have it! Your very own DIY phone holder made from a toilet paper roll. Not only is this project eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but it's also a great way to express your creativity. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy your new phone holder!