Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

We had our first skiff of snow here in Toronto today and the kids are over the moon with excitement. Me – not so much. But to get myself in the mood I have been researching snowflake crafts. Here are a few I really like:

• I love this wreath. So easy, so colourful, and cheerful.

• The above wreath is so colourful, so easy and cheerful. Click on the picture for the link.

• Now this a creative way to use junk mail!

• Stamp a snowflake with household items. I like the black background but a dark blue or purple would look great too.

• I love the texture that the yarn creates on these. Easy enough for kids to do too.

This has given me a reason to check out some thrift stores for doilies.

• Now this has given me a reason to find some doilies. So beautiful!

• siven me a reason to start a hunt for doil

• I tried this one on the weekend with my kids and it turned out really well. I will post some pictures of our version soon.

Is anyone else busy with snowflake crafts? Leave me a comment with a link, I would love to see it. Happy creating…

• I have to admit that I have attempted this project twice without any success. As my patience and skills with a protractor are lacking I have set this one aside for the time being. It is stunning though. Has anyone else been busy with snowflake crafts and project? Leave me a comment with a link!
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• I have to admit that I have attempted this project twice without any success. As my patience and skills with a protractor are lacking I have set this one aside for the time being. It is stunning though. Has anyone else been busy with snowflake crafts and project? Leave me a comment with a link!
  

Making a Fall Wreath: My First Attempt

I finally did it! After admiring all the fall wreaths on I took the plunge and  made my own. If you are as addicted to Pinterest as I am, you know how easy it is to spend all of your time just collecting all the creative pins without actually making any of your own. It was time to try it.

Because it was my first attempt I didn’t want it to cost a lot of money – just in case I had to dump into the garbage if it didn’t work. When I went to Michael’s to look at the wreath forms I couldn’t believe they were charging between $12 and $20 for them. I had noticed a more budget-friendly idea on Pinterest using pipe insulation from Home Depot as a cheaper alternative and gave it a try.

• Source:http://www.thepennyparlor.com/2010/09/coffee-filter-wreath.htm lTanya on Pinterest

It totally worked! I learned the hard way with my first attempt to ensure that you securely duct tape the ends together or your form may start pulling apart.

Other than budget concerns I didn’t want my wreath to look too fussy and old-fashioned. I really wanted it to have a contemporary feel. I am happy with the way it turned out but have now been bitten by the wreath bug and want to try so many other ideas…

Here is how I did it:

I used:

• Foam pipe insulation from Home Depot or any hardware store. They come in different sized diameters, I would suggest the thickest one you can find. I wish I had bought a thicker one as the form would be more in proportion, mine is a little on the skinny side.
• Yarn for wrapping around the wreath form. I show a tiny ball in my picture but you need quite a bit to wrap the entire wreath.
• Sharp scissors for cutting the pipe insulation and felt.
• Glue gun for the flowers and other embellishments you want to add.
• Fabri Tac as an alternative glue for some of the felt flowers.
• A mug or your favourite TV and the radio tuned to CBC…

The most time-consuming part was wrapping the yarn around the form. Take your time and make it tight and neat, all your effort really pays off in the end. I made smaller balls of yarn to make it easier to wrap around my form. An idea I had for my next one is to leave the pipe insulation straight to make it easier to wrap and then just at the end duct tape the ends together. This will save all the passing the yarn around the circle. It’s worth a try…

When I had it wrapped up I grabbed another cup of tea and set about making my felt flowers and used the glue gun to attach them to the wreath. So easy. I finished the whole thing in just over an hour.

Whew! This was so easy I can’t wait to make another one.

Inspiration for Fall Wreath Projects

The wind is blowing, the rain is falling and signs of autumn are everywhere…except for my front door. I am inspired to try my hand at a fall wreath and wanted to share a few of my favourite finds. Just browsing through Pinterest is enough to get your craft mojo firing. Take a look at a few I think are amazing:

• Source: etsy.com via Tanya on Pinterest

I love, love, love the two tone flowers on the organic wreath form, don’t you? Lovely. Now for a bit of leaf inspiration:

• Source: etsy.com via Tanya on Pinterest

The grey yarn is so simple behind the colourful leaves and it looks so simple to do.

Here is another along the same lines…

• Source: abigailshamburger.blogspot.com via Tanya on Pinterest

OK, I am officially inspired. Time to get busy, stay tuned…