My Hobbies, My Leisure Activity, My Pastime

Bakul Kertas Part 2

2009-05-21T15:27:00.001+08:00

Bakul Kertas

2009-05-20T15:01:00.013+08:00

Langkah 1:
Sediakan bahan dan alat:
-Buku / Majalah lama
-Gunting
-Gam
-Lidi
-Mounting board
-Syelek
-Berus

Langkah 2:
Gunting mounting board berbentuk bulat mengikut saiz yang anda inginkan.

Langkah 3:
Gunting kertas dari majalah atau buku lama dengan lebar 3cm.

Kepingan kertas yang siap digunting

Langkah4:
Gulung kepingan kertas bermula dari hujung lidi.

Bentuk lidi kertas yang siap

Langkah 5:
Silangkan lidi kertas (sapu gam untuk mudahkan anyaman seterusnya).
Bilangan lidi adalah bergantung kepada anda.Semakin banyak lidi yang anda
gunakan, anyaman semakin rapat dan cantik.

Langkah 6:
Letak kepingan mounting board sebagai tapak

Pandangan bahagian bawah bakul kertas dengan binaan 3 batang lidi kertas.

Langkah 7:
Anyaman peringkat awal/pangkal bakul

Langkah 8:
Peringkat akhir anyaman bakul kertas

Bakul kertas yang sudah siap

Langkah 9:
Bakul kertas yang telah siap disapu syelek supaya kelihatan lebih menarik dan tahan lebih lama.

Bakul yang telah siap boleh dipelbagai gunakan

Cornhusk Flowers

2008-12-11T17:40:00.025+08:00

In November, the blossoms of summertime are little more than a distant memory. But you can bring some of their delicate beauty to your fall decorating by fashioning flowers from the husks of dried Indian corn -- a farm-stand staple at this time of year. Inspired by the early American craft tradition of making dolls from cornhusks, our cornhusk flowers -- mimicking cosmos, daisies, and sunflowers -- are both elegant and simple to create.

Total Steps: 8

Tools and Materials
For Cosmos and Daisies:
Printable template
Card stock (for templates)
Dried cornhusks (available at crafts stores and Mexican food shops)
Paper towels
Scissors
Pinking shears
Wire, 18- and 32-gauge
Dried corn kernels
Butter knife
Clear varnish
White glue
Tweezers
Brown floral tape

For Sunflowers:
Printable template
Card stock (for base and templates)
Dried corn kernels
Hot-glue gun
Tweezers
Cornhusks
Scissors
Wire, 18-gauge
Wooden dowel, 1/4-inch diameter
White floral tape

Prepare Cornhusks

Step 1
For all flowers, soak cornhusks in water for 2 to 3 minutes; blot dry with paper towels. For petals and other shapes, copy template onto card stock. Cut out and place template on slightly damp husk, and then cut shapes. Using your fingers, cut and shape petals while they dry. To make pink husks, soak purple and off-white cornhusks together in a bowl of water overnight. Blot dry with towel papers before using.

For Cosmos and Daisies

Step 2
These delicate blossoms can be any colour and can have either fringed or corn-kernel centers. To make multiple petals, fold a still-damp cornhusk accordian-style, place petal template on top, and cut out, making sure the grain runs vertically. Edge the top of each cosmos petal individually with pinking shears (see finished cosmos petals in step 4). Form stamen by rolling inner strip tightly, and wrap twice with end of wire; roll outer strip around that, and wrap wire again. Make a single center for cosmos, a double for daisies. Fasten with 3-foot length of 32-gauge wire. Attach petals to stamen, wrapping twice with wire each time.

Step 3
For corn-kernel flower centers, pry kernels from the cob with a butter knife. Seal kernels with clear varnish spray before using to discourage weevils. Make an unfringed stamen, folding center rectangular in half lengthwise (for daisies, use only inner center), rolling tightly, and fastening with wire. Using white glue, affix several kernels to center after attaching petals (a pair of tweezers is helpful for handling kernels). Insert a length of 18-gauge wire into base of stamen; trim to desired stem length, and finish by wrapping with floral tape.

Finished Cosmos and Daisies

Step 4
Place finished cosmos and daisies in a vase to create a seasonal arrangement.

For Sunflowers

Step 5
For each sunflower, cut a 4-inch square of heavy red or orange card stock. Use tweezers to pick up a kernel of corn, dab with hot glue, and attach to center of card stock. Repeat, arranging glued kernels in pattern indicated in photo. Continue to add rows of kernels until the flower center is desired size, between 2 and 3 inches across; cut out. Next, cut out 45 to 50 petals in desired size (use small petal-template for 2-inch center; use large petal for 3-inch center), using accordian-fold technique. Hot-glue the petals, one at a time, onto the back of the center disk, making 3 staggered rows so petals overlap.

Attaching The Stem

Step 6
Cut a 10-inch length of 18-gauge wire and bend in half, forming a 1-inch loop at top. Bend wire gently just below loop to make flower's neck. Attach the wire to the ned of a 1/4-inch-diameter wooden dowel, about 3 inches from the loop, and secure with white floral tape. Hot-glue the loop to back of flower disk. Cut out 15 to 20 calyx petals, using accordion-fold technique.

Step 7
Hot-glue calyx petals to back of disk, one at a time, in staggered rows, covering entire back from edge of flower to top of dowel. Trim dowel to desired stem length. Cut 1-inch-wide strips of cornhusk. Wrap stem with strips; Hot-glue one end to top of dowel, where calyx petals end, wrap, and hot-glue at other end. Repeat until stem is covered.

Finished Sunflowers

Step 8
Place finished sunflowers in a vase to create a seasonal arrangement.

Basket-Weave Candles

2008-12-10T17:14:00.008+08:00

Transform basic pillar candles with strips of beeswax and a simple under-and-over weave. Beeswax sheets come in a range of colors. We found that using natural shades of beeswax and a darker candle, such as pumpkin-colored ones, give a particularly pleasing result. We also experimented with strips of different widths and other weaves and found that the measurements below mimic a basket weave best.

What you'll need

Tools & Materials
- Cutting mat with a grid
- Candle
- Ruler
- Craft knife
- Beeswax sheets
- Hair dryer

Step 1
Working on a cutting mat with a grid and using a ruler and a craft knife, cut 1/2-inch-wide strips of beeswax that are 1/2 inch longer than the circumference of the candle and 1/4-inch-wide strips that are at least 1/2 inch taller than the height of the candle. (The number of strips needed will vary depending upon the height and circumference of the candle).

Step 2
Lay one 1/2-inch strip across the cutting mat, and use a hair dryer to soften the wax slightly. Line up the ends of all the 1/4-inch strips along the 1/2-inch strip, and placing them 1/2 inch apart and alternating them on top and underneath. Press gently to adhere the strips, using the hair dryer as needed to soften them so they stick.

Step 3
Weave in the remaining 1/2-inch strips, warning the strips on the mar before adding them and leaving a very small space between them. If a strip breaks, heat broken ends and press them together. When the woven sheet is large enough for a candle, trim the edges as needed to straighten.

Step 4
Run the hair dryer over the wax sheet, then lay the candle on top; bring up 1 side of the wax sheet and press edge to adhere it to the candle. Roll the candle, wrapping the wax sheet tightly and heating it as needed to meld the 2 layers and the overlapping seam.

I'm back

2008-12-09T17:10:00.000+08:00

I has been a few months since my last post. I'm not going to stop my blog yet bcoz' i really love doing crafts & my other activities.After getting married last october, i was quite bz with my routine as a worker & a wife. Apart of updating my other blog, i was bz adapting myself with my new life as a wife. There were a lot of things to take care of but i never forgot this blog. & i won't stop blogging here even though i've married & b4 this my main purpose of creating this blog was searching & collecting crafts for my wedding day.I won't quit bcoz' i realized that making crafts was very fun. I still have 3 brothers who's not married yet & is going to get married someday.Plus they kept on complementing the door gifts & 'gubahan' decorating i made during my wedding day.& they've booking a few of my creations for their coming big day.I will & i'll try to find other interesting crafts since i've a lot of times b4 their big day.

Cards In Bloom

2008-09-23T14:01:00.004+08:00

Paper flowers invite guests to their tables. The leaves show the name and table number in easy-to-read white ink (write information yourself using a gel pen or give finished leaves to a calligrapher). Making the blooms is quick work -- especially if you ask friends to help; the more you fold, the simpler it becomes. At the wedding, set them out on a table draped in linen.

Cards in Bloom How-To
1. Begin with a perfect 3-inch square (to make large numbers of them, use a paper cutter); use a bone folder to crease all folds.

2. Fold in half horizontally, then open paper and fold in half vertically. Open up the paper, and fold in half diagonally top to bottom; open up paper again, and fold diagonally side to side. This will result in a starburst pattern of folds.

3. Refold to create a large triangle with its center point facing you. The right side of the triangle, and bring the far-right point down to meet the bottom point, forming a diamond. Flip paper over, and repeat on the back side.

4. Turn the resulting diamond so that the folded point is at the bottom and the open point is at the top. Fold in the top layer of each side point to meet the center fold. Flip over, and repeat on the back.

5. Unfold one of the side points, and reverse the folds to tuck it inside. Repeat with the remaining three side points.

6. With the shape still folded, cut off the tips of the points at the open end of the blossom, cutting through all layers and making a curved edge.

7. Open the shape, and crease all the sides again; pinch blossom into shape.

8. For each leaf, cut out the leaf shape freehand from a 1 1/2-by-3-inch rectangle; crease down the center, curving the crease with your fingers to sculpt the center vein. Use craft glue or an adhesive dot to attach leaves and blossom.

Bows

2008-09-22T12:26:00.019+08:00

How to Tie a Bow.

A floral bow is one that has a variety of loop sizes. The larger loops are around the outside of the bow and the sizes gradually get smaller towards the center. They may have as few as four to eight loops or as many as twenty to thirty loops. The loops are spread apart to make the shape oval or round and tails are generally hanging below.

Making a Floral Bow

1. Pinch the ribbon and make a loop leaving the tail the desired length.

2. Continue making loops gradually increasing the size of the loops until the bow is full and you have enough ribbon left to make the other tail.

3. Secure the center of the bow with wire.

4. Fan out the loops.

5. Cut the tails at an angle or in points to finish off the bow.

Making Layered Bows

The layered bow is two (or more) separate bows, of various sizes, stacked on top of each other. They can be glued in place or held together by twisting all the wires together. Usually each bow is a different color, texture or pattern in addition to being a different size. The bottom bow or bows can be a floral or loopy type bow. The top bow should have a center loop to cover the wire, as done in the wreath bow.

1. Make a floral or loopy bow (see above). If layering more than two bows, make additional floral or loopy bows. Each one should be slightly smaller than the last.
2. Make a wreath bow, slightly smaller than the smallest floral or loopy bow.
3. Lay the smaller bow over the center of the larger bow and connect the wires by twisting them together under the larger bow.

How to make a Basic Bow

1. Using three yards ribbon measure about 7" for the first tail. Squeeze the ribbon together and hold it with your thumb and forefinger.

2. With the right side of the ribbon facing out make a loop on one side using 6-7" of ribbon. Pinch the ribbon together and hold it with your thumb and forefinger. as before.

3. Make a full twist of the ribbon so the right side is facing out and make a loop towards the other side.

4. The second and third sets of loops should be progressively smaller than the first set. Make a fourth set of loops still smaller than the first three. Be sure to fully twist each loop so that the right side of the ribbon is always facing out.

5. Twist the remaining ribbon around your thumb to make the center loop. Adjust the tail so the right side of the ribbon is facing out. INsert a piece of wire through the center and twist it tightly at the back of the bow.

6. Spread out the loops and cut the ends of the tails at sharp angles or inverted V's

Making a graduated loopy bow.

1.Make a loop leaving the tail the desired length.

2. Continue making loops gradually increasing the size of the loops until the bow is full and you have enough ribbon left over to make the remaining tail.

3. Secure the center of the bow with ribbon or floral wire.

4. Fan out the loops.

5. Cut the tails at an angle or in points to finish off the look of the bow.

Making a loopy bow

1. Make a loop leaving the tail the desired length.

2. Continue making loops keeping them uniform in size until the bow is full and you have enough ribbon left over to make the remaining tail.

3. Secure the center of the bow with floral or bow making wire

4. Fan out the loops

5. Cut the tails at an angle or in points to finish off the bow.

Puffy Bow

A great gift wrap bow or finishing touch to a corsage is the puffy bow. It is made by wrapping ribbon around your fingers. This gives you loops that are uniform in size. Start with five or six "wraps". To make your bow larger spread your fingers. To make it fuller add more loops.

The Puffy Bow

1. After completing the wraps of ribbon, fold the loops in half.

2. Cut a "V" into each side making sure you do not cut all the way through the center.

3. Tie the bow with a coordinating narrow ribbon in the center. You can also use a fine bow tying wire to hold the center.

4. Separate the loops one by one to the right and left from the inside out. Twist each loop towards you as you pull it from the center. Do one side at a time.

5. Trim the short ends at an angle.

Bedecked With Bows

2008-09-21T16:38:00.017+08:00

Bow How-Tos

Cut ribbon to desired length.

Classic
As shown on the ribbon swag. We started with a 24-inch length of wide ribbon. (For a different size, make bow on the ribbon spool before cutting.)

1. Create two loops, one on each side of the ribbon. Cross right loop over left.

2. Knot by passing right loop behind left, under, and up through (make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched).

3. Pull loops to create a small, smooth knot. Adjust loops, opening them up with your fingers; cut notches in tails.

Rosette
As shown on the napkin ring.We started with a 45-inch length of narrow ribbon.

1. Hold four fingers on one hand together, and wrap with ribbon, making certain it lies flat. The fullness of the bow will depend on how many times you wrap it around (we wrapped ours ten times; for larger bows, wrap ribbon around your whole hand). Slide the ribbon off your fingers, and pinch it together at the center. Cut a notch through all layers on each side. Tie a piece of string around the center of the ribbon, slipping it into the notches; pull string taut, and knot.

2. To form the rosette, spread loops outward, and twist, shaping them into a fluffy ball.

Figure-Eight
As shown on the wreath. For the wreath, we started with two 38-inch lengths of wire taffeta.

1. Make loops: Form a loop at one end of ribbon; glue in place.

2. Wind the rest of the ribbon back and forth, forming a figure eight with each layer and making each a little larger than the one before it, until you've created three stacked figure eights. Glue figure eights together at the points where the ribbon crosses. Let dry.

3. Knot the second length of ribbon around the loops at the center; rotate the knot so the smooth side is at the front. Slide 20-gauge wire through knot at back for hanging; trim ends.

Layered Loops
1. Make loops: Bend an 8-inch-long ribbon into a circle, attaching ends with fabric glue. Repeat to create two or three more circles, each ribbon 2 inches longer than the one before it. Pinch each ribbon together at center; put a tiny dab of glue there to secure. To create the topmost loop, wrap a piece of ribbon around your thumb, and glue ends together; if you would like to add tails, notch a length of ribbon at both ends. Stack loops, smallest to largest with tail underneath.

2. To connect loops and tail, wrap them with a short piece of ribbon: Slip it through the topmost loop and wrap around all of the layers; glue its ends together at bottom of bow. Let dry.

Medallion
As shown as ornaments. We started with 1 yard of wide grosgrain ribbon.

1. Make a series of accordion folds (our folds are 1 inch), holding the folds in place with your fingers as you work. Finish with both ends of the ribbon facing the same direction. Thread a needle and knot it, leaving a 1-inch tail. Pass the needle and thread through the layers, about 1/4 inch from the selvage edge.

2. Bring ends of thread together; knot, close to the ribbon. Cut off excess thread. Glue ends of ribbon together, covering the knot. Shift folds so they're evenly spaced.

3. Press the center of the bow to flatten, rotating the folds in one direction.

Sash
As shown on the wreath. To make the sash bow with the extra-long tails, we started with four pieces of satin ribbon: one 16 inches long, one 20 inches, one 24 inches, and one 4 yards (for the tails).

1. Make loops: For each of the three shortest ribbons, fold ends toward the center, overlapping them; secure with fabric glue. Stack loops. Lay the 4-yard piece across the center of the loops, and knot.

2. Rotate knot to back of bow. Trim ends of tails at an angle. Slide 20-gauge wire through knot at back for hanging.

Winged
As shown on the chandelier.

1. Cross left end of the ribbon over right.

2. Knot by passing left end behind right, under, and up through opening (make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched).

3. Pull on the ends of the ribbon to create a tight, smooth knot.

4. Adjust to desired shape, and notch the ends.

Tuxedo
As shown on the ribbon card holder, the candy tray, and the votives.

1. Fold ends of a piece of ribbon in toward the center, overlapping them; secure with fabric glue. Flatten at center and glue to secure. Cover center with a second piece of ribbon, gluing at back of bow; for a cinched bow, wrap center more tightly.

2. Adjust to desired shape.

Ribbon and Bow Accessory How-tos

Petal Bow-Ornament

The petal bow is similar to the medallion bow. For the petal bow, make 2 1/4-inch accordion folds in ribbon (ours is 5/8 inch wide and 45 inches long); end with the raw edges facing down. Pass needle and thread through bottom, about 1/4 inch from edge. Hold together, and pull taut; knot. Spread petals; tie silver twine around thread to hang.

Figure-Eight Ornament
This is made with 15-inch-long, 3/8-inch-wide satin ribbon. Follow instructions on page 102 to make three figure-eight bows, but start with the cut edge at back of bow instead of at front, and make two layers instead of three. Cross and glue two of the bows. Glue a loop of silver twine at the front center. Glue a third bow across the middle, as shown, concealing twine.

Card Holder
This project uses a tuxedo bow.

Tools and Materials
scissors
4-inch-wide ribbon card envelopes
9-mm-wide ribbon fabric glue (such as Magna-Tac 809)
20-gauge wire self-adhesive hook, for hanging

Card Holder How-To
1. Make tail: Cut a 40-inch (or longer) length of wide ribbon. To make an even notch in the bottom, fold ribbon in half lengthwise and cut on an angle from outer edge to fold; unfold. Since youâll likely be making this before holiday cards arrive, lay out five or six card envelopes along front of ribbon, some horizontally and others vertically, keeping 1/2 inch between them. Lay a narrow ribbon down each side (about 1/2 inch in from edge); trim ends to match angle of notch. With envelopes as your guide, glue narrow ribbons to the wide ribbon between envelopes. Slide envelopes out.

2. With a 25-inch-long wide ribbon, make a 12-inch tuxedo bow; wrap center tightly to cinch bow. At back, knot narrow ribbon around center band, then rotate narrow ribbon so its knot is concealed inside. This will be the loop from which bow will hang.

3. Cinch top of tail: Twist a piece of wire into a loop. Fold top corners under about 1 inch (top edges should be flush); at the same time, press the top center in with your thumbs, forming shape shown. Secure ribbon with dabs of glue, and glue wire to center. Using a removable self-adhesive hook, hang tail first, and then bow.

Toilet Paper Tube Mini Basket

2008-09-20T17:53:00.001+08:00

These little baskets can hold candy or another special treat. They make great centerpieces, favors or gifts. Customize them to suit your theme or the recipients color scheme!

Supplies:
Toilet paper roll tube
Super Jumbo Scalloped Circle Punch
Scalloped scissors
Brads

Instructions:
1. Cut toilet paper tube into thirds. Feel free to flatten it to do so.
2. Cut strips of cardstock to wrap around outside & inside. Adhere.
3. Punch scalloped circle from cardstock. Apply bead of clear drying glue around bottom of paper-covered tube. Press firmly onto scalloped circle. (You may want to weight it down with something, such as a book, while it is drying.)
4. Cut a strip of cardstock for the handle. Mat and trim with scalloped scissors. Attach to basket bottom with brads.
5. As a finishing touch, add a tag tied with ribbon.

Scalloped Oval Mini Purse

2008-09-19T17:44:00.004+08:00

1. Punch the scalloped oval out of patterned paper. Flip it over and score on either side of the center scallops.

2. Cut a length of ribbon and adhere one end to the "bottom" of your purse with a glue dot. Loop the ribbon up the side to form your first handle. Pierce holes near the top of each side of the handle and attach brads. Repeat the handle process on the opposing side. Glue dot the remaining end of your ribbon to the bottom as well.

3. Punch a second scalloped oval from a coordinating patterned paper. Repeat the same scoring process done in step one.

4. Adhere the second oval inside the purse to line it and cover up the backs of your brads. I inserted an individually wrapped strawberry lifesaver.

This purse could also hold a Starburst candy, a couple quarters or a tightly folded dollar bill for a child's birthday, or even an accordion folded set of index print size photos. As I always say, the possibilities are endless!

Cardstock Bag

2008-09-18T17:30:00.006+08:00

I stamped the linear images from Spiral Bouquet using white craft ink from SU!, creating my own patterned paper to work with.

Here is a close-up of one portion of the paper.

I decided to add some sparkle to go along with the theme of my project. I added small dots of glitter in a few choice areas with my Stardust pen.

To form the box, I cut my cardstock down to 8.5 x 7.5 inches. I scored the cardstock @ 2,4,6 & 8 inch points along the 8.5-inch side using my ScorPal, which made it SO easy.

I then flipped the cardstock around and created one 2-inch score on the 7.5-inch side.

Using scissors, I snipped the score lines up until the 2-inch scoreline, removing the far corner completely. This creates four equal flaps for the bottom of the "box".I applied tacky tape in the appropriate areas for box assembly.

I then trimmed the top edge of my box with some scalloped scissors ($2 from Hobby Lobby! Gotta love a bargain!)

I then applied tacky tape to a a few choice tabs in order to assemble the box.

After assembling my box, I added a cardstock handle by attaching it to the sides of the box with rhinestone brads from Making Memories. (My handle measured 7 x 0.5 inches)

For the front of the box, I created a label that makes this box a perfect favor for a Bridal Shower. I love the addition of the rhinestone stickers. I think it is the perfect finishing touch for this type of theme.

~ Special thanx to nicholeheady.typepad.com ~

Criss-Cross Box

2008-09-17T15:09:00.010+08:00

~ nicholeheady.typepad.com ~

I started by marking my cardstock with pencil in 1.75" increments.

I then took the small stitched square from Borders & Corners Square and turned it at an angle. By lining up the top and bottom points of the square, one point touching another point, all the way down the pencil lines, I ended up with a beautiful plaid. Super easy (and somewhat therapeutic too!)

I knew I wanted to add a little more detail, so I used the large triple solid border with rust ink to outline a few of the stitched squares. I love the contrast it created! I then erased all my pencil marks.

I created this paper to be used for a special box I designed, inspired by my friend Mish and her Criss-Cross Cards. It is a super easy box to make, and it requires only one sheet of cardstock. This is what your 8.5x11 sheet will look like after you have completed your scoring and trimming. I have created a template for you to download so you can create your very own Criss-Cross Boxes! Here is a template for my Criss-Cross Box!
Cross Boxes! Here is a template for my Criss-Cross Box!
Download crisscross_box_template.pdf

To begin assembling, you adhere the small side tabs to the long side tabs.

Then you can flip the whole front portion back.

For your third step, you want to adhere the remaining sides to the first side tabs.

Finally, you just need to adhere your criss-cross tabs in place. First the right.

And then the left. Viola! An easy Criss-Cross Box!

The box needed a little something, so I decided to create a band for it. Out came one of our upcoming new releases, a very un-traditional Valentine's Day set! And what could be more unique than heart shaped acorns and the sentiment "Nuts for you", (courtesy of "askagain" of SCS, winner #1 for our Punny Valentine contest! I will be announcing the rest throughout the week. The winners each receive a PT gift certificate!) I love, LOVE, love the font for this particular set. It translates so well into a stamp and has such a nice crispness to it.

I added a scalloped edge to the band and adhered it to my box.

Now that I had a box, I needed something to put inside of it. What could be more appropriate than nuts? I found that these clear bags were the perfect fit for this particular box. I used the SU! tab punch as a fun closure for the bag, attaching it in place securely with a staple.

On the front of the bag I added a little tag featuring one of the stars of the show for our new set, a perfectly perfect, modernized squirrel. Isn't he the cutest! I just love the little guy!

Here are both elements side-by-side. This would be such a cute project for the boys/men in your life for Valentine's Day! It isn't too girly or frilly, making it the perfect match! You could even include chocolate covered nuts for a sweeter approach!

Easy Fold Origami Box

2008-09-16T13:51:00.011+08:00

1. Now that I had my paper made, I decided to create a little box that I learned the steps for when I was a child. I used to make them out of pages ripped from magazines or wrapping paper. Now I have a little more sophistication in the choice of my materials, but the pattern is still the same! For this particular size box, start with your cardstock cut to 8 1/2" square. Draw a line with a ruler in pencil from corner to corner, forming an "X".

2. Using a bone folder, fold one corner to the center point of the "X".

3. Fold the edge of your previous fold so it meets the center pencil line.

4. Unfold your previous folds. You are left with a set of horizontal creases.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the remaining three corners. When completed you will have a series of creases that form a grid.

6. You will make four cuts with scissors. Pick two opposing corners. Create a tab that is 2 blocks wide and two blocks high (not including the "point") by make one snip on either side of your determined crease grid. Repeat the same snips on the opposing corner.

7. Fold the opposing corners that have not been altered to the center point of your "X".

8. Fold them in half again, creating the first two "sides" of your box.

9. Fold the ends of the sides inward, forming the base of the remaining two sides.

10. Fold the tabs created in step 6 over the side bases created in step 9. The point of the step 6 tabs will meat at the center of the "X"

11. Now you have completed your box lid! Lined and everything, without any extra effort!!!

12. For the bottom, just repeat all of the above steps, except your beginning cardstock should measure 8-3/8" square.

The fun thing about these boxes is that you can make them any size, it just depends on the beginning measurements of your cardstock square. (Always make your box bottom cardstock square about 1/8" smaller than the one used in creating your lid, depending on the thickness of the cardstock.) For the itty bitty one shown here, I started out with a 3-3/4" square for the lid and 3-5/8" square for the bottom. There are lots of things you can DO with the boxes as well. You could make a set of nesting boxes. You can tie them with ribbon or add tags. You could make box bands, like the one I showed yesterday on the card box. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Mini Treat Bag

2008-09-15T13:21:00.009+08:00

Read on to find out how to make them! ~ credit to prairiepaperandink.typepad.com

I started with a Medium Glassine bag (at 25 for $3 they work out to 12 cents each)
I cut the bag so that it was about 2.5" high.

Using my Scor-pal I scored the sides and bottom of the bag - 1/2" from each edge.
It helps if after you score you fold the score lines back and forth a couple of times with these types of bags - it makes the next step easier.

Open the bag and shape it on the fold lines - there will be two little triangle tabs on the bottom - fold them under and adhere them in place with mini glue dots.
Then set the bag aside.

Next take a piece of cardstock (here I used PTI's Kraft CS) cut to 2.5" x 8.5" and score it twice - 3.75" in from each edge.
After that I used my Stampin' Up! Word Window Punch to punch "handles" in each end.

To decorate my treat bag I stamped the web from Spooky Sweets II set in white pigment ink, and the bat from the Spooky Sweets set with black ink.

I created a fun little label for the bag using the Spooky Sweets set, oval nestabilities dies, black and Summer Sunrise ink, and orange glitter.

To adhere the glassine bag to the cardstock "cover" - use 2 strips of strong adhesive (I use Red liner tape) cut 5" long. After peeling off the liner adhere the bottom of the glassine bag first then fold up the sides so that they adhere to the bag as well.

Here's a side view of the finished bag. I adhered the label with dimensionals and tied on some Summer Sunrise Grosgrain ribbon.

Folding Paper Rose

2008-09-14T11:36:00.003+08:00

If you’re a paper flower fanatic like I am, then you’ll want to check out this lovely (and free) paper rose pattern from Paper Forest. Turn it into a beautiful pop up greeting card and give the gift of a rose to whomever you wish! More information here and here. Download the PDF here.

Paper Daisies

2008-09-13T11:17:00.006+08:00

How to Make Perfect Paper Daisies
~ By Jeffery Rudell, contributor from http://www.craftstylish.com/ ~

These cheery blossoms brighten any table and make a wonderfully unexpected bouquet to give to a friend. Best of all, they're simple and inexpensive to make.

The materials list was extremely modest:
1. Paper (I used pieces from my paper scraps pile: textured and smooth pink and white-on-white, as well as long, narrow, strips for the flower centers)
2. Hot glue gun with glue sticks
3. A craft knife
4. A circle template (I used an upside-down drinking glass)
5. Floral wire and green floral tape for making the daisy stems

Perfect Paper Daisies

Begin with a circle of paper cut to the overall dimension you want your daisies to be. I used an inverted water glass with a 3-inch mouth as my cutting template. Cut two (2) circles for EACH bloom you intend to make.

A drinking glass provided the cutting template. Pick a size circle that best suits your purposes. Two-inch circles will make the flowers look more precious while five-inch circles will add impact. (Be sure your paper is stiff enough to maintain its shape if you opt for making the larger blossoms.)

Next, make eight (8) cuts as indicated in the illustration below. Each cut is about 1 inch long.

Since this project was intended to be both easy and low-cost, I tried to create something that could be done like an assembly line. This set of cuts can be done on 3–6 disks at once, making it a very fast project to complete.

Next, fold each petal in half, lengthwise, as indicated by the dashed lines in the illustration below. There is no need to pre-score these folds since the added time and effort do not significantly improve the results. Just a simple crease will suffice.

By modifying the manner in which you crease these pieces, you can achieve a great deal of variation in the final results. Try soft creases or partical creases at just the tips or even hand-shaping each petal to enhance the organic look of your own flowers.

Once you've finished creasing one disk, simply repeat these first three steps with all of your remaining disks. Blossoms are created by layering two (2) disks, one on top of the other, and affixing them with a dot of hot glue. Be sure to align them in such a way as to allow the petals on the bottom to peak through between the petals on the top.

The key to the success of these pieces is their great texture and dimension, which is achieved through simple folds and layering.

For the centers of each flower, I simply took a narrow strip of yellow or pink paper about 1/8 inch x 18 inches, and wound it into a tight spiral disk and glued it in place. I finished each flower by affixing it to a length of floral wire with hot glue, and then wrapping the stems with green floral.

White Paper Flowers

2008-09-12T10:33:00.011+08:00

How to Make Simple White Paper Flowers
~ By Jeffery Rudell, contributor on www.craftstylish.com ~

Materials:
1) White, translucent paper. I used a USA Silkscreen, machine-made vellum with white pattern paper stock. Style number: 5000, sheet size: 22" x 30 ", price: $6.00/sheet. Available at New York Central Art Supply (62 Third Avenue @ 11th Street, New York, NY 10003, 212-473-7705 OR view the product on its website.)
2) Floral wire (The gauge is dependent on the size and weight of the flowers you decide to make. The wire should be pliable enough to give you a graceful bend but should then hold its shape.)
3) Green floral tape for wrapping the floral wire. These tapes often come in light and dark green shades. I chose a light green to help give the bouquet the fresh, bright, springlike look of new growth.
4) A 3" circle template (I used a simple juice glass as my template.)
5) A pair of scissors and a craft or X-Acto knife
6) A pair of small needle-nose pliers
7) High-quality paper adhesive (I recommend Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive [$7.95 for an 8-oz. bottle] because it dries fast and clear and it is water soluble.)
How to make the blossoms:
Begin with a 3" circle of paper. You'll need one disk of paper for each blossom. Given the relatively small size of each of these flowers, I recommend making at least two dozen blossoms in order to have a spray of flowers substantial enough to fill a vase. Luckily, the vellum paper is quite thin, so it's possible to cut three or four disks at once.

Begin by folding the circle of paper in half, then again, into quarters, and one final time, into eighths. Firmly press all creases to ensure they are sharp and straight.

With your disk folded into a tight wedge, trim as indicated by the dotted line in the illustration to the left. Unfold the disk and lay it flat.

Using a craft knife, trim as indicated, being careful to leave a small flap (A). Glue A to B using a paper glue that will dry clear. Hold until dry.

Once the glue has dried, re-bend all of the creases and pinch the tips of the petals as indicated by the dotted lines, to add shape and texture to the blossoms.

Detail: Notice the way in which each petal is crimped. I left a few blossoms unpinched to give them the look of newly opened buds.

How to make and attach the flower stems:

(Note to readers: The next four images began life as a single, large image. In order to adapt this picture to fit the structure of the CraftStylish.com webpage, it was necessary for me to divide it into four distinct images. It is for this reason that the illustration of the flower stems that runs along the left-hand edge of these pictures appears to be cut into four segments. Please don't let this confuse you. The flower stems should be a single length of wire with a loop at one end. Thank you.)

Begin with a piece of floral wire 10–16" long. Use the needle-nose pliers to form a small loop (approx. 1/4") in one end.

Wrap the loop with a small length of green floral tape to form the pistil of the flower.

Gently thread the wire through the center of a completed paper blossom.

Hold the blossom between the thumb and forefinger of one hand. Beginning at the base of the blossom, wrap the remainder of the wire with floral tape. This is best done by rotating the wire stem with one hand while holding the floral tape snugly in the other hand.

Attach two or more stems together by wrapping floral tape around multiple wires at once. To finish, bend the stems into graceful shapes before arranging them in a vase for display.

Crepe Paper Creations

2008-09-11T17:09:00.003+08:00

Crepe paper is one of my favorite materials. It's actually tissue paper that has been reinforced with sizing and "creped," a crinkling method that yields a medium that is incredibly pliable yet sturdy enough to iron and sew. Beautiful and durable, it lends itself to countless applications. In fact, I walked down the aisle with a bouquet of crepe paper blooms! I recently realized how nicely a strip of crepe paper conforms to an egg's shape. Glue bands of it to a bunch of eggs, affix tiny crepe blooms, and pile them in a bowl for a simple, elegant display. You also can use the paper to create lifelike flowers with egg centers. Or add crepe ears to an egg and watch it turn into a bunny. Even leftover egg cartons can become winsome baskets trimmed with pleated crepe skirts. Start with plain or dyed blown-out eggs, and then choose from the sweet embellishments provided here. Soon you and your young friends will be turning out colorful crafts by the dozen.

Candy Baskets How-To
Place treat containers on end tables or arrange them on a tiered cake stand to create a centerpiece.

1. Cut off one-third of a Styrofoam egg carton with scissors. Trim around top edge to neaten.
2. With pinking shears, trim 1 inch off short side of a folded sheet of crepe paper. Apply a line of glue to outside of carton, just below rim. Adhere uncut edge of paper to glue, using your fingers to push paper into pleats.
3. To make the handle: Cut a 13-inch piece of fabric-covered floral wire. Use wire to poke holes on both sides of carton. Bend wire, and insert ends into holes; fold ends up to secure. Fill basket with candy, such as dragees and chocolate eggs.

Striped Eggs How-To
Combine various techniques -- bands, leaf garlands, and flowers -- to dress up plain and dyed eggs.

1. To make stripes: Cut strips from a folded sheet of crepe paper with pinking shears. Apply glue to each end of strip; adhere to egg.
2. To make a garland: Cut 18 leaves for each egg from crepe paper. Glue bottom tip of each leaf to egg, overlapping slightly.
3. To make a flower: Cut a 1 3/4-inch circle from crepe paper. Fold in half, and then fold in half again. Pinch pointy end; insert a finger among paper layers and spread them to look like a flower. Fold pointy end, and glue it to underside of flower; let dry. Cut out 2 leaves. Glue flower and leaves to egg.

Center of Attention
Exuberant egg-and-crepe paper daffodils and tulips are a breeze to make -- and you don't have to worry about the arrangement wilting. Place each flower in a small glass or vase, and set several on a cake stand for an attractive holiday centerpiece. Add a bloom to each place setting to unify the look.

Faux Flowers How-To
This how-to is for a daffodil. To create other flowers, omit the trumpet.

1. Using template as a guide, cut out 6 to 9 petals (in direction of grain) from a folded sheet or roll of crepe paper. Cut a 4-by-6-inch strip of paper in a darker color for trumpet. To make the stem: Cut fabric-covered floral wire to desired length.
2. Apply a line of glue around middle of egg, and adhere trumpet so that one-third of egg peeks above paper; let dry.
3. Insert wire into one of the holes used to blow out the egg; twist loose end of trumpet around wire. Apply a dot of glue to base of egg, and adhere petals. Adhere remaining petals by overlapping them; let dry.
4. Twist bottoms of petals around stem, and wrap with floral tape.

Chubby Bunnies How-To
These adorable table decorations can double as place cards; write names on one side of each egg with a marker.

1. Using template as a guide, cut 2 ears (in direction of grain) from a folded sheet of crepe paper. Fold back base of each ear, apply glue to underside, and adhere to egg. Draw eyes with a paint pen. To make a nose: Glue a pom-pom over one of the holes used to blow out the egg. To make a tail: Glue a larger pom-pom over the other hole.
2. Arrange a fringed strip of crepe paper "grass" in a mini muffin-cup liner; place bunny in liner.

For online video, refer here : http://www.marthastewart.com/article/crepe-paper-creations?rsc=also_try

Candy Spoons

2008-09-10T14:18:00.001+08:00

Candy spoons are an easy and favorite favors for wedding receptions. They are great for adding flavor to coffe or as a bite-sized candy. Although the pictures shows white chocolate, you can also use regular chocolate as well.

This craft is courtesy of MJ Designs and is used by permission. They retain all rights; copyrights to all contents, directions, and images are the property of MJ Designs.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Tulle/netting
Ribbon - small amount of 1/8" ivory or other coordinating wedding color
Baby's Breath - irridescent glitter
Wedding silk floral trims
Buttons and trims - Dress It Up combination packet
Decorative pearl bead spray and pearl strings
Candy mold for white chocolate dipping spoon
Small clear candy bags

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Create spoon stirrers by forming chocolate in molds made for this purpose (the mold accomodates plastic spoon.
2. Wrap candy in candy bags; then wrap in tulle securing with a multiloop bow.
3. Apply pearl bead spray, ribbon, baby's breath, etc. to finish the look.

All About Roses

2008-09-09T13:41:00.005+08:00

MATERIALS FOR TRADITIONAL RIBBON ROSE

Each rose requires some flexible floral wire, a pair a of
scissors, and ribbon yardage as outlined below:
#3 (5/8)....1/2 yard
#9 (1-1/2")....1 yard
#5 (7/8)....3/4 yard
#40 (2-3/4")....1-1/2 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTIONS:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Fold ribbon as shown, leaving a 2" tall. Next step will begin at outside point indicated by arrow.

2. Roll outside point tightly towards fold area (about 3 to 4 complete turns) to form a center "bud" and a tight base area. This area, indicated by an arrow, will be the base for the rose.

3. Now you are ready to begin the fold and roll motion: Holding tail firmly in the left hand, fold ribbon length to outside at a sharp right angle. Roll base area along folded edge until it is almost at the fold. As you near the end of the fold, fold the ribbon to the outside again at a right angle. Repeat this fold and roll process to form rose "petals" that will form loosely around the bud and base. A gentle twist on the rolled tail will softly shape and tighten the rose.

4. When you have about 2" of ribbon left, then twist the ends straight down and along the first tail. Secure with florist wire tightly at the base.

LEAF:
5. Cut a 6": strip of #16 ribbon (1-7/8"). Make a point along one edge by folding ends diagonally towards center, as shown. This point will become the tip of the leaf.

6. Place your thumb over the point of folded layers and twist bottom edges of ends tightly to form a cup or leaf like shape: spot hot glue if necessary.

DESIGNER TIP:
Make a stem rose: Place a firm wire against the ribbon tails. Wrap the base tightly with Stem Tape continuing down the length of the stem. If desired, add in few silk leaves to create fullness

Victorian Fan Ornament

2008-09-08T13:21:00.005+08:00

MATERIALS (for one)
12" of 6" wide MW WHITNEY, MW FLEURA, or like Offray ribbons, mauve or burgandy
18" of DAYDREAM, #9 Gold
18" of KASHMIR, #40 Antique or Gold
1 1/2 yds. of FIREFLY, #1H Gold
24" of LATTICE, #1 Gold
12" of DAINTY M, Gold
Small amounts of Spanish Moss
Dried Filler of Statice or Gypsophilia
Mini Pinecones and Gold Berries
Hot Glue Gun and Wire

DIRECTIONS

1. Make 1/2" wide accordian pleats along 6" width of MW WHITNEY ribbon. Wire one end securely and open fan up.

2. Cut DAYDREAM into two 9" pieces and notch both ends. Wire each together about 2" down from top and slightly staggered. Hot glue to base of fan so that streamers hang off fan end at an angle. (see figure A)

3. Cut FIREFLY into three 18" lenghts. Form a 2" loop at the top of each strip and wire all three together. Hot glue loops over ribbon at base of fan, leaving streamers free. Fold LATTICE in half and wire down 2" forming a loop; hot glue into place, leaving streamers free. Hot glue a tiny amount of spanish moss over wired areas to cover.

4. Make a Merrowed Ribbon Rose from 18" length of KASHMIR: Tie a knot at one end and poke out the wires from the opposite end. Fold KASHMIR in half lengthwise while pulling the wires to gather the ribbon down to the knot. (see figure B) Form rose by spiraling gathered ribbon around knot and wrap wire ends to secure. Cut off wire ends and hot glue to fan.

5. Fill in around Ribbon Rose as desired with mini pinecones, gold berries and dried filler. Make a hanger loop from DAINTY M and hot glue to back of fan.

Bridal Shower Towel Cake

2008-09-07T13:17:00.002+08:00

Supplies Required:

2 Bath Towels
Decorative Soaps
2 Hand Towels
String of Pearls
2 Wash Cloths
Small Wedding Rings
Narrow Ribbon
Small Silk Roses
Pins
Large Silk Flowers
Cake Plate on Pedestal
Carved Soap or Candle for Topper

Instructions:

Making the towel cake is easy! Here's what you do...

1. Fold each bath towel in half lengthwise twice. Roll into a tight coil and use pins to anchor.

2. Join second bath towel to end of first with pins. Continue coil, pinning at the end and tying layer with narrow ribbon to secure.

3. Use hand towels for the second layer and wash cloths for the top (rolling each layer the same as the bath towels). Use pins to help keep each layer stable.

4. Decorative soaps can be tucked between layers, small silk flowers attached to the ribbons where they are tied. Drape the pearls on each layer. Add wedding rings with little bows around at random.

5. At the top, use carved decorative soap, a carved candle, or large silk flowers for the topper.

6. Encircle the bottom of the cake on the plate with large silk flowers. These can be done in the color of the wedding party.

7. For the best presentation and appearance, the towel cake looks lovely when placed upon a pretty cake stand. This can be included in the gift for the bride, or it can be provided on loan on the day of the shower for decorative purposes only.

Craft Cute Daisy May Baskets

2008-09-06T13:14:00.001+08:00

These easy baskets are perfect to create for party favors or just to say "I love you."

What You'll Need
Newspaper
Acrylic paints in desired colors
Paintbrush
Cone-shape paper cup
Paper punch
Eyelet tool and eyelets
Wood petal shapes
1/2-inch wood apple shape
3/4-inch wood wheel
1/2-inch wood beads
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Pipe cleaners in desired colors
Scissors

Make It
1. Cover work surface with newspaper. Paint the cup the desired background color. Let it dry. Use a contrasting color to paint a dotted line around the rim. Let it dry.
2. Use a paper punch to make a hole 1/2 inch from the rim. Make a second hole opposite the first. From the outside of the cup, insert an eyelet in each hole. Secure using an eyelet tool.
3. Paint six petal shapes. Paint the apple a contrasting color the flower center. Paint the wheel the same color as the flower center and the wood bead the color of the petals. Let dry. Hot-glue the petals and flower center to the front of the cup. Let dry.
4. Thread an unpainted wood bead onto a pipe cleaner that matches the flower center. Twist the pipe cleaner to secure the bead at one end. Snip off the end of the cup; from the inside push the end of the pipe cleaner through the bottom of the cup. The bead will hold it in place.
5. Thread the painted wheel and bead onto the pipe cleaner. Twist the remaining stem around the pencil to curl.
6. For a handle, twist two contrasting pipe cleaners together. Insert through the eyelet from the outside. Fold ends upward to secure.

Kissing Ball with Ribbon Roses

2008-09-05T12:16:00.005+08:00

Create a lovely kissing ball with silk flower for a perfect bridal shower decoration or flower girl accessory.

STEP 1 :

What You Need:
Foam ball
Moss
10 inches of 1-inch wide-wired or unwired ribbon
Milliner's sharp size 10 needle
White quilting thread or beading thread
Scissors
Household wire cutters
Glue

Instructions:
1. Cover a foam ball with moss.
2. Make folded roses with wired or unwired ribbon.
3. For the folded rose center, fold down the right end of the ribbon. 4. Fold this end across itself.
5. Roll the ribbon into a cylinder (forming the flower center) and secure with stitches.
6. Fold the ribbon down on the right end so that the cylinder is horizontal and a 45-degree angle is created at the fold.
7. Fold the flower center down.
8. Roll the cylinder until the ribbon on the left becomes straight again. Secure with stitches.
9. Repeat the folding and rolling steps until the rose is the desired size.
10. Stitch the raw edge into the base of the rose.

STEP 2 : Coiled Ribbon Roses

What You Need:
10-inch lengths of 1-inch-wide wired ribbon
Milliner's sharp size 10 needle
White quilting thread or beading thread
Household wire cutters
Scissors
Pearl head pins

Instructions:
1. If the ribbon is wired, remove the wire at the bottom edge by gently pulling it out. Add a running stitch from the upper edge down and across the bottom.
2. For the ribbon center, refer to the instructions of making folded roses.
3. Gather the remaining length of ribbon and secure the gathering with stitches.
4. Coil the ribbon on itself until all the ribbon is coiled. Stitch the end of the ribbon into the base of the rose.

Note: After the roses are attached to the ball, hang and embellish with ribbons and pearl head pins.

Ribbon Tea Roses Project

2008-09-04T17:26:00.011+08:00

Satin-ribbon flowers are perfect for floral designs and corsages. They also make lovely gifts and accessories.

STEP 1 :

What You Need:
Keep 2 yards of wired, non-wired, silk, ombr頨two-tone), velvet, cross weave or solid ribbon at home
Milliner's sharp size 10 needle
White quilting thread or beading thread
Sharp sewing scissors

Instructions:
1. Fold the ribbon in half and take a few stitches at the edges.
2. Turn the ribbon inside out and keep the corners tucked in.
3. Pleat the bottom of the petal and secure it with stitches.

STEP 2 : Step 2: U-Gathered Petals

What You Need:
Milliner's sharp size 10 needle
Keep 2 yards of wired, non-wired, silk, ombr頨two-tone), velvet, cross weave or solid ribbon at home
Ruler or tape measure
Sharp sewing scissors
White quilting thread or beading thread
Household wire cutters

Instructions:
1. Using 1-1/2-wide ribbon, make two petals using 6-inch lengths of ribbon and two petals using 7-inch lengths of ribbon.
2. If the ribbon has wire in the edges, remove the bottom edge wire.
3. Stitch the pattern, using a simple running stitch.
4. Gather the ribbon tightly to form a petal shape. Secure the gathering with stitches.
5. For multiple petals, divide the ribbon equally and create the appropriate number of U-gathers.

STEP 3 : Step 3: Center Stamens

What You Need:
Purchased or homemade floral stamens
Thread-covered wire in 22- or 32-gauge weight
Thread or wire
Household wire cutters
Glue
Scissors
Milliner's sharp size 10 needle

Instructions:
1. Wrap purchased or homemade stamens with thread or wire.
2. Fold them in half and secure with thread-covered wire.
3. Glue or stitch the rose petals around the stamen.

STEP 4 : Step 4: Tent Leaves

What You Need:
1-1/2-inch-wide wired ribbon
3-inch length of wire
White quilting thread or beading thread
Milliner's sharp size 10 needles
Household wire cutter
Floral Tape
Scissors

Instructions:
1. Use 3 inches of 1-1/2-inch-wide wired ribbon to make one leaf. 2. If the ribbon is wired, remove the wire on the bottom edge.
3. Fold down the ribbon on one side. Fold down the opposite side of the ribbon. Sew across the base of the triangle, catching all the layers of ribbon in the stitching.
4. Pull the gathering stitches tight; then wrap the thread around the base of the leaf and secure with stitches.
5. To stem the leaf, glue a 3-inch piece of wire to the inside of the base before wrapping the thread around the leaf base. Wrap the wire with floral tape.

Note: Finish by attaching the base of the roses to the stems with floral tape.

http://www.bhg.com/crafts/weddings/flowers/ribbon-tea-roses-project/

Rose-Wreathed Pillar Candle

2008-09-03T17:12:00.001+08:00

Create a romantic ambience at your wedding with these enchanting, rose-encircled candles.

What You Need:
Floral-foam wreath form
Short-stemmed roses
Rosebuds
Long pearl-head pins

Instructions:
1. The secret to suspending the wreath of roses on the candle is to use a floral-foam wreath form as the base for the floral arrangement.
2. Soak the wreath in water; then insert short-stemmed roses, beginning with larger blossoms and filling in the bare spots with rosebuds until the top and outer edges are covered.
3. Secure the wreath to the candle with long pearl-head pins. You will need to use a lot of pins around the top and bottom because the wreath will be quite heavy.
4. Fill in around the candle with more rosebuds if needed.

Wedding Favors: Ferrero Rocher

2008-09-02T16:52:00.009+08:00

Wedding Favors: Rocher Nosegay

Materials:

5-2" Styrofoam balls
50 Ferrero Rocher chocolates
Non toxic craft glue
Toothpicks
10 Popsicle sticks
10 yards Ribbon 1/4" wide
10-4" lace or paper doilies about 4" in diameter
1 bunch Baby's breath, fresh or dried, or other small flower
1 bunch floral greenery for decoration

Instructions:

1. Cut one Styrofoam ball in half with a serrated knife. Make a 1/2"" hole in the middle of the flat side of the half with a Popsicle stick. This will make it easier to reinsert the Popsicle stick later.
2. Place the half, flat side down on a work surface. Glue 5 Ferrero Rocher chocolates to each one, using toothpicks inserted into the Styrofoam beneath each chocolate for support until the glue dries.
3. While the glue dries, snip small pieces of baby's breath and greenery and carefully glue them into the empty spots on the Styrofoam. If you are using artificial flowers, you may be able to insert the pieces directly into the Styrofoam. Allow the bouquets to dry about 30 minutes. Remove the toothpicks.
4. Cut 3-12" pieces of ribbon. Apply a thin amount of glue along one edge of a Popsicle stick and starting at one end on a slight diagonal wrap it with one 12" strip of ribbon leaving extra ribbon at the end to trail off the handle. Glue the other 2-12" strips if ribbon to the tip of the handle by wrapping them around it and allowing them to flow from it. Insert the plain side of the handle (the end without the ribbon streamers) into the back of the Styrofoam ball where the hole is at a slight angle, using a small amount of glue to secure it.
5. If necessary, cut a 1/4" hole in the middle of each doily, apply a small amount of glue to it, and thread it through the handle up to the back of the bouquet, pressing it gently against the Styrofoam to adhere it. If you don't have doilies, cut out 4" circles of your favorite fabric or paper.

Yield: 10 Nosegays

Wedding Favors: Wedding Place Cards

Materials:

10 Rocher Chocolates
12-14'Armature wire, or other 16 gauge wire such as floral, copper or craft*
Wire cutters
1 pencil, wooden spoon, or dowel
Double stick tape
10 standard sized Place cards or paper measuring 2 1/2" x 1" **

Instructions:

TIGHT TWIST

1. Cut a piece of armature wire about 14 inches long with wire cutters.
2. Holding the pencil in one hand, gently secure one end of the wire between your thumb and the pencil. Use your other hand to wrap the wire around the pencil three times. Push the wire together on the pencil if there are any gaps, as this will make a more secure place for your card to fit. At the same time, gently press the end in to avoid any sharp edges.
3. Pull on the wire while it still connected to the pencil to straighten it. Remove the pencil and place it against the wire about 1 "away from the loops you just made. Wrap the wire around it one more time. Pull the wire straight at the end of the loop so continues to move in the opposite direction of the loops you just made.
4. Make a base with the opposite end by twisting the wire around your thumb a few times and bending it perpendicular to the stem. Adjust the wire so that it is balanced.
5. Attach a small piece of double stick tape to the base of the Fererro Rocher wrapper. Place it on the wire base. Slide your place cards into the twist up top and impress your friends!!

LOLLIPOP SWIRL

1. Cut a piece of armature wire 16 "long with wire cutters.
2. Pinching one end between your thumb and forefinger, coil the wire in a circular motion 4 times to create a disk resembling and old fashioned lollipop. Pull the wire straight down from the "lollipop" about 2 1/2 ".
3. Make a base with the opposite end by twisting the wire around your thumb a few times and bending it perpendicular to the stem. Adjust the wire so that it is balanced.
4. Attach the Ferrero Rocher as explained above in the "tight twist".

FLOWER

1. Cut a piece of wire 14" long with wire cutters.
2. Holding the pencil in one hand, secure one end of the wire between your thumb and the pencil. 3. Use your other hand to wrap the wire around the pencil one time. Remove the pencil and place it directly under the loop you just made. Make another loop in the same fashion that you made the first one. Do this a third time only make two loops and press them close together. Make two more separate loops for a total of 5 loops, the one in the middle being double. This double loop, when finished will actually be your top loop where you will put the place cards.
4. Holding the wire with the loops on the right, pull the top loop down to the left around in a circle to meet the last one. Adjust the wire to create the form of a flower.
5. Make a base with the opposite end by twisting the wire around your thumb and bending it perpendicular to the stem of the flower. Attach The Rocher as explained above in the "tight twist".

CORKSCREW

1. Cut a piece of armature wire 14" long.
2. Hold the wire between your thumb and the pencil and wrap the wire around the pencil twice. 3. Push the twists close together.
4. Wrap the wire around the pencil four more times, but this time leaving 1/4" of space between each twist. Pull the wire off the pencil.
5. Bend the top double loop so that it is perpendicular to the rest of the loops.
6. Wrap the opposite end of the wire around your thumb e few times and bend it so that it is also perpendicular to the corkscrew. This is your base. Tape the Ferrero Rocher to the base as explained in the "tight twist".

* 3 out of the four designs use 14" of wire, while the lollipop design requires and extra 2 inches. The amount of wire you will need depends on what percentage of your place cards will have that design. The more lollipops that you do, the closer to 16" of wire you will need.

** Feel free to use any size place card you wish, just be careful not to make them too big so they will overpower your wire holder. For the photograph, we cut standard sized place cards in half and used them that way.

Yield: 10 Wedding place cards

Wedding Favors: Rocher Topiary

Materials:

10-21/2" terra cotta flower pots
1 block floral oasis about 4" x 4" x 4" *
40 Ferrero Rocher Chocolates
1 small piece of cardboard or heavy paper 5" x1"
5 drinking straws
25' Decorative Ribbon 1/2 " wide
5' Decorative floral greenery or small artificial roping
Non toxic craft glue

Instructions:

1. Cut a 11/4 "square chunk of floral oasis with a serrated knife. Place it in a flower pot pushing it down slightly to secure it on the bottom. Cut a nickel sized circle out of the cardboard or heavy paper and set it aside.
2. Cut a drinking straw in half. Apply a small amount of glue along the side of one straw piece and wrap it with a 6 "strip of ribbon leaving about 1/2" of unwrapped straw at the end. Insert the unwrapped end in to the middle of the oasis. Glue one of the cardboard circles to the top of the straw so that it lays flat on top. Allow both the ribbon and cardboard to dry for about 10 minutes.
3. Insert a piece of floral roping about 6 "long into the oasis, and wrap it up and around the straw, twisting it a few times just below the cardboard circle where the Rocher will go.
4. Glue three Rochers to the base of the pot and one more on top.
5. If using real greenery, snip small pieces and glue them in and around the roping just below the top Rocher.
6. Wrap the pot with a 24"piece of ribbon and secure the back of it with a dab of glue for security. 7. Tie a pretty bow, trim a necessary, and let it dry. Repeat this process for the remaining 9 topiaries.

* Floral oasis is available at craft stores and floral shops. It comes in a variety of sizes, but most often in a standard sized brick. They are quite inexpensive, so if you have some left over, use it to make a lovely flower arrangement in your home.

Yield: 10 Topiaries

Wedding Favors: Champagne Cone

Materials:

Scissors (regular or decorative craft scissors)
Ruler
Clear cellophane
Double stick tape
Curling ribbon
At least 40 Ferrero Rocher Chocolates
10 fluted champagne glasses

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut 10- 6"x 4" rectangles of cellophane with scissors.
2. Lay a piece of the cellophane on a work surface and place a 3" piece of double stick tape along one of the 4" edges.
3. Roll the 4 "non-taped edge up over to the taped end pressing it to seal. Put two more 3" pieces of tape along the long sides of the cellophane tube directly opposite one another.
4. Cut two pieces of curling ribbon about 24" long and adhere them to the tape strips so that they scoop underneath the cellophane tube. Be sure to leave extra ribbon on both sides to curl. Place a third ribbon about 12" in length in between the other two ribbons moving in the opposite direction so it forms a handle at the top of the tube. Curl the long pieces of ribbon with a scissor by gently but firmly holding the ribbon at its base between your thumb and the blade of a scissor. Draw your hand and scissor through to the end of the ribbon and let it curl. Repeat on the other side.
5. Fill each cone with 4 Ferrero Rocher chocolates and place in a champagne glass.

Yield: 10 Champagne cones

Paper Fan Project

2008-09-01T16:48:00.002+08:00

Practical and pleasing, these fans can be used for decorations, wedding favors, or as cooling fans for a summer wedding.

What You Need:
12 x 12-inch sheet of patterned scrapbook paper
Scissors: scallop-edge and straight-edge
Crafts glue
1/8-inch hole punch
24-inch length of 1/2-inch-wide seam-binding ribbon

Instructions:
1. Trim opposite edges of the scrapbook paper with the scallop-edge scissors. Beginning with a straight edge of the paper, make accordion-style pleats every 3/4 inch across the paper. Firmly finger-crease each pleat.
2. Fold the pleated piece in half to form a fan and then unfold. To eliminate bulk where the unit folds in half, use straight-edge scissors to cut away a piece of the paper about one inch long on the inside pleat.
3. Refold the fan, spreading out the pleats, and slip one edge of each inside pleat over the other; glue in place. Use the hole punch to make a hole at the bottom of the center pleat. Insert the ribbon through the hole and tie a bow.
4. Use the hole punch to make a hole at the bottom of the center pleat. Insert the ribbon through the hole and tie a bow.

Paper Cracker Project

2008-08-31T16:36:00.003+08:00

Celebrate your special occasion with tiny gifts or candies inside a paper cracker.

What You Need:
2 12-inch lengths of 1-5/8-inch-wide crepe paper
Sewing thread and needle
4-1/2-inch-long cardboard tube
Glue gun and hotmelt adhesive
8-1/2 x 11-inch sheet each of two coordinating scrapbook papers
Scissors: large scallop-edge and other small decorative-edge
Double-sided tape
Computer and printer
20-inch length of 1/2-inch-wide ribbon
Small bag of candy or tiny gift

Instructions:
1. Use sewing thread to sew running stitches along one long edge of each length of crepe paper. Pull the thread ends to gather a crepe paper length to fit around each open end of the cardboard tube. Hot-glue the gathered edge of the crepe paper to the tube.
2. Cut a 4-1/2 x 8-inch rectangle of scrapbook paper using the large scallop-edge scissors. Wrap the paper rectangle around the tube and secure with double-sided tape, covering the gathered edge of the crepe paper.
3. Type the bride's and groom's first names and wedding date using a computer. Print a test sample. Text should fit in a space approximately 1/2 x 4 inches. When satisfied, print the text on scrapbook paper.
4. Use the small decorative-edge scissors to trim the printed sheet into two text strips, cutting a V at one end of each strip. Glue the text strips on the tube.
5. Make a bow at the center of the ribbon and glue the bow to the tube, covering the ends of the text strips. Insert a small bag of candy or a tiny gift into the tube.

String of Paper Petals

2008-08-30T16:22:00.002+08:00

Create a trademark of Hawaiian hospitality with these colorful paper leis.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Muffin-pan liners
Scissors
Tissue paper
Embroidery needle
Yarn

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. For each flower, flatten 1 or 2 muffin-pan liners and trim the edge of each to create petal shapes.

2. Cut a round center out of the bottom of another liner and leaves from green liners or tissue paper. Make a dozen or so flowers.

3. Thread an embroidery needle with a strand of yarn long enough to create a loop that fits loosely over your child's head.

4. String on each flower, starting with the leaves followed by the petal layer and center, spacing them evenly along the strand.

5. Tie the ends together.

Lasting Lilies

2008-08-29T16:08:00.004+08:00

Brighten your home with a touch of spring: a bouquet of easy-to-care-for paper lilies.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
White card stock
Green card stock
Tacky glue
Acrylic paint
Plastic tri-beads
20-gauge florists' stem wire
Round wooden bead
Floral tape
Large marker

Time needed: About 1 to 2 Hours
1. Cut six 7-inch petals (as shown) from white card stock and two 8-inch leaves from green card stock. Fold all 8 pieces in half lengthwise.

2. Use tacky glue to glue together the bases of 3 petals, creating a ring with a hole (about 1/2 inch across) in the center. Repeat with the remaining petals to create a slightly tighter ring.

3. Give your lily some distinctive speckles by splattering the leaves with an old toothbrush dipped in diluted acrylic paint (a great job for kids). Allow the glue and the paint to dry.

4. To make a trio of stamens, slip 3 plastic tri-beads onto the ends of three 18-inch lengths of 20-gauge florists' stem wire and bend the tips to secure the beads in place. Feed the opposite wire ends through a round wooden bead, then glue the bead in place about 2 inches below the tri-beads.

5. Feed the wires through the narrower ring of petals followed by the wider ring, offsetting the petals slightly. Glue the petals together and to the bead and let the glue dry.

6. Wrap a 2-foot section of floral tape around the base of the lily several times to secure it to the wires, stretching the tape while you wrap to help it stick. Continue wrapping the tape along the length of the wires, adding the leaves partway down. Finally, gently roll the petals over a large marker to curl the tips.

Country Confetti Cone

2008-08-28T16:02:00.003+08:00

Country Confetti Cone
Have guests send you off in style with cones filled with rice, confetti, and birdseed.

What You Need:
Tracing paper
8-1/2 x 11-inch sheet of scrapbook paper
Scissors: straight-edge, large scallop-edge, and small scallop-edge
Crafts glue
1/8-inch hole punch
1 yard of 1/2-inch-wide seam-binding ribbon

Instructions:
1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
Confetti Cone pattern
Adobe Acrobat
2. Trace the triangle pattern onto tracing paper, and enlarge 200 percent. Cut it out. Use the pattern to cut two triangles from the scrapbook paper.
3. Aligning the long edges, fold each triangle in half with wrong sides together. Firmly crease along the center fold. Unfold the pieces. Make a 3/4-inch-wide fold on each long edge with right sides together; firmly crease the folds. Unfold the long edges and align the edges of the two triangles with wrong sides together. Glue the long edges together; let the glue dry.
4. Trim the long edges with the large scallop-edge scissors. Trim the short edge with the small scallop-edge scissors. Use the hole punch to make a hole centered in each large scallop. Refold each triangle along the center fold, creating a square opening at the top. Make a hole in one center fold 1 inch from the top edge. Insert the ribbon through the hole, and tie a bow. Fill with wedding confetti.

Country Bouquet Holder

2008-08-27T14:45:00.005+08:00

Country Bouquet Holder
Wallpaper embellished with fan flowers and ribbons makes these country bouquet holders special.

What You Need:
8-inch square of wallpaper
Scissors: large and medium scallop-edge
1 25-inch length each of two shades of 1/2-inch-wide silk ribbon
Crafts glue
8-1/2 x 11-inch sheet of coordinating scrapbook paper
String
Silver glitter
Hole punch

Instructions:
1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
Bouquet Holder pattern
Adobe Acrobat
2. Trace the cone pattern onto tracing paper, and enlarge 200 percent. Cut out the pattern. Trace the pattern onto the back of the wallpaper. Cut on the traced lines with the large scallop-edge scissors. Fold the cone as indicated on the pattern; finger-crease each fold. Cut a 10-inch length of each ribbon. Align the ribbon lengths and tie a large knot at the center. Overlap the straight edges 1 inch at the top edge at the back of the cone. Tuck the ribbon knot into the bottom of the cone and glue the overlapped area.
3. Cut a 6- and 9-inch length of each ribbon. Aligning the ribbons, wrap the long lengths around the cone about 1/2 inch from the top edge. Overlap the ribbon ends and glue at the back of the cone. Wrap the short lengths around the center of the cone; glue the ends on the back.
4. For the fan flowers, cut two 1-1/2 x 4-1/2-inch rectangles from the scrapbook paper. Trim the long edges with the medium scallop-edge scissors. Beginning with a short edge of each rectangle, make accordion-style pleats every scallop across the paper; finger-crease each pleat.
5. Tie string around the center of the pleated paper. Pull the straight edges of the pleated paper together, forming a circle; glue in place. Apply a drop of glue to the center front of each flower and sprinkle with silver glitter. Shake off the excess glitter; let the glue dry. Glue a flower to the center front of each ribbon wrap.

Country Candy Container

2008-08-26T14:16:00.002+08:00

Country Candy Container
Place delicious candies in this beautiful candy container.

What You Need:
Tracing paper
Anaglypta wallpaper
Scissors: straight-edge; medium and large scallop-edge
1/8-inch hole punch
Crafts glue
18-inch length of 1-5/8-inch-wide pink crepe paper
Sewing thread and needle
8-1/2 x 11-inch sheet of coordinating scrapbook paper
String
Silver glitter
30-inch length of 1/2-inch-wide silk ribbon

Instructions:
1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
Country Candy Container
Adobe Acrobat
2. Trace the container pattern onto tracing paper, and enlarge 200 percent. Cut out the pattern. Trace the pattern onto the back of the wallpaper. Cut on the traced lines, using the medium scallop-edge scissors to trim all edges of the front flap and the long edge of the back. Use the hole punch to make holes in the flaps where indicated on the pattern. Fold the container along fold lines; finger-crease each fold. Cut a 10-inch length of ribbon. Tie a loose knot at the center. Overlap the side/back flap with the back scalloped edge. Tuck the ribbon knot into the bottom of the container and glue the overlapped area.
3. Trim one edge of the crepe paper with the large scallop-edge scissors. Use sewing thread to sew running stitches along the opposite long edge. Pull the thread ends to gather the crepe paper length into a circle. Glue the gathered area of the crepe paper to the front of the container so the crepe paper circle is about 2 inches from the top of the container.
4. Cut a 1-3/4 x 8-inch strip of wallpaper. Trim one long edge of the strip with the large scallop-edge scissors. Use the hole punch to make a hole centered in each scallop. Beginning at a short edge of the paper, make accordion-style pleats at the center and edge of every scallop across the paper; finger-crease each pleat. Sew through the pleated paper at the straight long edge with sewing thread, pulling the thread tight to create the center of the flower. Glue the short edges of the pleated paper together, forming a circle. Glue the fan flower centered on the crepe paper circle.
5. Cut a 1-1/4 x 4-inch rectangle of scrapbook paper. Trim the long edges with the medium scallop-edge scissors. Beginning with a short edge, make accordion-style pleats every other scallop across the paper; finger-crease each pleat. Tie string around the center of the pleated paper. Pull the straight edges of the pleated paper together, forming a circle; glue in place. Apply a drop of glue to the center front of the scrapbook flower and sprinkle with silver glitter. Shake off the excess glitter and let the glue dry. Center and glue the scrapbook flower on the wallpaper flower.
6. For the hanging loop and to close the container, use a 20-inch length of ribbon. Fold in the side flaps. Working from the wrong side of the front and back cone flaps, thread the ribbon ends first through the holes in the back flap and then through the holes in the front flap. Loosely knot the ribbon ends to form the hanging loop.

Easter Basket

2008-08-25T14:00:00.001+08:00

Materials:
67 Yards 5 or 6 mm cord that can be brushed
1 1-1/2" ring
1 4" ring
1 7" ring
1 8" ring
1 9" ring
36 20mm beads
1 wire coat hanger
1 piece of cardboard approximately 8" square

Cut:
12 cords 2 yards long
6 cords 1-2/3 yards long
18 cords 1-1/2 yards long
1 cord 5-1/2 yards long
Using the inside of the 7" ring, trace a circle on the cardboard and cut out circle.

Instructions:
Fold the twelve 2 yard cords in half and Larkshead (LH) onto the 1-1/2" ring. Pull the cords straight out and Double Half Hitch (DHH) all cords to the 4" ring. Be sure to pull cords as tightly as possible.
Separate cords into groups of four. Add one of the six 1-2/3 yard cords with a Reverse Larkshead between each group of four cords already on the 4" ring.
Pull all cords straight out and DHH onto the 7" ring, pulling as tight as possible. Separate into groups of two. Add one of the eighteen 1-1/2 yard cords to the 7" ring between each group of two cords with a Reverse Larkshead.
Tie a row of Square Knots (SK) around the ring with all cords, using four cords per knot. The rest of this pattern will now be worked down from the 7" ring. Turn the ring upside down and bend the first row of SK's down. Tie a row of Alternating Square Knots (ASK) around the ring.
Alternate cords and thread a bead onto the two filler cords. Tie a SK below the bead. Repeat around ring adding a total of 18 beads in this row. Tie a row of ASK.
DHH all cords onto the 8" ring. Tie two rows of ASK. Repeat Step 5. DHH all cords onto the 9" ring. Cut cords to 1-1/2", fray and brush.
Cut a piece of wire coat hanger to 24" - 26" long. Attach one end of the wire to the 9" ring between SK from the last row and the other end of the wire to the opposite side of the basket. There will be 9 SK on each half of the basket. Fold the 5-1/2 yard cord in half. Hold the middle of the cord behind the wire handle where it was attached to the basket. Tie a DHH with each end over the 9" ring, trying to cover the wire end of the handle.
Using the two long ends as tying cords and the wire handle as a filler, tie Half Knots (HK) around the wire until you reach the other end. DHH the ends over the 9" ring and the wire, again trying to cover up where you attached the handle to the basket. Cut these ends to 1-1/2" and brush. Place the cardboard circle in the bottom of basket and fill with Easter "grass".

Decoupage Candle Holder

2008-08-24T11:56:00.002+08:00

How to Make a Summer Candle Ring Wreath With Pretzels

Hi! This is Ginny with Simply Beautiful Crafts on behalf of Expert Village and today we are going to make a simple sweet summer candle ring. I am going to start out with a pretzel wreath that you know is going to fit your candle. You either made it big enough to begin with or you used your candle when you first made it. You want to have a little bit of space beyond the candle, so that as your ornaments spill over, there is still room for your candle. This one was a lot of fun to do and unlike most of my wreaths, I kind of placed things and then glued it as I went. I used a combination of silk flowers and paper flowers. You can also use real things like baby’s breath. What I did was just to cut off the buds of the flowers and place them around on the wreath where I thought I would like them and I started with just my sunflowers. I am going to put a sunflower in the same corner of each one of the pretzels. That way, I had a rhythm and I had symmetry and yet you might not want it to be exactly symmetrical. This would be one that I would do perhaps with roses and maybe daisies so you put your first flowers in, in exactly the spot that you want when you have it the way you would like it, take your glue gun. I went around this part of the flower like this so that it would stick inside the pretzel and these stems are a little bit too long you would want to cut them shorter and put them in. So I started first with just the sunflowers. After that I took the little yellow roses. So you would take your second color of flower or your second style of flower and cut it off and then place it. Perhaps, this one would go at the bottom of the pretzel all the way around. So you go ahead and put the second one in and then may be a third and may be a fourth. You have already planned your colors and your different flowers before you start. But if you start with one flower and then your second flower and then your third flower, it will be a lot easier to do your ring than if you try to lay them all in and then pick them up and put them, glue them on. That would be much more time consuming and difficult than doing one particular flower at a time. When you are finished, your glue is dry because you are using a hot glue gun, it is dry already, just slip that over your candle and there you have a sweet summer candle ring.

Letterbox

2008-08-23T11:34:00.002+08:00

A typical week's mail brings an assortment of bills, solicitations, advertisements, and hopefully some greetings from friends and family. Once it's out of the mailbox, you can keep all of your letters organized and accessible with this attractive and easy-to-make box.

Tools and Materials
Letterbox Template
13-by-16-inch 4-ply mat board
Double-sided adhesive paper such as Twin-Tack or spray adhesive
Decorative paper
Mat or utility knife
Ruler
Scalloped scissors
Leather punch
Seam binding
Bone folder

Letterbox How-To
1. Cover one side of the mat board with adhesive paper (or spray adhesive). Peel off remaining protective backing, and adhere a piece of decorative paper to it.
2. Download and print the letterbox template (above) onto the papered side. Mark the hole placement. Cut out the shape using a mat or utility knife, guiding the cuts with a ruler. Once the shape is cut out, cut along the rounded edges with scalloped scissors. Place the cutout, face up, on a flat surface. Score four lines (as indicated on the template pattern) to create the base of the box. When scoring, make sure to only cut about halfway through the mat board.
3. Using the leather punch or crafter's hole punch, make holes as indicated on the template.
4. Fold up the sides. Thread a 64-inch length of seam binding through the holes: Starting from the inside of box, thread seam binding through one hole. Bring seam binding back through adjacent hole, and repeat for the three remaining holes. To secure, first tie the seam binding in a knot, then in a bow.

Note : U can catch up the how-to-make video at this site : http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=f8eafe6b5262f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Bouquets: Astrantia and Calla Lilies

2008-08-22T12:38:00.001+08:00

Astrantia
Crisp, star-shaped Astrantia burst forth from a ruff of gathered silk ribbon.

Astrantia How-To
Michael George prepared the bouquet by first wiring the stems of about three dozen blossoms. He cut off the stems just below the heads, then inserted floral wire through each, folded and twisted it down, and wrapped it with floral tape. After gathering the flowers into a loose dome, he bound the wire stems together with floral tape. To finish the bouquet, Hannah Milman folded black and lavender ribbons across the stems' base, then wound them in an overlapping spiral up the shaft. She made the ruff from a yard of 6 1/2-inch-wide ribbon.

A running seam of inch-long stitches is sewn along one edge, then pulled to gather the ribbon into a circle of ruffles. The cut edges are trimmed with pinking shears and folded to the back. An inch-wide opening allows you to insert the bouquet through the center of the ruff, which is held in place with floral pins.

Calla Lilies
For a sophisticated bride, a sheaf of miniature white calla lilies. Flat on top and tapered at the bottom, the bouquet is designed so the stems make as strong a statement as the blossoms. The flowers are bound with a rubber band that is covered by a 1 1/2-inch-wide length of grosgrain. Folded into a flat bow, it is secured with a button covered in the same ribbon. The stems are cut at a 45-degree angle.

Pink & Poppy : Crepe-Paper

2008-08-21T12:20:00.000+08:00

Making Crepe-Paper Flowers
Use crepe-paper streamers to create the blooms. If making a garland, stop at step 5, and tie flowers to lengths of thin silk ribbon.
1. Cut streamer to about 35 inches long.
2. Fold end in about 1/2 inch; pinch at base. Wrap about 1 inch of streamer around center, and fold back, pinching at base.
3. Fold forward again and repeat, working around flower until you're left with about a 3-inch-long tail.
4. Fold tail in half lengthwise.
5. Wrap tail tightly around base; pinch.
6. Tie wide ribbon around takeout box; knot at top. Thread another piece of ribbon beneath ribbon on box. Lay flower on top; tie a bow around its base.
7. Neaten bow, and fluff flower.

Favor Centerpieces: Fancy Candy

2008-08-20T12:02:00.005+08:00

Humble supplies can take on an elegant air: Monogrammed stickers and crepe paper decorate clear plastic tubes filled with champagne-bubble candies. They're then piled into a glass compote around a smaller compote of crepe-paper flowers.

Tools and Materials
You will need candies; acrylic tubes, 3 3/4 by 2 inches in diameter, with lids; regular and double-sided tape; scissors; crepe paper cut into 6 1/2-by-3 3/4-inch pieces (two per tube); 3/8-inch-wide double-faced satin ribbon in 6 5/8-inch lengths (four per tube); sticker paper; and a craft punch.

Fancy Candy How-To
1. Fill tubes; tape lids closed. Wrap crepe paper around ends, lining up seams; secure with double-sided tape and fringe ends with scissors.

2. Tape a ribbon around each end where tube meets paper, lining up seams. Gather paper and tie.

3. Photocopy a monogram on sticker paper; punch out, and affix to tubes on side without seams.

Making Paper Flowers
You will need crepe paper, 18-gauge cloth-wrapped floral wire, floral tape, and our petal template. Trace template, and cut out petals (12 to 15 per flower), making sure grain of paper is vertical. For stamens, cut wire to 6 inches. Then cut a 3-inch square of paper, and fold it into a triangle. Bring tips in together; twist. Secure tips to end of wire with floral tape. Cup each petal by holding at center and tugging gently outward; curl top edge outward; and pleat base. Tape petals to stamens, wrapping inner petals low and raising subsequent rows slightly, overlapping them. Fluff out petals.

Crepe-Paper Flowers

2008-08-19T11:58:00.002+08:00

Use these directions to make the crepe-paper flowers that adorn our fondant-covered cake.

To decorate the tiers with the crepe-paper bands, cut the crepe paper into strips with the ribbing running top to bottom, and gently stretch the top edge to create a ruffle. Wrap the band snugly around the tier, and secure to itself in the back with double-sided tape.

Tools and Materials
Crepe paper (purchase the kind sold in folds, rather than streamers)
Artificial stamens
Green cloth-wrapped floral wire for stems (20-gauge)
Thin wire for wrapping (26-gauge)
Green floral tape

Crepe-Paper Flowers How-To
1. Cut the crepe paper into teardrop-shape petals; for each poppy, you'll need five of the same size.

2. Pull gently across the top half of each petal to ruffle it slightly. Cluster several artificial stamens (cut them in half if they're double-ended).

3. Bend a small, slim loop at one end of each cloth-wrapped floral-wire stem, and use the thin wire to bind the bunched stamens to the loop.

4. Place the petals around the stamens, and tape in place with the floral tape, winding it around the stems to secure well and wrapping up on the petals just enough to bring them in to the stamens.

5. Wrap the tape all the way down the stem to cover. Spread the stamen tips slightly to flare them.

Hand-Wired Bouquets: Roses and Hyacinths

2008-08-18T11:52:00.003+08:00

A stylish nosegay achieves its perfect domed shape with wired pink roses and hyacinth blossoms with yellow floral pins at their centers. A coiled bouquet cuff is a lighthearted accent: Wire wrapped in pale-pink ribbon was shaped into a looped design and attached to the stem to frame the bouquet. Matching satin ribbon is wound around the wire stems and tied in a graceful bow.

Tools and Materials
To make the bouquet cuff seen here, you will need:
22-gauge white cloth-wrapped floral wire, which comes in precut pieces 18 inches long
Silk embroidery ribbon 7-mm-wide
Floral tape
A dowel or broom handle that's about one inch in diameter.

Wire Bouquet Cuff How-To
1. Lay the end of the ribbon against the end of the wire at a 45-degree angle, and affix by wrapping with floral tape. Then wrap ribbon tightly around wire to cover. Cut away excess ribbon, and secure end with floral tape.

2. To create the looped design, wrap the center of the ribbon-wrapped floral wire around the dowel three times, as shown above. Slide off dowel. (If you'd like tighter coils, use a smaller dowel.)

3. Shape the curled wire by pulling the loops apart slightly. Bring ends together, creating a stem, and tape together. Repeat with as many wires as needed to surround the bouquet (our bouquet required 15 wires). Arrange the coiled segments around the bouquet, and tape stems of coils to handle of bouquet with floral tape. Bend wire loops outward.

Teacup Lights

2008-08-17T11:23:00.003+08:00

Antique teacups that have lost their saucers still make sweet gifts when fitted with candles.

Tools and Materials
Nested pans
Partially burned candles
Candy or candle thermometer
Tongs
New wicking
Teacups
Wick sustainers
Wooden skewers

Teacup Lights How-To
1. In a small pan set over a larger pan of simmering water, melt down old candles; clip the thermometer to the upper pot, and keep temperature at about 185 degrees. Remove old wicks with tongs.

2. Cut a piece of wicking to the cup's height plus 2 inches. Clamp one end to a wick sustainer; tie the other end around a skewer. Dip wicking and sustainer into melted wax to coat them. Remove and stick sustainer to cup's bottom.

3. Pour in the wax, stopping 1/2 inch below the cup's rim. Allow wax to set, about 1 hour. The candle will harden with a well in the center. To even it out, use another skewer to prick a circle of holes about 1/16 inch deep around the wick. Pour in melted wax until surface is 1/4 inch below rim. Cut wick.

Pink and Brown: Elegant and Easy Favors

2008-08-16T10:30:00.009+08:00

Use paper to give favors colorful details. These ideas use rose and chocolate brown, evoking an earlier era.

Stamp tissue for one-of-a-kind wrapping.

Tissue-Paper Favor How-To
Twisted just so, these treats will stand up on their own.

1. You'll need large, box-shaped candies, such as these Neopolitan coconut squares. Cut two sheets of 71/2-inch square tissue paper in contrasting colors. With brown ink and a rubber stamp in any design you like, decorate one corner of the lighter paper, as shown.

2. Lay with stamped side face down. Stack candies in the corner opposite stamped section. Fold paper against side and then bottom of candies, as if wrapping a gift box.

3. Roll candies up in the tissue, holding them carefully so they don't shift.

4. Twist top of tissue paper above candies to secure -- no tape is needed.

A trio of envelopes encloses sweets and serves as a place card.

Envelope Favor How-To
You'll need hot pink, pale pink, and brown 31/2-by- 5-inch envelopes.

1. Create a template (for making many favors): Trace envelope onto paper; cut out, and make two holes using a 1/8-inch hole punch. Lay template over front envelope; mark holes with pencil.

2. Lay front envelope over other two, staggering so tops show. Using a paper clip to hold in place, punch holes through all three envelopes.

3. Add candies to each envelope; seal.

4. Tie together with ribbon. Print label on a computer (use clip art for fancy designs); affix with a glue stick.

You can find a wide selection of candies in both pink and brown. Of course there are myriad chocolates; and jelly beans, M and Ms, and dragees come in almost every color (food for any palette). Use all one hue, or mix the colors in flavors that go well together.

A cuff of scrapbooking paper secured with clear tape dresses up prewrapped taffy.

Customize a white box with a brown paper band; votive candles nest in pink wood excelsior (a packing material); a computer-printed label is attached with twine.

Glittered Cabbage Bowl

2008-08-15T10:17:00.003+08:00

To dress up your Easter table, try any of the three following delightful crafts, all with one common ingredient: glitter. When using glitter with any of these crafts, you can sift it through a tea strainer for easy application.

Cabbage Basket
Tools and Materials
Small papier-mache round box (bottom half only)
Paint
Medium paintbrush
Faux cabbage
Craft glue
Glitter
Twigs and vines for handle
Hot gun
Floral wire
Wire cutter
Name tag (optional)

Cabbage Basket How-To
1. Paint inside of bottom half of box.
2. Cut apart faux cabbage, separating into four sizes of individual leaves, with six of each size. Start with box upside down. Hot glue smallest interior leaves evenly spaced around the box with 1/2 inch of bottom of leaves glued to the bottom of the box.
3. Turn box right side up and use a dab of glue to tack leaf to side of box, near the bottom. Hot glue next largest leaves around this first layer, overlapping and staggering them. Then, glue the next largest leaves over this layer, with their points meeting on the bottom in the center. Glue largest leaves to bottom, also with points meeting on the bottom in the center.
4. Cut five vines into 12-inch lengths. Twist together and wrap floral wire around each end, cutting ends evenly. Bend and hot glue to each side of the box. Pull leaves down to give them a natural cabbage shape. Dry brush a small amount of craft glue onto the leaves. Dust with glitter. Glue name tag to the top of the handle.

Note : For more info of baskethow-to, u can watch the demo thru it's video in Martha Stewart website : http://www.marthastewart.com/glittered-easter-crafts?rsc=also_try

Ribbon Crafts

2008-08-14T16:27:00.010+08:00

In The Fold
To create blooms in a variety of textures, sizes, and shapes, use ribbons and rickrack in different widths and weaves. The folds of each flower are clustered around artificial stamens; stems are individually wrapped in floral tape before all are bundled together and bound in wide white grosgrain.

What You'll Need
Rickrack, ribbon, or woven fabric; artificial stamens; milliner's sewing needle; thread; floral wire and tape; liquid seam sealant; tacky glue. For fabric, opt for lightweight cotton (such as most quilting fabrics), since they can be easily torn along the fabric's grain.

Ribbon and Fabric Flowers
For fabric flowers, tear fabric into 1-inch strips and cut to 8 inches long. For ribbon flowers, use 1/2-inch ribbon cut to 4 inches long.

1. Use thread in matching color (knot the end) to sew a running stitch lengthwise along one edge of the strip or ribbon.

2. Slide fabric along thread, drawstring style, to gather.

3. Bring ends of fabric together, right sides facing, and sew. Snip off excess seam allowance, and apply seam sealant to cut edges of fabric to prevent unraveling. Fold a few stamens in half, then slip a 10-inch floral wire through them at the fold; fold the wire in half, and twist to secure. Insert stem into center of flower so stamen heads emerge just a bit; add a dab of tacky glue to secure, and let dry. Wrap stem in floral tape. To decorate favors, glue flowers to fabric bands.

Rickrack Flowers
Count 16 points along lower edge of rickrack; snip with cut edges pointing upward.

1. Knot thread, and sew through the points along one edge.

2. Gather rickrack onto needle as you sew.

3. When entire strip is gathered onto needle, hold tightly, and pull the thread through firmly; then stitch through the first fold and pull tight.

4. Bring ends of rickrack together, with right sides facing. Sew, then trim off excess seam allowance (do not cut thread).

5. Apply seam sealant to raw edges.

6. On underside of flower, backstitch points together; anchor end of thread with tiny stitches. Fold a few stamens in half; slip floral wire through them at the fold, fold wire in half, and twist to secure. Insert stem into center of flower; dab on tacky glue to secure, and let dry. Wrap stem in floral tape.

Leaf Notions

2008-08-13T16:04:00.003+08:00

These fall-inspired pieces keep sewing tools handy any time of year -- and it doesn't take a stitch to make them.

Tools and Materials
Rubber leaf stamps (4 to 6 inches)
White-ink stamp pad
Felt
Muslin
Iron
Fabric scissors
Fabric glue
Small funnel
Craft sand

Leaf Notions How-To
1. Stamp white-ink leaf images onto colored felt: Make three images for a needle book; two images for a scissors holder or a pincushion. To set ink, cover felt with muslin and iron on medium setting. Let dry, then cut out shapes.

2. For needle book "stem," cut a 3-by-1/4-inch felt strip. Glue to the base of one leaf. Glue second leaf to the first at the base; repeat with third leaf. For scissors holder, glue two leaves together along edges, leaving an opening at stem end. For the pincushion, glue leaves together, leaving a small opening; let dry. Using the funnel, pour sand into opening until pouch is almost full; close opening with more glue.

Strawberry Pincushions

2008-08-12T15:56:00.003+08:00

You may remember seeing charming strawberry pincushions like these in your grandmother's sewing box. Hers were probably sewn from scraps of leftover fabric; ours are made with ribbon remnants, shirting fabric, and felt, which works especially well because its edges won't fray.

Tools and Materials
Fabric and ribbon remnants
Sewing machine
Needle and thread
Scissors
Fine sand or emery
#3 pearl-cotton thread or felt, for berries' tops
6-strand embroidery floss, for seeds
Fabric glue

Strawberry Pincushion How-To
1. Begin by printing out our templates. Trace the cone template onto fabric, then cut out the shape. Fold the fabric into a cone shape, right sides facing, and stitch together along one edge, leaving a narrow seam allowance.
2. Sew a loose, even running stitch along the perimeter of the wide opening, which will become the top of the berry. Before cinching the top, place the cone in a small jar or bottle for balance, and fill it with sand or emery, which will keep pins sharp. Pull the thread taut, and stitch the top closed.
3. For the strawberry's top, trace the cap template onto a piece of felt, cut out the shape, and affix it in place with a drop of glue; then sew along the edges with a slip stitch. Or, create leaves by sewing long stem stitches onto the strawberry using the pearl-cotton thread, leaving a loop of floss at the top for a handle. Embroider seeds onto berry using embroidery floss with a single stitch or a French-knot stitch.

Envelope Sachets

2008-08-11T15:44:00.002+08:00

1. Use our heart or butterfly templates, or make your own pattern. Graph paper is good for creating a grid design (such as the one shown at top left). Working on a cutting mat or piece of felt, lay your template over an envelope.
2. With a thick pin, punch holes through the template and envelope until the dotted design is complete.
3. Fill the envelope with blends of scented ingredients. We like the following combinations: cedar tips, cedar shavings, and lavender; orange tea and dried roses; and lemon verbena, chamomile and dried lemon peel. (Vary the amount depending on the envelope size; we used 1 tablespoon in the gift-card envelope.)
4. With a glue stick, seal the envelope.
5. Poke whimsical designs in your paper envelopes, then add your choice of aromatic blends.

Ribbon-Flower Bautonniere

2008-08-10T15:31:00.007+08:00

Boutonnieres made of ribbon have endless design potential (and, unlike real blooms, are always in season). Create them for your groomsmen with ribbon that matches the bridesmaids' dresses or the ribbons around their bouquets. Give them a masculine feel by using a striped, plaid, or checked pattern. Ours are crafted of 1-inch-wide grosgrain.

Ribbon-Flower Boutonniere How-To
1. Knot thread; sew running stitch along one edge of 6-inch-long ribbon. Gather ribbon on thread; knot thread.

2. Sew ribbon ends together.

3. Bend 6-inch wire in half. Cover 1/2-inch button form with ribbon. Slip end of wire through shank. Push wire through flower's center, twist together, and trim to 2 inches. Wrap with thin ribbon. Tie ribbon around stem.

Paper Pew Wreath

2008-08-09T15:21:00.002+08:00

With their whispery petals and luminous silver centers, the tissue-paper flowers that bloom on this wintry wreath look as if they were plucked from a fairy tale. Perhaps more magical is the fact that this inexpensive pew decoration won't wilt or fade, so you can make as many as you need well ahead of time.

Tools and Materials
Low-temperature hot-glue gun
About 51/2 feet of 1-inch-wide silver double-faced satin ribbon 6-inch
Styrofoam disk (1 inch thick)
White tissue paper 20mm and 30mm silver-ball floral ornaments
White floral tape

Wreath How-To
1. Cut out center of disk, leaving 11/2-inch-wide ring. Hot-glue ribbon to inner and outer edges of ring.

2. Make flowers; you'll need about twenty for one wreath: For one flower, trace a round object on tissue paper to create three 3-inch circles; cut out. Stack circles; poke wire end of one or two floral ball ornaments through center. Slide circles up wire, ruffling them as you go, to shape petals. Wrap base of flower and wire with floral tape; trim stem to 11/2 inches.

3. To secure each flower to wreath, apply a dab of hot glue on ring, insert stem through glue into foam, and press flower base onto glue. Leave a 1-inch gap bare for hanging ribbon. Loop a 24-inch length of ribbon around wreath at gap; spread petals of adjacent flowers to cover (add flowers if needed). To hang, tie ribbon ends, and slip over removable self-adhesive hook placed upside down inside pew (check with church about restrictions first).

Paper Peonies

2008-08-08T16:38:00.004+08:00

Tools and Materials
20-pound recycled paper (20 sheets)
Blender
Silpat
Cookie sheet
Sponge
Rolling pin
Paper Peonies template
Acrylic paint (magenta and green)
Paintbrush
Acrylic varnish
Pearlizing medium
Plastic bag
Thin paper
Scissors
Glue gun
Cable wire
Floral tape

Paper Peonies How-To
1. Rip 20 sheets of 20-pound recycled paper into strips.
2. Boil ripped paper in 5 quarts water; let cool.
3. In a blender, pulse to reduce to a paper pulp.
4. Place 3 cups pulp onto Silpat-lined cookie sheet; spread out.
5. Use sponge to soak up excess water. Let dry for a couple of hours.
6. Flatten with rolling pin. Let dry for one day.
7. Download and print template.
8. Cut 50 petals for each peony: 10 small, 20 medium, and 20 large.
9. Make mixture of 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon magenta acrylic paint, 1/3 cup acrylic varnish, and 1 teaspoon pearlizing medium.
10. Dip petals into paint mixture. Dry overnight on cookie sheets lined with a plastic bag.
11. Curl and wrinkle petal edges.
12. Make a pistil by cutting a 3/4-inch-by-8 1/2-inch strip of thin paper. Fold lengthwise. On the fold, make 1/4 inch cuts, approximately every 1/4 inch. Roll to resemble a paper decoration for a "lamb chop" end. Secure with glue gun.
13. Make a 1/2-inch diameter wad of pulp with a point (shaped like an acorn); let dry.
14. Take dried wad and glue (using glue gun) to uncut end of "lamb chop," pointy side down. Flare ends.
15. Assemble a flower. Using a glue gun, glue five small petals overlapping, surrounding the wad. Glue another layer of small petals. Repeat process for medium, then large petals, working in layers, until you have a full peony.
16. For stems, use the glue gun to glue the end of a length of thick electric cable wire to the base of the flower and wrap, then wrap in floral tape. Paint stems green with acrylic paint.

Resources
Recycled copy paper is available at office supply stores. We used magenta acrylic paint from Delta, Iridescent Tinting Medium from Liquitex, Acrylic Glazing Gloss Liquid Medium from Golden Makes, yellow card stock or yellow/pink origami paper for the stamens, and a hot glue gun by Dremel. You can find cable wire for the stem at hardware stores.

Special ThanksLisa Yuen, http://www.paperbloomsters.com/

Cups of Plenty

2008-08-07T16:24:00.011+08:00

A few easy folds is all it takes to turn plain paper into cheery cups for servings of fresh fruit salad and more. Use sheets of glassine and parchment paper for moist food, like these balls of honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and watermelon. You could also serve assorted nuts, cookies, popcorn, and other treats in the colorful paper containers.

For each cup, start with one sheet each of glassine and parchment paper. Cut whichever sheet will form the inside of the cup to 9 1/2 inches square; cut the other to 10 inches square. Center the small sheet on top of the large sheet, and attach in center with a piece of double-sided tape.

Fold square in half to form a triangle.

Fold bottom-right corner to left side.

Fold bottom-left corner to right side.

Fold front top points over front of cup, then rear top points behind back. To complete, hold top of cup open with one hand, then gently press bottom seam up at the center with other hand.

Napkin-Folded Pillow Cases

2008-08-06T16:24:00.007+08:00

Napkin-Folded Pillow Cases

Brighten outdoor spaces with decorative pillows made from cloth napkins. Use spares when their matches have been tossed or lost, or buy single napkins that catch your eye.
Make several pillowcases using various hues and designs, and swap them whenever you want a quick change of color scheme. The covers are a breeze to make and care for.

Pillow How-To
Lay a 20-inch square cloth napkin face down, positioning it to resemble a diamond. Center a 12- or 14-inch square pillow form on napkin. Fold in 2 side points of napkin to middle, then fold up bottom point. Hand-stitch through all 3 pieces of fabric along upside-down V, about 2 inches down on each side. Stitch a button to bottom flap near point. Fold down top flap; sew a loop of cord to underside of fabric as a button holder, ensuring it fits snugly around button when closed.

Table Decorations: Cinnamon Candle

2008-08-05T16:03:00.002+08:00

Look for 8-and 16-inch cinnamon sticks at floral-supply stores.

Tools and Materials
Pillar candle, at least 3-inches in diameter
Cinnamon sticks
Floral shears
Hot-glue gun
Dish or coaster

Cinnamon Candle How-To
1. Measure candle height; cut cinnamon sticks to size with floral shears. You'll need about 20 lengths per candle.

2. Run hot glue along cinnamon stick; affix it vertically to side of candle. (Use low-temperature setting to minimize melting.)

3. When first stick is dry, glue next stick snugly against it; repeat to cover candle.

4. Place finished candle on a dish or coaster.

Pinecone Gift Cards

2008-08-04T15:16:00.001+08:00

For a hostess gift, wrap tapers in vellum; dress up with blossoms or a matchbox covered with paper, florets, and real leaves. Tie box to candles with a cord threaded through the box's underside.

Blossom How-To
Fill a small bowl with scales. For the work surface, you'll need a cardboard box (at least 4 inches square) with a hinged lid. Snip 4 inches of floral wire; form a small hook on one end. From card stock, cut a disk a bit larger than the desired size of the bloom's center. Secure disk to box top by poking wire through both, letting hook rest in the center so the wire won't fall through. Using tacky glue, affix scales in a flower shape to disk; the hook will become covered with glue. For a fuller blossom, add another layer inside the first, using smaller scales, adding up to five layers for larger blooms. Use tacky glue to attach one or more cloves or tiny plant parts in the center; let dry, and remove bloom from box.

Chrysanthemum Pillow Covers

2008-08-03T14:47:00.005+08:00

Chrysanthemum Pillow Covers

Start with a throw pillow that has a removable cover (which you can buy or make yourself). With a disappearing-ink embroidery pen, mark where you want to position the fabric blooms. Pull flower head off stem; pull the flower apart, and discard plastic center and any separators. Align the center of a flower with one of the pen marks, and place a button over the flower's center; secure the button and bloom to the fabric, stitching through all the layers.

Stamped-Bag Favors

2008-08-02T13:45:00.003+08:00

Simple sacks make perfect favor packages when given a handle and personalized with a stamp. To make them, you will need white paper bags (ours are 3 inches by 6 1/4 inches), a rubber stamp, paper cord, double-sided tape, and candy. A rubber-stamp company or office-supply store will make a stamp for you; just provide a line drawing or printout of an image with your names and wedding date. Stamp your design onto a flat bag (place a piece of cardboard inside for a smooth surface). Place candy in bag (don't make the bag too heavy), and fold top of bag over twice. Place double-sided tape under flap of fold (but do not seal yet). Cut an 11-inch length of paper cord; knot ends and trim. Loop cord under flap, knot in center; press the flap down, enclosing the cord.

Almond Baskets

2008-08-01T13:32:00.002+08:00

Let guests tote away sweet almonds in tiny baskes. Line each with colored mini paper liners, and then fill with Jordan Almonds. Use liners and nuts that complement your color scheme. Label baskets with the wedding date. We printed the date on colored laser paper, then made labels with a special craft punch, and affixed them with double-sided tape.

Blossom Boxes

2008-07-31T13:18:00.000+08:00

Spring Favors: How to Make the Blossom Boxes

These favors are made using just four different flower punches. Punch flowers from white card stock; trim the edges of the large blooms with mini pinking shears to resemble cherry blossoms. Stamp centers of the large and medium-size flowers. We had rubber stamps made with two designs; you could also draw in a design with fine markers. Attach two or three flowers to each box. Some are affixed flat on the box using adhesive dots; others are attached with adhesive foam disks so they're raised.
The flowers and birds on traditional wagashi are believed to bring happiness and good fortune to the recipient. Package wagashi no more than one day ahead, placing in a paper liner, then in the box. Mix and match -- put bird sweets in blossom boxes, for example.

How to Make the Bird Boxes

Aqua and Red: Peekaboo Favors

2008-07-30T13:04:00.001+08:00

Framed windows allow a look-see into these fanciful paper packets filled with jelly beans. The envelopes are inexpensive and easy to customize; all you need is a craft punch and rubber stamp. Look for narrow ribbons in a variety of patterns to tie the tops; as long as the colors coordinate, they'll go nicely together. Set out the favors on a table for guests to help themselves -- they will form a colorful and inviting display.

Peekaboo Favors How-To

Stitched Stationery

2008-07-29T14:51:00.002+08:00

With warm and fuzzy yarn accents, a plain stationery set becomes wedding worthy. Make tiny dots where you want holes for stitches to be (or have them printed, if you can). Choose a textured stock and matching envelope (we lined ours with gift wrap), and a soft ink color to make cards refined.

Yarn Invitation How-To
Punch holes with a Japanese hole punch. Thread a single strand of yarn on a yarn needle; knot one end, stitch accents; knot again at end. Each 5-by-7-inch invitation requires a 7-inch length of yarn for each side, stitched in a short/long pattern and tied in a bow at the center. For 3 1/2-by-5-inch reply cards, use two 2 1/2-inch lengths of yarn; for 4-by-5 1/2-inch programs, use one 17-inch length of yarn.

No-Stitch Cross-Stitch

2008-07-28T14:40:00.000+08:00

You don't need to spend hours to re-create the designs of early American samplers. We used a paint pen to "stitch" designs onto glass, imprinting leafy motifs on large candleholders for a centerpiece and monograms on votive holders for favors.

Cross-Stitch How-To
Download templates (below), and print. Enlarge template to desired size on a photocopier; cut out. Position template inside vessel using tape. With an extra-fine-tip paint pen, trace pattern onto glass. (If you make a mistake, wipe with a damp paper towel while paint is wet.) To repeat pattern around glass, shift the template inside vessel, and trace again. Let dry.

Template One

Template Two

Flower-Wrapped Favors

2008-07-27T17:49:00.003+08:00

Flower-Wrapped Favors

How-To

1. Fill a 3 5/8-inch-high acetate cylinder with candy.

2. To make flower, cut a 9-by- 30-inch piece of tissue paper. Fold, accordion style, in 5-inch-wide layers. Cut petals in smaller end; unfold and lay on flat surface.

3. Place cylinder on paper with bottom about 1 inch from uncut end, and roll; tape sides and bottom with double-sided tape. Tie ribbon above top of cylinder.4. Gently peel petals down to open flower. If you use a shorter cylinder, reduce height of paper; for a multicolored blossom, wrap a second layer of paper around cylinder after first is secure; secure with ribbon.

Origami Containers

2008-07-26T17:44:00.002+08:00

Filled fith flowers or favors, these origami boxes are multifunctional little dreams. Use a large one in lieu of a ho-hum vase (set a deep four-inch plastic plant liner inside) and voila: You've got a glitzy centerpiece on the cheap.

Paper Basket

2008-07-25T17:36:00.000+08:00

A pouch folded from colorful paper is a pretty alternative to a traditional basket; add a ribbon handle and bow, and it's ready for the flower girl's important role. We used vellum, so any moisture on flower petals won't damage the basket. It's so easy, your young attendant might like to help you make it.

Basket How-ToYou will need a 12-inch-square sheet of colored vellum, a hole punch, 1/2-inch-wide ribbon, and a hot-glue gun.

1. Fold paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Place so that the triangle's longest side is at the bottom.

2. Fold right corner over as shown, creating a flap (the flap's top edge should be parallel to bottom of triangle).

3. Fold left corner over to form another flap, aligning its top edge with the top of the right flap.

4. Fold one layer of top section down. Secure with double-sided tape.

5. Turn basket over (this will be the basket's front). Fold other layer down. Tape.

6. Punch a small hole near the basket's top through all layers. Thread ribbon end through front hole, and knot inside; thread the other end through back hole, and knot.

7. Hot-glue a ribbon bow just below handle at front.

Confetti

2008-07-24T16:47:00.005+08:00

VANISHING CONFETTI

Showering the bride and groom with confetti as they exit the ceremony is a twist on a time-honored tradition, but it can create a mess. With biodegradable paper, the problem literally disappears: The confetti disintegrates once it gets wet. These tiny pieces come in all sorts of colors and shapes, including stars, bells, and hearts. Sew them inside glassine packets, and guests can tuck them away, then tear them open later.

Vanishing Confetti How-To

You'll need a 5-by-71/2-inch piece of card stock, 5-by-71/2-inch glassine sheets, a ruler, art paper printed with date and couple's names and cut into 3/4-by-6-inch strips, confetti, and a sewing machine.

1. To make a guide for folding glassine, fold card stock in thirds and crease. Lay glassine on card stock. Lay ruler in crease to help hold steady, and fold glassine.

2. Turn glassine over; center strip on top.3. Sew one end shut (3/4-inch seam allowance). Fill with confetti. Sew other end.4. Trim ends with scalloping scissors.

SCENTED CONFETTI

Tossed alof by your guests, perfumed confetti will leave a delicate floral scent in your wake. Punch kraft or construction paper using a decorative hole punch. Spread the confetti pieces out on waxed paper. Mist very lightly with a favorite scent. Collect into small glassine bags. Seal the bags, while attaching a label, by sewing the top edge.

p.s. I'm going to use these ideas to fill in the sweets or other thin things into it.

Paper Fan

2008-07-23T17:56:00.002+08:00

Flutter fans were common giveaways in bygone years. Bring them back with this favor. Choose a template and enlarge 250 percent. Trace and cut as directed. Glue one piece of decorative paper to one side of the pieces of card stock, using craft glue. (Spread the glue thinly with a scrap of card stock.) Once the glue has dried, punch a hole in each piece. Stack the pieces, and slip a paper fastener through to join them.

Paper Fan Templates
Photocopy these templates at 250 percent. For a wedge-shaped fan, trace template A twice onto both card stock and a decorative paper, then trace template B once each onto card stock and decorative paper with a different pattern. For a diamond-shaped fan, trace template C five times onto both card stock and papers. For a heart-shaped fan, trace template D three times onto both card stock and papers.

Stationery Themes

2008-07-23T17:05:00.008+08:00

Stationery will be woven throughout your wedding celebration, from the moment family members and friends open the pristine invitations until the day you mail your last thank-you card. There are several ways to design your wedding stationery so that all the components -- save-the-date cards, invitations, reply cards, maps and directions, programs, seating cards, menus, matchboxes, favor tags, and thank-you cards -- are rendered in the same visual language. Continuity can be expressed through a recurring icon, monogram, or graphic pattern, through paper or ink color, even through a unique typographical style. It requires forethought -- if you'll be sending save-the-date-cards, you'll need to decide on the style at least four to six months in advance -- but having a theme for your wedding stationery is powerful. It helps create a lasting impression, allowing the event to become engraved on our memories.
Green Calligraphy
Dots and Lines
Wreath and Monogram
Contrasting Colors
Fall Leaves

Stationery Themes: Green Calligraphy

A relaxed and festive handwritten script was used to create each element of this stationery wardrobe, then reproduced in two shades of green ink using inexpensive offset printing; this strategy is a great way to achieve a handmade look for less money. The matchbox and program bear monograms in the same style of calligraphy. The favor cone, filled with sweets, is inscribed with an old Irish toast. Green ribbon is threaded through the place card, invitation, and program, then tied in bows.

Stationery Themes: Dots and Lines

A graphic pattern decorates this lighthearted yet sophisticated stationery. The design is slightly different on each piece, but the tight range of shapes and the vibrant red-and-coral color palette keep the papers harmonious. On some of them, such as the thank-you and reply cards, the colorful bands continue onto the back cover. The color scheme is carried out in other details as well: Coral grosgrain ribbon binds the program booklet, and envelopes and place cards are written in a lively, ornate coral script.

Stationery Themes: Wreath and Monogram

In this formal, hand-engraved set, an embossed Georgian-style wreath and monogram connect the different items. Some of the icons are inked in gold, and others are blind-embossed. On the invitation, menu, and place card, the gold is picked up in the beveled edge of the card stock. Stationery that guests will see before and during the ceremony features the bride's and groom's initials; those cards guests will encounter afterward, such as the thank-you note, have the couple's combined monogram.

Stationery Themes: Contrasting Colors

Clean typography and pale-blue and cream tones unite this elegant grouping. A cream invitation is tucked inside a blue envelope, and the cream pages of a ceremony program have a blue cover, for example. The stationery was printed using the letterpress method, which yields a textural effect (the result is an impression in the front of the paper). To vary the presentation, some elements, such as the menu and place card, are calligraphed in the same gray tone as the printed type.

Stationery Themes: FallLeaves

Three different leaves adorn these pieces. The icons and typeface were created by letterpress. Paper and ink in shades of brown enhance the autumnal feeling and further unify the group. To keep costs down, one folder was designed to house the ceremony program as well as the invitation and inserts. Printed stickers and tags decorate favor boxes and menu scrolls.

Candy-Rock Favors

2008-07-22T16:51:00.002+08:00

They may look like the real thing, but candy pebbles in small galvanized pails are a sweet and delightful favor for an outdoor wedding; a note lets guests know they're for eating. The candy shown here is marzipan and chocolate-covered dried fruit in disguise. Print your message onto paper, cut into strips, wrap around the pails' handles, and secure with double-sided tape. Set the pails in trays filled with turbinado sugar.

Yarn Cards

2008-07-21T16:38:00.002+08:00

An event that comes but once a year deserves a special card. Match the singularity of a birthday or an anniversary with a homemade card "drawn" in yarn. Don't be shy about your artistic ability: You'll need to sketch only simple outlines -- the colors and the body of the fibers complete the picture -- so they are easy to make.
When designing cards, include only the details necessary to make the image recognizable. A cake, for example, requires only a few shallow curves, and a woolen spiral easily renders a flower. Make rough sketches on scratch paper first; lightly pencil a clean version onto a blank card or a piece of card stock folded in half. Trace the drawing with craft glue in a fine-tip dispenser. Carefully place yarn on the glue. Let dry, and then snip away excess.

Felt Cases

2008-07-20T16:21:00.002+08:00

Protect small electronics and other essentials with cases you can whip up in minutes. Wrap an item such as a camera or a pair of glasses in felt. Measure and add 1 inch to the width and 3/4 inch to the length. Trace the shape using a ruler and a disappearing-ink pen, then cut it out with scalloping scissors. Topstitch along three sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. To make an MP3 player case, use the template.

Beaded Flower Necklace

2008-07-19T18:00:00.004+08:00

Flowers & feathers add a touch of whimpsy to simple chain necklaces.

Tools and Materials
Bead stringer
Wire clippers
2 pair chain-nose pliers
Craft glue
Fabric glue
Seed beads (sizes 6/0 to E)
Spool of 24-gauge wire
3 small feathers
Floral tape in complementary color
Small scrap of leather, cut into 1/2-inch circle
Jump ring
Necklace chain
Wire cutters

Beaded Flower Necklace How-To
Make the Flower
1. Fill the spinner bowl of the bead stringer 3/4 of the way to the top with seed beads.
2. Pull out an arm's length of 24-gauge wire from the spool.
3. Create a hook shape at the end of the wire by bending it around the metal center of the bead stringer.
4. Rotate the spinner while dipping the wire hook into the bowl to send the seed beads up the wire. Continue until you have strung about 1 yard of seed beads.
5. Twist the cut end of the wire to "knot" it.
6. Push beads toward the spool, leaving 4 inches of wire between the last bead strung and the knot.
7. Starting with the bead closest to the knot, take a length of beads twice the height of the desired petal; make a loop and twist twice at base. Repeat along the length of the beads, making petals as close together as possible. Sixteen to 20 loops will make a flower with about a 2-inch diameter.
8. Make 3 small petals at the end, which will act as connector loops between the flower and the necklace. Clip wire off spool 4 inches from the last petal.
9. Starting with the end with the large petals, coil petals around each other and twist together ends to create the flower's stem. (The metal wire is pliable enough to break if it is overworked, so don't over-twist).
10. Cut a 10-inch length of wire from the spool and string the center focal bead onto it.
11. Bend this wire into a U shape, with the focal bead at the bottom of the U, and twist the ends of the wire together. Incorporate these twisted ends into the flower's stem.
12. Manipulate petals around center bead to create a flower shape.

Add the Feathers
1. Peel fluffy down from feathers to expose about 1/2 inch of shaft.
2. Cluster together three feathers and dab a bit of glue to shafts to hold them together.
3. Wrap feather stems to flower stem with floral tape. Trim the entire stem to 1/2 inch.
4. Using chain-nose pliers, fold the stem in half, tucking the stem within the flower so it is as hidden as possible.
5. Use fabric glue to secure a 1/2-inch circle of leather or felt over the folded stem.

Add Flower to Necklace
1. Decide which direction you want flower and feathers to hang. Direct two small petals up or out according to the desired direction of the flower.
2. Bend a jump ring open using 2 chain-nose pliers (one held in each hand).
3. Thread open jump ring through one small petal and the end loop of the chain.
4. Use 2 chain-nose pliers to close the jump ring.

Resources
All supplies and completed necklaces are available at bocagenewyork.com. Special thanks to thebeadery.com for giving our studio audience a bead stringer.

Special Thanks
Special thanks to designer and artist Stephanie Bodine, who runs the online store Bocage, for showing us this beautiful craft.

Paper Roses

2008-07-18T17:49:00.004+08:00

A few strokes of water-color paint transform basic coffee filters into beautiful paper roses.

Tools and Materials
Box of disposable cone coffee filters (8 filters will make one full bloom rose)
Scissors
Coffee filter rose templates
16-gauge floral wire
Floral tape
Water color paint
Flat brush
Bamboo skewer
Glue stick

Coffee Filter Roses How-To
1. Trace and cut petal shapes through both layers of filters, as per templates.
2. Form rose. With coffee filter No. 1, take four connected petals and poke an 18-inch length of 16-gauge floral wire down through the center of the bottom of one end petal so 1/2 inch of the wire remains sandwiched between two opposite petals.
3. Wrap adjacent two petals tightly around first two petals; wrap with floral tape around base, then 1/2 inch down wire, to secure.
4. When working with floral tape, pull it as you work to expose the sticky part of the tape.
5. With coffee filter No. 2, take four connected petals and sandwich "flower bud" between two opposite petals. On the adjacent petal pair, gently tear the perforation of the base so that you have a strip of 2 side-by-side petals. Wrap this petal strip around the other two petals and secure with tape.
6. With coffee filter No. 3, take four connected petals and gently tear the perforation at the base to create a strip of four petals. Wrap this petal strip around flower bud and secure with tape.7. With coffee filter No. 4, gently tear the perforation at the base of petal shapes to create a strip of five petals. Wrap this petal strip around flower bud and secure with tape. (The folded petal gives rose stability and a more rounded form.)
8. With coffee filter No. 5, place three petals, overlapping slightly on rose and wrap just once (to avoid bulk) with floral tape to secure.
9. Wrap remaining three petals opposite the first three. Repeat for shapes cut from filters Nos. 6, 7, and 8. Use finger and thumb to separate petals, creating air pockets and making petals curve outward from the base. Use 3 or 4 extra single petals to fill in holes and give a rounded shape.
10. To paint the roses, use watercolor paints, mixed with a bit of water. Paint the base color, first doing the bottom, then the top, working from the inside out. Accentuate with a darker color on the tips. Use a flat brush to apply a third color of undiluted watercolor to edges. Let dry overnight.
11. Once painted roses are dry, curl left and right sides of outer petals around a bamboo skewer to create a point. Work your way from the outside to the inside of rose. Curl inner petals just slightly by wrapping top straight down around bamboo skewer.
12. Add five paper sepals secured with floral tape to short stem. Wrap floral tape in a spiral down wire stem several times to create a thick roselike stem. Burnish stem with skewer to smooth tape. Cut 6 paper leaves and sandwich a 4-inch wire between. Use a glue stick to stick 6 leaves together with a 4-inch wire stem.
13. Secure leaves to stem with floral tape.

Special Thanks
Cassie Chappell, mommymakesroses.com

Flowery Notes

2008-07-17T17:45:00.002+08:00

Your personal correspondence will bloom like spring flowers when you make a garden's worth of these note cards. Convert store-bought cards into this pop-up flower stationery, or create your own from lovely patterned papers. Before you send off your spring wishes, adorn each envelope with a matching flower seal.

Note How-To:
To make note cards, use spray mount to affix two different patterned papers of the same size back to back; allow to set, then crease paper in half. Photocopy the flower template, enlarging or shrinking it to a desired size; cut out the shape. Unfold your homemade card or store-bought card and place the template over the middle of the crease; trace half the flower in pencil on one half of the card, abutting the fold. On a cutting mat, use a utility knife to cut out the half-flower. For the flower seals, shrink the template, then cut out the shape. Trace the flower onto paper and cut out; use a glue stick to adhere to envelopes.

Shape Crepe Flowers

2008-07-16T17:35:00.005+08:00

Flowers crafted from colorful tissue or crepe paper are graceful, inexpensive to make, and always in season. Arrange them on tables, use as boutonnieres, or create a whole bouquet.

How to Make It
Tissue Bubble Flower: Attach 12 (or 6 pairs) artificial stamens to 24-gauge cloth-covered floral wire by wrapping with green floral tape. Cut five 4-by-2 1/4-inch pieces of tissue paper. For each petal, wrap tissue halfway around 1 1/2-inch Styrofoam ball; twist ends, and remove ball. Attach one end of petal to the base of stamen with floral tape. Add the other petals one at a time, taping in place. Trim pointy ends. Gently pull petals away from the center.

Crepe Paper Lily: Modify these instructions to create a flower of a different color or size, and with more or fewer petals. Cut out 5 petals from orange crepe paper (download template here). Fold the petals in half lengthwise, crease, then unfold. Gently pull each petal outward at widest point to stretch it. Make stamens: Cut 1/2-by-6-inch strip of ivory crepe paper. Twist it tightly between your fingers; knot one end. Cut three 1/8-by-4-inch strips of heavy red crepe paper, and bend each at one end. Attach all strips, with the ivory one in the center, to 18-gauge cloth-wrapped floral wire for a stem by winding floral tape around ends. Attach petals to stamens one at a time with floral tape, spacing evenly.

Paper Cherry Blossom Display

2008-07-15T17:15:00.007+08:00

Blooming for just a few brief weeks in spring, cherry blossoms are famously ephemeral. Unless, that is, you craft artful renditions of them from glassine or vellum, in which case they'll deliver year-round pleasure. Embellish woody branches that you have pruned from the yard with the colorful blooms, and use them to decorate a mantel or spruce up a collection of favor bags.

To create five-petal blossoms, start by cutting pink or red glassine or vellum into 3 1/2-inch and 4 1/2-inch squares. Fold a square into a flat cone, following steps 1 to 4.

Using scissors, make four angled cuts to remove the top of the cone as in step 5.

With a utility knife, carve out a small rectangular sliver on each side of the cone. Snip off a tiny bit of the pointed tip of the cone, and unfold and shape the paper to yield a blossom. Collect branches from the yard, and poke their tips through the centers of the blossoms. Place the decorated branches in a tall vase filled with pebbles to anchor the display. For favor bags, fill colored-paper bags with token gifts of your choice, and fold down the closed tops of the bags twice. Punch a hole through one folded corner. Push colored brad through flower, then hole in bag to fasten.

Making a Button Bag

2008-07-14T16:58:00.009+08:00

Making a Button Bag
Inspired by the basic brown paper bag, these small totes are made of canvas or linen.

Tools & Materials
12-by-24-inch piece and 3-by-24-inch strip of canvas or linen
3-by-24-inch strip of fusible webbing
Pinking shears
Sewing machine
24 inches cotton webbing, for handles
Needle and thread
100 or more buttons per side, depending on placement and button size

Button Bag How-To

1. Attach canvas strip to one edge of large canvas piece by sandwiching fusible webbing in between and ironing.

2. Trim the top edge with pinking shears

3. With right sides facing, fold fabric in half lengthwise, and sew sides together, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Pink edges, and iron seam open, creating a canvas tube. (This and subsequent images have been enlarged for clarity.)

4. Shift seam toward center so that it falls 2 inches from one side. Stitch bottom edge, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Turn bag right side out.

5. To create facing triangles on the bottom of the bag, put one hand inside to hold the bag open, and with the other hand, push the bottom seam inward to start to form a roughly rectangular floor. Then grab the outside corner closest to the side seam, pinch it flat, and fold it toward the center. The triangular point that's formed with this motion has the corner as its tip and the side seam as half the length of its base. Repeat with the other corner, folding it toward the center and matching the first triangle in size.

6. Tack the corners down by hand or machine to secure the triangular folds, sewing along two sides, as shown. In the sides of the tote, create folds by hand to mimic those of a paper bag. Iron them in place.

7. Cut two 12-inch pieces of cotton webbing for handles. Sew the handles to the inside of the bag, set in 1 1/2 inches from the outside edges and 1 inch from the top. On one or both sides of bag, arrange buttons in desired color and pattern. Dab each with fabric glue; sew onto fabric with needle and thread.

Raffia Throw Rug

2008-07-13T16:51:00.003+08:00

This throw rug's leafy design, made with raffia in three cool-green shades, conjures a vision of palm fronds moving in the breeze.

Raffia Throw Rug How-To
Work gently with the raffia to prevent any fraying or breakage.

Preparation
1. Start with a grass mat and raffia in 3 shades. Download the template for the palm fronds. (Enlarge template to fit the size of your rug. Follow our pattern or arrange leaves as desired.)

2. Using a disappearing-ink fabric pen, trace templates onto rug where desired; draw a straight line down middle of each leaf. Thread a large-eyed needle with raffia in desired color, knotting it before embroidering design using a fish-bone stitch.

Fish-Bone Stitch
The very first stitch (point A to B) should be about 1 inch long, to create the top point of the leaf. Stitches that follow should be about 1/2 inch apart.

1. Draw needle up through A, then down through B.

2. Draw needle up through C, which should be 1/2 inch to the left of A. Draw needle down through D, which should be 1/2 inch to the right of A, creating a loop.

3. Draw needle up through B, inside loop; this will be your new point A. Draw needle down, outside of loop and 1/2 inch from A on center line; this will be your new point B.

4. Repeat steps 4 and 5, moving C and D 1/2 inch forward along edges of leaf each time. Leave space at the end for a stem.

Sidney Sheldon

2008-07-12T16:15:00.000+08:00

http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/features/sidneysheldon/

One of my favorite author, Sidney Sheldon.Apart of writing novel, he has written for stage, television & film.He was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most translated author in the world.U know what, he created 'I Dream of Jeannie' drama.I used to use his book 'Nothing Last Forever' as a reference for my assignment regarding the morale & ethics during my university years.

Here are his book that i've read & bought;

Mix & Match Wedding Themes 3

2008-07-11T17:33:00.002+08:00

White + Silver Embellishing

This glitzy yet modern look combines sleek silver ribbons and blue wedding cake accents. Our Heirloom Ornament stationery is printed from our Print-It-Yourself website in a lovely script font for a touch of formality. White Pearl Stickers and Two-Tone Metallic Ribbon adorn the pieces like jewelry, leaving no doubt that a fancy occasion awaits.

SHOPPING LIST
3/16 in Sterling-Swan Two-Tone Metallic Ribbon
7/8 in Sterling Crosshatch Ribbon
White Pearl Stickers
Silver Bow Stickers
Blue Wedding Cake Seals
Pearl Dimensional Wedding Cake Stickers
Heirloom Ornament Invitation Suite
Heirloom Ornament Note Cards
Heirloom Ornament Program + Place Card Set
Ribbon Handle Favor Boxes
Scalloped Clutch Favor Boxes

Mix & Match Wedding Themes 2

2008-07-10T17:30:00.001+08:00

Ivory and Gold + Stamping

Stamped flourishes and monograms, plus a touch of patterned paper, create an elegant look. Our gold bow stickers add a final coordinating detail.

SHOPPING LIST
Calligraphy Acrylic Stamp Set
Gold Ink Pad
Gold Bow Stickers
18 x 18in Craftstock/Cloud Flourish
Gilded Frame Invitation Suite
Gilded Frame Program and Place Card Set
Gilded Frame Note Cards
Flourish Favor Boxes
Candy Box Favors
Acrylic Stamp Mount

Mix & Match Wedding Themes

2008-07-09T17:23:00.001+08:00

Pink Cosmos + Punching

Cosmos flowers create a playful and festive mood. In this pretty pink ensemble, cosmos shapes are punched to embellish invitations, thank-you cards, and favors.
A piece of pink craftstock with the negative shapes punched out echoes the die-cut invitation envelope and becomes a simple wrap for a votive candle.

SHOPPING LIST
Cosmos Craft Punch
18 x 18in Craftstock/Pink Carnation
White Pearl Stickers
Cosmos Garden Invitation Suite
Cosmos Garden Note Cards
Cosmos Garden Favor Boxes
Ribbon Handle Favor Boxes

Food Packaging

2008-07-08T17:15:00.004+08:00

The packaging in this project is guaranteed to make a lasting impression, and can be created with a few deceptively simple techniques.

Beautiful gift wrapping sends a message of thoughtfulness that is as important as the gift itself. The packaging on these pages is guaranteed to make a lasting impression, and can be created with a few deceptively simple techniques. We’ve included clever ideas for dressing up our useful food packaging, as well as creative approaches for turning ordinary gift boxes into elegant works of art.

Apply overlapping monogram transfers to 3x3-inch paper square. Cut slits at top and bottom along transfer edge. Feed decorative tape through slits and around box. To make rosette, pleat entire length of a 1 1/2-inch strip of paper. Open into circle and glue ends and center. Attach rosette, ribbon, and cut-out transfer to package with adhesive foam dots.

Stamp leaf from our leaf stamp set onto colored paper and cut out with craft scissors. Apply to box with an adhesive foam dot to add dimen- sion. Variation: While gift box is flat, stamp leaves directly onto all sides, overlapping folds and corners.

Peel and stick strips of decorative tape in a criss-cross pattern around box. Rubber stamp recipient’s name onto a food label, and attach with an adhesive foam dot.

Bows

2008-07-07T16:46:00.008+08:00

Once you master this classic bow, try some creative variations on your gifts. Tie your ribbon over a wider, contrasting band of ribbon or paper, run parallel ribbons side by side, or make a simple double knot and snip notches into the tails.

Pass ribbon over and under box and back up sides. Thread both ends under top ribbon.

Tie a left-over-right half-knot, then shape two even loops.

Cross right loop over left. Thread right loop behind left, under, and up through hole.

Pull loops into a smooth knot. Adjust loops; trim tails to be slightly longer than loops.

Sewn Candy Dishes

2008-07-06T16:33:00.004+08:00

These distinctive treat baskets lend handmade charm to parties or picnics. Fill them with candy, nuts, or other bite-sized foods, then top your treats with simple leaf accents cut from paper and scored with a bone folder.

On a photocopier, enlarge templates below 400%. Trim to preferred shape (choose curved or scalloped edge and five- or six-sided bottom) and punch holes in templates with screw punch. Glue together two sheets of craftstock in different colors and burnish with bone folder. Trace templates and holes onto this two-sided craftstock; cut out and punch holes.

Using our craft ruler and bone folder, score and fold the vertical edges of each side piece 4 inch from the edge, and all edges of the bottom piece 3/8 inch from the edge, as shown. Thread baker’s twine through a large needle and knot end; stitch sides and bottom together,knotting the twine at the end of each finished edge.

For templates, refer http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/marthacrafts/projSewnCandyDishes.pdf

My Long Lost Hobby

2008-07-05T15:03:00.002+08:00

Yesterday my fiance brought me 5 flower pots.They are from his friend.Actually i've been always wanting a pot to grow something since from my old house.As my house is an apartment;it has no ground space to grow plants,so growing in a pot is the only choice i have.
Both my parents used to be a farmer.They grew paddy & vegetables.Until now,my mom grows a variety of vegetables around the house;chillies, tapioca, sweet potato,tumeric, ginger, 'lengkuas', lemon-grass, 'kacang botol', ladies finger,lime,etc.There are jackfruit, rambutan, mangosteen, mango, papaya, duku, langsat, coconut & durian trees around my house.
My mother always said my hand has a fertile-touch when growing things.I realized it when i grow a plant,it grows very well.I used to take part in 'bumi hijau' programme when i was in primary school.I grew ladies finger & my teacher always praised me bcoz' of the outcome.
Apart of veggie, i also grew flowers; 'misai kucing', 'puding', 'alamanda', ' setawar', 'melor', hibiscus, sunflower, lily, wild orchid, fern, etc.I really love to see them grow & flowerish.Everyday after school,i'll water & fertilize them.But it was my last effort as one day,after i came back from school,i saw all my plants were gone.After investigating, my neighbour's cow has eaten them.I was furious & from that day on,i stop growing plants.Only sometimes, i helped my mom watering the plants.
But now,as i've a lot of free times at home, i guess i can start again my hobby.Who knows,my hobby can turn into money?Hahaha...i guess it'll never happen but may be, at least i can save my budget by growing veggie like chillies, tumeric, ginger & pandan leaves, apart of flowers, as they 're only need a small space to grow.This time, i've my own space to grow them.May be i can put the flower pot at the balcony & the veggies at the ventilation area near the kitchen.May be i'm not a good gardener,but i still has those skills.Or may be i can refer from my mom;the most successful gardener in my family.