some of you guessed it right

 

And no, it wasn't origami kleenex :)

It's a tad lop-sided but this was my not-so mysterious project from the last post. To sum up: we're not allowed to paint or wall-paper so I needed something happening over our bed. I might still make a covered headboard or paint a trompe l'oeil one, but for now I really like the way the garland turned out. Sort of hap-hazard and homemade looking, old and new at the same time... I first saw it here which led me here (loved that blog, by the way) which finally led me to this blog which I also completely love. Not only do she and I have the same last name, but I love her deep desire for art in her life, plus she seems fun and I'd invite her over for a party.

Essentially what you have here are brown coffee filters, various shades of tissue paper (red, fuchsia, turquoise and emerald green) and vintage music paper (her brilliant idea)--all of it crumpled up and strung along on plain ol' white string. The whole project (due to what I already had at home) cost me about $9. None too shabby. And even if it doesn't stay above the bed, it'll look great hanging on the side of a mirror or over a window or something.

I really love the way hers turned out but my unfair prejudice towards pink allows me to go no further than the fuchsia I used here. I love the pale pink that she used, but my room is leaning more towards the brighter colors. And trust me--fuchsia is a big step for me!

The rest of my time has been swallowed up in getting etsy orders out and Christmas-present-making. We're trying so hard to spend as little as possible for the holidays. And I think we're done, actually and spent around $300 for 17 people. Not too bad, right? I had to buy some fabric for some things, we had to buy some food ingredients for some other things, and of course some things I just couldn't make (which is a hard thing for me to concede!).

I absolutely love Christmas so this isn't me miserably trying to get out of anything--on the contrary--it's me trying to be super-smart in trying times and most importantly creative. I actually enjoy the challenge of working within these parameters--though the best-case scenario is showering everyone I love in hundreds of presents :)Though I love, love, love giving presents I'll just have to shower them with love instead...

(I can't share too many details about what I'm making just yet--though I'm DYING TO!!--since some of the recipients read this, but soon I can spill a bean or two...)

Comments

[Jim]

Why am I not surprised that you're not allowed to paint or wallpaper??

[Casey]

That is such a cute idea! We aren't able to paint the walls in our apartment either, so I've had to come up with some pretty ways to add color (without relying solely on pictures hung on the wall!). One of my favorites is hanging some Asian paper lanterns in our bedroom on either side of the window. They were leftovers from the wedding, so it was free! :D

I love Christmas so much too! This year I'm on a pretty strict budget for baking, cards and sprucing up decorations around here. Like you, I kind of like the idea of having to be even more creative on limited means--it's a fun challenge! ;)

[Mathyld / encore petite]

Aaah ... I knew I was right !

I've been dreaming of making one since I first saw Pam's version ! But we don't have this kind of filters, here :(

I adore Pam's garland, totally my colours (peachy pink is my friend) but I love your version too !
The vibrant colours, the "parasols shaped" filters ...
The words "Honk-Kong Cabaret" come to mind !

x x x
___mathyld___