See Inspiration

Decorate with Paper

2011-06-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Romantic Roses

These whimsical paper roses adhered around the base of a simple white shade soften a geometric lamp and add a touch of charm. Sketch a circular swirl on drawing-weight paper (available at crafts stores). Cut to create a paper coil. Roll the paper tightly starting at the outside end of the coil. Release the coil slightly and hot-glue the end to retain the flower shape.

Creative Curtains

Create confetti curtains for your windows from cut paper. Cut out squares from different weights of paper with a die-cut punch or scissors. Sew the squares together, spacing regularly, to make a string as long as your window frame; tie knots at the top of each square and at the bottom of each string to secure. Hang each on a tension rod from curtain clips. These curtains are a great way to decorate a boring window without blocking out natural light. Get creative and use different colors for your garland depending on your room's color scheme or the season.

Pretty Tissue Flowers

These delicate petals create an elegant centerpiece whether scattered down the center of a table or piled on a platter. To create, cut a flower shape or 3-inch circles from eight layers of tissue paper. Place in a stack. Next, poke a hole through the stack with a pin. Pull the paper off the tip of a twist tie and insert the exposed wire through the paper layers. Twist the wire to create the flower center. Make the flower bloom by gently pulling up one layer at a time.

Lovely Lampshade Details

Exotic Oriental papers transform the neutral furnishings and blue walls of this apartment from bland to beautiful. The first project: Add glam to an inexpensive lampshade by attaching a wide band of colorful paper with glue. Smaller bands of paper around the top and bottom edges give it a finished look. Keep clicking for helpful how-tos for all the paper projects you see here.

On Paper

For a high-impact, low-cost wall art solution, frame pretty paper in simple black frames. Add interest to the display by choosing different yet coordinating paper patterns and varying the size of the picture frames

Diy project: Brenna’s pinhole artwork

2011-03-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

This perfect-for-summer project comes from brenna berger at paper + ink. She documents her amazingly clever custom invitation designs on her blog, so when it comes to paper it’s no surprise that she’s full of ideas.

materials:
1. paper (preferably cotton)
2. thumbtack
3. pony bead and hot glue (optional)
4. scrap cardboard (at least as big as your paper)
5. tape
6. image of choice (some options are available here)

Black and White Home Update

2011-03-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Citrus green paired with black and white creates an energetic, modern environment, even when used with eclectic furnishings. Try hanging black-and-white papers in exciting patterns on a narrow magnetic board or bulletin board for an inexpensive and unstudied work of art.

Black trim adds sophistication to the playful blue beaded board walls in this entryway, but a graphic paint treatment on the door keeps it bold and fun. A neutral rug ties the look together without overwhelming the space.

Black and white makes an utterly graphic statement, so feel free to experiment with different pattern combinations. Punctuate the look with a few colored linens, like the pink napkins shown here.

Make a wall vase

2011-03-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

Turn a shadow-box frame into a vessel for your favorite things from the garden or the florist.

Flowers or cuttings extend through the opening of a picture mat to create a vibrant and organic work of art that truly has a third dimension.

Group two or three frames on the wall or use one for a tabletop display. Change the background and cuttings for a new look each season.

Shadow-box frames and mats can be found at home or art-supply stores; floral pin frogs (spiked metal disks to keep cuttings in place) are available at floral-supply and craft shops.

You can line the back of the box with colored paper or fabric, or simply let the color of your wall shine through.

Materials

Each frame starts with a ready-made open-backed cube or shadow box deep enough to hold a small saucer. The measurements below are for the 10-by 10-in. cube shown below; adjust as needed to fit another cube size.

Picture mat with precut window (we used an 11- by 14-in. mat with a 3½- by 5½-in. window)
Wall cube or shadow box with mounting hardware (our cube, 10 by 10 in. and 6 in. deep, is from Target; $13) Ruler
Box cutter or utility knife
Sturdy cardboard (optional; our piece was 11 by 17 in.)
Colored paper or fabric (optional)
Glue stick (if using paper or fabric)
Transparent tape
Drill
Level
Screwdriver
Floral pin frog
Saucer deep enough to hold frog
Turkey baster for watering

The Live Book by Soo-Yeon Yang

2011-03-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Designer Soo-Yeon Yang has come up with a cool way to make your library come alive! The Live Book has a removable vase with a simple drainage system that actually opens up into a real book. I think with a little creativity we could try this at home!

Diy Photo Cubes

2011-03-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

Black-and-white images of nature form photo cubes, which can also be used as bookends.
Plain wooden cubes are available at crafts stores, as is the soft-gel transfer medium needed for this project. Bear in mind that the blocks require a fair amount of drying time as each transferred photograph sets.

Tools and Materials

Laser printer
4- or 6-inch wooden cube
Scissors
Small craft brush
Acrylic craft paint in white
Small glass bowl
Soft-gel transfer medium
Freezer paper
1-inch foam brush
Spatula or burnisher
Paper towel

Photo Cubes How-To
1. On a computer, resize six photographs to the size of the cube, and convert each to black and white. (The image will be reversed when printed on the cube, so choose or adjust accordingly.) Maximize the contrast and adjust the brightness to make the black in the pictures as strong and sharp as possible. Print them onto regular printer paper, and trim to fit the sides of the cube.

2. Using the small craft brush and the acrylic paint, paint the cube. Let dry.

3. Fill the small glass bowl with transfer gel. Lay one image faceup on a sheet of freezer paper. Using the foam brush, apply a smooth, even layer of transfer gel; avoid letting ridges and bubbles form. Repeat, applying gel to each of the six images. Let dry (about 1 hour).

4. Using the foam brush, apply gel to one side of the cube. Lay one picture facedown on that side. (The white side of the paper should face you.) Press the spatula or burnisher across the paper, applying light pressure to squeeze out excess gel and to make sure paper is flush with edges. Let dry 1 hour.

5. Repeat step 4 on remaining sides, working on opposite sides as you go.

6. Dampen a paper towel in cool water. Applying a bit of pressure and working in a circular motion, use the paper towel to rub off the paper. (Rewet paper towel as needed.) The transferred images will remain as the paper comes off.

Paper heart garland

2011-02-12T23:58:00.000-08:00

A simple DIY Valentine's Day paper project: hearts on a string.

Cut colored paper into 3/4" strips. Fold them in half, or if you want some hearts that are twice as big, splice two strips of paper together at the bottom of each heart with double stick tape. Curl the loose ends around a chopstick or pen.

String the heart garland together from the bottom up. Push your threaded needle up through the bottom fold of each heart, then use double stick tape to sandwich the thread between the two halves of the curled tops.

Valentine's Day flowers and decorating ideas!

2011-02-12T23:34:00.000-08:00

If you're ever in a creative slump, Martha Stewart always comes up with the BEST "DIY" (Do It Yourself) ideas for entertaining and decorating! Here are some great tips from Martha's web site.

This is not from Martha Stewart, but you will love the sweet little setting for two! How cute!
image via http://www.icedevents.blogspot.com/

Conversation Piece 1. Tulips, 2. The light pinks, yellows and oranges are a switch up from the traditional red, and 3. Candy heart base that delivers sweet messages! So adorable!

A floating heart is a simple and pretty centerpiece!

Great idea if you're throwing a dinner party! Each person/couple can take home one of the smaller arrangements that make up the beautiful heart centerpiece!

Flowers with a bit of spice! I love how she used the spicy cinnamon candies lining the vase!

Gorgeous and vibrant arrangement!

Handmade Heart Doilies will dress up any table!

Put sweet sayings in these adorable, handmade felt fortune cookies! Make them for your hunny, or they make a fun and unique Valentine to give your friends or co-workers!

Fun and pretty, these translucent Crayon Hearts are made from wax paper and crayons!

Surprise your Valentine with Bonbon-Filled Hearts by hanging them on a doorknob or near the computer! Great for a Valentine party favor too!

DIY papercraft for Valentine's day

2011-02-12T23:29:00.000-08:00

Looking for suitable papercraft for Valentine's day?
Free template : yes (3 pages)
Instruction included : yes (3 pages)
Additional information : To get the template is easy. When you visit the site, there are 2 type of templates available. For A4 and letter size paper. Templates and patterns are in separate files.

Download

DIY Paper Toy

2011-02-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, download the Flower Pinwheel pattern here.

How to make easy modern silhouette art

2011-02-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

If you like nature-themed modern art panels, here is is an inexpensive do-it-yourself project that will fill up those empty photo frames you've had sitting around and add a touch of the outdoors to any urban setting.

The best part is that it requires no drawing talent - actually no talent at all. If you could handle coloring books in kindergarten, you can do this project.

Equipment require:

Picture frames
Flashlight
Posterboard (1 to 4 pieces, depending on the size of your frames)
Marker
Tree branch (real or artifical)

Cut the posterboard to fit your frames. Then suspend a tree branch above your posterboard. Have a friend hold a flashlight above the branches so that a shadow is cast on your posterboard. (If you are friendless, you can tie the flashlight to a piece of string and hang it between two chairs.) Trace the outline of the branches with a pencil.

Go over shadow with markerDarken your tracing with marker. Use black or colored markers, depending on your preference. Leave the outline unfilled or color in the branches.

Hang your artwork.Hang your art.

DIY Tutorial: Eco-Chic Bouquet Alternative

2011-02-06T22:31:00.000-08:00

This fabulous new DIY Tutorial comes from the ultra-creative Jesi of Jesi Haack Weddings and features clever “paper bag flowers” crafted from brown Trader Joe’s grocery bags..

1. Start off with a grocery bag.

2. Draw a circle (the larger the circle, the leafier the flower) and slowly taper it in to the center like a spiral keeping the lines about 1/2 inch away from each other..

3. Take your scissors and begin cutting along the line you just drew, furthest away from the center..

4. Continue cutting, following on the drawn line until you reach the center of your spiral..

5. Snip off the end of your spiral at the point that it begins to turn back into the bag.

6. Beginning at the end of the spiral, start to roll up the paper until you reach the center of your spiral..

7. When you are finished rolling it, it should look like a tightly rolled up piece of paper..

8. Place the rolled up paper in the palm of your hand and let it fall loosely apart. You may have to gently “help” it by turning the center of the flower to open it up a bit more..

9. For the stem, I chose a green pipe cleaner, but you could use your imagination and come up with something different or funky depending on your project. Flip the flower upside down, and tape the pipe cleaner to the base of the flower..

10. And here is the finished product….

11. Add a few paper flowers and it becomes a unique bouquet!.

12. And to step it up a notch, we added a few tulips and a hydrangea…DONE! =).

DIY: Paper Globes by Heather Bailey

2011-02-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun DIY party project? These gorgeous Paper Globes by Heather Bailey are great centerpiece ideas for spring & summer parties!

Pick your favorite scrapbook papers to tailor this idea to any color palette & occasion! Click here for the tutorial and to
download the pattern from Heather.

DIY: Crafty Spring Bouquet

2011-02-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

Adorable Spring Bouquet craft idea on the American Crafts blog!
P.S. The “flowers” would make super cute toppers/embellishments for party favors too!

Paper Photo Frames

2011-02-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

Liven up your family photographs with handmade photo frames. These simply-crafted paper frames not only enhance the charm of a photo, but also add to the beauty of your home decor.
For this paper craft, you’ll need:

•One 6″ X 6″ cardboard
•Wallpaper/giftpaper scraps
•Jumbo blossoms (Available in craft stores. Each packet contains 8 flowers of different shapes and colors, along with crystal brads.)
•White craft glue
•Scissors

Steps to follow:

1.Cut four 4″X4″ sqaures out of each of your wallpaper/gift paper scraps. You should have 16 squares total.
2.Make Â½” diameter rolls out of each square.
3.Glue the paper rolls on the cardboard. Eight vertically and eight horizontally, (as depicted in the image), leaving a small square gap in the middle.
4.Measure the empty square, and cut your favorite photo according to your measurements.
5.For the finishing touch, pick the jumbo blossom of your choice and affix it with a crystal brad in the lower corner of your frame.
Happy Crafting!

DIY Throw Pillows

2011-02-06T21:50:00.000-08:00

Decorative Throw Pocket pillows are as handy as they are comfy: A clever catchall keeps books and glasses within reading reach.

Skill level: Beginner

Materials: Pillow forms in desired sizes; tape measure; chalk marking pencil; knit or crochet sweaters; scissors; sewing machine; matching thread; pins; hand sewing needle.

Directions for DIY craft project:
1. Measure pillow form and add 1 inch to each measurement.

2. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of sweater material to these measurements for pillow front and back.

3. Optional: Make a pocket by measuring desired size of pocket; add 1 inch to each measurement. Cut contrasting piece of sweater material to these measurements.

4. Sew zigzag stitches close to cut edges of all pieces.

5. Turn under 1/2 inch on each edge of pocket; straight-stitch close to edges to hem pocket.

6. Pin pocket to pillow front; stitch close to sides and lower edge.

7. Pin pillowcase front to back, with right sides facing and raw edges even; stitch edges in 1/2-inch seams, leaving an 8-inch opening along one edge. Turn right side out.

8. Insert pillow form into cover; slip-stitch opening closed.

Decorating Ideas

2011-01-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

Make Spring-Inspired Home Decor from Stash Supplies

Design by Cathy Blackstone

Decoupaged office-style papers create a neutral background for Cathy's springtime canvas. She pulled paper scraps from her stash for the flower stems and used leftover gems as flower centers.

Create Wall Art from Patterned Paper and Scrapbooking Supplies

Design by Cindy Tobey

Cindy crafted a collage-style home decor item from a collection of heart shapes in her scrapbooking stash. Starting with a 9x12" sheet of plain chipboard, she added blocks of patterned paper and embellished each square of the wall art design.

Create a Baby Home Decor Accent from Chipboard

Design by Leah Fung

For this fun mobile, Leah turned to large chipboard shapes. After adhering papers to both sides of the shapes, she machine-stitched around the edges. She punched holes at the top of each shape and attached rickrack for hanging. Small bows complete the look.

Combine Scrapbooking Supplies and Picture Frames for One-Of-A-Kind Wall Art

Design by Miley Johnson

To make a personalized home decor accent, Miley adhered a couple of picture frames to a mat board covered in patterned paper. She treated the wall hanging like a large scrapbook page, embellishing with large flowers, brads, and bits of fabric and paper. Wood letters painted to match her color scheme finish the design.

DIY Artwork

2011-01-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

Canned Art
Don't throw out cans once you've finished their contents -- instead, decorate with them. The shiny metal and ribbed pattern give these wall-mount vases a modern industrial look. Drill holes in the sides of the cans and join them together with bolts. Add a few holes in the top backs for hanging. Use these recycled cans as vases or over a desk for office supplies.

Pretty Paper
Frame scrapbooking paper, available in an array of trendy colors and patterns, for easy and inexpensive artwork. Choose papers that suit your room's color scheme and place them in matching frames for a cohesive display.

Changing Display
Black-and-white papers in exciting patterns are mounted on a narrow magnetic board or bulletin board for an inexpensive and unstudied work of art.

Six Up
Small items such as postcards or book illustrations gain instant impact when surrounded with an extra-wide white mat and framed in a contrasting color.

New Uses for Old Things

2010-12-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

Cookie Cutters as Ornaments
When you just can’t bake another batch of holiday cookies, turn the tin cutters―angels, bells, stars―into sun catchers or tree ornaments. Mix shapes and sizes, string them with various lengths and colors of ribbon, and tack the ribbons to the window casing.

Cupcake Liners as Light Embellishments
For a string of minilights that takes the (cup)cake, poke the pointy bulbs through foil cupcake liners. Use them for the tree or around your little girl’s bedroom mirror to make her feel like a holiday star.

Paper Shredder as Confetti Maker
Feed colorful gift-wrapping tissue through your shredder to produce instant Easter-basket grass.

Farfalle as a Gift Bow
All out of premade bows? Tie up wrapped gift boxes with cooking twine and farfalle pasta.

5-Minute Holiday Decorating Ideas

2010-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

Posts of Christmas Past
For a mantel with extra flair, collect family holiday cards from previous years and clothespin them to a long, slim
stick suspended between two vases. Put them in chronological order and, if you want, date the pins.

Hang a Wreath
Try a painted magnolia-leaf wreath this year―and every year.

Lend a Hand
Pin mittens―either stray ones or pairs your kids have outgrown―to lengths of yarn and display them along a mantel or a bookshelf. You can also hang kids’ striped wool socks or knit caps.

Darling Clementines
Take several lengths of heavy-gauge wire, knot one end of each, and string through a clementine and a jingle bell (yes, your hands may get a bit sticky). Twist all the wires into a cluster and secure with a large bow. Hang on a newel post or your front door.

Star Power
Even a homemade ornament can pack a decorative punch. Gather a few small sticks from the backyard and trim the ends with sharp scissors. Arrange them into a star shape and tie together with jute or twine.

House Beautiful

2010-12-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

There are some lovely rooms to be inspired by over at House Beautiful.

Crafty Centerpiece and Tabletop Ideas

2010-12-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Bands of scrapbooking paper and strings of bells add interest to these store-bought vases. Cut a strip of scrapbooking paper long enough to wrap around your vase and slightly shorter than the height. String bells, buttons, beads, or other embellishments onto embroidery floss, wrap several times around the vase, and tie it to hold the scrapbooking paper in place. Fill the vase with fresh flowers of the season. Line up multiples down the center of your table, or place one at each place setting.

Painted Flower Place Mat
This striated pink place mat is tightly woven so it accepts paint easily. To create the confetti pattern on the flower center and napkin, simply dab paint with the tip of a brush.

Pink Rose Centerpiece
This centerpiece is as elegant as it is simple. Wrap a length of ribbon around the vase and cut to fit. Place double-sided tape on one side of the ribbon to secure it.

Fabric Napkin Holders To make a personalized napkin ring, cut two 4x2-1/2-inch fabric strips; fold and press all edges under 1/4 inch. Place the pieces together wrong sides facing and sandwiching a same-size sheet of fusible web between them. Press with a hot iron. Top stitch 1/8 inch from edge on both edges. Glue rickrack to the back of the strip. Attach a keychain ring to the rickrack. Write a name on a metal-rim tag and attach it to a second keychain ring that is secured to the ring on the fabric strip. Tie the strip around the napkin with string or ribbon.

Sunny Tablecloth
For a simple tablecloth, simply fold raw yardage of blue ticking and drape it over your table. At each end of the table, gather the cloth, tie it with twine, and tuck a sunflower into the knot.

Floating Candles Centerpiece
Any watertight container can be used as a vase. Combine a few floating candles with fresh-snipped blossoms for a centerpiece that's delightful for evening entertaining. For a special touch, add hollow glass spheres to reflect the glimmering candlelight.

Painted Leaf Place Mat
Kiwi, cream, and tangerine set this exotic table. Use painter's tape to evenly space the napkin stripes. Leave the tape in place while you paint to get crisp edges; peel back each strip a bit as you paint if you want a freehand finish.

Gerbera Daisy Place Card
Fill buckets with fresh-cut flowers, or use silk flowers for a gift that will last. Cut a tag from card stock, pink one edge with pinking shears, and tie onto the bucket handle with ribbon or twine.

Decorations for a New Year's Eve Feast

2010-12-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

For a fresh start to the new year, deck your dining table in shades of blue, white and silver. Don’t worry about everything matching exactly — mix up any of your blue or sparkly things to reinforce the theme.

Silver wrapping paper makes a festive runner; just unroll it down the full length of the table so it hangs over each end and tape both ends of the paper to the underside of the table.

Get some extra use out of your Christmas ornaments before packing them away — fill a low-slung glass bowl with blue and silver balls piled high for a dramatic centerpiece.

Transform humble tin cans into decorative votive holders for the dining table. Simply rinse out a few same-size cans, peel off the labels and poke a star pattern into them with a paper piercer.
Or put a small juice glass or glass jar inside a star-patterned can to make a small-scale vase.

These napkin rings are a fabulously quick, easy way to glam up your place settings. Bend metallic pipe cleaners into the shapes of the year and tie them to a short length of silver-colored curling ribbon to form the napkin ring.

For a finishing touch of sparkle, we added a glittery star embellishment from a craft store.

Create a fun place card with a name-tag party cracker. You can pick up the poppers at a party supply shop and stick on name tags, or make your own using empty toilet-paper or paper-towel rolls, colorful tissue paper and curling ribbon.

We filled our homemade poppers with Hershey's Kisses — which doubled as an after-dinner treat and another hit of silver party decor!

Gifts From the Sea

2010-12-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

Create a shore-inspired centerpiece with this ultra-easy "hurricane vase."

Fill a large, wide-mouthed vase 1/3 of the way with dry sand. Next, arrange shells — don't be afraid to overlap, for a natural look. Use treasures you've gathered on trips to the shore, or simply pick up a bag of assorted shells at a craft store. Place the vase in the center of a table or a shelf, then arrange a few stray shells around its base for a beachy tableau.

Shiny shells brighten a basic lamp shade.

You need a plain, medium-size lamp shade and a number of capiz shells. (It took 40 large shells to cover a 15-inch shade.) Coat the tops of the shells with a thin layer of gold-leaf paint and let them dry. With your hot-glue gun, dot a nickel-size dab of glue in the center of each shell, then stick them on the shade, one at a time, arranging them in columns. When the glue is hard, cut two lengths of gold trim, one to fit around the top edge of the shade and the other for the bottom edge. Dot hot glue every few inches around the top and bottom edges of the shade, then carefully arrange the trim. When the glue is dry, let your lamp shade liven up a tired base or hang it, as we did, with a simple kit.

Frame your favorite beach-combing finds in these sleek shadow boxes.

Select three striking, similarly sized shells that you'd like to display. Cut three 6-inch squares out of colored matte board, then attach the back of one shell to each of the squares using mounting tape. Place each board in the center of a 12" x 12" shadow box, then secure each square by placing straight pins in every corner. Arrange the shadow boxes on your wall in a column or a row to enjoy the beach all year long!

Make Bags from Envelopes and Pretty Tape

2010-11-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

This project is like the envelope gift bag tutorial from awhile back, but approximately 200% cuter due to fancy tape. These little gift sacks could be used as party favors filled with candy or as packaging for wee presents.

You'll need an envelope, decorative tape, and a scissors. I used 4 3/8" x 5 3/4" envelopes, but any size will work.

Seal the envelope and trim off one of the short sides to make an opening.

Wrap tape around both sides of the envelope. No need to cover the last inch, since it will form the bottom of the bag.

Fold about one inch of each side of the bag toward the middle; then fold the bottom upwards, creasing your folds well. You can vary the width of these flaps depending on the proportion of the bag you want. Flip the bag over and reverse the folds along the same lines for easier shaping in the next step.

Put one hand inside the bag, and with the other, push the bottom fold down. This will leave the bottom corners of the bag standing up. Press each corner into a triangle.

Fold both triangles down and secure them with more tape, covering the bottom of the bag.

Interior Styling Inspiation

2010-11-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

See any ideas for your home?

Fresh Ideas

2010-11-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here is another wreath idea, this time it’s a bit more crafty. These lovely poinsettia blooms crafted out of felt are part of a kit that you can make yourself — then place them in a frame (with no glass).

Very fun and somewhat easy to DIY.

DIY: Paper flower centerpieces

2010-11-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

You will need some tin pails Styrofoam balls that fit the buckets, scissors, a big knife, tape runner, ribbon, some sticky jewels, and of course some paper flowers…

Next measure out how much ribbon you will need. I put mine around the bottom of the pail.

Make sure you cut it just a little longer so you can overlap the edges.
Use a tape runner to make one side of the ribbon sticky.
Then carefully stick it down around the pail.

Now the bucket is all ready to go!
Next comes the most dangerous job. Carefully cut your Styrofoam ball in half. You could use the whole ball if you are afraid to cut it in half… but its a lot cheaper if you use half. Choose wisely.
Pop one half in the bucket and save the other half for your next centerpiece.

Then get out your bucket of flowers that you made. This bucket here made about 2 3/4 centerpieces.
Start by putting the first flower in the top center of the ball.

Keep placing flowers around the first one until you reach the bottom.

DIY: Paper Flowers

2010-11-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

Step 1: cut out a template 5"x3.5" and cut 6-8 sheets of tissue paper.

Step 2: with the sheets aligned start from one

of the 3.5" sides and fold the edge up about a

half inch.

Step 3: flip the paper over and fold again... continue accordion folding until you reach the end.

Step 4: cut a piece of soft florist wire and fold it in half like a bobby pin.

Step 5: slip the wire over the center of the folded tissue paper.

Step 6: twist the wire to secure it in place.
Step 7: cut the edges off each end to create a point.

Step 8: splay out the accordion fold.

Step 9: holding it by the wire stem start to seperate the individual sheets of tissue paper and pull them up and towards the center.

Step 10: continue pulling up each sheet alternating sides after you pull up the last sheets you can fluff the layers down until you acheive the desired fullness.

DIY Tabletop Terrariums

2010-11-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

Bought glass containers, palm & cactus mix, decorative rocks, and a lot of succulents and cactuses. All these items could be bought in the nearest large DIY retailer like Home Depot. The process of making filling in each glass container isn’t hard. It’s quite similar to usual process of planting cactuses and succulents in pots.

Create a Paper Wrapped Vase

2010-11-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

Wrapped paper vases are chic, simple and more importantly - entirely inexpensive to make. Check out the tutorial below, courtesy of the fine folk at Natural Home:

1. Measure and cut handmade paper (available at specialty paper and craft stores or online) to the right height for your tall, straight-sided glass with a craft blade or scissors. You can leave the top edge irregular or cut it straight.

2. Thoroughly paint the back of the paper with white glue or Mod Podge, a nontoxic acrylic découpage medium sold at craft stores. Be sure the adhesive goes all the way to the edge.

3. Smooth the paper around the glass vase. Press firmly as you go to remove air bubbles. Let dry before using.

Happy crafting!

A DIY Centerpiece

2010-11-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a sweet grassy centerpiece from 1-800-Flowers.

Materials:
(3) Faux flowers of your choice
(1) Wooden box
(1) Row of faux wheat grass (onion grass works well also!)

(1) Set of floral foam bricks
(1) Scissors

1. Place floral foam into the wooden box or tray of your choice. Be sure to cut to size for a snug fit.
2. Arrange faux wheatgrass to cover every inch of the floral foam. At this point, you can also slide decorative paper into the side of the box to avoid any floral foam from peeking out.
3. Cut your faux floral stems to desired size and

arrange accordingly.

Decorating Craft: Mirror Makeover

2010-11-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

MATERIALS:
Assorted dry twigs or driftwood; garden snips; green spray paint; hot-glue gun; flea-market mirror.

DIRECTIONS:

1} Cut twigs or driftwood into 3- to 5-inch pieces, depending upon size of mirror.

2} Place wood on newspaper; apply several light coats of paint, letting them dry and turning them over after each coat.

3} Glue twigs to mirror, starting about 2 inches from outer edge (if mirror has frame, be sure to cover frame); apply twigs in overlapping layers as you work toward outer edge. Let dry.

Interior Decoration in Shades of Citrus

2010-11-22T06:44:00.000-08:00

If we want to create a dynamic and fresh, we may have to dip into citrus hues. Combine it with other colors in an integrated decoration, or simply renew only some details, is a simple task.

What are the citrus tones
Bright yellow, intense orange, lime green, pink and pastel shades of the same to accompany the set. These colors give life to the environment where they are used and combined well with neutral tones.

One of his best companions is white, but in combination with gray, wood and earth tones is also usual to find them. To bring greater dynamism and brilliance to the environment is recommended good natural light, so in this case the target is essential to achieve a light.

One of the properties of these colors, as mentioned in another entry, favoring communication and lively dialogue between the occupants of the environment. As might be perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, lounges or common areas.

Fall Decor Crafts

2010-11-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

With a leaf template, you can turn an old book into a whimsical autumn wreath.

Fill horns of plenty with autumnal flora for exuberant door decorations.

Celebrate fall's abundance of almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, and walnuts with this festive decoration. Use any hard-shelled nuts, including acorns you gather from your own backyard.

Dress up your front door for fall with a beautiful wreath filled with leaves.

These luminarias are perfect for lighting the way to your front porch, on Halloween or for any fall party.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Autumn Luminarias - Martha Stewart Crafts

Creative Card-Making Ideas

2010-11-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Add a touch of realism to a card with pressed. Make sure your flowers have lost all their moisture before using them in a project or they may turn brown. To attach the flowers use dry adhesive dots.

Create an encouraging card with phrase stickers placed in a grid. Top it off with a simple flower detail.

Use see-though pocket embellishments to leave your personal touch on a card. Cut a plastic slide holder into pieces attach the strips to the card. Then fill the pockets with special items such as punched hearts and stickers.

Find inspiration from bold patterns such as we did with a woven pillow. Mimic this pattern on a card by cutting a rectangle of card stock. Then tape down the horizontal ribbon and thread the vertical ribbon through. Use different widths and patterns to create a unique look.

Use Dingbats font on your computer to create an inexpensive card. For a special touch add personalized metal rim tags by printing the icon on plain paper then adhere to the tag.

Use the pattern on the paper as a guide to create a beautiful hand-stitched look.

Beach Inspired Creations

2010-11-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

A wonderful cast iron Starfish and Seahorse found at a local flea market in NC, then painted to give them a rustic chic look...

A beautiful one of a kind white Seashell Pomander made after spending hours walking the beach, picking up small white seashells.

Gorgeous Vintage shell Bottles, edget with gold, and the neck is trimmed with dark brown velvet ribbon.

3 Stylish and Simple Ways to Dress Up Your Walls

2010-11-12T05:20:00.000-08:00

Stylish. Inexpensive. There's lots to love about these incredibly light molded tiles made from recycled paper.

Let you designs speak for themselves with personalized phrases that fit anywhere. Choose your words, then select the size, the color, and the font to match your style and surface space.

As a chair rail, these dandy dots help protect the wall from scuffs/ or hide ones already there/ in heavy-traffic areas.

Pom-Pom Party

2010-11-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun adition to your reception or ceremony decor? Check out these pom-poms made made from vibrantly coloured tissue paper.

Pom-pom ideas to consider:

1. Hung from the ceiling /reception hall or a tent outdoors/

2. Strung together to form a colourful garland /smaller sizes/

3. Hung from ribbon to decorate wedding seating during the ceremony or reception /smaller sizes/

Tissue Paper Pom-Poms How-To

2010-11-12T03:29:00.001-08:00

These dahlialike pom-poms appear to float in the air; in reality, they are hung from the ceiling with monofilament, imparting a cheerful radiance to any party.
You can also buy a Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Kit from Martha Stewart Crafts.
Tools and materials:
Tissue paper in desired colours /8 sheets per pom-pom/,
24-gauge white cloth-covered floral wire,
Scissors,
Monofilament

Step 1
Stuck eight 20-by-30 inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inch-wide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.

Step2
Fold an 18-inch peace of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.

Step3
Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.

Step 4
Bend wire into a loop to fit around napkin,
and twist end around loop to secure.

Easy Home Decor Crafts

2010-11-11T23:21:00.000-08:00

Fabric Wall Art

Make a triple trio of fabric-covered wall plaques to add spice and splash to a special place in your home. Designer Tari Colby wrapped three fabrics over artist's canvas squares and secured the fabric using a staple gun to make this quick, easy and inexpensive textile display.

Although Tari used 6x6-inch prestretched canvases as the foundation for this project, you can use any size for your wall art. Cut fabric 1-1/2 inches larger than your canvas on all sides.

Wrap excess fabric to the back of the canvas frame, pulling it taut and smooth. Staple to the frame beginning at the center of each side and moving to the corners. Miter the corners and secure with staples.

For a finish that's impervious to dust and moisture, Tari recommends brushing two coats of decoupage medium onto the fabric surface.

Painted Pillows

Painting on fabric for pillow is easy: Draw a design in chalk, then fill in shapes with fabric paint /or acrylic paint mixed with fabric painting medium/ using a slyghtly dry brush and quick stokes to allow the canvas to show through. Painting a different design on each side makes the pillows conveniently reversible.

Rub it on Wall Art

Run-ons applied to glass quickly update basic picture frames. Pair the designs with framed pieces of pretty patterned paper for a low-cost gallery.

Holiday Season Sweets Jar

Make a quick, inexpensive craft that's perfect for the holiday season. Place bagged cocoa in the middle of a clear jar with lid and fill the sides with peppermints and marshmallows. Finish with a simple bow and tag for a pretty and tasty gift.

Gussy Up a Bucket

Accent the special feature of a store-bought vase, such as the leather band on this bucket, with three-dimensional silver dot stickers. Apply the stickers in a pattern that replicates the look of upholstery tacks.

Easy Photo Decor

2010-11-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

Create a Picture Frame from Scrapbooking Leftovers

Design by Dana Smith

Dana used scraps from crafts projects to make this unique pictire frame. She stitched squares of patterned paper together, slipped tiny photos into small metal frames, and bordered it all with painted metal strips.

Brighten a Desk with personalized Photo Projects

Design by Tracy Kyle

Tracy added style to her desk with a funky magazine file, frame and pencil cup collection adorned with vibrant accents and family photos.

Use Vintage Theme to Decorate

Design by Erika Ghumm

Erika wired metal frames together, attaching short pieces of vintage rulers between the links and adding a chandelier drop at the bottom.

Mount Photos on a Decorative Cube

To up her decor space by six, Keisha used a cube instead of a solitary frame. For a polished look, she painted the cube, then added machine- stitched patterned paper pieces.

Make a Baby Mobile from Scrapbooking Supplies

Design by Leah Fung

For this fun-to gaze-at mobile, turn to large clipboard shapes. Leah adhered papers and photos
to both sides of the shape, then machine-stitched around the edges. She punched holes in the top of each shape and hung the shapes from a large butterfly with rickrack.