Seriously, how cute are these sticker labels that my friend Julie made? You can buy them here. And if these aren't cute enough, Julie's daughter Marina makes (and can also be purchased Julie's etsy site) these that I just had to buy as well. {Red label stickers purchased from French General}
I'm excited about this pink month ahead. Can't wait to make some Valentine's of my own.
Hoping to spread a little love, garland style, here is how to info as promised...
Garland guidance: Ok, first of all, I must tell you that the reason I have put off giving you info is not that I'm not happy to share, it's that the thought of me figuring how to even make a "tutorial" (I should have never used that word, very intimidating to me, how about "helpful hints" instead?) makes me feel a bit like this lady from an old piece of sheet music; a little tired, confused and hesitant to stick her toe in the water. My mind just doesn't think in a logical, descriptive, organized "how to" manner. I just kinda make something and find it easier to just do it, like a chef without recipes or measurements, and it's hard for me to put in text on a blog. Demonstrating is easy for me, I can just blabber on about how my mind is thinking, but the technical details put in paper form? not so easy. Then you add the whole computer part. I know people are so good at adding info to their sidebars etc., but I'm not one of them. Each sidebar element, blog header and blog design, even the pdf for the embroidery, is all done by scanning my designs, emailing and then talking on the phone with my brother while he does all the computer work.
Additionally, I realize that it wouldn't be fair for me to give all the nitty gritty away when some people are paying to take a class or participate in making garlands with me. However, I also realize that it is not possible for everyone to come to art class events. So I'm going to share some general guidelines to get our creative sisters that can't attend started, while assuring those that are coming to one of the garland classes/demos to fear not. I have lots more to show/teach/explain. You will not be paying for information that everyone else is getting for free. I understand and respect those concerns, as Im sure everyone does.
Ok, all that said, here is a basic garland guide to get you started into jumping in and playing till you find your way to making one you love:
1.Take ready made paper circle items, like coffee filters or muffin cups like these super cute ones found at layercakeshop on etsy (I told you, I'm thinking Valentine's Day already). Incorporating papers such as tissue,crepe etc. add texture and color and thickness as well as interest and color and will have different "scrunchibility".
2.Flaten your muffin cups and cut the additional papers to size of the ready made circles. Make piles of circles into any thickness that pleases you. Punch a small circle in the middle of each pile. Take a long piece of string/ribbon/yarn etc. and cut the length you want your garland to be plus additional foot. Tie a knot approximately 2' from the end of your string. Thread one pile of circles onto the string, stopping at the knot. Once on, tie a knot at the other end of the pile, thus keeping it in place. Tie a new knot a pleasing distance away from the last on either side of the previously threaded circles (approximately 6") and thread another pile of papers on, knot other side. Repeat this knot/thread/knot pattern until your string is full. Scrunch/puff various papers from each grouping of circles. Now, does that make sense? I hope so. I told you my mind doesn't really think like this naturally! Really, just play and have fun, there are no rules and there is no wrong way to do it. Do what looks pleasing to your eye and all then you'll be happy to hang it in your home.
Hope you are loving your Sunday! xoxp
