So often I look at the things people create and find myself wondering...HOW did she think of that? (This feeling of wonder is typically followed by a mixture of self-loathing "I am not worthy" juxtaposed with "I am so privileged to work in the midst of such talent") ... which is about how I feel every time I receive "Happy Email" from our Cycling Teams. So much talent abounds out there, and we are so lucky to be able to tap into it and share it with you!
And that is my long-winded introduction to our much-awaited FIRST POST from our Hello Fall Cycling Team! First up is Shellye McDaniel - who also was a member of the Head of the Class team (if you missed her oh-so-adorable corkboard mini album you MUST see it by clicking this link - MUST I tell you! And while I'm at it let me take moment to urge you to check out Shellye's blog, which is just filled with spectacular paper crafts!)
So here we go and OH. MY. WORD! Wait 'til you see:
I know, right? Who wouldn't love this fall beauty decorating their home this Thanksgiving?
Here's Shellye to tell you all about it!
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Like many, Fall is my favorite time of the year! The HELLO FALL Collection from Little Yellow Bicycle captures all of the beautiful colors and warmth of the season. Couple that with cute bird and owl motifs, glittery leaves and you are able to create so many gorgeous projects.
I have always wanted to create a FAMILY TREE that could be used as a centerpiece for my Thanksgiving table or as an accent for the living room. When I began this project, I had no idea that the end result could actually serve both purposes!
To get started you will need a nice tree branch and a few twigs. Depending on how you wish to display your tree, you may want to use a large clay pot, decorated box or basket. I used a wrought iron planter basket, and filled it with floral foam topped with Spanish moss. Next, insert the tree branch into the floral foam.
Products used from the HELLO FALL Collection:
Jewel Stickers
Stick Pins
Canvas Tape Rolls
Fabric Favorite (Button Shapes)
Cardstock Favorite Pieces (Leaves)
Family Tree Kit (Leaves)
Chipboard Shapes (Leaves, Bird, Owl)
Paper Flower Kit
Clear Cuts Shapes (Leaves)
Papers:
Autumn Medley (Back)
Happy Fall (Back)
Sweater Weather (Back)
Misc. Products/Supplies:
Hemp
Ribbon
Brads (Also found in the PAPER FLOWER KIT)
Kraft shred
Body Powder
Tree Branch
Twigs
Basket, Pot or Box
Floral Foam
Spanish Moss
Fast-drying Tacky Glue or Glue Gun
Double-Sided Punch (optional)
To create your APPLES:
1. Punch 1.25”W x 12”H strips from 12x12 Autumn Medley (back) and Happy Fall (back) patterned papers. [I used a Martha Steward Double-Sided 1" punch.] You will need a total of FOUR (4) strips for each apple that you create.
2 Cris-cross the strips as shown above. Insert a small brad through the center
3. Bring the ends of the BOTTOM strip to the top and glue together; repeat with each strip. Your LAST strip will be the inner most strip (shown as the blue one on above photo).
4. Using a tacky glue or glue gun, attach small twig (for apple stem) to the top of the apple; allow to dry.
5. Cut a 10” strip of desired CANVAS TAPE; remove backing. Sprinkle a small amount of body powder to the back…this will remove most of the stickiness. Bring ends together as shown below. Crimp center and tie with a small piece of jute; trim excess.
6. Tie a bow from hemp (or other material), select leaves from Chipboard Shapes, Clear Cuts Shapes, Fabric Favorites, Cardstock Favorite Pieces, etc. Select a couple of JEWEL STICKERS and STICK PINS. Arrange and glue elements around the apple stem as desired. Don’t forget to add a loop of hemp to the top so that it can be hung from tree!
7. I used my printer and Typewriter Font to create name tags. You could use small alpha stickers or handwritten tags.
8. Next, gently ‘stuff’ the apple with Kraft Shred…this just helps to hold the shape. Spanish Moss could be used in place of Kraft Shred.
9. Finally, you will want to decorate your tree with various leaves from the FAMILY TREE KIT, CARDSTOCK FAVORITE PIECES and PAPER FLOWER KIT. I cut some of the leaves from the flower petals, as well. I also used the cute CHIPBOARD SHAPES birds and owls on the branches. Tie ribbon bows to add more dimension and texture…think of it as you would when decorating a Christmas tree :)!
And the BEST part, turn these sweet apples into place markers on your Thanksgiving table!
Use sheets of patterned paper as placemats…just cover with a clear contact paper or laminate.
I hope you enjoy the project! Please contact me if you have any questions.
Shellye
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See what I mean? Wow! And so simple to create. Now just a quick reminder - Thanksgiving is a little more than a week away ... plenty of time for you to make one of your very own for your harvest table!
Here are a few more close ups to give you some more ideas!
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Have fun creating, people! If you LOVE this holiday project as much as I do, why not hop over to Shellye's blog and tell her!
I'll be back Thursday with another project from Hello Fall! Cycling Team member Ashley Horton!
I love tree crafts.
Posted by: Natasha G.P. | Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 03:11 PM
I just love it!!
Posted by: sharon gullikson | Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 03:11 PM
How cute!!
Posted by: b. poteraj | Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 03:10 PM
Love this!!! Such a great idea :)
Posted by: Mary Ann Jenkins | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 07:12 PM
WOW, just amazing Shellye!..you are so clever! :) Gx
Posted by: Gina | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 05:09 PM
So creative, Shelley! Love it!
Posted by: Jan | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 03:39 PM
WOW!!!! LOVE!!!!
Posted by: Renee Zwirek | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Fabulous project - I love all the little gorgeous details!
Posted by: Lowri McNabb | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 12:31 PM
What a beautiful project! You are the master Shellye, LOVE your work!
Posted by: Pam | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Wow Shellye, that's some gorgeous decoration!!
Posted by: Danielle | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Oh WOW Shelley!!! amazing!!!! just LOVE your decoration!!
Posted by: monique | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 08:53 AM
really gorgeous! Great job Shellye!
//Katarina
Posted by: Katarina | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 12:19 AM
OMG....this is so so ADORABLE!!!! Great job and now I want a tree!!! hugs, Katrina
Posted by: Katrina | Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 11:28 PM
This is incredible!!! Shellye is amazing!
Posted by: Anabelle | Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 09:18 PM
This is so CUTE!!! I just love the little apples and what a great idea to use the leaves on the branch!! Adorable project!!
Posted by: Robbie Herring | Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 04:10 PM
What an awesome project!! Turned out fabulous!!
Posted by: Ashley Horton | Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 03:18 PM
Such a great idea. Your attention to detail is amazing!
Posted by: Samantha T | Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 12:48 PM