Paper Quilling 101

I follow a really interesting blog called All Things Paper by Ann Martin. The last few weeks there have been some fabulous pictures and posts about paper quilling that have inspired me to give it a try.

Picture from All things paper of Cecelia Louie's work

I especially loved this design I saw in Ann's interview with Cecelia Louie.

It's modern, clean, cute... just amazing.

Here is my first attempt.

I didn't glue this anywhere- just practiced twirling the paper into curls

I made them using some improv materials (also known as slices of post-it-notes and a straightened paper clip). Once I get my hands on some genuine quilling materials I think I'll try making some simple Valentines cards.

I love that it really doesn't take much time or money invested to give this a try. And the results from something as simple as curled paper can be absolutely stunning.

Another picture of Cecelia Louie's work- Isn't this amazing!

Ann has a basic tutorial here and you can find a few more on the sidebar of her blog if you're interested.

Doesn't this seem like the perfect thing to try for Valentines Day!

Winter Wreath

I love having a wreath up on the door of the house. Now that the holidays are over I wanted to replace the evergreen one with something wintery that I could keep up until it was time for spring.

I was inspired by the all the cardinals I've seen around the backyard lately. I couldn't find a cardinal large enough but this blue bird had the right shape.

A little coating of the mod podge

and glitter (from the Martha collection) and this little guy is well on his way to becoming a full-fledged cardinal.

I think the bird is going to need at least one more coat of glitter and a few other details. I'm also trying to decide if I want to add any glitter to these white beads or leave them as they are.

I can't wait to finish this up and hang it on the door.

A big felted mess (The curse of the Felted Slippers Continues).

Goldilocks may have found her "just right"... but she never had to felt slippers.

This gray didn't seem to felt enough and is too big.

That black one felted too much and is too small.

And both of them go under the heading "crafty disasters".

These slippers seemed like such a great idea but were was absolutely cursed from beginning to middle to end!

I have green ones that I also started knitting but I'm not sure I can bring myself to finish them- these two were painful enough. I know it's not the pattern (it knit up beautifully) this has just been "one of those" projects for me.

Even if I could get them to fit on my feet- they are the ugliest things made of wool I think I've ever seen and I wouldn't even wear them just around the house. Never mind give them to people- which is what they were intended for. Giving gifts like this is how you loose friends! (LOL)

I don't know where this one went so terribly wrong... because the picture on the pattern is oh so cute!

The optimist in me says maybe third times a charm, and to go with the green ones.

I'm just not sure my wool psyche can take anymore punishment.

Winner of the Martha Glitter

Congratulations Sue D-

You've won the Martha Glitter! Please send me an email with your address. I hope you enjoy it!

Thank you for visiting my blog this week, you've made my 1 year blogiversary amazing!!! I've loved reading each comment and checking out your blogs. And was especially happy to know that the crafty blog world is so full of other Martha glitter stalkers.

I excitedly watched the comments go up each day. I read them aloud to my husband, he even logged in himself to check it out a few times.

This week made the past year just that much better!

I'll be back on Monday or Tuesday with some fun new projects.