When the International Bloggers Club (IBC) challenged us to create a project using toilet paper, I’ll admit I was stumped! But after a bit of creative brainstorming — and some sideways looks from my husband as I raided our precious bathroom stash (During Covid) — I came up with this oriental-inspired mixed media canvas using toilet roll. With texture, gold leaf, and handmade embellishments, this piece evolved into a surprisingly elegant creation.

This unique DIY mixed media canvas project is perfect for upcyclers, craft lovers, and anyone looking for an artistic challenge. Follow along and see how something as humble as toilet paper can be transformed into an eye-catching wall feature.

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How to Make an Oriental Canvas Using Toilet Paper

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Materials You’ll Need

• 1 blank or recycled canvas
• Toilet paper (embossed works best)
• Empty toilet roll tubes
• Cardstock
• Craft glue or PVA glue
• Metallic acrylic paints
• Gold or metallic leaf + size adhesive
• Masking tape
• Kebab sticks
• Bronze and gold wax paste
• Multi-purpose glue
• Black hot glue (optional)
• Paintbrushes
• Soft brush for gold leaf
• Scissors and craft knife
• Oriental coins or embellishments

Step 1: Create a Textured Base

Begin by glueing toilet paper onto cardstock using craft glue. If your toilet paper has embossed patterns, even better — they’ll add texture. I made 4 rectangles and one circle.

Once dry, cut a circle from the paper-covered cardstock for your focal point.

Divide your canvas into four sections using masking tape. These areas will each have a different toilet paper design.

Step 2: Make a Lotus Flower from a Toilet Roll

Flatten your empty toilet rolls and mark them at 5 mm intervals. Cut along the marks to create narrow strips.

Glue the strips into the shape of a lotus flower and attach it to the circle you created earlier.

Step 3: Paint the Canvas Background

Paint your canvas black to cover any previous artwork. Then, use metallic acrylic paints to fill the sections between your masked lines.

This bold colour blocking sets the stage for your raised embellishments.

Step 4: Add Metallic Leaf for Shine

Apply size adhesive to areas of toilet paper where you want the gold or metallic leaf. Wait until tacky, then gently press the leaf on and smooth with a soft brush.

Repeat for each section using different coloured leaves if desired. Once dry, brush away the excess.

At this stage, it still looks a mess.

Step 5: Create Embellishments with Toilet Roll

Next, use the inside of the toilet roll to create decorative coils. Cut thin strips and roll them tightly around a paintbrush handle to form small coil shapes.

Secure the ends with glue so they don’t unravel. These coiled pieces add beautiful texture and dimension to your canvas.

Wrap toilet paper around kebab sticks for scrolls or rods.

For spheres, roll the paper tightly into balls, secure with glue, and leave to dry before painting.

Paint all your embellishments black so the bronze wax will later catch the raised areas beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble and Highlight

Glue all your embellishments to the canvas using strong glue. I placed oriental coins in the centre with the handmade lotus and surrounding decorations.

Dip your finger in bronze wax paste and lightly rub over the raised surfaces. This will highlight the textures and give a worn metallic look.

Use gold wax on the black background and canvas texture to complete the shimmering finish.

For one section, I added black hot glue swirls as a final flourish.

Who would have thought something as ordinary as toilet paper could become the star of a mixed-media canvas? This project pushed my creativity in unexpected ways, and the end result is a striking piece of oriental-inspired art with loads of texture and dimension. It’s a great reminder that even the most humble materials can be transformed into something beautiful with a little imagination. If you’re up for a crafty challenge, give this toilet roll canvas a try — you might surprise yourself too!

More Mixed media art projects you may like.

This is another project made from paper and recycled cardboard to create a textured wall hanging.

I created this steampunk Christmas tree using a panel from a kitchen door decorated with recycled jewellery and resin embellishments.

About IBC (International Bloggers Club)

If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know I’m a proud member of the International Bloggers Club (IBC) — a wonderful group of creative makers from around the world. Our talented members come from Spain, South Africa, Australia (that’s me!), the United States, and Canada. Each month, we take on a fun-themed challenge, sharing our unique DIY projects inspired by the prompt. It’s always exciting to see how everyone interprets the theme in their own creative way!

1. A crafty mix |Toilet Paper Storage tiny toilet rolls
2. Raggedy bits |Vintage farmhouse napkin rings
3. Interior frugalista |  Canada day weiner roast fire starters 
4. Northern feeling |Toilet paper roll led lanterns

If you’d like to find any of the items used in this project, we’d greatly appreciate it if you used our affiliate links. These links provide us with a small commission at no extra cost to you, allowing us to continue creating and sharing more inspiring projects. We’d also love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment or share this post!