Little Lantern Parade

Friday has arrived -- whoopee!

Do you remember this paper chain made

of toilet paper towel rolls?

I used it as a party decoration.

But I want to change its look for

the next party that I'm planning.

I'm bringing in more empty paper towel rolls

to accomplish my mission.

Aren't they so blah?

But look, they're now TADA!

I cut the roll in half. Painted them. Added

some paper tails & flowers, then finished off

with some string to attach to the paper chain.

Tada! Does this say "Party" or what?

Have a great weekend!

Wrist-y Business

If you've been following my blog, you know that

I like making jewelry from recycled odds & ends.

I've made earrings, necklaces, brooches and cuffs:

Here's one I made using the cardboard ring that once

contained packing tape.

And here's another one made of covered bottle caps.

I've got a little crush on a good black cuff, so it's no surprise

that I'm making another one.

This time using these blah empty paper towel rolls.

It's simple: Cut the paper towel roll into rings

{about 6 to 8 pieces}.

Make a slit on one end of each ring.

Pile them on top of each other to make a letter C,

gluing them together as you go along.

Use a binder clip if necessary to hold these in place.

Once the glue has dried, trim the excess cardboard

for a clean edge.

Then cover the cardboard cuff with fabric scraps

in the color of your choosing.

Now the fun part -- decorating!

I sewed on clear beads, silver findings and

this antique-looking clasp.

The clasp helps tighten the cuff.

I suggest you wear the cuff first & mark the area

where you want to place the clasps before

sewing them on.

A ribbon & buckle, a button & elastic tape or a

lock & chain are possible alternatives to help you

adjust the size and add decorative value as well.

Happy crafting!

Sending Kisses

Today, I have a new idea to transform a lowly

paper towel roll...

...from blah to...

...Tada!

It's now an envelope!

I made a cover for both ends with

cardboard {old cereal box}.

One end was permanently sealed with

hot glue. The other end can be

removed -- because we have to

put goodies inside!

Then finish with a coat of paint.

Then sneak in a letter.

And don't forget the Kisses.

And the confetti.

The roll isn't sturdy enough to survive mailing so I highly

suggest to give it to the recipient in person.

Now that's TADA!

Hug-A-Wrap

It's all about empty paper towel rolls on my blog this week.

No more paper towels.

What a blah.

Wrapping paper that constantly unfurls like it has a mind of its own.

Blah.

Cut the paper towel rolls into small rings.

Then slip a ring over the rolled wrapping paper.

TADA! It keeps the paper in place without

the need for sticky tape or rubber bands that

can leave marks or creases on the paper.

Just like a hug!

Paper Towel Rolls

Happy Monday Lovelies!

As much as I try to make small steps for Mama Earth,

I have to admit that I continue to use paper towels.

These are still necessary supplies for me.

But to ease the guilt, I've been recycling the empty rolls.

In my previous posts, I've made them into party favors.

And napkin rings.

And even a jewelry organizer.

This week, I've got a few more ideas to turn

these from blah to...

...TADA!

Turn it into a ribbon organizer!

If you have loose ribbons or ones saved

from gifts, simply gather them together and

let them hang out on an empty paper towel roll

until you're ready to use them.

Secure one end of the ribbon to the roll. Wind the

ribbon around the roll & tape the other end of the

ribbon to keep it from unraveling.

Also, creases on the ribbon will be avoided.

Store these "ribbon rolls" in a box or drawer.

Organization in an instant!

See you tomorrow.

Fun Favor Bags

Whether it's the holidays or the rest of the year,

you'll encounter these tissue sheets

when you shop or receive a present:

I like these ones that are in a natural brown.

They remind me of paper bags.

So I made paper bags out of them!

Then decorated each one with ink & a rubber stamp.

It's a cool container for party favors or

baked goodies like these cookies!

TADA!

Have a sweet weekend everyone!

D-I-Y Decorations

I'm glad you're back for more blah-to-TADA! ideas.

Blah: tissue paper left over from a gift.

Cut it into a strip & make an accordion fold.

Staple one end & open it like a fan.

Make both ends meet and glue together.

TADA! You have yourself a little paper medallion!

Make a few more...

Connect them together

{I used clear tape & ribbon at the ends}.

Add an appropriate message using paper circles & a pen.

TADA! Party time!