Ahh, yes, the free cardboard rolls - well it's best if they come with a man who has a saw in his hand, as mine do!When I made my banners I rolled them on the outside of a roll and then rolled cotton duck (light calico type of canvas) over them and tucked in the sides. My sister in law who is a patchwork quilter suggested I cover them in fabric stitched onto the roll so that they don't slip around and crease.Then I got totally carried away and stitched ties onto the outside calico, with written … [Read more...]

While I'm going on with how wonderful these cardboard rolls are, here is another use for them: I made a black bag to fit over the roll which has a wide diameter; with a little lid (or drawstring) for rain. It also had a long over-the-shoulder handle. Then when I go to Falkiner's Fine Papers in London to buy fabulous paper that should not be rolled tightly, or sat on, while travelling home, it works brilliantly.I have also shown a bought plastic one which is telescopic. I found I had to glue the … [Read more...]

I'm sure you also spend your life thinking of ways to accommodate the growing collection of art materials.I've copied this excellent one from a printer friend. he had a huge shelf built along the top of the wall in his studio filled with solid cardboard rolls to store rolls of paper etc.You get these rolls at carpeting shops and either have to trek home with them tied to the roof rack or saw them up there. Dave sawed all of these to the length of the shelf depth and I filled a shelf with … [Read more...]