Pretty Paper Pinwheels

{Crepe Paper Pinwheel, 2011}

{Crepe Paper Pinwheel, 2011}

{Crepe Paper Pinwheels, 2011}

I made these paper crafts for a friend's baby shower and saved them after the festivities were done so I could decorate for Valentine's Day. I watched and read about a lot of tutorials on crepe paper crafts and flowers and I didn't find anything that I especially liked. After experimenting with a few ideas of my own, I came up with these little pinwheel shapes by creasing the crepe paper and forming circles. I used a craft punch to make the center shape of the pinwheel and taped them together. Paper crafting is one of my favorite activities and I had fun creating these.

A Sweet Baby Commission

{Oil on Canvases, 2010}

{Oil on Canvases, 2010}

{Olivia with her daddy, Mao, 2009}

These are a few progress shots of a commission I am doing for a friend's baby room. I'll post them again as soon as they are completely done. I plan to stick with a mostly blue and brown palette, which is the color of her room. Olivia, is around 8 months old and is a real cutie! My husband and I really value the time we get to spend with Olivia and her parents (Anne and Mao). They are a sweet family and really fun to be around.

Christmas Crafts 2009: Pretty Vintage Garland Tutorial

{Paper Crafted Garland, 2009}

Want a tree that is one-of-a-kind? This simple paper and ribbon garland is a great way to add a handmade touch to your holidays! I came up with this idea as a way to avoid using store bought garland and icicles. (which are dangerous to my two curious kitties!) I've decided to go all the way this year and decorate my tree with things I have made by hand. This is my first craft, but I plan to make a star for the top of the tree and some different ornaments too. Look for similar tutorials on my blog as Christmas creeps closer and closer...

To Make this vintage inspired garland you'll need:

• 1" scalloped circle craft punch
• single hole ribbon punch or hole puncher
• Pretty double sided scrap-booking paper or cardstock (I found this inspiring collection!)
• Thin ribbon (I used silver ric-rac that I found in the bargain bin!)
• scissors

Step 1: Decide how long you want your garland to be and cut your ribbon to a little longer than your desired length. A regular sized 12x12 scrapbook paper will do about 85"-90" of garland. Tape each end of the ribbon so that it doesn't fray when you start construction.

Step 2: Use the 1" craft punch to cut out pieces from your double sided scrap-booking paper or cardstock.

Step 3: Take your single hole punch and make a hole on each side of each 1" scalloped circle.

Step 4: Start threading the ribbon through the prepared scalloped circles. Push them to the center of your ribbon of garland. (this is so you can approach it from each side and you don't have to travel the entire length of ribbon.)

Step 5: Continue threading the ribbon through the scalloped circles paying attention to the overlapping pattern. There are several ways you could play with overlapping. I overlapped alternating patterns from my double sided scrap-booking paper making sure that I looped on the back side of each piece. The tighter the circles are overlapped, the easier the garland is to maneuver.

Step 5: Once you have started to accumulate several circles on your garland, the front side should look like the above picture. No ribbons should go across the front side of the circles. The ribbon should look like it is connecting them from the front.Step 6: Flip over your garland and the back side should look like the above photo with the ribbon going through the center of each scalloped circle. Once I got going I developed a rhythm and made two different garlands. I would suggest making multiple garlands no longer than 95 inches. The longer the ribbon gets, the more you have to contend with! :) Plus, when I did two, I played with different patterns and even used up a few of my leftover embellishments from card making! (I'll be posting my Christmas cards pretty soon, too)

{Christmas Tree with Pretty Garland, 2009}

I hope you take some time to try out this craft! It was very relaxing and fun to do. I think you'll agree. Also, I feel that simple handmade touches can make your living space more personal and heartfelt. If you do make one for yourself, send me a picture so I can post it on my blog with your name and website!

Sparkle + Shine

{Sequin Ornaments, 2009}

Inspired by vintage colors and patterns.

{Sequin Ornaments, 2009}

Inspired by vintage patterns and colors.

{Sequin Ornaments, 2009}

Inspired by the icy blue colors of winter.

{Sequin Ornaments, 2009}

Inspired by the traditional green and red colors of Christmas.

{Sequin Ornaments, 2009}

I spent several hours working on some sequin ornaments for Market Day in Des Moines on October 24th, 2009.  If I have any left after the event, I may put them in my Etsy shop. I used a mixture of new and vintage sequins and beads. I also have a huge collection of ribbons, and enjoyed finding the right ones to match each ornament. If you are in the Des Moines area on Saturday, October 24, stop by Market Day and pay me a visit!