DIY - Tissue Paper Poufs

This is another crazy week, but I will have some exciting events to share, so stay tuned! One of the upcoming surprises involves the use of tissue paper poufs. I bought a kit that made three and taught myself how to construct these puppies on my own. I have made several different sizes and colors and had a ball putting them together. Sweet Pea was my assistant, so with a little patience, we decided most anyone can make these. Sweet Pea and I thought that the extra-small poufs would look adorable on top of a pretty package, a grouping of different sizes makes an interesting mobile to suspend from a ceiling in a girl's room. The poufs also make colorful centerpieces for a spring table setting. There is just no limit to their uses, so be creative!

Step 1 - I just used a package of ten sheets. This works great for small to medium poufs, but for a large size, where you use the entire length for one pouf, use fifteen sheets for fullness.

Step 2 - Take the tissue out of the bag and unfold. The cutest size is made by cutting the sheets in half, so that you can make two poufs from one package. This is where you can experiment with sizes. I cut some sheets about three-fourths of the way to make one medium size and one tiny one. Note: the tiny ones take a lot of patience to fluff, so don't get discouraged.

Step 3 - Cut the ends of each side. You can cut them with pointed-tips or rounded like waves or scallops.

Step 4 - Fold the sheets, using an accordion fold and then secure with a light gauge floral wire.

Step 5 - Fan out the sides of the sheets.

Step 6 - Start to fluff by pulling up the individual sheets and gently pulling toward the center. After you finish one side, do the same thing on the other.

Step 7 - Play around and fluff the folds to hide the center wire and make a complete circle pouf.

Step 8 - You can attach lengths of ribbon to hang your pouf, or leave it as is, and rest it in a vase or bowl.

Happy Monday!

Krissy

Shadow Boxes

Ok, a photographer, I am not, but these are a grouping of shadow boxes in my home.

We all have little treasures hiding around our homes. You know the ones: the sorority pin tucked-in the back of your jewelry box, a baby spoon that has been outgrown, baby booties, special tokens from a date or vacation -ok, maybe I'm the only pack rat in the world that saves these things, but it's a shame to leave these little treasures hidden! Several years ago, I pulled-out some of my favorites and put them in shadow boxes. They are great conversation starters and make a sentimental piece of art to adorn your walls.

Box 1: my Brownie pin, Girl Scout pin and Kappa Key. Box 2: baby teethers belonging to my husband, oldest son and daughter.

Box 1: baby bracelets belonging to myself, my oldest son and daughter. Box 2: My favorite! Monogrammed, sterling diaper pins that were my husbands!

I Started-out with simple, black, shadow box frames from Pottery Barn. I covered the back with memo samples of wallpaper that I ordered. (fabric and scrapbook paper work well, too) I then arranged my little treasures and secured them with floral pins to reduce any damage to the items. This particular grouping, I hang together, but you can scatter them throughout your home with your current art groupings. Have fun and be creative!!!!

Box 1: spoon my mother ate her oatmeal with as a child. Box 2: my baby spoons.

Box 1: my mother's childhood cameo locket and small purse that belonged to my great-great grandmother. Box 2: booties knitted by a family friend that my daughter wore to her dedication and baby rings belonging to my three children.