Holiday How To: Scrap Paper Gift Tags

I used some of my scrap paper again. This time to make some gift tags. I love the way the one tag turned into a house, I just cut the door out.


Supplies:
-Lots of scrap paper, cut into small pieces
-Glue ( I used Modge Podge, I think)
-Plastic bag ( or you could use a plastic container of some sort)
-Blank tags
-Ribbon
-Wax paper to let your scrap paper dry
How to:
-Throw all of your scraps into the plastic bag and pour in enough glue to cover the paper.
-Make sure it is all covered. I used my hands to squish it around.
-Lay your scrap paper (all covered in glue) out on the wax paper. Make sure all the pieces are touching. There can be spaces, makes a nice lacey effect.
-Now let it dry. Overnight is best
-Once it is dry you can cut out into shapes. Glue onto your tag. Attach a ribbon through the hole at the top of the tag. Leave a space for writing or write on the back.

Holiday How To: Paper Pom Poms

I began last night wrapping gifts for my mom's advent gift bag. I still have SO many things to come up with for gifts. Anyway, she loves aqua and teal so I decided to embellish the gifts using these colors. Along with white and silver. So here is a quick and easy how to on making these paper pom poms. Alternatively, you could make some paper flowers which I guess these resemble anyway. :)
What you will need:
-Various papers cut into different sized circles. There isn't an exact size to use. If your gift is large maybe use a bigger circle and for a small one go smaller. You might want to use a circle cutter or a punch. I don't. I just trace around various objects and cut out. If you use coffee filters it is easy since they are already a circle shape.
-An awl ( or some other tool to make a hole)
-Ribbon
-Scissors ( for cutting the ribbon and circles)
Optional: Paint/Dye. I wanted to make the colors very specific so I painted some of my paper. I used Luma liquid watercolors. I am sad to say after I googled Luma I have learned they have since gone out of business. There may be something similar out there. I don't know. I also used acrylic paint. Play around with any and all paint/paper combos.

How to: So once your papers are dried and cut, etc. You poke a hole through the center with an awl. I used 5-6 circles. You can do more. I then cut an approximately 10-12" piece of ribbon and thread it through the holes. I left a small tail at the top and tied a knot to keep secure. I then tied another knot underneath to secure. Next, take your scissors and start cutting into your circle, towards the center. I don't go too close to the center. You can play with it though. When you are done fluff them by separating a bit. Tie or tape onto your gift.

Here are some papers that are dyed and painted and drying. These are coffee filters and card stock. I squished the dye around and added some silver acrylic paint to a few.

Gifts ready for giving!

Lace Bowls: How to

Some days being an artist can also feel alot like being a scientist.
Awhile ago I ran across this lovely filigree bowl on flickr. And then yesterday I found this vintage lace bowl. I don't crochet and I didn't have any vintage doilies laying around. So I gathered some vintage lace and some modge podge. I followed the instructions for the vintage lace bowl but I crisscrossed my ribbon and ended up here. I pinked the edge when I was done. It was a fun exercise and I wound up with a cute little bowl. I think I may try fabric strips or paper next. Kinda felt like paper mache. I hope you are all well today!