Tuesday 31 December 2013

Happy New Year!

With Christmas fading fast (although the decorations remain) it is time to look forward to 2014.

I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy & wealthy 2014!

I hope to keep you updated throughout 2014 with new ideas, projects and interesting posts!



Sunday 22 December 2013

Brown Paper for Christmas?!

My other theme this year has been brown paper. It is easy to use and there are lots of opportunities to accessorise.

Brown paper isn't for everyone as it is not very Christmassy. I would like to have done some printing and ink stamping onto brown paper but I didn't really have the right stamps.

Below are a range of the ideas I used this year.

HELLO KITTY STICKERS (Michaels)




CRAFT PAPER & MINI PEG (Craft paper - Hobbycraft, Peg - Paperchase, Tag - Tiger)



FELT BIRD CUT-OUT & WOODEN LETTERS (Felt bird - Tiger, Wooden letters - eBay)



RIBBON & FELT STAR TABLE SCATTERS (Paperchase)



TWINE & CINNAMON STICKS (Tiger)



FELT REINDEER PEGS (Paperchase)


Candy Stripes

I'm not a big fan of Christmas colours in general. My usual theme is either gold or silver with an accent such as teal or lilac. This year, however, it have embraced what Americans call 'candy stripes' - red & white stripes.

During my recent holiday I found some red & white striped wax paper which set me off on this path. I recently also found a large roll of paper in IKEA which has allowed me to to do lots of wrapping in this theme!

Below are a range of presents with different accents or accessories.

MINI REINDEER PEGS (Paperchase)





FELT TREE TABLE SCATTERS (Paper Source)




POM POM WREATH TAG (Pom poms & pegs - Hobbycraft)




WASHI TAPE & BOW



FELT TREE DECORATION (Paperchase)



FELT TREE DECORATION (Tiger)



FELT BIRD CUT-OUT (Tiger)



MINI JINGLE BELLS (Paperchase)


Saturday 7 December 2013

Christmas Wrapping Without a Jingle Bell in Sight!

I'm starting my Christmas present wrapping early as I get so distracted by all my supplies!

Below are just some ideas for less traditional looking packages ie. no red, green or traditional images used. I admit the packaging isn't for everyone but I like a bit of subversion at Christmas!!!

BROWN PAPER & WASHI TAPES






I used something simple for these gifts for a male. No fuss. Simple. The chevron washi tape came from the USA and I haven't seen it in the UK yet. I will post a link if I find it for sale in the UK.

CRAFT PAPER & STAR TAPE


I liked the duck egg blue craft paper with gold stripes and had a stock of gold star tape which kind of clash when together. This gift wrapping could be used for a birthday but I liked the idea for Christmas.

TISSUE PAPER, CELLOPHANE & FELT STAR



Slightly more traditional as the wrapping contains a snowflake but non-traditional colours and cellophane wrapping. The felt star is actually a coaster! This is an ideal wrap for a flat package but could work with a food gift.

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Christmas Wreath Gift Tag

I'm a little in love with pom poms this festive season. I have a selection in my craft store for a few months but haven't really found a good use for them. Today I changed that.

At the beginning of Christmas I saw a pom pom wreath for Christmas trees and thought this would make a great gift tag idea. (See previous post for pom pom wreath from John Lewis)

I started by making a rough circle out of cardboard with a cut out centre which I then covered in washi tape.

WASHI TAPE COVERED CARDBOARD RING

I then attached a ribbon loop for the hanger and covered the front of the ring in pva glue. I then placed as many mini pom poms over the glue to cover the surface. I decided to be very relaxed with colours and pattern but you could use only one colour pom pom or have your colours in a certain design.


POM POMS AND RIBBON

Once the glue dried, I affixed a card to cover the centre space as my message area. I suggest you write your message prior to affixing!

WITH MESSAGE

I really like the feel of the gift tag and you could have so much fun with colours and design. I have some larger felt pom poms in my store which may be good as accents on other tags.

Pom poms are widely available from craft stores but can be expensive. Stock up on special offers or even make your own!