21 September 2010

Floral Accent


Very nice to see you today!

We all know what a threat plastic bags are to our environment.
While it will take some time to eliminate them entirely,
maybe we can turn them into something pretty
instead of just throwing them away when
we no longer need them.

This blah plastic bag,

and this blah plastic bag will get a
make-over today.

Tada! The orange bag is now a flower!

I cut the bag into petals. I gathered one end, tightly wrapped some
thread around & knotted it to make the bag look more like a petal.
I did this to all the petals, sewed them together and fluffed
them up for a 3-dimensional look.

The green bag had this pretty design.
{The books are stacked together to look like a leaf.}
So I cut around it, and...

Tada! The flower and leaves make the
perfect finishing touch to a plain box.

Instant gift wrap when you have
no ribbon or wrapper available!


20 September 2010

Challenge: Plastic Bags


Happy Monday everyone!

This week, I'm up for a challenge!
It's a response to an e-mail from Susie:

Hi there! You inspire me so much and I love the fact that we're helping our environment at the same time. A few ideas I would appreciate your creativity on: (1) Old jeans/denim and (2) plastic grocery-type bags. That latter one - plastic - is so detrimental to our environment, I'm really ashamed I still have them once in a while but when I do, I'd like to know what I could re-purpose them for.

Thanks Susie! I've recycled denim here, here and here.
So this week, let's see how we can turn
plastic bags from...

blah...

...to TADA! The plastic bag is now a lei!

It's easy to make: Cut the bag (at least two bags) into strips
and string on a threaded needle in the middle of the strip.
Bunch up the strips and sew the ends together
once you have the desired length.

Give it to your little hula girl.
Or wear at a luau party.

Or turn it into an instant Halloween
costume with a floral dress and a
flower in your hair.

Have a great week!


17 September 2010

Paper Chains


Hooray it's Friday!

All this week, we made stuff that we can use
for any party -- using these blah toilet paper rolls.

Here's one more idea:

With scissors, make small rings out of the roll.

Paint the rings in your desired color
and attach them together with a glue gun.

TADA! A new take on paper chains to decorate your party space.

Have a glorious weekend everyone!


16 September 2010

A Sweet Menu


Happy Thursday!
Today, I've got another party idea for you.

Let's begin with the blah: empty toilet paper rolls.

By trimming it down, adding a coat of paint,
and making one inch slits on the sides,

...it's now a menu holder.
Tada!

It can also work as a seating card or programme
holder for formal events like weddings.

Have a nice day!

15 September 2010

A Lip-smacking Bouquet


"Congratulations!" Isn't that such a happy word?
Be it a promotion, a new job, graduation, a new baby,
a new home or your child getting good grades, saying
"Congratulations" to someone conveys that you share
his or her joy and are proud of their success.

Give them an extra pat on the back with an easy-to-make gift.

With very simple materials, turn blah toilet paper rolls into...

TADA! A cute container to hold
any kind of bouquet.

Like a mini bouquet of lollipops!
Sweet yet unexpected.
It's a simple but heartfelt way to celebrate.


14 September 2010

Dinnertime Decor


It's party time on my blog this week with festive ideas galore!

While you may no longer need these blah, empty toilet paper rolls,
they will come in handy during your next dinner party.

A snip here, a snip there...

TADA! Instant napkin ring!

The "petals" were attached together with hot glue.
I kept the natural look for this one.

But you can paint it depending on the mood that you're going for.

Fool your guests to think that these are made of pewter until
you reply, "Oh, I made those out of toilet paper rolls!"

For sure, a conversation piece & a little toilet humor (pun intended)
to make your guests relax.

Happy eating!

13 September 2010

Party Time!


I've always liked planning parties and every little aspect involved -- food, music and decorations. I haven't planned any as of late, but I'm listing a few ideas for all of you who are throwing a party any time soon. And today's inspiration:

What?! Toilet paper?

Well, empty toilet paper rolls to be exact.
This week's blah.
Today's TADA! -- a party favor!

Stuff the empty roll with nostalgic stickers, noise makers,
comic strips, confetti and little toys.

Wrap some colorful tissue over it, twist the ends and
tie with string.

It's a token, similar to British Party Crackers,
guaranteed to make your guests smile.

See you tomorrow!