Creature Comforts

Tutorial Tuesday: DIY Paper Flowers

I spotted this too-simple-to-be-true tutorial by Dozi Design yesterday and though you all might enjoy it.

{DETAILS}
1. Draw a spiral on a 4x4" square sheet of paper
2. Cut out spiral along the lines you have drawn
3. Begin rolling up the spiral from the outside
4. Keep on rolling until there is no more left to roll
5. You're done.

After you've busted out a few of these to pretty up your home or cubicle, check out the rest of Dozi Design's flickr page, and then mosey on over to her blog... and finally her etsy shop (where you will find the lovelies paper goods imaginable).

{All images - Dozi Design}

D.I.Y. Paper Wrapped Soaps

Packaging says so much about a product... and while we might all love the look of beautifully paper-wrapped soap (generally found in chic boutiques and swanky salons), not many of us want to spend a load of cash for one bar (pretty as it may be).  So I've come up with a quick fix (others before me have probably done the same)... Easy D.I.Y. Paper Wrapped Soaps with free printable labels!

I put together this simple little tutorial with Mother's Day in mind, but you could utilize it any time.  Be creative!  I'm thinking favors for bridesmaids, housewarmings, baby showers, etc.  Give just one beautifully wrapped bar alone, or a set of your favorites.  Try tucking one inside a basket with other soothing items for a friend who needs a kind little pick-me-up.  However you choose to make and use 'em... have fun!

For the free download, as well as written and photo directions...

I know... I laughed too when I read the name of this project.  Something about "Bean Frames" automatically conjures up images of preschool art projects involving dried pasta noodles, paint, and an obscene amount of glue.
In any case... once I got past the name and clicked on the link I discovered that these Bean Frames by Martha Stewart are actually quite chic... surprisingly so.  What do you think?

PS.  I found out that I actually have the flu, so I'll be taking the rest of the day off to recuperate.  Hope to see you all here tomorrow!
xox
Ez

These free downloadable pencil covers from Marie Claire Idees Blog are so sweet!  Just in time for Spring (and perfect for tucking into Easter baskets)!
Simply click the images found on their blog and they will automatically download.  Coat a pencil in craft glue, and wrap the paper around it (let it dry completely before use).  Voilà!  (link found via CRAFT Magazine)

As soon as I saw this adorable photo over on flickr I just knew I had to find out more.
It turns out that these note cards were hand-pierced (sounds a lot harder than it is) by Evie... and because she's so sweet, she even created a free template for this project on her blog: Evie S. - Things of Beauty, so that we can all join in on the fun!
Thanks Evie!

Tip: Don't have time to try out the tutorial right now... just download the template and save it for when you can!  You'll be glad you planned ahead!