Stripes and Sparkle

Don't you love receiving gifts, especially those that are thoughtfully wrapped? The next time you give a gift, maybe you'd like to add some pizzazz to the package. Don't worry, no expensive wrapping paper needed -- we'll reuse materials that we have on hand.

blah: a paper bag from an afternoon of shoe shopping 

The stripey part is quite attractive, 

but let's get rid of the label. 

Simply cut out the bottom part.

 Create a new bottom by folding the paper and

gluing in place.

If the mouth of the bag looks sad and frayed, just fold 

over into the bag {about half an inch} and 

secure with glue. 

 TADA! It looks nice and neat.

We'll use alphabet cut-outs made from glitter sticker paper

{go ahead and try out other kinds of paper}

or glitter letter stickers if you have them. 

 Experiment with the layout and stick them on 

the bag once you are satisfied.

Just add the gift {and a card} and it's ready to be given away. 

TADA!

Capturing Butterflies

Today, I've got another use for this blah produce sack:

It was once supermarket packaging for a family of shallots.

 Don't worry, they didn't leave an onion-y smell on the sack.

From blah, I present the TADA!:

Another fun way to wrap a present! 

The gift is still kept a mystery with

the use of blue tissue paper.

Butterfly confetti made its way inside for

extra pops of color.  

Secure the top with ribbon remnants and

a fantastic greeting.

When wrapping gifts, what non-traditional

materials have you used? I want to know!

Pink and Black

I think pink and black is such a sexy color combination.

It's the direction I'm taking for this blah to TADA!

packaging project I'm sharing today.

blah: a black sack that once held

Halloween erasers 

TADA!:  a gift wrap idea for small items like jewelry or

other accessories. 

We'll need a gift tag of course!

 blah: an empty shopping bag -- the zebras

are a nice design element

Cut out the zebra into a circle {glue on to cardboard backing 

to make it sturdy} and TADA! -- gorgeous gift tag! 

After writing your wishes at the back, slip this

into the netting -- no glue or tape needed.

  

Stylish and whimsical, 'no?

Have a happy Tuesday!

Presents and Packaging

I hope your weekend was beautiful!

This week, it's all about embellishments to make your presents pop.

Today, I'll show you how to make this mini wreath,
using a technique from this project.

blah: cardboard that's no longer needed

Cut two circles {use cans/bottles in different sizes

 as a guide} to form a letter "O".

Wrap some yarn around it, securing each strand to the 

cardboard with hot glue.

Scrap paper, whether cut-out or craft-punched, 

make divine decorations. Other options include

small fabric flowers, pompoms or sequins.

Attach these to the circle with hot glue.

Secure this to the wrapped gift with yarn, ribbon or glue.

Add a card or gift enclosure and TADA! -- a present 

to make any little {or big} girl happy.

Wear Some Candy

I hope you enjoyed my rundown of Project Runway's fashion made out of unconventional materials.

Today, I'm featuring the current season's unique shopping trip.

via lifetime.com

The contestants went to Dylan's Candy Bar, owned by Ralph Lauren's daughter. Similar to previous challenges, they would be judged on craftsmanship and creativity in incorporating candy into their designs.

This dress was declared the winner:

via buddytv.com

A cocktail number made to look like stained glass. The colors are made of crushed candy glued on to a cloth structure.

via mylifetime.com

It's a creation of Ven Budhu, one of the most talented designers this season.

via fredflare

This turquoise dress came in second. Notice the intricate details at the front and back of the dress?

via lifetime.com

It's Sonjia William's handiwork.

via nymag.com

The dress has a collar made of gummi sharks, the bodice is filled with jelly beans, rock candy, and foil-wrapped chocolates.

Just like candy, don't these looks make you happy? Have a wonderful weekend dear friends!

Floral, literally

Project Runway is one of my favorite TV shows, because it demonstrates the skill of designers working on limitations like time, budget, and materials. You see, cloth is not always the material du jour. Some challenges require them to shop at non-traditional stores like the supermarket, the pet shop, a recycling center, and even the flower shop. 

The resulting looks can sometimes be blah, but many turn out to be TADA!:

via bravoTV

This one's made of orchid blossoms and leaves!

via bravoTV

It enhances the model's figure and doesn't weigh her down.

via theslapdashsewist

It's the handiwork of Daniel Vosovic, who also designed this dress for the show, inspired by a photo of a flower.

via smilingldsgirl

Here are the other dresses fashioned from leaves, buds, and moss.

If you saw a lady walk into a party dressed like this,

what would you think?

For the Birds

Let's say you were a contestant on Project Runway, and show mentor Tim Gunn said, "We're going shopping!", you'd be excited, right? But would you still feel the same if he took you to a pet shop? How would you turn blah into TADA!?  

Here's how one designer did it:

via kristensbrain

He made a dress out of birdseed!

via nickverreos

The dress had a muslin base and birdseed was glued all over it.

via nickverreos

The magic was how the designer laid out the seeds, beginning with a dark, dramatic collar, and graduating to a golden mini. The styling was also well-edited.

via collegefashion.net

Applause goes to designer Anthony Ryan Auld, the man with the fancy feather touch!