HEAD HUNTER
Domestic Trophy, Rachel Denny
Zebra, Dwell Studio
Elephant, Cardboard Safari
Animal heads have ventured out of the hunting lodge and are popping up in urban apartments, on suburban stationery and even on dinner plates (yikes). Although this trend seems a little freaky at first, I’m cool with it as long as no animals were actually harmed. We can still embrace the trend without resorting to violence, can we not? I love the way Rachel Denny explores the cruelty-free side of taxidermy in her “Dometsic Trophies” series, & the creative kooks at Cardboard Safari make a corrugated pachyderm that blows your mind. But it was Dwell Studio‘s Zebra that inspired me to explore the faux-poacher in myself.
what not wednesday -inspiration from Yelena James
An artist that I love is Yelena James. Check out these samples of her work. I love that they’re sort of abstract, but also somewhat organic, floral, serene, under-the-sea.
Going Strong in the ATL!
The Americasmart gift show is in full swing and rumor has it the show is off to a strong start! If you haven’t gotten over to the RPM showroom to check out our new 2012 release then get on over there! Here is a little sneak peak at the front window and displays….. come on what are you waiting for, go see for yourself all the fun that can be “in-store” for you!
Atlanta AmericasMart
January 11-18 2012
RPM Gifts & Greetings Showroom
Building 2, Suite 1735
- Lots of new and exciting celebrations await!
The Happiest Place on Earth!
I know that Disneyland is commonly referred to as “the Happiest Place on Earth”. But that’s only for people who haven’t been to CRAFTLAND yet.
The 11th Craft of Cmas: magazine holders
keep on craftin'
I found this great idea on another blog a while back (sorry I did not note where so apologize for the lack of shout out) What a great way to keep a favorite gift wrap pattern on display everyday!
I will admit this project is a bit more difficult then my last, but with careful planning (what I was lacking!) and patience (what I always lack!) a great desk accessory can be created.
an adorably handy holder
The 10th Craft Of Christmas!
Cute and Crafty Clipboards.
This craft is super easy and can be used all year long. You could post your New Year’s Resolutions on it, or it could also make a great gift for a teacher…
You will need: clipboards, wrapping paper, tape scissors, glue (we prefer a hot glue gun), ribbon, embellishments (buttons, sequins, etc)
Step 1: lay out a piece of wrap about 2 inches larger than your clip board on all sides, the printed side facing down.
Step 2: trim in to the corners.
The 7th Craft of Christmas: Paper Ornaments
They may not be heirloom quality, but its fun and easy to make paper ornaments! And its a great way to repurpose paper leftover from gift wrapping!
All you need is strips of wrap, craft wire, spraymount and hot glue. Beads and ribbon optional, (although obviously beads and ribbon make everything more fun!!)
Using spraymount, doubleside your wrap to make it sturdier (and visually pleasing on both sides). Cut strips about 3/4 ” wide, with tapered ends. You’ll need 6-8 strips for each ornament. Arrange your strips in a pinwheel shape, with ends overlapping
Using a sewing needle or similar sharp object (maybe I used a thumbtack?) poke a hole through all pieces, about a half inch from the bottom.. (You may need to do this individually) Thread the wire through the hole(s). Repeat at the top, and thread the wire through so that you’ve got a bow and arrow type arrangement. Leave a length of wire on each end for the next step.
A dab of hot glue on the inside will help your ornament keep its shape. Distribute the strips so that you have a nice bulbous shape, then finish off the ends by curling the extra wire and adding beads & ribbon for hanging.
These would be great to hang on the tree, or even in a window display, all different sizes, especially large oversized ones! Now I’m wishing I had made seven, but you get the idea.
Now Deck the Halls!
The 6th Craft of Christmas: Holiday Card Garland
This project is so quick and easy, anyone can do it! You can even make it a fun family project, and it’s a great way to to display your cards from last year that are just too cute to throw out.
You will need: scissors, a hole puncher, strands of ribbon about 5 inches long, and some holiday cards, (preferably from The Gift Wrap Company, I don’t know why but they just seem to work the best -must be the great quality and cute designs!)
To begin you will need a template, simply fold a piece of paper in half and cut out a half triangle shape, when you unfold it, it will be the exact same on both sides. use this template to cut the triangles from your cards. My template was around 3.75″ wide and 5 inches long, but you can use any size you want.
The 5th Craft of Christmas: Designer Clothespins
keep on craftin'
On the 5th day of Craft Christmas I made designer clothespins! Either as a way to spruce up your home or give as a gift, these clothespins are easy, fun and a cute way to brighten up everyday uses. String up a clothesline and use them to hang christmas cards, or add a magnet on the back and use to hang lists, pictures, and cards on your fridge!
what you will need: wrapping paper, or tissue, clothespins, Mod Podge, scissors or knife
designer clothespins!
The 1st Craft of Christmas
As promised, the 12 crafts of christmas is upon us! Be sure to join us each day as we share a little crafty idea using products from our line. Everything has multiple uses ( thank-you real simple!) if you put your mind to it, and gift wrap and wrapping accessories hold no exception. We are always putting our products to all kinds of interesting use here in the studio, but for this project we decided to only share the ideas that are our craftiest faves and ones that others can easily make use of. Enjoy!
