Tic-Tac-Toilet Paper

Kay so, I’m starting a blog! Welcome!  I want it to be a space to learn something new, tips and tricks for the home and the shop, crafty things and maybe a solid “mom blog” every once in a while.  Sounds good?  Leave your email for my mailing list and you’ll never miss a blog post, announcement, new product or sale! I promise not to be spammy too!

 

Now that we got the formalities out of the way, on to the TP!

 

This order came in from a long time client, and I couldn’t have been more excited and nervous.  This is the first time I’ve used any sort of joinery, no matter how easy, to build something. Don’t worry, I have a pro tip linked in the instructions. 

 

This is a super beginner friendly design that can be done with a kid helper, in an afternoon. Seriously so easy!

 

It’s also a cute and quirky design that looks great as a rustic piece, brightly coloured, and simple and modern.  I want to make one for my house that’s natural with black Xs!

 

Also,  I’m a big believer in “do what you can it’s what you have” so I plan to give lots of options based on what tools you have. I hope that doesn’t get confusing! If you set up a dado blade and build a jig to cut the joints or chicken out even on the mitre and scroll the joints (which is what I did) this isn’t 4th grade math class, no one is going to ask for you to show your work. You do you boo😘

 

Alright, let’s build this bitch.

 

Tools + Supplies + Lumber

• Mitre Saw
• 2” brad nails OR 8 - 2” wood screws
• Wood Glue
• Large Clamps (helpful)
• Stain and or paint
• Wood sealant
• Hanging hardware(optional)
• 2 - 1”x5” @ 10’

 

Cut List

• 2 @ 19.5” - Top + Bottom caps
• 6 @ 18” - 2 of these are the outsides, 4 are the grid that you’ll cut notches into
• 8 @ 6” - 2 for each X

Instructions

 

After you have your lengths cut, we’ll move onto the joints.  I had to do some research for the joints, and I found this awesome video from one of my faves, Brandi at Eternal Harvest decor.  This explains how to measure your pieces, make your cuts and everything. 

 

For the notches in the 18” boards, measure 5.5” from each side, then notch out 3/4” (or actual board thickness) half way through the width of the board. 

For the X’s you’re going to do the same thing, but just with one notch in the centre

You should have something that looks like this picture:

I put everything together to do a test fit which was great because I had to deepen a couple of the grooves. So do not skip this step!!

 

 

Once you have everything cut, you can sand your pieces to 120 grit to higher.  I used my orbital sander, but you could even do this by hand.

 

To assemble the Xs,  I used copious amounts of wood glue, applied by my finger to assemble the 4 Xs.  I also wiped the ridiculous amount of glue I though I needed on my brand new shorts. Skip that step, would ya? Make sure you don’t skip cleaning up your excess glue. Once the glue is set, you can paint or stain them however you choose.  I spray painted mine Aqua by Rustoleum.

I decided it would be way easier to stain the pieces flat rather than after they were assembled in order to save my wrists from being brown. I used Dark Walnut by Varathane to match my client’s existing “Hey sweet cheeks” sign from moi!

Once your stain has dried or you’re out of patience, grab your 4 notched 18” pieces.  Lay 2 of them vertically, notches up. Apply your glue, again, fingers are glue tools, no judgement. Apply glue to the notches of the other 2 pieces, and slide them in horizontally, notches facing down.

You should have something that looks like a pretty solid tic-tax-toe grid.

 

Next, you’ll apply glue to the ends of all of those grid boards. Your 2-18” boards will frame the sides, and the 2-19.5” pieces will cap the top and bottom.  Clamp in place and tack with brad nails.  If you’re using the wood screws, pre-drill and insert 2 screws in to each corner. Clean up your excess glue!

 

Once everything has dried, it’s time to seal!  I used a Satin finish to help make dusting easier in the future because we all know how dusty TP makes the bathroom!

 

I hope you guys liked this and I can’t wait to see if you use this DIY in your life!  You can hashtag #joycelynalisedesigns or #jossysdiys and I’ll see it! Tag me in the post on Facebook or Instagram and share + save my pin on Pinterest!

 

If this looks harder than you want it to be, you can always buy one in your choice of colours and stains here!

 

Thanks for reading

 

XO Joycelyn