Inspiration through Flowers! (Tutorial)

So, I have been making these Kusudama Origami Flowers latetly. And, well, I'm addicted!! Maybe someday I will have a paper flower business :) I have seen some other great tutorials out there, which is how I learned to make them, so if you still can't figure it out by the end of this tutorial you can check out the other tutorial link!

 Let's get started...

Here is what you'll need:

• fun paper (scrapbook, origami, atlas pages, music sheets)
• paper cutter or ruler and scissors
• glue (I use Tacky Glue, but any craft glue will do!)
• paper clips (small to medium size)
• stems (dowel rods, kabob sticks, reeds, pipe cleaners, wire, etc.)
• buttons, jewels, etc. for the center

Cut your paper into squares. I typically make them in 3x3, 4x4, or 6x6 inch squares. You will need 4-7 squares, depending on how many pedals you want.

Fold the paper corner to corner to make a triangle. Trim off any uneven edges.

Fold the side points up to the top point.

At this point, I like to turn the paper so the flaps are opening away from me (points towards me).

 

Now, open each flap and press down on the seam to form a "wing" on both sides. (Like my sophisticated terminology?)

Turn the paper like this...

Fold over the small overhanging points, as shown, to make a crease. Then fold the flaps inside the paper. Turn the pedal back over to look like this...

 

Fold over each "wing" at the crease.

 

Place glue on one "wing," then roll it over to form a pedal. I secure it with a paper clip until the glue dries.

Repeat this step for each pedal you want.

Put glue on one pedal and attach another like this...

Repeat this process for all pedals and paper clip each pedal together until the glue dries.

 

When they are done they should look like this from the front, side, and back.

Add glue to the center of you flower, then add the stem from the bottom.

When they are dry, pull out the paper clips. They will look like this.

Finally, you add the center piece. You can use whatever your heart desires, but I like to use a piece of card stock cut into a circle with some puffy circle stickers I found and a button. You could use jewels, stones, glitter, etc. Just be creative!!

I hope you were able to follow the tutorial and make your own beautiful flowers, but if not, here is a link to another tutorial...

www.foldingtrees.com

HAPPY FLOWER MAKING!

Inspiration through Wine!

These awesome Wine Bottle Arrangements were shared on the Hostess with the Mostess* by Amber Lay.  Amber also shares some great inspiration and event ideas on her blog, www.alevents.blogspot.com. As soon as I scanned the Do-It-Yourself projects on Hostess with the Mostess, these wine bottles caught my eye! Does that mean something if the first thing my eyes are drawn to are wine bottles?! Ha Ha! Oh well! Back to the topic at hand...Amber provides a full photo tutorial for creating these cute center pieces at the link above! Check it out...here is a sneak peak of some of the photos.

Here are just a few of the supplies you will need to create your own embellished wine bottle!

Add a little accent ribbon...get creative!

And add the final touch...a few flowers and, of course, a wine cork!

*"Hostess with the Mostess® (HWTM) is an innovative online resource for hip, modern, and unique entertaining ideas. HWTM was founded by Jennifer and Sonny Sbranti in 2006." - www.hostessblog.com/our-story

Inspired by Actions

Hello~ I've kind of been MIA the last couple weeks. How does life get so busy?! Fortunately, I was able to spend last week with my wonderful husband who had the week off of work. We would wake up on our own time, head to the gym, then do WHATEVER we wanted...how nice! This week he is back to the grind stone. I just have to share that my husband is such a hard worker. He works an odd schedule and commutes every day so that we can live in our home, in a neighborhood that we just love! He is my inspiration today. Thanks for making my life beautiful, honey!!

My Wonderful Husband, Eric!

Inspiration through Music!

I just wanted to share a YouTube video with you from an artist named Karla Davis. She is a 25 year old acoustic artist who found her talent and inspiration through her church choir in Monroe, North Carolina. My sister, Monica, and I came across her videos one evening and fell in love! I think she has such a pure voice, I hope you enjoy it, too! This song, Keep Moving On, is one of my favorites!

Just One More! Enjoy!

A Tank with Flare!

I just love this embellished tank and have always wanted to know how it's done...well, guess what?! Ruffles and Stuff has a full tutorial of how to make this bouquet of flowers for your next tee! Check it out...she has many more ideas to see!

Photos

Sorry if my photos on my blog are not coming up...I'm working on it! The links should still work to see the crafts I'm sharing! :)

Summer Fun!

This Kiddie Car Wash idea is great!! I found this posted on Handmade Charlotte, along with some other great outdoor play ideas. Although I don't have children yet, this is going in the book of 'Things to Make' when the time comes!

I have not tried making this...but I love it! This little Cozy Cotton Terry Cover Up is found on Prudent Baby (one of my new favorite blogs) with all the directions. I can't wait to try it out...they would be perfect for my nieces on those days at the pool or beach!

Just a pair of inexpensive flip flops and some fabric and you have yourself a pair of personalized sandals. The Mother Huddle has a complete tutorial for these Knot So Hard Flip Flops. The creativity is all up to you!

Simple Home Life had this cute idea for porch lighting. However, they would be adorable hanging from a tree or lining a walkway, too. I love the different shades of colored glass.


Martha Stewart also has some great paper lantern ideas. One of my favorites are these Origami Paper Lanterns. Check them out on MarthaStewart.com along with a how to for making them on your own. A little bit of color and candle light can really dress up an evening for any occasion!