Holiday Archives - Poppytalk

10 Last Minute Valentine’s Gifts for the Universe

Jan Halvarson — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 07:23:44 +0000

Valentine’s is just around the corner and listening to a bit of Burt Bacharach’s music this past week, (without sounding too cliché), I was a bit taken back by how one of his songs, What the World Needs Now, is so in tune to today’s world’s situation. With that in mind, here are a few things that have been on the radar this season to spread a little love, sweet, love. 10 Valentine’s Gifts for the Universe.

1. Love Language Magnets

Hand stamped ceramic love language magnets to add a little sweetness, fire, or self-love to your fridge or desk lamp. Hand cut and glazed in our Nova Scotia studio; each is one of a kind. $18 CAD, Sugarhouse Ceramic Co.

2. French Kiss Soy Candle by Moco Candles

A limited edition collection inspired by sweet moments with loved ones, tender kisses, and dreamy bouquets. $26 USD Moco Candles.

3. Antidote Chocolates

Feel your heart with something that can boost your endorphins. Antidote Chocolates also focus on high cacao and less sugar and are also made sustainably.$9 and up, Antidote Chocolates.

4. Lovebird Grainfree Cereal

Rise and fly with nutrient dense food with no refined sugar or sugar science to help support your gut health. Lovebird Foods

5. Valentine’s Bouquet

Valentine’s Signature Dozen from Celsia Flowers, $200 CAD

6. Polaroid P1 Stereo Sound Set

For stereo sound that’s twice as nice. The Polaroid P1 Stereo Sound Set comes with two of Polaroid’s smallest and most portable Polaroid speakers. Designed for smaller spaces and intimate gatherings. $119 USD, Polaroid

7. Love You to the Moon and Back – Locket

Classic rectangular shaped locket available in sterling silver or gold plated. Opens to hold two photos. Cult of Youth

8. Rose Quartz Palm Stone

Rose quartz is the stone of unconditional love. A gentle healing stone to bring your heart into balance. $22, Spirit Daughter

9. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Heart Skillet Fry Pan

Surprise someone special with a heart-shaped omelette or cookie! Le Creuset, $219 CAD, Williams Sonoma

10. Heart Shaped Assorted Candy Charcuterie Board

Spread some love with those you love on a heart-shaped charcuterie board. Assorted candies and board, Williams Sonoma.

The post 10 Last Minute Valentine’s Gifts for the Universe appeared first on Poppytalk.

Spread Love: 50 Adorable Cards For Every Valentine

Jan Halvarson — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:24:27 +0000

Love is love.

It’s been a minute! But of course I couldn’t miss out on posting one of my favourite round-ups of the year with the day of love just around the corner. Valentine’s Day is almost here, a way to honour love and strengthen the bond between loved ones and which also happens to be a favourite around here. As tradition has it, I’ve mined the Internets for some of the most adorable Valentine’s cards that have crossed my radar recently. Spread Love: 50 Adorable Cards for Every Valentine.

And while on the subject of love. I just want to say, love is love. Let’s just let people love who they want to love.

And to those where Valentine’s Day can evoke different emotions other than happy, or if it’s too commercialized for you, I see you. My main focus for this post is to positively support and celebrate the handmade maker featuring beautiful stationery during this season.

Let’s take a look!

For the Romantic

1. Loving You, Regional Assembly of Text, 2. Signs I Might Be In Love, People I’ve Loved (via Nineteen Ten Home), 3. Palmistry via Nineteen Ten Home, 4. Big Love, Banquet Atelier (via Collage Collage), 5. I’m Adored, Regional Assembly of Text, 6. Your Romantic Destiny Unveiled, Regional Assembly of Text

7. Glad We Matched, Tiny Buffalo Designs (Etsy), 8. Love Is Real, The Coast Goods 9. Sending You All My Love, People I’ve Loved, 10. I’d Stay Up, Tiny Buffalo Designs, 11. Je T’aime, Mr. Boddington, 12. Double Tap Love, Hella Honey

For the Foodie

13. I Love You Berry Much, Idlewild Paper Co. 14. Olive You So Much, Idlewild Paper Co. 15. You Are My Favorite Human Bean, Hello Lucky, 16. You’re My Everything, Idlewild Paper Co., 17. Squeeze, Hartland Brooklyn, 18. Love You So Mush via Nineteen Ten Home

19. Bao Chicka Bao Wow, Tiny Buffalo Designs, 20. I Love You More Than Blue Cheese, Tiny Buffalo Designs, 21. Perfect Pairogi, Tiny Buffalo Designs, 22. No One Stacks Up To You, Tiny Buffalo Designs, 23. You’re Smokin’ , Hella Honey, 24. You Make My Heart Melt, Hartland Brooklyn

For Our BFF’s

25. For You Galentine, 26. Happy Palentine’s Day, The Beautiful Project, 27. Lady Friendship Day, People I’ve Loved, 28. Overall, You’re A Pretty Great Friend, Tiny Buffalo Designs, 29. Dumbest Holiday Ever, 30. Happy Galentine’s Day, Joy Addict

For Animal Lovers

31. I Could Lie Around With You All Day, Red Cap Cards, 32. Cat Heart, Amy Heitman, 33. You’re Purrfect to Me, Idlewild Paper Co. 34. Fur Valentines Egg Press via Nineteen Ten Home, 35. Scrappy Valentine’s Day, Michele Maule, 36. You’re the Cat’s Meow, Hartland Brooklyn

For the Sport Lover

37. I Love You A Yacht, Hartland Brooklyn, 38. Be My Valentine, Janet Hill Studio, 39. I Love You As Much As Golf, Maxey Design Studio, 40. You’re a Catch via The Coast Goods, 41. You’re a Catch, Hartland Brooklyn, 42. I Scored When I Met You, Densen Design

Love is Love.

43. Love Is Love, Red Cap Cards, 44. Love You (Rainbow Heart), Hartland Brooklyn, 45. I Love You, 46. You’re My Favorite, 47. Happy Valentine’s Day, Banquet Workshop, 48. Why I Love You, Lief Shop, 49. I Love You, Leif Shop, 50. Mon Amour, Leif Shop

The post Spread Love: 50 Adorable Cards For Every Valentine appeared first on Poppytalk.

Banana-Hazelnut Waffle Tower

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Elevate a festive brunch this holiday season with this towering stack of fluffy banana, cinnamon and hazelnut waffles.

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season I’ve been testing out a few brunch-style recipes that we could serve to guests and family. I’ve always liked the idea of entertaining for brunch, as it seems a little less formal than dinner parties, and much of the planning and preparation can be done ahead of time, allowing for more visiting with all of our guests.

Recently I came across this most delicious waffle recipe via addjoy.ca; a combination of our favourites, bananas and cinnamon, topped with a drizzle of warm melted chocolate-hazelnut spread, a dollop of whip cream with sprinkles of a few crunchy freshly cracked hazelnuts. A perfect combination for the holidays.

What’s fun with this recipe is you could make it tower-style like I have here to up your brunch game and serve like pieces of cake, or place all of the ingredients separately on the table à la carte, letting guests build their very own personalized creations. Either way, this recipe won’t disappoint and is so fun for kids and adults alike.

Check out how I made the tower below, along with the recipe.

Banana-Hazelnut Waffle Tower

Preheat the electric waffle-iron to medium heat, and spray lightly with oil.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp. Magic Baking Powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
4 ripe bananas, divided
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Kraft Hazelnut Spread
1 cup Cool WhipWhipped Topping, thawed. cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts

HOW TO MAKE:

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Mash 2 bananas in a medium bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; whisk until blended. Stir in sour cream. Add to dry ingredients; stir just until blended. (Do not overmix.)

Pour amount of batter directed by manufacturer into waffle iron. Close lid quickly. (Do not open until waffle is done. Waffle may need to cook for more than cooking cycle.) Lift waffle off grid with fork. Repeat with remaining batter.

Microwave hazelnut spread 10 to 15 seconds on MEDIUM to warm gently.

Slice remaining bananas, thinly.

To create a tower, place two waffles and then layer with Cool Whip, then bananas, and then the chopped walnuts. Layer as mentioned above, two by two (I used ten waffles in total). To ensure the tower doesn’t topple over, place a bamboo skewer in the centre to secure.

Top with more Cool Whip, bananas and nuts, and then drizzle the warmed Hazelnut Spread over top.

This post is in partnership with Kraft Heinz. Stay tuned for more tablescape and recipes coming soon!

WIN $50 to buy all your brunching ingredients, go to addjoy.ca for more details.

The post Banana-Hazelnut Waffle Tower appeared first on Poppytalk.

DIY Boho-Style Palm Leaves

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000

In planning for my festive tablescape I posted yesterday, and as promised, here is the how-to post on making all the different boho-style palm leaves I made for it using items one would find in a grocery store. From coffee filters to brown paper lunch bags, I love how these leaves can be dressed up by adding in gold leaves perfect for a New Year’s Eve dinner party, or made more casual for a Friendsgiving for example.

For the tablescape I made six different styled leaves. Some are using the same basic idea, just riffed by cutting or folding differently which you’ll see. Each one is unique and can be switched up in sizes too, customizing to how you want them. There really is no rule, and they are super easy to make. Also, keep an eye out on my instagram for how-to reels if you need more instruction on how to make them.

There’s also a contest! WIN $50 to buy all your brunching ingredients. Visit addjoy.ca for more details!

Here’s how to make them.

1. Coffee Filter Palm Leaves

You will need:

-Pour-over style coffee filters in different sizes. I used Size 2 and 4

-Bamboo Skewers

-Glue gun or tape

How to make:

Step 1

Place 2 of the same sized filters together. At a 45 degree angle, start to fold (accordian-style) working your way across from one end to the other.

Step 2

Separate the filters. Then place the same sized end of one filter, against the other and glue together using a glue gun. You could also tape, however keep in mind it might not look as finished as a glued one.

Step 3

Then gather the bottom end of the two glued pieces to create a fan-like form. Using an extra filter, cut a strip off one end. Then glue it to cover the end, wrapping it around like a stem. Secure at the end of the strip with more glue (or tape).

Step 4

If you wish to make the fan have a stem, you can now slip in skewer (pointed end) in between the folds of the stem of the fan. It can then be easily placed in a vase to create a bouquet.

2. Lunch Bag Leaves

Making these leaves will leave (no pun intended) you with a little surprise in the form of baby leaves without even trying. When you fold and cut the lunch bags (cutting the shape of larger leaves), once you open them up, you’ll find baby leaves in between (because of the fold already in the lunch bags themeselves). It’s pretty cool, and as you’ll notice, you can make tons of these pretty easily.

You will need:

-Brown paper lunch bags

-Scissors

How to make:

Step 1

You can make these leaves one lunch bag at a time, but I like to make 2 at a time for more efficiency. Grab one or two lunch bags and fold the bottom end downards. Cut off the base (bottom ends). Now fold the lunch bags in half (lengthwise).

Cut the shape of a half a leaf – with the center fold as the center line as your guide. Once cut, open up to reveal all the leaves and open each one up (large ones and the smaller surprise ones that will appear). Separate into two piles of same sizes. Large with large, small with small.

Step 3

Grab one pile (let’s say the large ones first), and fold in half. On the rounded edge now start to fold (accordian-style) at a 45 degree angle. Fold until complete. Then once folded, you can start to cut the fringe of the leaves.

Step 4

Then once folded, you can start to cut the fringe of the leaves. I like to start at the centre and cut right (since I’m right-handed), but if you are left, of course the other way is probably easiest. Then flip and start to cut the fringe on the other rounded half. Open up and ruffle up the fringe a bit to create a more realistic look. Repeat these steps for the smaller leaves.

3. Cardstock Leaves (3 Types)

For these leaves there are three variations. A simple accordian-style folded one, a fringe-ended one and then one that is gathered at the bottom end to create a bit of a stem, that can be left on it’s own, or add a skewer stem to it to add to a bouquet

You will need:

-Any type of 8.5” x 11” card stock paper (I used gold and brown)

-Scissors

-Glue gun or tape

How to make:

Style 1 – Simple Accordian Style Leaf

Step 1

Fold the paper in half (length-wise). From one end to the other, cut the shape of a half a leaf, with the fold as the center of the leaf.

Step 2

With the round edge, start to fold (accordian style) at a 45 degree angle. Fold back and forth till you reach the other end. Open up, and you have a beautiful folded leaf

Style 2 – Fringe Cut

Step 1

Fold the paper in half (length-wise). From one end to the other, cut the shape of a half a leaf, with the fold as the center of the leaf.

Step 2

Then once cut, you can start to cut the fringe of the leaf. As mentioned above, I like to start at the centre and cut right (since I’m right-handed), but if you are left, of course the other way is probably easiest. Then flip and start to cut the fringe on the other rounded half. Open up and ruffle up the fringe a bit to create a more realistic look.

Style 3 – Cardstock Leaf with Stem

Step 1

Fold the paper in half (length-wise). From one end to the other, cut the shape of a half a leaf, with the fold as the center of the leaf. With the round edge, start to fold (accordian style) at a 45 degree angle. Fold back and forth till you reach the other end.

Step 2

Grab the bottom end and squeeze the folds together to create a stem. Glue with a glue gun or tape. Using some scrap paper of the same paper, cut out a 3” inch long by 3/4” to 1” wide strip of paper. Wrap strip around the bottom end stem, glueing to secure.

4. Large Grocery Bag Palms

For these leaves you can make using a large brown grocery bag cut into a square, or kraft paper too.

You will need:

-Brown paper grocery bags (one bag makes two palm leaves) or kraft paper

-Scissors

-Glue Gun or tape

Bambook skewers (optional)

How to make:

Step 1

Cut the bottom end off the paper bag. And then cut each side so they are separate, leaving the sides for scrap. Fold the cut squares diagonally to create a perfect square. Cut off the remaining edge and set aside for scrap. Open up the square, then fold in half. Cut from about 3/4 of the top a round edge on the right and then straight towards the fold.

Step 2

The cut should look like a rounded hill. Then open up the paper again, and folding horizontally accordian style till you reach the other end.

Step 3

Fold together the bottom end and secure with glue or tape. Using a scrap cut 3” long x 1” wide, secure by wrapping it around the base, and securing with glue.

Trim the tops of the fronds at the tips at a 45 degree angle to make them pointy.

Step 4

Open up the folds and then cut down the center of each fold to create the fronds. Continue until all the folds are cut.

Step 5

Then with the scissors, create fringe-like cuts within each frond (approximately 3 or 4 cuts per side.

Step 6

Open up and ruffle a bit to create a beautiful fan-like palm.

To add a stem, insert a bamboo skewer through the stem and glue.

Don’t forget to enter the contest! WIN $50 to buy all your brunching ingredients. Visit addjoy.ca for more details!

The post DIY Boho-Style Palm Leaves appeared first on Poppytalk.

DIY | A Festive Tablescape

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

In anticipation of hosting friends and family that we haven’t seen in a very long time this upcoming holiday season, over the next few weeks I’m super-excited to share with you a few festive holiday ideas (including this DIY Festive Tablescape, to elevate your get-togethers.

For inspiration, I’m loving the boho-style paper palm leaf DIYs I’ve been seeing lately, which got me thinking about a budget friendly version. Things you can easily find in a grocery store. Like different sized coffee filters, brown lunch bags, maybe some larger grocery bags, skewers, etc.

To start, I’ve created a tablescape idea that I hope you’ll love as much as I do.

I’ve created a series of different DIY palm style leaves you can make using the items I mentioned above, as well as a few things you might have lying around the house, like card stock and pipe cleaners. I have always loved the challenge of making things out of everyday items, and I think you’ll agree, this one doesn’t disappoint.

Using the various palm leaves I created, I started out with a symmetrical layout, adding in dinnerware, cutlery, some pretty polka dot paper napkins, and created some little printable treat boxes (click here for the how-to) topping them off with a smaller coffee filter palm leaf which I think is so so cute.

To pull it all together, I made some cursive font words, using gold pipe cleaners and added some tea lights.

For food, the folks at KraftHeinz hooked me up with a few must-have recipes for the festive season. Starting off with a savoury Croissant Bread Pudding (the only brunch recipe you’ll need this holiday season, it’s that good), Banana Walnut Waffles with toppers like warmed hazelnut spread, nuts and whipping cream, and some Sweet ‘n Salty Peanut Butter Filled cookies (perfect to give as treat favours). The full recipes can be found here.

This post is in partnership with Kraft Heinz. Stay tuned for a post on how to make these leaves coming tomorrow!

There’s also a contest! WIN $50 to buy all your brunching ingredients. Visit addjoy.ca for more details!

The post DIY | A Festive Tablescape appeared first on Poppytalk.

DIY Printable Cookie Treat Box

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 09:37:55 +0000

These Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter cookies I posted yesterday deserve to be gifted, they are that good.

This treat box project is the perfect compliment to these sweet and savoury cookies. Semi-sweet chocolate is melted in a mixture of butter and vanilla flour and eggs and then topped with a salty, peanut butter cream cheese frosting. For the full recipe, visit the addjoy.ca website and while you’re there, be sure to enter their Add Joy $50 grocery card contest where they are giving away $40k in cards!

Wrap them in these adorable printable boxes to gift to guests this holiday season. Check out the how-to and printable below.

DIY Printable Cookie Treat Box

You will need:

Cardstock 8.5 x 11 paper (I used gold)
Printable Box Template
Printer
Scissors
Glue Gun

How to make:

Step 1

Download and print off the printable box template. Print off as many as you’ll need. Click here for the file.

Step 2

Cut on the solid line outline(s), and the outside of all the flaps.

Step 3

Fold all of the dotted lines, and then starting at the opposite end.

Step 4

Starting from the bottom end, fold in the first flap underneath the next.

Step 5

Working each flap into the other until you form a box.

Step 6

Fold into a box shape.

Step 7

Fold flaps on top to secure until you glue into place.

Step 8

Secure the bottom using a glue gun or tape.

Step 9

Then secure the side with glue and hold until dry.

Step 10

Then measure and cut out some tissue paper to line the box.

Step 11

Fold the tissue to fit inside the box.

Step 12

Fill the box with a couple of the cookies.

Step 12

Then top with your favourite bow or something like this coffee filter palm fan leaf I made (see instructions below).

Coffee Filter Palm Leaf (Bows)

You will need:

-Pour-over style coffee filters in different sizes. I used Size 2 for these smaller leaves, however for the demo I used larger ones for visuals.

-Glue gun or tape

– Scissors

Step 1

Place 2 of the same sized filters together. At a 45 degree angle, start to fold (accordian-style) working your way across from one end to the other.

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Attach the bow to the top of the box using a bit glue.

Stay tuned for more tablescape and recipes coming soon!

Pssst! There’s also a contest! WIN $50 to buy all your brunching ingredients, go to addjoy.ca for more details.

Good luck!

The post DIY Printable Cookie Treat Box appeared first on Poppytalk.

A Cozy Festive Pantry Makeover

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:50:58 +0000

With the holidays just around the corner, I wanted to be a little more organized this year and get a head start on all my festive planning. To start, I always like to spend a day cleaning out my pantry, checking expiry dates and re-organizing. Our pantry always seems to go off the expected course by this time of year and ends up embarrassingly messy (see proof below). And so a cozy festive pantry makeover was definitely in order.

It’s a challenge to get things right in any pantry, and ours, being very small and rather crowded, demands even more precision. Since shelving is limited, I switched a few things around to try to accommodate everything inside and in a certain order, to avoid any new clutter. My other obstacle is there is no door to hide the chaos, and inevitably, the temporary curtain I made (till I found a suitable one I loved), is always left open, exposing our true pantry colours

How I Created A Cozy Festive Pantry

To start with our cozy festive pantry makeover, I emptied all the pantry contents and set everything out on our kitchen table and cupboards. I then organized everything into different categories and checked expiry dates. With the goal of creating a more festive, cozy and seasonal pantry, here’s the categories that I think will work out for us in our small space.

1. Dry goods
2. Special baking ingredients
3. Spices and sprinkles
4. Oils and Vinegars
5. Cookbooks
6. Festive touches

A Little Paint and Paper

Since our pantry gets a lot of use and was looking a little scuffed, I added a simple wallpaper background and touched up the paint a bit on the shelves first. I then decided to remove two of the bottom shelves to make room for an old vintage dresser I had in the entryway to house things like our teas, vitamins, candles and napkins. The drawers also make way to hide all our incoming paper like mail, receipts, etc

Contain the Drygoods

I transferred all the drygoods into some extra large canning jars I had picked up at my local grocer Fun fact: Fall is a good time to find them there with all the canning happening after harvest. In order to keep track of all the drygood’s expiry dates once they are out of their original packaging and in containers, a pro-tip I heard recently was to place a small piece of masking tape underneath each jar (or their lids) with the dates.

Corral the Chaos

I always like to include versatile baking staples like peanut butter, hazelnut spread, baking chocolate and baking powder, so for items that cannot be placed into containers I like to corrall them together, each in their more broad categories in hopes of keeping them more contained and easier to access.

Curate the Cookbooks

I then edit down my cookbooks and all the loose recipe cuttings/notes, appliance manuals, etc., I’ve collected over the year; keeping my favourites and adding in a few new ones. Check out a few of my newest go-to’s for the holidays here.

Add Some Labels

I labeled just a few things in our pantry. I don’t believe in labeling everything, only the obvious. So just the items that might be mistaken for others (e.g. corn starch vs icing sugar). Download printable labels by clicking here: PDF Drygood LABELS and PDF (Cursive) Drygood LABELS.

A Festive Glow

To top things off and add a little festive glow, I added in a few battery-operated fairy and tea lights.

The result is what I think as a cozy festive pantry, perfect for launching the holiday season ahead.

This post is in partnership with Kraft Heinz. Stay tuned for a collection of delicious recipes and festive-inspired tablescape ideas in the coming weeks.

For a chance to win $50 toward holiday shopping, go to addjoy.ca . You’ll also find delicious recipes and tasty tips to help make your festive entertaining fabulous.

The post A Cozy Festive Pantry Makeover appeared first on Poppytalk.

DIY Packet of Luck Envelope

Jan Halvarson — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 05:43:58 +0000

Recently I was looking for some mini envelopes and remembered a DIY we featured here on the blog a few years back. The project was using paper one would already have on hand and I thought it could use a little update. So I created some new paper (because —green gingham), that you can print off, and then the idea of filling it with a heap of shamrocks came to mind (something I think we all could use a little of these days), and it’s St. Patrick’s Day. So here you go, a DIY Packet of Luck envelope that you can send or give to someone you love or make it for yourself! (Luck included —in the way of some four leaf clovers you can also print out)!

What you’ll need:

— printable gingham paper (click here for the link)

— a small envelope (or print out our template here).

—shamrock printable (click here for the link)

— scissors

— glue

— printer

Print out the paper, and the envelope template if you need it as well. If you have a specific sized envelope yourself you can steam open the seams to make your own template. Set the shamrock printable aside.

Place the template over the printed gingham paper (or use a paper you prefer), and trace out the envelope. Cut out the envelope.

Fold the flaps together, then glue the flaps together.

Print out the shamrocks/four leaf clover printable. Click HERE for the link. Cut out whatever sizes you like. The more the merrier!

Stuff the envelope with the shamrocks and send them off into the world. Pssst! You can also use the paper as gift wrap if you like. Happy St. Patrick’s!

The post DIY Packet of Luck Envelope appeared first on Poppytalk.

Make a Nordic Snowflake

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:48:00 +0000

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jan Halvarson / Poppytalk (@poppytalk)

The post Make a Nordic Snowflake appeared first on Poppytalk.

4 Adorable + Valentine Origami DIYs

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 08:35:00 +0000

So origami! As I had mentioned on my Instagram last week when I posted one of these Valentine-inspired projects, I’m now in the origami phase of the pandemic, and to be honest I’m finding making them is super-soothing (especially with loved ones in mind). Origami has always been that way for me, almost a form of meditation when you get into the flow. But first off, I want to give a hat tip to a couple makers over on YouTube, (ColorMania and Tatiana Frolova) who inspired me and have some excellent origami tutorials there if you have some time be sure to check them out! Okay, let’s take a look!

1. Easy Origami Valentine Bows

What you need:

Various square sheets of 20lb paper (or origami paper) evenly square

A little patience

Cute Paper Heart with Bow tutorial on YouTube

So this origami fold which I initially spotted on Pinterest is one of the funnest origami things I’ve made in a while. And so so cute! I thought they would be fun to top a sweet box of chocolates or something special for the ones you love. As you’ll see below, I made them different sizes; all you need is the original piece of paper to be completely square to make. This project is fairly easy, so even older kids should be able to make it. The reward is impressive! Visit the link in the “what you need” for the how to.

2. Origami Roses

What you need:

Various square sheets of 20lb paper (or origami paper) evenly square

A little patience

Origami Rose Easy tutorial on YouTube

This second one, the origami rose, although easy, is a little trickier to tame. The paper I used was a little thicker, so it didn’t curl as much as I would’ve liked. But still, a beautiful rose to give to someone special is the result. I thought they might look nice to decorate a table with. Or check out my last idea at the end of this post. Btw, I think I need to take some red colour photography courses. So hard to get right.

3. Origami Paper Heart With Wings

What you need:

Various square sheets of 20lb paper (or origami paper) evenly square

A little patience

Paper Heart with Wings tutorial on YouTube

This is another fave and totally mailable too I thought. I’ve added them to the garland I made (below), but would also make a great gift topper!

4. Heart Door Garland

What you’ll need:

A collection of origami hearts you just made

Some string

Tape

Tacks

So now that you’ve made all these hearts, you can create a garland for your door if you wish (or just send them off to all your Valentines)! I basically just lined the hearts up how I wanted them to look, folded the heart or rose flaps over the string (see image below) and taped them around the string —allowing the string to pull through loosely so it’s easier to arrange.

Happy Valentine’s!

The post 4 Adorable + Valentine Origami DIYs appeared first on Poppytalk.

DIY Pampas Grass + Feather Faux Holiday Tree

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 05:29:00 +0000

Every year around this time, I look forward to creating something special for the holidays to share here on the blog with our readers. I love the idea of a faux tree that one can print out to add a little holiday decor to an unsuspecting place, using regular printer paper you would already have handy hanging around at home or at the office.

Inspired by all the pampas grass I have been seeing so much of this fall, I created a faux tree using printable images of the grass, and paired them with printable fluffy white feather branches. The tree we created is 4 feet high, however you could make it as large or as small as you would like just by adding more or less feathers. See below for the how-to.

Feather Tree

This makes a 4 ft high tree from top to bottom of trunk.

You will need
Computer and printer
White (20 lb.) 8.5 x 11 paper
Scotch® Wall-Safe Tape
Scissors
Black fine tip pen
Print out: Feather PDF (approximately 17 pages – or as you go)
Print out: Pampas Grass PDF (approximately 10 pages – or as you go)
Print out: Tree Trunk (one page)

Instructions
Download the feather pdf file (see above for link). You will need to print out approximately 17 to 18 pages to create a 4 ft high tree. Of course you can make a smaller or larger tree, just increase/decrease the number of feathers. With the printout in the portrait direction, fold the paper in half (as seen in Diagram 1 directly below). Then fold again. Then cut following the edge of the feather. Each page will make 4 feathers

After the feathers are cut, fold the four feathers (from each print out) that you have just cut, and fold the feather in half. Then cut along the edges (top to bottom) to create a feathered effect. You’ll notice that the top feather will have the black edges. If you would like to have black edges on all the others for reach print out (like we created), you will need to run a black fine tip pen along the edges. (Note: we only added a bit of edges here and there, to make it look more hand illustrated, and to lessen the work involved). Repeat with all feather pages. Next, print out the pampas grass sheets, and cut out each image. Set aside.

To attach the feathers to the wall, we used Scotch® Wall-Safe Tape, which sticks securely, and removes cleanly, so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your walls. To start, first measure 4 feet up from where you want the tree to be placed. Then once you have it measured, start by taping feathers one by one as shown in the images below. We found it easiest to place each feather balancing symmetrically from side to side, and then when you start to get wider, just do the outsides first, and then the centre, criss-crossing as you go to create the illusion of branches. Place the cut out pampas grass images in between the feathered branches, as you see fit. We started off with a couple at the top, then, every two feathers and then mid-way, every three feathers, down the side. And then once you have all the feathers place, you can fill in more pampas grass as you see fit. Simply print out more feathers and pampas grass as you need.

At the very end, add the trunk. Just print it out and cut, taping it securely to the wall. Congrats! You have created a beautiful pampas grass and feather tree!

Psssst! To create the gold leaf washi tape leaves and gift wrap accessories seen beneath the tree, check out our next post, or click here! Happy Holidays!

The post DIY Pampas Grass + Feather Faux Holiday Tree appeared first on Poppytalk.

Holiday Tree Printable Poster for Winter Solstice

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 23:28:00 +0000

Winter Solstice has a special meaning for me and every year I look for something special to share here online with our readers. I’ve always wanted one of those tree posters for the holidays, so for the first day of winter, I created this one, a printable file you can download and either print onto an 8.5″ x 11″ letter sized paper or a larger 36″x24″ poster you can send to your local printer to print off. I just emailed the file to our local printer and asked him to print it out on engineer paper (the type of paper they use to print off blueprints). He printed it off for me within a couple of hours. My printer charged me $6 for the 36”x24” file as an engineer print. See below for the how-to.

Holiday Tree Printable for Winter Solstice

You will need
1 printable file (click HERE for the 8.5″x11″ or HERE for the 36″ x 24″)
tape (to tape to the wall) or
2 wooden dowels (with string and hooks) to create a hanging frame
fairy lights (optional) and sewing pins to attach to the paper

Just download the file size you prefer and either print on your printer or send the file to your local printer to print onto an engineer paper. Frame as you like (either tape or tape or glue to wooden dowels and hang with string. Once hung, decorate using fairy lights (we attached ours to the paper using sewing pins.

Happy Solstice!

The post Holiday Tree Printable Poster for Winter Solstice appeared first on Poppytalk.