Simple Valentine Crafts Galore

Don't know about everyone else, but I appreciate simple, easy, inexpensive, and super cute craft ideas.   So, here are some Valentines ideas that fit the criteria ( they can be used for so many more things than just Valentines though -- like random "I love you" surprises and wedding or anniversaries, etc.).

 Here are some easy to follow (well hopefully they are easy to follow . . . ) links to youtube videos I did showing step-by-step "how to's":

Fan Heart YouTube Video

Heart Ornament YouTube video

Heart Wreath YouTube Video

Heart Chain YouTube Video

Happy  heart and love crafting!!!

Ribbon Roses

Is it already time to think about Valentines Day?
I haven't taken down my Christmas tree yet!
Well I actually made these ribbon roses and the ribbon rose topiary tree before Thanksgiving so it could double as a Christmas decoration and Valentines decoration.  Smart thinking, yes? 
Ultimately, I'd like to have a grouping of three (in different sizes). We will see if I get the other two done before the end of this month.

My Mom made ribbon roses when I was little. Then she made topiary trees out of all the roses she made.  So with the help of my mom, we were able to figure out how to make these roses after all these years.

I also made boutineers with the roses. I may also try making some out of colorful print fabric to attach to a sweater or top for myself and maybe also attach them to hairbands for my granddaughters.

To make the ribbon rose all you need to purchase is floral ribbon (acetate, I think) in the colors you want.  The tools, you should already have on hand, are scissors and tweezers.

This first link to my youtube video shows how to make the ribbon roses:

Ribbon Rose video

This second link shows how to make the topiary tree:

Topiary Tree video

I think the easiest way to secure the ribbon ends is to just tie them in a square knot in the back.  Then pin 'em to the styrofoam ball.

 Get started making flowers soon, cuz' it takes a lot of roses to cover the large size styrofoam ball.

 LOVE   LOVE   LOVE   LOVE   LOVE   LOVE   LOVE   LOVE   LOVE   LOVE  



Now a Star!

In my last blog post I showed how to fold flowers.  Here's another variation on this post. 
Instead of folding flowers and snowflakes, using the same simple technique you can make a beautiful star. 

So here is a quick video I did, to show how to make this star!

How to make a paper star video

There are lots of ways to decorate this simple star too.  You can keep it simple, or you can add glitter, or epsom salts (just spray with adhesive and sprinkle epsom salts on the star and it resembles sparkly snow), or attach stickers or rhinestones to the star, just whatever you have on hand. 

It's an easy craft for kids.  They can color the sheet of paper you are going to use for the star first, then they can fold it and cut it and then add decorative stuff to it after it is folded, cut, and taped together.

I also love how easy it is to attach to the top of your Christmas tree, or if making several stars for tree ornaments, the wire twist tie is so easy to attach to branches all over your tree.

If making the stars to hang from your ceiling, windows, or doorways, just staple the center instead of using a twist tie or wire in the middle of the center crease.  Then tape some yarn or string or fishing line to one of the points of the star and tape the other end of the yarn, string, or line to the ceiling or door frame. 
This is a pretty decoration, hanging from the ceiling or doorway because both sides of the star look beautiful (there isn't a "wrong" side).

Oh, I'm getting so excited for the Holidays!!!!!!!!

Decorating with paper flowers!!!

Origami anyone?  Actually, I don't think this counts as origami, but these party flowers are a blast to make!

All you need is paper, scissors, and tape. A stapler is optional (I used a stapler), you can use tape in place of the stapler.

Here are 2 videos to show you how to make the paper flowers:

How to make a poinsettia video

 How to make paper party flowers video

You can use any kind of paper, but my experience has been that the thicker the paper, the harder it is to fold.  You can use regular copy/printer paper, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, a paper sack, etc.  I even used aluminum foil (not so easy to work with), vellum, and tissue paper!



When using an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper, your flower will measure 8" across, and will be about the size of the poinsettia on the left side of the key board.  If you paper that is 4" wide it will look like the one on the right side of the keyboard.  Both sizes would be fun hanging on a Christmas tree!

The really great thing about these flowers is the "no cost" aspect and also you can make them for any occasion and just use a paper to fit it :)

Spiiiiiiiiiiiiiders!!!

This is a fun, spidery, Halloween craft to make,

either by yourself or with the kids. 

The materials you need are:
    black colored paper
    scissors
    stapler
    googly eyes or a pen that will
         show on black paper

All you have to do is fold the black paper like an accordian, then staple it in the middle. 
Now make cuts similar to how you would cut a snowflake.  Unfold and glue or draw on spider eyes.

I put 4 eyes on my spiders, but I've heard they actually have 8 eyes!  Two eyes would also look quite attractive!

If you want step-by-step instructions you can watch the video I did.

How to fold and make a paper spider video

I really don't like spiders, but big paper ones are okay :)

   

Loving Grandkids!!!

Summer is such a fun time with family.  I want to share (with the permission of their parents) a great video of two of my super hero grandkids.  Their super hero names are:

"Static Girl"

&

"Bendy Boy"

I just love my grandkids -- thanks for indulging me!

Just a note: My youngest daughter is my awesome co-blogger.  Thanks Krissy!!!