PAPER MACHE {crafty tutorials}

I've been working on projects in preparation for the new school year. I thought they might serve as inspiration for you elementary teachin', art-lovin', kid parentin', and birthday party plannin' kinda people out there.

But mostly, I'm showing off these creations to satisfy my excessive need to be admired by others.

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Just kidding. I think.

Both projects began the same way.

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{I was so caught up in the joy of creation that I forgot to take pictures of the process. These 2 pictures come from THIS website where detailed paper mache instructions are also given.}

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It's really very simple:

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1. strips of newspaper

2. flour and water mixture

3. inflated balloons {I used much bigger ones}

Dip the strips of paper into the liquid and strip away any excess goo with fingers. Then, lay them every which way across the entire surface of both balloons.

Allow them to dry overnight before using a pin to pop the balloons inside. The now dry, paper mache shells should remain in the shape of the balloons.


Now, we're ready to talk about each, individual project.

The first project was inspired by the pinata seen HERE. I decided that hanging by the classroom door, it would complement my sunflower/bee-beginning-of-the school-year theme nicely.

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I took one of the paper mache orbs and painted it yellow. Then, I wrapped thick, yellow yarn around the hive in no particular pattern. Every few times around, I would add a dot of hot glue to ensure it all held together.

Bees were made from large, yellow poofballs...that's the technical term...wrapped with black pipe cleaner. After tearing tissue paper into the shape I wanted for wings, they were glued on top. Then, the completed bees were arranged and hot-glued to the hive. That's it!

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I think it turned out sooo cute. If I do say so myself.

The second project was even easier to make. I just used the second paper mache orb...and paint.

It was inspired by a story my 3rd graders spend a week on as part of their reading curriculum.

I wanted a way to really bring it to life for the kids. It could even be used to introduce and celebrate the entire unit on Incredible Stories.

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I can only imagine the kids' reactions to finding this mysterious object on the table. Just think of the discussions, debates, and assigned journal entries to result!

I didn't think regular paint would create the magical effect I was shooting for, so I spent a few dollars on metallic purple, blue, and gold. This made all the difference.

Then it was just a matter of painting large, sparkly swirls. I'm thinking I'll add spray-on glitter later on.

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I also experimented with a nest of raffia. I'm not exactly sure what a dragon's nest is supposed to look like, but I hoped it would help further the whole giant egg image.

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I think it would look rather magical to an 8-year-old, don't you?

P.S. I originally found the beehive pinata inspiration on Pinterest. So I am entering it in the Bower Power Pinterest Challenge!

REFINISHING TABLE

I've been anxious to show you our latest project. I found this old, thrift store sewing table and saw potential in its style. I actually had to go back the next day, because I couldn't get it out of my mind. Luckily, it was still there, and I bought it for $15.

It had a hinged top that opened to a gaping hole...I'm guessing where the sewing machine once was. I had Andrew remove the top entirely.

This would allow me to add a whole new table-top.

I sanded down the layer of veneer...

...And painted it white.

After several coats, it was ready for the next step.

Thank you, Andrew-Vanna-White.

The next day at Andrew's shop, we found scrap pieces of alder wood, glued 'em together, and ran 'em through this giant sanding machine about ten times.

Then Andrew trimmed the table top to be the size we wanted using a dangerous machine I wish I didn't know he used everyday.

I like my man alive--and with all limbs in tact--is all I'm sayin'.

Another sanding machine smoothed the freshly cut edges.

Hello, forearms.

It's looking better, but not finished yet.

I sanded it down even more to round the edges and corners, to not be so square.

Then it was ready to stain. We experimented with three different colors {a light, medium, and dark} before deciding on the middle one.

A coat of stain was followed by several shiny layers of lacquer.

The top was attached, the white base scuffed around the edges with sandpaper, and new, oil-rubbed bronze hardware added for the final touch.

And there you have it. The finished product turned out better than I could have hoped. I am in love, and can't stop staring.

Compare it to what it started out as!

Not bad, eh?

For now, it randomly sits in our kitchen. In the new house I'll put it in the front-room...or entryway...or guest room...or great-room...Oh, I'm so excited to decorate a new house!

Linked HERE. 

KID'S KITE CRAFT TUTORIAL {free printable!}

For the teachers, parents, and construction-paper-craft-enthusiasts who follow this blog, I'm sharing this year's 3rd grade spring craft.

Materials:

1. construction paper
2. tissue paper
3. yarn
4. glue stick/stapler
5. scissors
6. fabric strips

Kite Printable Free

I drew, enlarged, and copied this outline on large 9x18 construction paper...enough for two pages each. Help yourself HERE.

The hardest part for the kids is cutting out the triangular windows.

Then, sandwiched between two cut-out kite outlines, cut tissue paper to the desired shape and glue in place to create a stain glass look. Next, staple a 12" piece of yarn to the bottom.

Finally, tie three to four fabric strips into simple knots up and down along the yarn.

Though not really in condition to take out and fly, they do make pretty window decorations!

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TUTORIAL TUESDAY--frames

I found three matching wood frames at a local thrift store for a couple bucks. I liked their fun, curvy edges, but by themselves, they were battered and outdated.

Luckily, I had a vision. 

To begin, I painted over the wood with white paint...one coat obviously not enough. 

Three to four layers was about right. But it wasn't finished yet!

Plain, white paint looks...flat...and boring. 

To give it some rustic charm, I roughed it up with sandpaper. 

Ahh..much better. 

There's no rhyme or reason to his phase. Just randomly sand through the paint enough for the pretty wood color to peek through. 

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I could have hung them together on a wall somewhere. Small pictures arranged together look more complete. 

It makes my eye twitch to see one little picture in the middle of a big, blank wall. 

But instead, I ended up arranging them on my decorative kitchen shelves. Without pictures. 


I must have been feeling rebellious and dare-devilish at the time. Andrew tells me it's weird...but I kinda like it. You'll have to tell me what you think.  

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In my defense, I have seen empty frames all over the Internet. 

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Each frame different in size and shape... 

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 ...Unified by their similar colors.

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All the cool kids are doing it. 

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So there you have it. My thoughts on some cheap, funky, decorating ideas. 

Maybe pictures will end up in those frames one day. But for now, I'm satisfied to let my radical side win out. 

TUTORIAL TUESDAY-autumn garland

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This week I made something autumn-y. I had the time off from work, and I was feeling inspired by the fall-feeling rain.

I took a cheap-o clearance garland of fall leaves....

And some of this green tulle I got for a few dollars...

And wound them both together.





Then, I took these fancy leaves that I found at a craft store...
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painted pretty metallic colors...




And randomly attached them to the garland to add fullness and give it a more formal look.
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I attached them using old twisty ties, disguised with bits of tulle wrapped around them.




Next, I gathered some fancy ribbon I had gleaned from past Christmas gifts.




And to hold everything together, I tied bows every foot or so along the garland...

...In alternating colors.

Finally, I climbed on this crazy contraption Andrew had set up for me, watched my life flash before my eyes...

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And successfully draped my new creation over the living room mirror. Kinda pretty, huh?

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The entire project cost me about 10 bucks !