Such Pretty Things

Pretty Parties: Paper Lace Favors

What do you think of this pretty paper lace?

I made it with my favorite gadget from Martha Stewart Crafts...

It's a "doily lace" punch and I am totally and utterly in love with it!  I had bought some vintage paper lace a few years back from Andrea and I thought it was just the coolest thing.

But with this fabulous punch (the guidelines are built in for perfect alignment), I can make my own paper lace in any color or texture that I want.  For example, this pink lace is just punched from regular, old scrapbook paper from the craft store...

And the mint green lace shown below is punched from a textured wrapping paper.

This paper lace can obviously be used for a million different things, but I especially like to use it for simple party favors.  Just get some small solid colored boxes (jewelry-sized ones work great)...

...fill them with some yummy treats and then wrap a length of paper lace around the box and secure it neatly on the bottom with some double-sided tape.

That's it. This is literally one of the easiest projects to do, but the result is so pretty and romantic.  Try using different colored boxes and/or different colored paper laces to match your party decor.  These are perfect as an inexpensive DIY favor for a wedding, baby or bridal shower, and of course, Valentine's Day!

:-)
Jessica

New Martha Stewart Crafts

I was in Michael's the other day and I noticed that they were clearing out the Martha Stewart section.  I immediately got a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.  I am a big fan of Martha's products (and packaging!) and I was worried that the bad economy might have taken it's toll.  But, fear not, my concerns were unwarranted. They were just clearing out to make room for all her cool new products!

In addition to the many new scrapbook papers and tools, Martha has come out with some fabulous new craft items.  The first is her incredible new selection of glitter and glitter kits - just in time for the holidays.

You may remember how much I loved my glitter set last year.  Well, now Martha's expanded the selection to include Iridescent glitter...



Foil flaked glitter...



How fun is this?  It looks like flakes of gold leaf!



And this fabulous tinsel-like glitter!





I am also super excited about the new flocking products.  Have you ever tried the technique of "flocking"?  I have always wanted to, so now here's my chance. The flocking powder comes in a rainbow of pretty colors.



I am also in love with Martha's new sticker collections.



The colors are beautiful.  Here are some of my favorites...



These taffy stickers look good enough to eat!



And I am crazy for these glittery confection stickers...



Finally, these sparkly photo corners are a must have for any scrapbooker!





So, have you seen Martha's new products in a store near you?  Which are your favorites?

Happy Weekend!

:-)

Jessica

Glorious Glitter

 Have you seen this??? 

It's the Essential Color Glitter Set from Martha Stewart Crafts  and it's incredible!  Look at all these pretty colors - twenty-four of them to be exact - with names like Aquamarine Crystal and Purple Saphire.  Each color of glitter comes in it's own cute little vial, already labeled and ready for your craft room. 

 

I bought mine at Michaels.  Not that I really needed more glitter. I already have some glitter. 

 

O.K., maybe a lot of glitter.  But it was on sale for 30% off, so you see, I really had to have it.   I'm sure you can understand.  

Luckily, the holidays are right around the corner, so I will be sure to find many uses for it!