01 March 2011

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!


28 February 2011

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.

25 February 2011

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!


24 February 2011

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!

23 February 2011

Mood Lights


I know you're all familiar with decorative tissue paper.
It's not just for wrapping gifts. I'm finding many
uses for it on my blog this week.

Particularly this one, recycled from the holidays.

I cut it to size and wrapped it around a glass vase.

These vases have made an appearance on our
dining table many times, as centerpieces to
display either flowers, leaves or candles.

Wrapping them with tissue -- it's like
getting them a new outfit!
TADA! A whole new look!

Add a votive candle and let them glow!
{Make sure the paper doesn't extend beyond
the vase -- it's highly flammable!}

22 February 2011

In Living Color


This week, I'm turning these decorative
tissue paper sheets from blah to TADA!

These were used to wrap or line presents
given to us during the holidays.

Let's throw in this plastic bag, too.

Pick your favorite colors from the stack.
Run them through a shredder or make
strips using a pair of scissors.

Mix the strips to evenly distribute the colors,
then put them inside the plastic bag.
Spread them out evenly & flatten the package.

Fold & seal the edge with clear tape.

TADA! It's a pretty placemat!

Great for everyday snacking or make more for a party.
Wipe it with a damp cloth to clean and it
will be good for several uses.

21 February 2011

Remnants from the Holidays: Colorful Tissue


And I thought the holidays were over.

I have this pile of colorful tissue left
from the gifts we received at Christmas.
And you know me, throwing them away
is an unlikely option.

Look, I have these, too.
Crumpled, clear plastic bags.

Inspired by this project on Hello Sandwich,
here's what I did.

I turned the tissue into confetti.

Then transferred them into the
plastic bag.

I inserted a gift {wrapped in more tissue}
inside the "confetti bag" and tied the
mid-section with some ribbon.

TADA! Instant, festive gift wrap!
I like how the confetti moves around as
the gift is carried & can only imagine
the riotous confetti shower when the
recipient unwraps the gift!