Tag Archives: paper

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How To: Picnic Decorations

Last week was a little killer for me at work so I didn’t have tons of time to craft for our BBQ this weekend. I chose a couple of high impact projects to focus my limited time. Washi tape, some paper projects, and a theme appropriate update to my votives from last week.

Washi tape around the base of paper cups, and matching straws (colors separated from the mixed pack at IKEA} will make those scattered trash look nicer.

These paper products might have been my favorite. I picked up a couple of sheets at the department store to make the cones for the chips — and something else {I just didn’t know what yet}.  I wanted to add a checked cloth to make it more “picnic,”  so I wove strips of paper {girl scout style} to make a placemat/runner for the table. I liked the jagged ends, so I cut them like a ribbon to dress it up a bit. 

Since the BBQ was during the day, we didn’t need any extra candles or light. I wanted to add some daisies for the picnic theme,  so I used our glasses with black rice to be modern mini-vases for single white mums. 

It added just the right amount of fun to our gathering, and didn’t take up too much time to accomplish. Win win!

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Last Minute Christmas Decorations

Need some last minute holiday cheer? Or does your study or bathroom or other small space need a some decoration? Is it Christmas Eve and you thought you could do without a tree but with the holiday upon us, did you realize it doesn’t feel right without it?

If any of that sounds like you, here are some quick, small space ideas for adding a Christmas tree to your life this year. Most of these things you probably already have around the house– all you need is bare wall. 

1: Add some sparkly ribbon around a cone 

2: Draw a tree on chalkboard

3: Cut some fringe to give your tree some texture

4: Fold up some newspaper and give it a little pop with green paint 

5: Cut a few strips of paper and attach with washi tape 

6: Put up some pictures in the shape of a tree

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Gorgeous Wrap + Cards for the Holidays

I’m a bit obsessed with blue and green together right now {not to mention polka dots!}, so I’m loving this holiday look that isn’t too jolly looking by Creature Comforts. The hints of red remind you of the season, but without it, much of this could be used for Hanukkah, birthdays {as Capricorns hate getting gifts wrapped in Christmas paper}, or  even year round for anniversaries or just because gifts. {If blue/green isn’t your thing, she’s got other color combos on her blog}

Tomorrow– my wrapping look to match my tree!

1. Kate & Birdie Holiday Gift Wrap ($7) | 2. Large Letterpress From Santa Tag ($12) | 3.Mint Dots Round Tin ($5) | 4. Ocean Glitter Double-sided Satin Ribbon ($9) | 5. Kingfisher Herringbone Ribbon ($7) | 6. Mint Stripe Parchment Paper Sheets ($3) | 7. Baker’s Twine in Caribbean and Denim ($14 each) | 8. Mountain Cabin Small Gift Bag ($4) | 9. Mountain Cabin Gift Wrap ($9) | 10. Pool Dots Wrapping Paper ($8) | 11. Lake Dots Wrapping Paper($) | 12. Mini Red Suitcase / 3 sizes available ($11-$16)

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Red + Gold Polka Dot Christmas

I’ve mentioned that our apartment is temporary, but since we will be here for Christmas, I had to add a little holiday flair that isn’t too intensive. {Did I mention I live on the 5th floor? Not only do I not have space for a tree, I’m not carrying it up– or down all of those stairs!}  I saw this inspiration on Pinterest and knew it would come in handy in any city. And it did.

It look about 5 different stores– stationery stores, printers, paper suppliers– before finding someone who could help me. With varying levels of English, the picture was useful to show them {the above image on Pinterest mobile} –and finally, Steve from Progressive Press was my guy! We discussed color options and he showed me some of his other {beautiful} printing work.  In the end, he gave me the strips of paper for free, since they were scraps. Steve is definitely my guy for all my printing and paper needs. I also picked up some washi tape at CitySuper and was ready to go.

Since Steve’s strips were the perfect length, all I had to do was trim a few strips to varying lengths, and tape them to the wall to create this–

{ugh, I can’t wait to get my camera back and not have to rely on my iphone to show you these projects!}

I free-handed the star, then used the gold polka dot washi tape to help it pop, as a tree- topper should! 

I’m happy with how it came out. It adds the perfect amount of holiday to the apartment. Even though it took an afternoon of talking to different vendors to get the paper, I think the effect is worth it! 

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Thanksgiving Fun with Patterned Paper

If you are like me, you save every little scrap of patterned paper left overs. Firstly– because that stuff is expensive! Secondly –because that project that needs just the tiniest touch of pattern to liven it up is right around the corner.

That project turns out to be Thanksgiving. The dinner table already has so much going on, with all the plates, glasses, food and condiments. Just a little touch of a pattern {or contrasting patterns} can make a table come together. So I love these ideas from Hello! Lucky for how to use it. I wouldn’t use all of them all at once {not with my scrap pieces, anyway!} but 1 or 2 could kick up the style on your T-day table.