Okay, here's a long-form blog article tailored to your specifications:Tired of Propping Your Phone Against a Mug? Let's Make a Quick & Easy Phone Holder (From, You Guessed It, a Toilet Paper Roll!)
We've all been there. You're trying to follow a recipe video, watch a workout, or video chat with a friend, and your phone keeps sliding down the cabinet, toppling over, or just plain refusing to stay put. The struggle is real! Sure, you could buy a fancy phone holder, but what if you could whip one up in minutes, using something you already have lying around?
That's right, we're talking about the humble toilet paper roll. Don't underestimate its potential! With a few simple cuts and folds, you can transform this everyday item into a surprisingly sturdy and functional phone stand. It's a perfect quick fix, a fun little DIY project, and a great way to recycle. Plus, it's ridiculously cheap (because, well, you already paid for the toilet paper!).
Ready to ditch the balancing act and create a phone holder that actually works? Let's get started!
The Ultimate DIY Toilet Paper Roll Phone Holder: Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, let's dive into the process of turning that empty toilet paper roll into a functional phone holder. Trust me, it’s easier than parallel parking.
What You'll Need:
An empty toilet paper roll (obviously!)
A pair of scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision recommended for little ones)
A pencil or pen (Optional) Markers, paint, stickers, washi tape – for decoration!
Step 1: Flatten the Roll
Gently flatten the toilet paper roll. Don't crease it too hard, you just want to create a slightly oval shape. This gives it a wider base for stability. I find that a gentle squeeze works best – think of it like you’re hugging the roll, not crushing it.
Step 2: Mark Your Cutting Lines
This is where the magic happens (well, the paper-cutting magic, anyway).
Short Edge Cut: On one of the short ends of the flattened roll, measure and mark a point about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge. This will be the bottom of your phone holder. Angled Lines: Now, on the same side (the one where you made the short edge mark), draw two angled lines that start at the top corners of that end of the flattened roll and meet at the 1-inch mark you just made. Think of drawing a triangle on one end that is clipped off.
Take your time with this step, and feel free to adjust the measurements if you want a steeper or shallower angle. A steeper angle will cradle your phone more securely but might make it harder to see the screen.
Step 3: Make the Cut!
Carefully cut along the angled lines you just drew. This will create a V-shaped notch on one end of the toilet paper roll.
Important note: If using a craft knife, always use a cutting mat and be extremely careful!
Step 4: (Optional) Reinforce the Base
For added stability, you can reinforce the base of the phone holder. Here are a couple of options: Folding: Fold the bottom edge (the 1-inch strip you left) inwards. This creates a double layer of cardboard, making it sturdier. Gluing: If you have some glue on hand (glue stick or craft glue works great), you can glue the folded edge in place. This is especially helpful if you have a heavier phone.
I usually opt for folding. It's quick, easy, and doesn't require any extra supplies. But if you're planning on using this holder long-term, a little glue will definitely make it last longer.
Step 5: (Optional) Decorate!
Now for the fun part! Personalize your phone holder to match your style or your phone. Here are some ideas: Markers: Draw patterns, write your name, or color the entire roll. Paint: Acrylic paint works best, but you can also use craft paint or even nail polish. Stickers: Get creative with stickers! Use themed stickers, funny stickers, or just whatever you have on hand. Washi Tape: Washi tape is a crafter's best friend. It's easy to apply, comes in tons of designs, and can be removed without damaging the cardboard. Wrapping paper:Cut wrapping paper to size and paste it onto the roll.
I once made one with washi tape that looked like a miniature roll of duct tape. It was a big hit at the office!
Step 6: Test and Adjust (If Needed)
Place your phone in the V-shaped notch. Does it sit securely? Is the viewing angle good? If not, you can make some adjustments: Deeper Cut: If your phone keeps sliding out, try making the V-shaped notch a little deeper. Wider Cut: If your phone doesn't fit in the notch, widen it slightly. Add Weight:For extra stability, especially if you have a larger phone, you can add some weight to the inside of the roll. Small rocks, coins, or even a wad of paper will do the trick.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them: Phone holder keeps tipping over: The base is too narrow! Try flattening the roll more or adding weight to the inside. Phone slides out of the notch: The V-shaped notch isn't deep enough. Carefully deepen the cut. Cardboard is too flimsy: Reinforce the base with folding and gluing, or use a thicker cardboard tube (like from paper towels). Phone is too heavy: This phone holder will work best with lighter phones. If your phone is on the heavier side, consider using a sturdier tube, like the one from paper towels.
Beyond the Basics: Variations and Enhancements
Want to take your toilet paper roll phone holder to the next level? Here are a few ideas: Charging Cable Access: Cut a small notch in the bottom of the holder to allow your charging cable to pass through. Double Holder: Connect two toilet paper rolls side-by-side for a wider base and added stability. Adjustable Angle: Instead of a fixed V-shaped notch, create a series of notches at different angles so you can adjust the viewing angle. This will be a little more complicated and require some experimentation. Paper Towel Roll Upgrade: For larger phones or tablets, use a paper towel roll instead of a toilet paper roll. The larger size and sturdier cardboard will provide more support.
People Also Ask
Is this phone holder really stable? It's surprisingly stable for its simplicity! It works best on flat surfaces and with lighter phones. Reinforcing the base really helps. Will it work with my phone case? It depends on the size of your case. A slim case should be fine, but a bulky case might require a wider V-shaped notch. Can I use this as a tablet holder?A toilet paper roll might be a bit small for a tablet. Try using a paper towel roll instead. How long will this phone holder last?That depends on how much you use it and how carefully you treat it. With some reinforcement, it should last for several weeks or even months.
Final Thoughts:Embrace the Simple Solutions
Making a phone holder from a toilet paper roll is a fun, practical, and eco-friendly way to solve a common problem. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Don't be afraid to get creative, experiment, and personalize your phone holder to make it your own. And remember, even if it's not perfect, it's still a whole lot better than balancing your phone against a coffee mug!
Now go forth and liberate your phone from its precarious perch! And maybe, just maybe, you'll find a newfound appreciation for the humble toilet paper roll. You know, beyond its primary function...