Scrapbook Paper Branches

Looking for a fun and easy spring craft?  I just happen to have one for you.  It is easy and cheap (you know how I love that) and the end product is really beautiful.

 

 

 

The only supplies you need are branches (I got mine from the backyard), three pieces of scrap book paper, and floral wire. 

 

I did this craft several years ago and cut out two pieces of paper for each "leaf", but I got smart this time and folded the paper in half, so the cutting part took only half the time. 

 



Then I got really smart and folded it yet another time, so I was able to cut out two leaves at at time.  See the accordian fold paper below. 

 

After about 30 minutes I had a pile of leaves to work with.

 

The wire I chose came in 18 inch pieces.  I cut each wire into 3 inch pieces.  These will be inserted in the leaves and the leaves will be glued together before assembling them on the twigs.

 



 

By this time I needed a little break.  My sweet daughter wants to be involved in all my craft projects so I sent her out this morning to gather some sticks for our project.

Then we were back at it.  The picture below shows what the "leaves" look like after the wire has been glued on the inside of the leaves.  I used tacky craft glue, but I suspect good old fashioned Elmer's school glue would do the trick.

My favorite part is wrapping the leaves around the branches. 

 



I love the finished project.  The ruggedness of the branches with the pretty leaves.  Makes me happy.

 



A New Beginning

I am so excited about this post.  I've been painting, upholstering, and gluing all winter and now SPRING is finally here (well, it will be in a week).  Here a few projects I am currently working on:

 

 This stool has been sitting in the corner of my classroom for months and I've been wanting to give it some new life and this is the weekend.  It started out yellow.  I painting the top a pretty green and the bottom will be gold.  So far I'm two layers of paint in and I need to do at least one more coat.

 This little lady has been in my bedroom for years.  It's been used to corral wayward clothing and that's about it.  I have re-upholstered (in a different fabric from shown in the picture) the seat and am waiting for inspiration to strike as to what color to paint the chair. 

 This was a most-awesome score at the thrift store today.  This beautiful suitcase was only $3.00.  I couldn't believe my luck.  One of my fellow thrift-store shoppers even told me, "It's so you!".  When I brought it to the checkout imagine my surprise when they gave it to me for half off because anything green was half off (thank you St. Patrick!).  This was a total score for $1.50!

 This is what's happening in my basement right now.  Clearly this isn't a craft fair-worthy display, but I wanted to give you a sneak peek into some of the beautiful treasures I'll have for sale soon.  Stay tuned for more details.

 Everything in this picture just makes me happy.

Please keep checking back for final details of my first craft sale this May.  I am so excited!