Flower Trio

quilled flowers tutorial HERE

paper flower ornaments tutorial HERE

rolled paper flowers tutorial HERE

I'm finding that the adhesives I have handy are insufficient. The round ornament popped open shortly after I made it. The same is true of the yellow rose.  I guess I need to dig out a hot glue gun or grab some E6000.

The more flowers I make, the more I'm inspired to create some sort of spectacle with them.  A lot of flowers in one area would make a big impact.  Perhaps I could attach them to a large piece of paper or hang them from the gazebo or make an arch like THIS or THIS

Also, it's really my goal not to buy any more paper. I'd like to use the paper I have, even if it means altering it or painting it in order to get it to match colors.  There's also the possibility of using the wallpaper samples books I have.

Ever Heard of Origami?

Kusudama translates to medicine ball.  In ancient Japanese culture, the flowers were used for incense or potpourri. Now they're decorations or gifts.

These start as a 3" x 3" square, which is much too small for this big gal.  You see, I've got king kong paws that don't do well with delicate things.  The only thing that saved me was having long nails.  I guess if one didn't have dragon lady claws, you'd have to use a bone folder.

Traditionalists actually sew the folded squares together, instead of using glue or adhesive. I used Sookwang double-sided tape.

One 12" x 12" piece of paper will make three flowers, with one 3" x 3" piece of paper leftover. I'd say it took me an hour to make these three, which would leave some people wondering if I've gone mad, but strangely, it's sort of a meditative act. I've been working on these little projects and experiments in the early morning hours, when Tobe is in bed and after the animals have been fed and cuddled (and thus they're more likely not to be pestering me for food or lovin).

If you want to try your hand at one or a hundred, check out this easy tutorial: kusudama

Paper Flowers and Personalized Scrabble Board

 DIY is an acronym dear to my heart.  For years, I've dabbled in all sorts of crafts. I take it upon myself to experiment with art techniques. When I have the funds and energy, I take art classes.  Rarely do I buy the things I want. Instead, I figure out how it was made and make it myself.  Such is my intent with decorations for my upcoming wedding.    I plan to teach myself how to make paper flowers.  In my mind, these may serve in all manner of places:  gazebo decoration, aisle decoration, a kick-ass photo background. Wherever.

As such, my plan is to start teaching myself one new flower per day.  Today I followed the instructions over at the Whimsical World of Laura Bird

I also fell in love with a scrabble board decoration I saw over on the Rock and Roll Bride blog.  That couple's scrabble board has only a couple words, and they made use of the little wooden shelves that came with the game. My goal was to make as many words as possible--words that spoke of our interests. I only regret that I couldn't get the word "fish" or "fishing" in there, but what can I say? I ran out of tiles!

Stay tuned. I want to use this blog to document the creative process behind my wedding.  Who knows? Maybe it will keep me organized. Maybe it will push me beyond the mere dreaming stage, which is important, as August 10 isn't that far away.