DIY: Hanging Orbs

 Here's another paper decoration you can craft-up in no time:

Hanging Orbs!

I love making these! I busted out a dozen in no time once I got into a rhythm.

Here's what you'll need:

 I made 2 different sizes. The photos in first 6 steps show the small size; the other steps show the larger one but the steps are essentially the same for both sizes. I'll explain the smaller size first.

 

This is how we do it.

STEP 1: For small orb, cut one piece of 8.5 x 11 paper into 1-inch strips.

STEP 2: Slightly crease one piece in half to find the center.

STEP 3: Stack up the strips and in punch a small hole in the center; make sure it goes through ALL the papers. {I used a nail!}

STEP 4: Cut a 4-inch piece of wire and thread it into 2 holes of  a small button. Twist the pieces of wire together tightly against the underside of the button.

STEP 5: Push the wire through the hole of each strip of paper. Fold the wire over flat on the paper.

STEP 6: Bring the ends of each strip together.

STEP 7: Place a small piece of tape on one end of a paper strip.

STEP 8: Bring the other end of THE SAME strip of paper and tape ends together.

STEP 9: Put a hole through the tape in the middle of the 2 ends.

STEP 10: Continue taping and putting a hole in each strip, nesting them inside the previous strip. 

STEP 11: Thread another button with wire and push it through the hole in each strip of paper.

STEP 12: Fold the wire toward the inside and flatten it.

STEP 13: With one the buttons on opposite ends, you're ready to start separating the strips.

STEP 14: Split groups of strips opposite of each other.

STEP 15: Continue separating strips until you've filled-in all gaps.

STEP 16: Tie a length of fishing wire around one of the buttons and you're finished!

 The large orbs need two 12 x 12 sheets of the same paper, again sliced into 1-inch strips.

Tape 2 strips end to end make the length of the strips double that of the small orb.

Omit Step 2 and continue following the remaining steps. 

 Fun, festive, and fabulous!

DIY: Paper Fans

I've spent the last month prepping, creating, and crafting for my friend Britany's baby shower.

I got together with some of her other friends to put on a Mustache Bash to welcome her little boy.

 

I wanted to share one of the decorations I made for the event:

DIY Paper Fans!

These are SO simple to make but they look awesome!

Here's what you'll need to make 1 large fan:

• 3- 12x12 pieces of paper (same design/print)
• glue gun
• fishing line (optional; for hanging from the ceiling)

1- Start with 3 pieces of 12x12 paper

2- Fold it "accordion style" in 1-inch increments

3 - Fold the entire paper (you may end of with a slightly short or longer piece at the end; it's ok!)

4 - Bring the each end together to meet in the middle.

5 - Crease the center fold well.

6 - Follow steps 1-5 for the remaining 2 papers.

7 - Hold each "fan" by one side so the inner folds are visible.

8 - Place a line of hot glue along the edge and center crease.

9 - Pinch "fan" closed to adhere glue to both sides.

10 - Follow steps 7-9 for remaining "fans".

11- On outer edge of one "fan", pipe a line of glue along top and lower crease.

12 - Attach glued side to outer edge of another "fan".

13 -  Pipe glue along outer edge of last "fan".  Attach it to one side of previously joined "fans".

14 - Pipe another line of glue along top edge and down center crease.

15 - Pinch together to secure.

16 - VIOLA!!

 

For a small fan, you'll need:

• 1 piece of 12x12 paper
• hot glue
• fishing line (optional; for hanging from the ceiling)

Follow the same steps as the large fan, but start with 1/2 inch folds (instead of 1-inch folds). You'll need all four small "fans" to complete this one (vs. 3 "fans" for the large one).

See how easy that was?!

 

I didn't use fishing line on these because we attached them to a backdrop instead of hanging from the ceiling.

Here's a little peek at where we used ours:

Check out the full Mustache Bash party here!

How would YOU decorate with these?

#CAPTURINGDECEMBER: Day 20

Day 20: "Tree Topper" - We've had this one for years. I love it but I really wish it had lights. /:

#CAPTURINGDECEMBER

#CAPTURINGDECEMBER: Day 18

Day 18: "Stockings"- white for boys, red for me, stocking holders: P.E.A.C.E.

#CAPTURINGDECEMBER

DIY: "Stained Glass" Window

I work as an assistant teacher in the preschool room at an elementary school.

It keeps me hopping all day! There's never a dull moment in preschool!

 

I've been able to help tune-out some distractions with a SWEET window cover.

I got the idea from FamilyFun.com and tweaked it just a little. =)

 I started out with a BUNCH of tissue paper that I cut into random triangles, trapezoids, etc.

 Then, I used a regular old glue stick and started putting the paper on the window itself.

{The original idea has it on plastic wrap for easy clean-up but I needed something more permanent.
Mine comes off with a little soap and water at the end of the school year.}

 

Here's a closer look:

 

Our door looks pretty cool from the outside!

We get lots of oohs and ahhs from older classes passing by {but without the distraction of seeing them!}.

 I LOVE how it looks inside the room when the sun is shining!

It took a little time and effort but it was well worth it!

Where will you put this?