DIY Scandinavian Inspired Star Garland

Hello lovelies! As promised yesterday I've put together a charming DIY Star Garland tutorial for you. This project was inspired by the sweet simplicity of Scandinavian holiday decor and I really love how it turned out. You can hang these vertically, drape them horizontally, or even use them to adorn gifts! I hope you'll have as much fun making these as I did (maybe you'll even make extras to give as presents).

Supplies needed:

• LaDoll Premier Light Weight Stone Clay - I purchased my clay from a local Michael's craft store, but it is also available online here, and here.
• Rolling pin (nonstick) - You can also use your hands to flatten your clay for a less uniform, more handmade look.
• Mini star cookie cutter - I used the insert of a linzer cookie cutter for my garland, but you can use any size cookie cutter you'd like. The clay in this project dries very light weight and will lend itself well to a wide variety of sizes.
• Sequins (optional) - available at craft stores.
• Hot glue gun & glue sticks - I used the hot variety, but I recommend the low heat varieties for safety reasons.
• Baker's twine / twine - Baker's twine can be found just about everywhere online these days (a quick google search should give you plenty of options). Alternately you can use embroidery thread, ribbon, twine, or even dental floss.
• Covered work surface - I used the waxed side of butcher paper to roll out my clay and work on.

Step 1: Roll out a small amount of your clay on your covered work surface until it is smooth and the desired thickness is achieved (there is no right or wrong thickness for this project).

Step 2: Using your cookie cutter begin punching out your shapes. Set them aside and allow to dry. This should take anywhere from 8-24 hours depending upon the thickness of your cut shapes.

Step 3: Once your stars are dry, plug your hot glue gun in and let it heat up. Once heated, apply a tiny dot of glue to the back of a star and place your twine through the middle of it.

Step 4: While the glue is still hot carefully set a sequin on top of the glue/twine and press down lightly to adhere. Repeat this process spacing your stars as far apart from one another as you'd like. Be sure to leave a decent length of twine at both ends for hanging. Your garland will tangle easily so I recommend wrapping it gently around a piece of cardboard (cut a notch at the top and bottom of the cardboard for your garland ends to lock onto).

Your garland (or modified versions of this project) can be used to embellish special holiday gifts too (you can even write or paint on this clay once it has dried)! Experiment with other cookie cutter shapes to make unique gift tags and embellishments...or even ornaments for your tree! xo Ez

Today I Love: LetterboxCo.

There is nothing that I don't love about the Australian online shop LetterboxCo. (other than wishing that they had a brick & mortar shop set up a block away from my house - how perfect would that be). In their happy little corner of the web they offer goodies such as Paper Tape and Natural Twine, wee little Apothecary Jars filled with pins, lovely tags, and paper/home goods galore — swoon! See all of their products right here.

Inspiration Daily: 11. 30. 10

With Sugar on Top by Maria Kallin | PRINT SHOP

DIY Garland Roundup

Hello bloggy friends! Did you have a nice weekend (or extended weekend for those of you celebrating Thanksgiving)? My daughter and I had a great time with our family and now that Christmas is less than a month a way I'm ready to jump into a bunch of holiday craft projects...how about you?

The DIY Wreath Roundup I put together a few weeks ago was well received so I thought I gather up another assortment of goodies to tantalize your craft-buds: DIY Garlands! Just about anything can be repurposed into a garland (have you noticed that too), so if these don't do it for you take a look around your house and see if anything jumps out at you and begs to be hung in a festive way. Coming up tomorrow I will be sharing a tutorial for a Scandinavian inspired DIY Garland (now I'm off to take the photos). See you then! xo Ez

DIY Garland loveliness (from left to right):

• Paper Napkin Flower Garlands & Wall Decor from Made - Try different color combos to match your holiday decor.
• Felt Snowflake Banner with Templates from My Cute Stamps - via Krystal Becker on Pinterest.
• Paper Doily Lights from Elena - find doilies at your local craft or cooking store.
• Fabric Fringe Garland by Jenny for Ruffled blog.
• Straw and Pom Pom Garland Tutorial from Elsie Marley.
• DIY Fleece Pom Pom Hanukkah Garland by Prudent Baby for Design*Sponge.
• Miniature Fabric Flower Garland by Dolci Odille for Once Wed - Use all white fabrics for a garland that looks like delicate snowballs!

Inspired Artist: Amy Borrell

Lovely lovely work by artist Amy Borrell (aka Cake with Giants). You can see more in her portfolio, on her blog, and in her big cartel shop and etsy shop.