Plain Box to Gift Box

I'm a sucker for beautiful packaging! I've seen many that are like works of art. I know that a lot of time was put into these by graphic artists, marketing folks, and printing companies.  That's why it's a polite habit to admire packaging design that we see at the store. 

Here is a gift that I received all the way from Hong Kong. The box looks very regal but the label adds some playfulness.

Open it to find individually wrapped loose tea like Puer, Oolong, Black, and Green, with a pamphlet indicating the proper way to brew each one. I love this gift because it was thoughtful (they know I'm a tea enthusiast) and I would have one every morning with my breakfast.

Not soon after, there was no more tea left. But I kept the box.

I'm going to re-purpose it.

I found this piece of scrapbook paper with a most vibrant print. 

I cut a smaller strip...

...And positioned it on the lid like a belt. I secured it in place with some glue.

It's an attractive accent but doesn't take away from the beauty of the box.

Inside, I added some shredded paper...

...And a few little gifts.

I also made a card using scrapbook paper, watercolor, rubbers stamps, and an ink pad...

...Where I'll write a sweet message.

And this is how a transformed a box from blah to TADA!

I hope this encourages more people to reuse and recycle. You'll find more ideas here, here, here and here. 

Love and Kindness

Today just a simple quote:

Pinterest

This weekend reminded me again of life's fragility. 

May we always be bearers of love and kindness. 

May we receive these graciously in our lives, too.

A Floral Heart

Today, March 1st, has been declared "National Day of Mourning" for all we lost to COVID-19. In cities across the United States there will be a laying of floral wreaths as part of the Floral Heart Project.

1800flowers.com

I first heard about the Floral Heart Project on the news. It's pioneered by artist Kristina Libby to help provide healing, compassion and sympathy for those impacted by COVID-19. She makes heart-shaped wreaths using fresh flowers; flowers being a traditional gift during loss and hearts as symbols of love and support. So far these wreaths have appeared in iconic locations around New York City, but the plan is to bring it around the U.S. and the world.  

The only other time we really paused to mourn was on the eve of the Biden-Harris inauguration. There was music, prayer, and rows of 400 lights representing the loved ones we lost. The number still keeps growing and many of us continue to be burdened by loss.

If you want to participate as a donor or make your own floral wreath, you'll find more information at The Floral Heart Project website. 

I don't have fresh flowers right now but I'm making a floral wreath using recycled materials.

I begin with cardboard.

This baking pan will aid me in making the heart shape.

I traced the pan on the cardboard and cut out this heart that I'm using as a base for my wreath.

I'm using more cardboard (white on one side) and added some colors using paint.

While I let the paint dry, I took out my craft stamps and ink pad.

I applied the inked stamps on my colored cardboard to make flowers...TADA!

Then I cut around the flowers. 

I attached the flowers on the heart-shaped cardboard backing using white glue.

 

And just like that, I transformed plain cardboard from blah to TADA! to make this floral wreath. I'll hang it on my window with a ribbon.

Let's remember all we lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind. 

Earrings Made from Leather

Accessorize to change or complete a look. 

Why yes! A cute cuff or a statement necklace can turn a plain outfit from blah to TADA! While I'm always on the lookout for fashion jewelry at the shops, I never back down when I need to make my own. 

Now the word "need" may sound like a desperate plea, but that's what I felt when I found some leather scraps in my craft stash.

This piece of pink leather cried out, "Please transform me!"

And I replied, "Your wish is my command!"

First, I cut a pair of teardrops. Then I made some small holes with a needle and added these earring findings.

It's a fast and simple process and we end up with a pretty set...TADA! 

I had enough to make another pair. This time, I added a splatter effect on the leather. 

Here's how I did it:

Take a medium-sized paintbrush (or old toothbrush), dip it in acrylic paint, and with one finger, flick the tip of the brush close to the leather. Keep repeating the process until the dotty pattern you want is achieved. It's best to work outdoors if you can. And cover your surface with scrap paper to avoid getting paint where you don't want it. Then let the paint dry for a few hours.

Trim the leather and add some holes and findings.

Here is our second pair...TADA!

But wait...there's more!

The remaining leather scraps, I cut into squares and glued them on to these blank gold pendants. 

I slipped them on these wire earring loops...TADA!

One is casual, one is bohemian, and another is elegant...TADA!

  

Homemade Headband

Hi guys!

Back in the 1990's, I and every girl I knew wore a headband. It kept our hair in place and was a cute accessory. I remember saving my allowance so that I could buy different kinds: thin, thick, plain, floral, with teeth and without, with bows, flowers, and beads.

Well, headbands are back:

 Rifle Paper Co. 

 Anthropologie

 J.Crew

It's a good thing I kept this old one from years ago:   

I hardly wore it since, left it at the back of the drawer, and almost added it to the donation pile. Time to give it new life!

I also found a floral scarf and two hair ties. 

I tied the scarf at the top of the headband and made two knots.

Then I wrapped the rest of the scarf around the headband.

I folded the tails of the scarf and kept them secure with a hair tie on each end of the headband. No need to sew or use glue.

Old headband, new look...TADA!

 

I can create more looks by using other scarves and strips of fabric and use this headband while it's on trend. Since a lot of still work from home and do virtual meetings, a headband is a quick way to change our look.

Stay safe everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day

This time of year is hyped-up for couples and lovers. Whether or not you're dating or in a relationship, I hope you're able to celebrate Valentine's Day. Here are a few ideas to turn your day from blah to TADA!:

• Buy a slice of your favorite cake and eat it for breakfast
• Wear your favorite outfit -- the one that makes you feel cute and confident
• Put on that lovely shade of lipstick or nail polish
• Spray on your favorite cologne
• Treat yourself to something indulgent (ex. burger and fries and a chocolate milkshake!)

Self care and self love, ya'll!

Papel Picado

Hey guys! Are you familiar with papel picado?

Maybe you've seen them as decorations at the taco place in your neighborhood? Or maybe on a recent vacation to Mexico?

Papel picado are these colorful buntings made from gift tissue. What makes them special are the cut by hand designs that have a lace-like quality to them.

Whenever I see them, I always stop in admiration.

I don't think I'm the only fan. I've noticed it applied in many different ways:

Instead of plain boxes, papel picado-inspired graphics were used as packaging.

via JP Stationery

What about these dainty wedding invitations?!

via Sweet Treets Bakery

And edible papel picado banners that dress up this cake!

As a Valentine project, I think I'll attempt to make my own. Here goes:

This is a piece of red card stock which I had readily available.

There are templates available on-line or we can draw the designs freehand. I'm using these stencils I found in my craft stash (I bought them many years ago at the Target Dollar Spot). 

With a pencil, I traced shapes and letters all over the paper.

Here is the design I came up with.

With a pair of scissors or a craft knife and self-healing mat, hallow out the insides of the shapes and letters.

It's a tedious process so I recommend to use simple shapes that aren't too skinny or complicated to cut.

Progress...after about two hours of cutting.

Here is my version of papel picado...TADA!

I can use it as a Valentine card or as a cake topper...TADA!

Have you ever tried making papel picado?