PHOTOS: An Unusual Use For...Toilet Paper Rolls?

For a standout frame that won't set you back, look to...toilet paper rolls? This charming frame is almost completely composed of the household cast-off. It's a great alternative to store bought frames that are often dull and overpriced, and, as an added bonus, you can customize it to fit any awkwardly sized photos you might have. To make one of these charming frames for yourself, just follow the steps outlined in the slideshow below.

Craft and prop styling:Shana Ecker
Photographer:Kelly Turso

Remove Excess Paper

First, gather together cardboard toilet paper tubes and remove all the excess paper. If the paper is really sticking to the roll, hold the cardboard in front of an iron set on "steam" for a few seconds and the paper will lift right off.
First, gather together cardboard toilet paper tubes and remove all the excess paper. If the paper is really sticking to the roll, hold the cardboard in front of an iron set on "steam" for a few seconds and the paper will lift right off.

Measure and Cut

To make sure the frame has a level height, make 1/2in marks down the length of your tubes. To cut, flatten the tube and use scissors or an x-acto knife to cut through the 1/2in marks, creating uniform petals.
To make sure the frame has a level height, make 1/2in marks down the length of your tubes. To cut, flatten the tube and use scissors or an x-acto knife to cut through the 1/2in marks, creating uniform petals.

Put Petals Aside

Put your cut petals to the side while you concentrate on the frame's backing.
Put your cut petals to the side while you concentrate on the frame's backing.

Measure The Frame

Measure a 10in x 10in square on cardboard (you can repurpose an old shirt box for this). Using the same material, measure four 10in x 1/2in rectangles for the outer rim and four 6in x 1/2in rectangles for the inner rim.
Measure a 10in x 10in square on cardboard (you can repurpose an old shirt box for this). Using the same material, measure four 10in x 1/2in rectangles for the outer rim and four 6in x 1/2in rectangles for the inner rim.

Cut The Frame

Cut along the lines using an x-acto knife. To make sure the cuts are straight, use a ruler to guide the knife.
Cut along the lines using an x-acto knife. To make sure the cuts are straight, use a ruler to guide the knife.

Glue The Rims

Before gluing, discern the location of the inner rim by measuring 2in indents on every side, making a perfect 6in x 6in square in the center. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach the rim. Make sure the outer rim is glued on top of the base, rather than against the side, so the frame is all one height.
Before gluing, discern the location of the inner rim by measuring 2in indents on every side, making a perfect 6in x 6in square in the center. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach the rim. Make sure the outer rim is glued on top of the base, rather than against the side, so the frame is all one height.

Curl The Tubes

While the glue dries, return to your cut up toilet paper tubes. Cut the petals into strips and curl the strips around a pencil for shape.
While the glue dries, return to your cut up toilet paper tubes. Cut the petals into strips and curl the strips around a pencil for shape.

Attach Swirls

Attach the toilet paper tube swirls to the frame using the hot glue gun. Vary the size and shapes of the swirls for more visual interest.
Attach the toilet paper tube swirls to the frame using the hot glue gun. Vary the size and shapes of the swirls for more visual interest.

Spray Paint

Spray paint the entire frame so it is one uniform color. We chose a metallic gold, but you can use any color you would like.
Spray paint the entire frame so it is one uniform color. We chose a metallic gold, but you can use any color you would like.

Let Paint Dry

Before attaching a photo, let the paint dry.
Before attaching a photo, let the paint dry.

Attach Photo

Attach your photograph to the frame. An easy way to do this is to rub the back of the photo with glue and attach it to the frame, or to spray the inner square with spray glue and gently place the photo on top of it.
Attach your photograph to the frame. An easy way to do this is to rub the back of the photo with glue and attach it to the frame, or to spray the inner square with spray glue and gently place the photo on top of it.

You're Done

Set the frame on a side table and you're done!
Set the frame on a side table and you're done!

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.