Warmly Ever After

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

This week, it's all about an empty ribbon spool...

...that I turned into a pompom maker.

{Details are in yesterday's post}

This pompom project is perfect for my stash of yarn.

{I got a whole box-full at a garage sale for only $2!}

And here's another idea on how

to use the pompoms:

I took an old, blah-looking beanie...

And sewed on a colorful pompom.

TADA!

It's a quick way to update cold-weather hats

owned by any kid or adult.

Have a nice day!

Pompom Parade

Howdy Friends!

This week on blah to TADA!,

there's a parade of pompoms.

It's been ages since I made pompoms

and I'm reviving this craft

because of these:

I have a bunch of empty ribbon spools.

They're perfect tools to make

pompoms.

First, gently detach the cardboard circles from the center. Then attach both circles together with hot glue to make a sturdy ring. Cut a slit on one end that goes all the way through the center hole.

Get some yarn and tightly wind it through the slit and around the ring. Just make a single row/layer so that the length of the yarn will be uniform all around the finished pompom. Once you have enough yarn {a little over half the size of the ring}, cut off the source of the yarn and tuck in the loose end.

Introduce a new piece of yarn. I'm using red yarn for demonstration purposes only; use the same color as the pompom you're making. Insert the new piece through the yarn on the ring.

The new piece of yarn should end up on the other end of the ring, parallel to the slit. Make a knot with the two ends, as tight as you can.

With a sharp pair of scissors, cut against the yarn on the outer end of the ring. Cut all the way through.

Remember the knot you made? Make it tighter.

Then make a second knot.

Trim any excess yarn.

Release the pompom from the ring and fluff it up.

TADA! You made a pompom!

Attach it to a chain & now you have

an adorable keyring!

TADA!

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.