Yet Another Paper Wreath Tutorial

If you do a search for paper wreath tutorials you will likely find a bazillion. There are folded paper wreaths and rolled paper wreaths just to name a few. I'm sure there is already at least one crunched paper wreath tutorial, yet I will add another just in case you haven't had the time or inclination to search. Paper wreaths are so popular because they are relatively inexpensive. However they are time, paper, and hot glue stick consuming. Each of the wreaths I made as centerpieces for the wedding reception took about an hour.

I started by using a simple wreath from the dollar store.

In order to camouflage the wreath, as well as make it easier for the crunched paper to stick,

I first covered it with strips of sheet music.

This was when I received 75% of my hot glue burns so be very careful with this step!

Next I cut pages from a music book into fourths.

My wreaths were covered completely on all sides so each took an entire music book that was about the thickness of a magazine.

Using one piece of quartered paper, I placed a dowel (a pencil would also work) into the center of the paper and then crunched the paper around the dowel.

Making sure to first flatten out the crunched end a bit for more surface area, I then applied hot glue.

Next I used the dowel to place the crunched paper onto the wreath.

I continued. . . and continued. . . and continued until the wreath was covered.

***I will now impart what little unique knowledge I gained from this procedure***

If the paper is thin it will adhere much faster than if it is thick and stiff. The stiffer the paper the longer the wait time for the glue to hold. And while you may think that the paper is stuck you will soon find out that the little stinkin' stiff paper will try to hightail it right off the wreath just as you are placing the next piece causing you to grab said piece and possibly cause additional finger burnage.

After the wreath was complete I lightly sprayed each with the desired color of spray paint. To give them more color and interest I added in pieces of crunched colored tissue paper.

To make them hang I hot glued on some evenly placed ribbons and glued the ribbons onto a large dowel that had been glued into a piece of 2x4. The dowel was topped with a finial painted to match the wreath and ribbons. I then adhered photos of the newlyweds onto the ribbon.

The centerpieces resembled little maypoles which was very appropriate since it was a May wedding.

Sweet and Simple

It's an idea that's been around for years. Take a candle holder (glass, porcelain, or metal---it doesn't really matter). Use a strong, clear glue (I use E6000)

to adhere it to a pretty plate.Let it dry for a few hours
and you have a sweet and simple gift.

The only way to improve it is to top it with a cloche. . . and perhaps something delightfully delicious to eat!

Pretty Pumpkins

I have been having so much fun making pretty little fabric pumpkins to give as gifts. They're so easy and yet so cute!First use a plate or anything circular to make a pattern on light weight fabric.Cut the circle and sew a running stitch around the edge.Stuff with a layer of beans and then fiberfill (or use all beans or rice, or all fiberfill). Pull the thread to close the opening and make a few more stitches to keep it closed.Hot glue on a real stem from a pumpkin or squash and that's it!I added a few hand-stamped tags to give to friends and neighbors with the idea that they could gather their family and pass the pumpkin while sharing the things they are grateful for.These sweet little pumpkins were so fun to make that I couldn't help but make a bunch in all different colors and sizes just for me.

Frightlfully Fabulous Craft

I had a few friends over the other day and I thought it might be fun to do a quick, easy and inexpensive Halloween craft. I searched the net and found this fun favor box idea here.Not wanting to dig through the garbage for toilet paper rolls nor have the mess of paint, I came up with my own version.
I used spray adhesive to adhere cardstock onto felt. Then I cut each piece in half and used hot glue to make a roll.We gently folded each end in half and then pushed each side into the center to close each end. The folds make a fun shape and can open to stuff treats inside.Next we used rhinestones, felt, glitter foam sheets and pipe cleaners to make our creations.The process was a little messy.

But the results turned out
frightfully fabulous!

Trying a Trend

What do you do with a pretty little button? You use it as the center for a trendy
fabulous fabric flower.

Make a flower pattern by folding a piece of paper in half, in half again, and then fold one edge to meet the opposite, forming a point. Using scissors, round off the open end about 2 & 1/2 inches from the point. Make a second pattern by repeating the process of folding and cutting, this time cut about 2 inches from the point. You now have two flower pattern sizes.Choose one or two of your favorite fabrics, like brown burlap and a piece of upholstery fabric. Cut two of each size flower patterns (one fabric per pattern if you're using two fabrics).Layer the two small pieces on top of the two large, alternating the fabrics.
Stitch and hot glue the four layers together. Be sure to scrunch each layer a bit so they don't just lay flat (this is where the hot glue comes in handy).

Add a pin to the back. If you don't have an "official brooch pin" simply cut a scrap of coordinating fabric and glue it on top of a safety pin.Then pin it onto your blouse and get ready to
hear the comments like:

"That's pretty. Did you make it?"

"I like your brooch."or my favorite
"What is that?!?!"

Thrift Store Scrolls

On a recent trip to the thrift store I spied this
scroll-y work of art. It was one of those thrift finds that
one picks up,
looks at with curiosity,
tries to figure out whatever could be done with said item,
puts it back,
and then repeats the process
several times
until
inspiration finally hits,
curiosity is resolved
and the item is purchased.

Do you ever do that with any thrift store finds?

Once home I decided to make my inspiration a reality by first cutting and painting a piece of MDF the length of the scrolls.Next I found a font on the computer that I liked and printed the word "Welcome." I rubbed the backside of the paper with chalk so that I could transfer the image onto the MDF by tracing over the text.I painted the letters---three coats were needed in order to cover the deep red base coat.A couple of wood rosettes were added to each end of the board. Then two small holes were drilled to thread wire through in order to attach the board to the scroll. Sometimes it pays to pick up a curious thrift store item several times until inspiration hits!

Girl Time

OH MY! I have neglected this little blog lately. I have a good reason though. My daughter was in town! We spent time taking care of family matters and enjoying time together, catching up, shopping and creating. Saturday night I had the pleasure of a girls night out with my daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. Oh what fun we had! We went to a local craft store that was offering mini make-and-take classes. Our favorite class was the one where we learned how to make these cute, easy, and quick favor boxes. And since blogland is a place for sharing great ideas, I thought you might enjoy learning how to make them too.

First start with a rectangle of scrapbook paper
(any stiff, cardstock type paper will do).Fold the rectangle in half width-wise. Then give it a small crease at the open end
to determine the center point.

Using a ruler, score a line
(use a stylist or the back of a butter knife)
from the top center to the bottom outside corner
of each side of the rectangle. Your scores will resemble a triangle. Flip the paper and repeat on the other side.

Use the scored lines to create folds in the paper. Fold both sides inward forming a box.

At the top of the box punch holes through all four ends.Thread ribbon through the holes and tie.Cut a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Begin at one edge and cut in a circular pattern
resembling a curled up snake.
Cut off the center bulb, or "snakes head."Start at the center and curl the entire "snake"
until it resembles a flower.

Use hot glue or craft glue to adhere a scrap of ribbon or yarn and then apply the paper flower on top
(use a big dollop of glue and hold until the flower is set).Now you're ready to untie the ribbon and
fill your cute little box
with small items like candy or jewelry.