DIY Tuesday: Paper Wrapped Vases

We saw these gorgeous vases on the lovely blog, iDiY and just had to share!

This simple project can add a little interest to any old vase. They're so pretty, they could even stand on their own in a grouping on a bookshelf without any flowers, or would look great with a bouquet of handmade paper flowers. They would also be beautiful with a votive candle.

Here's some pretty paper examples we found. Beautiful handmade and decorative papers can be found in most craft stores and from tons of online retailers. Just remember, the paper is on the inside of your vase, so using fresh flowers and water won't work.

Here's the tutorial:

1. Measure and cut paper (thin, handmade paper is probably best) to the right height for your tall, straight-sided glass with an exact-o knife or scissors. You can leave the top edge irregular or straight.

2. Thoroughly paint the back side of your paper with white glue or Mod Podge (an acrylic decoupage medium you can find at craft stores). Make sure your adhesive goes all the way to the edge.

3. Smooth the paper around the vase, pressing firmly to remove air bubbles. Allow to dry completely before using.

DIY Tuesday: Hanging Accordion Paper Decorations

You've probably seen these accordion paper decorations all over the place lately. They've become quite popular for wedding and party decor and are a fun, simple DIY project for any event.

With the help of neighbors and friends, we made ton of them for my whimsical, vintage wedding in February, as pictured above. So today, we're teaching you how to make them!

Supplies Needed:
-4 Scrapbook Paper squares
-A piece of thin cardboard cut to 1" wide
-Bone Folder (used to score and fold paper; available at craft stores)
-Scissors
-Glue Stick
-String

Step 1:
Cut scrapbook paper into four 6 x 6" squares. We used four different papers, but you could make all four squares from the same paper.



Step 2:
Align the piece of cardboard with the left edge of one square that has been turned over so the back side is showing. Score the paper against the right edge of the cardboard with the bone folder. Fold the paper over the cardboard on the line you just created. Then do a final smooth down of the line with the bone folder.








Step 3:
Repeat this step for the whole sheet of paper. Then, repeat for each of the remaining three squares.






Step 4:
Fold each "accordioned" square in half. Go over this fold with the bone folder, If the open (not folded) edge doesn't match up completely, trim the edge so it's even. You'll now have four completely folded squares.






Step 5:
Each square will look like a V-shape. Glue the two inner sections of the "V" together. This will create a fan-shape. Repeat with the remaining three.






Step 6:
Glue the right edge of one fan to the left edge of another. This will create a half-circle. Repeat with the other two. Glue the two half-circles together. When compressed, this will look like four layered folds. When opened, it will look like a full circle with two edges that still need to be glued together. Glue these edges together. Add a string to the back with glue or tape and your hanging decoration is complete!







*All images are property of DBI Events

DIY Tuesday: Cupcake Pennants

These cupcake pennants are a quick and easy DIY

project that add some color and flair to cupcakes.

They're a perfectly whimsical finishing touch for bite-size desserts

at birthday parties, bridal showers or even garden parties!

Supplies needed:

-Cardstock or scrapbooking paper (choose multiple colors and patterns to add more interest)

-Ruler

-Pencil

-Scissors

-Continuous Line Glue Tape (available in the scrapbooking section of craft stores)

-Toothpicks

Step 1:

Place a standard ruler even with one edge of your paper. Draw a straight, vertical line on the other side of the ruler to the bottom edge of the paper. Cut down this line.

Step 2:

Again using the ruler's width, measure this cut strip into equal vertical sections. Draw a diagonal line from the top right corner of each section to its bottom left corner. This will create two pennants within each section. Repeat to the end of the section, then cut on the lines.

Step 3:

Repeat this process with each type of paper you selected until you have your desired number of pennants.

Step 4:

Cut a piece of continuous line glue tape as long as the height of your pennant. Place it on the back side of the pennant and attach a toothpick.

Step 5:

Place a pennant in each cupcake and enjoy!