Tutorial: Paper Christmas Wreath

Since it’s Christmas time, just surfing to see any great craft ideas.

This wreath is so striking and made from one of my favourite mediums, paper!  This is a tutorial by Lisa Tilse a busy mom, blogger and entrepreneur who runs owns The Red Thread

Her blog is full of tutorials and the few that I did scan through were so beautiful.  I’ll definitely checking more out soon!

Paper Christmas Wreath Tutorial by Lisa Tilse

Bulembu: Handcrafted Wall Art

Bulembu is a small town in Swaziland, South Africa, that was once a vibrant community supported by a local mine.  In 2001, that mining company closed down.  Much of the key infrastructures that supported this community such as hospitals, schools, stores closed or downscaled.  The community fell apart.  This sounds terrible isn’t it?  Well, there are people who cared and wanted to help.  In 2006, a group of developers and entrepreneurs purchased the town with the key intent to restore Bulembu to be again a self sustaining community. 

My company is a funding partner for Bulembu cause, I can’t remember exactly which year, but I think they sponsored this town close to the beginning when the town was purchased.  Over the past few years, we had numerous charity events and donation drives.  My company even give employees the opportunity to go the Bulembu as a volunteer!

This year, the Swazi people wanted to give their thanks.  The Creativity Centre in Bulembu made this handmade advent calendar as a gift!

It was such a pleasant surprise.  The quality of work is beautiful.  I wish you can see it in person. They hand stitched each felt piece; the detail work is amazing.

As beautiful as it was, we didn’t have a place for it.  So, after being displayed for a couple of weeks so everyone had a chance to admire it, we raffled it off and donated 100% of the proceeds back into Bulembu.  

My favourite part are the angels over looking the town.  I didn’t win the raffle, but I wish I did!

 

 

Tutorial: Mini Clothespin Snowmen

 Mini Clothespin Snowmen

Lately I’ve been addicted to clothespins and clothespin crafts and I stumbled upon this cute tutorial by a fellow blogger Eyeballs by Day, Crafts by Night.  Click on the picture or the title to check it out!

I love her pseudo name

The Paper Place: The Katazome Contest

Last year, I missed out on an awesome contest held by The Paper Place called, The Great Origami Giveaway.  I literally found out about that contest one day too late.  It was such a major disappointment, I actually sulked about it for an hour because I love working with Chiyogami paper.  This year, The Paper Place is hosting a new give-a-way this season The Great Katazome Giveaway – 12 Days in December

The prize this year is one sample sheet  each of all 169 patterns of Katazome paper.  Of course I entered in hopes to win.  I’ve never worked with Katazome paper before but I know they are sturdier so it would open many new opportunities of creativity.  I’m already thinking of potential projects if I win!  The designs are so beautiful. 

If you haven’t heard of The Paper Place, check them out!  It’s a Canadian based store based out of Ontario, Canada.  They have such variety of paper and designs on their online store.  One day I’ll be visiting the East Coast and definitely be visiting.

Flower and Bunny Clothespin Cards and Tags

I had these decorative clothespins for awhile, I loved them, but really didn’t have anything in mind what to do with them.  Then one day, had my inspiration after needing to write a thank you card, and didn’t like the limited few generic ones you find in a store. 

What do you think?  I like the contrast of the brown cardstock on the flower ones, I was hoping to give it just enough masculinity for the men out there.  The bunnies were from a previous Easter giveaway I’ve done, I thought they’d be great for baby showers!

  

Feature Canadian Shop: quotesandnotes

I made some clothespin products for my Etsy and Artfire shops and thought to check what other sellers are offering for their items.  I stumbled upon quotesandnotes, an artisan who offers hand-printed designs on wood and fabric.  I love how simple but yet visual appealing gifts.

 5 Christmas Clothespins / Pegs - Joy, Peace, Faith, Hope, Dream

 3 in. x 2 in. Wood Mini Notepad (je t'aime - i love you)

Christmas hymn ragball ornaments - White-Silver (set of 3)

CSN Stores: A Third Upcoming Review

Last month, Cameron from CSN Store’s Promotion Team contacted me and asked if I was interested in doing a third product review for them.  I just got confirmation that the first two products are on their way so it’ll be fun as you’ll get to read reviews about three different products!  CSN Stores has over 200 online stores so it’s going to be difficult for me to choose the third item!   Check out their counter height stools!  Right now, they are offering 15% off on orders over $349.