Garland

I don't know what spurred this on, but for the past few months I've been obsessed with making paper flowers. I've been looking online collecting links on how to make them. They ranged from very simple methods (the kind you make with your kids) to the very complicated and sophisticated (a la Martha Stewart). I ended up using a method that combined the two: instructions for making paper flowers with your kids, via Martha Stewart's website. Lol!

The first style I tried was this one... the directions were pretty easy, but I wasn't able to find any stamins locally and I wasn't about to order some online, so mine just didn't hold up too well. And the petals just didn't look as pretty as Martha's. ;-) So i was like, I'm going the easy route. Even used the pipe cleaners. :-) And they really turned out beautiful! They are easy and pretty fast to make, and I'm already addicted. There are so many uses for these.

I used crepe paper (just the cheapy kind from Joann Crafts. The colors fit what I like, nice and bright. I'm sure there are even better resources online with a wider range of colors that aren't so bright. I found sheets of it in the party decoration aisle. Martha even gives directions on how to make flowers from crepe paper streamers, but for some reason I couldn't get that method down. The directions were a little vague.)... and I also used tissue paper.

I knew I wanted to use the flowers on some sort of home decoration. Then I thought of a garland. I strung the flowers on some embroidery floss, along with various beads, crocheted flowers, my gingham and satin rosettes, some felted balls and also some large pom-poms I made from yarn. (I never EVER tire of pom-poms! :-) In fact, the flowers remind me of pom-poms.) I also tied some lace, pom-pom trim and yarn in different places along the way.

I really love how this turned out and I'm already thinking of something else I want to do with them. I saw this on Wren Handmade's blog one day and fell in love with it's pom-pom-wonderfulness. I saw that she got it at the Polish Center in NYC, so I looked it up to see if I could buy one. They do sell them there online, but they're a bit pricey. So I think I'll make something similar to it. A mobile of sorts. Or I can pick one up when I'm in NYC. ;-) Think that would be just a LITTLE cumbersome carying that around? lol!

So here are some pics of the garland... (please excuse some of the wide pics where you can see all of my laundry that I need to fold and my messy kitchen table. Keep your eyes on the garland, people. Stay focused! lol! )

I think I must have lived in Portugal or Brazil in another life, because I'm so drawn to these bright, exotic colors. I'm find myself being drawn to Portuguese and Brazillian artists on Flickr lately... people I stumble upon from other crafty flickr pages and other blogs.

And don't you love those 2 little deer? I've got a project in mind for them too. They are vintage from Japan. Got one of them on Ebay for $5, and the seller let me have the other one because it had been damaged. But she fixed the damaged part and everything! She said she didn't want to throw it away. How cool. :-)

Here are some other paper flower technique links I found:

here

here

here

Another random thing I read on a blog today: this is SO COOL. I totally want to do this, especially now that Cooper seems to really be into drawing lately. I can't help but get a little giddy at the idea of him inheriting the creative gene. :-)

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Comments

[Jayne]

Oh I love your house! I've been reading your blog for the past month and just love everything you create!!! Thanks for the inspiration! I have two little ones (2.5 and 11 months) and am trying to figure out where in my day I have time to craft! Here and there-I'm working on a space for myself. For now I'll enjoy your craftiness! Keep up the incredible work!

[Jana]

You are just too creative, Girl!! I find myself being very drawn to those bright colors as well but then again, I've always loved orange. Your home is just adorable!

[Heidi Sonboul]

Those little balls are soooooo delightful!

[Sarah]

Thanks for the eye candy! Your colors are just breathtaking. So brave! I would be nervous to combine colors like that, but the finished product is amazing! That garland is sooo cute and matches so well! You are so inspiring! After seeing your turqouise hutch from Pier1 has inspired me to paint a plain armoire I have and decopouge it. A little scary though!!! If I ever get around to it I'll send you the link!

[Zee]

Wow, fantastic! It's eye candy. Oh my goodness. I love the garland. This is the first time I see the walls of your home. Wow, I wish my husband would agree with colorful walls. My husband had to be like that, picky about house stuff. I think mexicans are like us too as the other fellows from Central America and Islands, but I don't see them participating much on Flickr. I see you got Talaveras, I love that pottery. I think you would love to watch carnaval in Brazil. It's a blast of colors and happiness. Now I must check your recommendations...
xoxo

[Meredith]

I just adore the things you make! Thanks for all the links to paper flowers. I've been eyeing all the beautiful examples around the web and I think I'm going to have to try some.

[Lanne]

Gorgeous flowers. I am also a little taken with paper flowers and tossing up making some. I found these - http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/4071290111.html?cm_id=3000.338
and these - http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/4071295441.html?cm_id=3000.338. and this post which was a while ago (but the idea is still gorgeous).. from jen Johner http://jenniferjohner.typepad.com/jennifer/2007/07/fail-proof-flow.html Super cute and very inspiring! Happy Flowers!

[debraparker]

I love the color! It is amazing. I am going to have to try this soon.

[Ashley Schultz]

I love your flowers and garland! So pretty. I would love to tour your house! I bet every room is just eye candy!

[Rhonna]

Oh Danielle...this stuff is so rad!
R

[Rebekah]

this is just gorgeous! I've got some roving that I want to turn into felt balls...this is definitely giving me the motivation to make some. Congrats on turning up all over the design blogs! I'm so glad they've finally discovered your talent!

[valerie]

i adore the garland you created! also, i have those deer; i found them on ebay as well! my set had a third smaller deer, but i used it on a plush cuckoo clock i made for a christmas gift... i can't wait to see what you do with yours!
your blog is beautiful and super inspirational!

[CarrieJ]

you know we would have never looked at the laundry if you had not pointed it out ... your garland is gorgeous. The colors would scare me to work with, but they look so wonderful together. You certainly do have an eye for color!
Love the link to the embroidered kid art. My girl has decided she is not happy with mere crayons and markers, she wants to paint. I don't mean on paper ... she wants my canvas!! Ahhh, the perils of encouraging their art ... the want to take our stuff!!!

[CarrieJ]

you know we would have never looked at the laundry if you had not pointed it out ... your garland is gorgeous. The colors would scare me to work with, but they look so wonderful together. You certainly do have an eye for color!
Love the link to the embroidered kid art. My girl has decided she is not happy with mere crayons and markers, she wants to paint. I don't mean on paper ... she wants my canvas!! Ahhh, the perils of encouraging their art ... they want to take our stuff!!!

[Sara]

I love your paper flowers and I know what it's like to be obsessed with making them...I made over a thousand paper daffodils (with the help of some wonderful friends) for my wedding last year! Keep up the good work, they're beautiful!

[A Fanciful Twist]

I have NO idea how I found my way here. But I am so speechless!!! Just like you were in the store, freaking out over found treasures!!!!! You are sooo amazing!! A new favorite!!

[BA]

Please let me know where you purchased that beautiful cross in the background of one of your pictures showing the garland? Thanks

[Ester]

wow, so beautiful!
I'm always visiting your blog but I think it is the 1st time I live a comment... the reason? well, I'm from Portugal and I found so much fun when you wrote that you think you already lived here or in Brazil in another life...
xoxo**

[Lisa]

OMGosh, can we talk wall colors. Love your use of color. What are the blue and orange colors? Please share!! Your red living room looks exactly like our old house. We are dying in this new beige house and need new color ideas. I am crazy about orange. Love they way you combined them blue/orange!! I just love your blog. Gosh and I gushing or what.
Lisa

[Lisa]

OMGosh, can we talk wall colors. Love your use of color. What are the blue and orange colors? Please share!! Your red living room looks exactly like our old house. We are dying in this new beige house and need new color ideas. I am crazy about orange. Love they way you combined them blue/orange!! I just love your blog. Gosh am I gushing or what.
Lisa

[danielle thompson]

BA - I purchased the cross at a market called Lakewood Antique Market in Atlanta but it is unfortunately closed now! :(

Hi Ester from Portugal!! I wish I could come visit your country! SOON! I've been before and miss it!

Lisa, I'm sorry, but i don't know the specific paint colors we used on the walls! it's been a while since we painted. But i'm pretty sure we used Behr paint. Good luck! :-)

[erika]

Hi Dani!

I am Brazilian and I looove your stream on flickr! Just adore your editing!!! Love the catchy colors! ;-)

[annaD]

Danielle...I always LOVE peeking at all your creative ideas and a little bonus is seeing your interior decorating---Your eye for Color and design is amazing! THanks for the taking the time to post your photos and the glimpse into your creative talents! Anna D :)

[braydensmom]

Hello. I love your site and your stuff!!! I was looking for inspiration for our first bday photoshoot and I just LOVE Campbell's vest and tie! Can you send me in the right direction to find something like that!? And while I was here... I have a million new ideas for the bday party too so THANK YOU!!!!
:o)