Christmas Wrappings 2017

I know Christmas seems like a long time ago now, but I still wanted to get my 2017 Christmas wrappings up on the blog.  I love wrapping presents and try to go with a different theme every year.  This year I added navy to the mix.  I've never considered navy for the holidays before, but I really love how the navy pairs with red and green.

I only bought one new roll of paper this year - the pretty navy blue pattern in the photo below.  It is a Tommy Bahama brand wrapping paper that I found at Homegoods.  It almost has a vintage feel to it.  Everything else I used was from my stash....I'm a bit of a wrapping paper and supply hoarder.

Here's a photo I posted to Instagram:

I love using initials as gift tags.  I buy wood or chipboard initials and then cut a patterned piece of paper to fit and glue on.  I think it's fun to use instead of a traditional gift tag.

I love initial stickers too - just slap one on a tag and you are good to go!

I also like to buy floral picks at the craft store.  They are inexpensive and really add so much to your packages.  Just tie a pretty bow, and slide in one of the floral picks - easy and beautiful! 

And just so I don't forget it, here is my 2017 Christmas Tree...

4th of July Lanterns - DIY

I recently saw these easy patriotic lanterns on the Michael's website and knew I had to try them - I wasn't about to turn down a craft so prominently displaying the American Flag! 

4th of July Lanterns - Supplies:

- Small American flags (close to 4"x 6"in size)

- Smooth sided mason jars

- Decoupage medium

- Small foam brush

- Twine

- Sand

- Candles

1.  Carefully remove flags from sticks, taking care not to rip the fabric while removing the staples.

2.  Using foam brush, apply decoupage medium to the back side of the flag and apply to a jar.

3. Apply additional decoupage medium to the front of the flag and let dry.

4.  Wrap twine around mouth of jar several times and tie to secure.

5.  Place a small amount of sand in the bottom of each jar and place candle on top.  Light candle and enjoy the glow from your patriotic lantern!

It took me all of ten minutes to make these!  And the best part about 4th of July decorations?  They are also perfect for Memorial and Labor Day!  

Have a wonderful Holiday weekend!

Tissue Paper Flower Tutorial

A while back I posted a similar tutorial, but it's such an easy way to wrap a present, I thought it was worth posting another one.  Not to mention, it's wedding shower season.  Have you noticed?  Top your present with a flower like this - the bride will love it!

Tissue Paper Flower Supplies:

- (5) sheets tissue paper, cut to 7" x 12"

- 1 piece floral wire, 12" long

1. Cut your tissue paper to size and place short side in front of you.

2.  Fold accordion style in 1" folds until your tissue paper looks like this:

3.  Cut ends of tissue paper into half circles, like I did in photo below, or cut into points for a different effect.

 

4. Fold floral wire in half and place in the middle of tissue paper.  Twist ends to secure.

5.  Carefully pull up the first layer of tissue paper.

6.  Continue pulling each layer up toward the top until all layers of tissue are separated and flower is formed.

7.  Now, to wrap the present.  I've mentioned it lots of times before on the blog - my favorite way to wrap presents is with simple Kraft paper.  I just love the natural look of it and it makes a great background for almost any color of ribbon or bow.

8.  Attach flower to ribbon and your package is ready.

Make a few flowers at once to keep on hand and the next time you need to wrap a present, you will be ready!

Valentine's Day Ideas

Can you believe it's February?  I can't.  January just flew by.  I thought I would share a few Valentine's Day idea's.

I made this wreath last year.  It took me a looong time but it was a fun project and I really like the end result.

{ Click right here for the original post and how-to }

This paper heart project is easy and fun.

I also made cards using the same technique.

{ See the original post and instructions right here }





A neck pillow would be a great Valentine's day gift for your mom, sister, or friends.


They are really easy to sew and make the perfect beginner project!


{ click here to see the original post and instructions }







If all else fails, just make your Valentine a batch of these Reese's Chewy Chocolate Cookies.  Trust me - they will be happy you did!


{ For the recipe click right here }

Paper Craft: Home is Where the Heart Is

I made this easy project for my sister for her birthday.  Even though she lives in Chicago, she is definitely a Michigan girl at heart!

First, I used Google to search for a Michigan image.  I searched for "Michigan map outline" and then clicked on 'images" and had lots of options to choose from.  After I found an image I liked, I printed out a few different sizes until I found one that worked.  Once I had the right size, I printed out the image on card stock.

Then, I cut out the image, careful to cut out all of the black lines..

I used tape adhesive to attach my image to a piece of card stock.



Then I cut out a heart and attached.

I made this little banner on my computer:



I attached the banner to the mat and framed it up.  Pretty easy project, right?

My sister loved it.  In fact, it may have even brought a tear to her eye.

In completely unrelated news, I have one week at my new job under my belt!  So far, it's really been great.  Here is a portion of our interiors library:

I hope you are having a great week!