12.07.2010

christmas crafternoon {part 2.}

Thanks so much for saying such nice things yesterday. I've been itching to share some of the finished projects from the Christmas craft party. I can't even begin to tell you how fun it was to see everyone's projects come together. So proud of these girls! Before I begin, I should mention that I tried to give credit to the inspirations for each project. {Speaking of which--I completely forgot to give the biggest credit where it is due...Much of this party was modeled after this amazing friend's! I'd like to be her when I grow up.} Also, I would consider blogging more in-depth tutorials for specific projects, if there is interest. Just let me know in the comments. :)
1.First up, the yarn wreaths. I ordered 10" styrofoam wreath forms from Create for Less (because I'd have to hit at least 5 stores to before I found 20 of them, which is how many girls had initially rsvp'd...I love this website because it offers prices below retail and quantities in bulk). These are super simple to make and not as time consuming as you might think. Simply wrap your favorite yarn around the wreath form, or alternate several yarns for a cute striped look. Embellish with cute felt flowers, glittered birds, and gold baubles and hang to enjoy! {Wreaths inspired by this crafty girl and this etsy shop. Poinsettia flowers from this tutorial.}

2. Next up: felt flower accessories! These were really part of the 2-step wreath project and in all honesty, most of the girls spent the time making flowers to gussy up their wreaths, but a few of us also made headbands and/or ponytail holders. The trick for these is just a hot glue gun. We sandwiched our elastic headbands with hot glue + a felt flower on top and another plain circle of felt in the back.
3. Chipboard gift tags. Who doesn't need a bazillion of these? The I set out my stash of Christmas papers, plus some acrylic stamps + poinsettia embellishments by Martha crafts. I loved adding the bakers' twine + doily pieces. They are the quintessential handmade accents.
4. Recycled paper garland: This year I am wrapping all our gifts in brown kraft paper + these simple circles. It looks so modern and fancy, yet it's so so cheap! I've seen many different tutorials on this throughout blog land (here is one that's the exact same concept, but with felt). Truly it's just as simple as running the paper circles through your sewing machine. {Inspiration source.}
5. Cake {or in this case, Christmas cookie} pedestals: I love everything about this one. It's as simple as crafts get. Plus it re-purposes those old, forgotten, but more beautiful-than-ever grandma dishes. All you need is some pretty old plates, candlesticks, or small vases from the thrift store, and some wicked strong super glue. The hardest part is just finding the right proportions, mixing+matching 'til you find the perfect pair and gluing the bottom in the smack center of the plate. {Inspired by this girl and this sweet lady.}

*****
Edit: See more finished projects from some of my favorite blog girls in attendance!

Naphtali | On Second Street
Olivia | the Saturated Palette
Amanda | Project Simple Life

19 comments:

Katie {My Paisley Apron} said...

This is just the cutest party, and it looks like tons of fun! Wish I could have been there!

JSchaller said...

These crafts are great. As I was gazing at the lovely wreaths I suddenly pictured one framing a circular mirror . . .

Great ideas!

Bridget said...

love all of thise!

casey said...

I LOVE THE WREATHS AND HEADBANDS!!!!!

On Second Street said...

i love all the wreaths.

Melinda said...

Ooh - I love giveaways! :) The wreath idea is super simple and great! Question: where can you buy the brown kraft paper?

swell.life said...

thanks everyone. go forth and make your own!

@Melinda: I found my brown kraft paper in the framing section at JoAnn's or Michael's. Rumor has it that it's also available at the dollar stores! Good luck!

Chelle said...

Oh that pary Jess, it was beyond sweet. xo

Jenna Lou said...

Drooling over the creative goodness!

Amanda said...

So beautiful! Now I'm inspired to make my own...

Anonymous said...

Okay, I don't want to feel jealous, but I do a little bit...

:-)

Laura said...

Oh, Jess! I so wish I could have made it on Sunday. The hubby was having truck issues that required me to drive him around, plus UJ came down with a fever in the a.m. All in all, it was a crazy day and this would have been a nice alternative. Glad to see you and the girls and such fun!

Michelle said...

Oh, please put a tutorial of the yarn wreaths! My daughters and I would love to make it. I hope you have another party soon. My sister and I are determined to come!

Nell said...

I love all of these. Brilliant xx

Fairlightday said...

Everything looks so perfect. And thank you for links to your inspiration! Wish I could have been there! If only...

Nikki said...

All right, I read the Ten Commandments yesterday, so "you shall not want your neighbor's stuff" is at the forefront of my mind, but....I'm a teensy tiny bit jealous of the amazingly cute craftiness of this party!! Seriously, come back out west and throw one for those of us on the left coast! I'd snatch up tutorials in a heartbeat. The cake pedestals are to die for--I am so going thrifting this weekend!!!

kate said...

love the wreaths! so pretty.

shannon said...

SUCH lovely things/ideas! I'm really so inspired. I would love if you did a felt flower tutorial! I imagine it's pretty simple, but some of us need a lot of guidance :)

Katie @ the terpblog said...

I am hosting a craft night link party and I would love it if you would link up!

http://theterpblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/craft-night-just-do-it-january.html

Thanks!