2012! Happy New Year!
No matter where you may be in the world……I would like to wish you all of the very best for the New Year. Let’s all try to make this year even better than the last!
Do you believe in making resolutions every year?
Do they work?
Heading to NYC and Perhaps a New Tat….?
It’s been years since I got a tattoo or even a touch up for that matter, so my trip to NYC will certainly be a great chance to get something done by Ami James himself.
With a packed schedule, we’ll see if there’s any time but at least I’ll try to see the shop.
I hope you are all taking time to relax these holidays and check back soon for more photos, observations and projects for fun!
Boxing Day Madness – Kirigami How-to
It’s Boxing Day or Boxing Week in North America and millions of people are simply going mad for those sales and bargains. First of all, I wonder if they are actually worth the stress and chaos and second of all -where do people get all of this energy just after the holidays???
I used to work in retail and I must say, Boxing Day was always my most hated day >:P
Instead, stay in and try some new kirigami to relax and make something new for the home. You can virtually make a kirigami version of anything your heart desires.
How about a vacation to Paris?
or perhaps a simple new gown for a special occasion?
1 – I used regular (legal sized) paper since that’s what I had laying around but virtually any size will work.
2 – Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
3 – Sketch what you like, but only half of it and make sure to include parts of the middle fold.
For more intricate designs, you can print, trace or photocopy anything you find online or in books.
4 – Carefully out out the pieces that you do not want to include in your design (you want to keep the outline).
5 – If you find a piece you don’t like much, simply cut it out. I drew in a middle fold in my dress but didn’t like it, so I just folded it back in half and cut that piece off.
6 – Use your kirigami cut outs for home décor, stationery decoration or frame it for a friend.
Happy Holidays!
I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and all of the best for 2012!
Take a moment to enjoy the simple things in life that sometimes we all take for granted. Sit back and relax during the holidays. Enjoy the lovely sights, sounds and smells and make sure to use your creative mind to make a difference in someone’s life this season.
There are many who don’t have basics that many others do, so why not consider donating useful things to those in need or choose gifts that also help a cause:
There are many others out there that also need help from those who are feeling more generous from the season, so please take a moment to think of them as well!
Simple Gift Wrapping Ideas and a Wrapping Quick Fix
Last-minute gift wrapping can make many people stress out, especially since it does take time to wrap and decorate each gift to look pretty and professional.
One simple solution is to avoid wrapping the entire gift and just add decorative details that look pretty.
For example, take a plain box, and add a strip of scrap chiyogami or wrapping paper. Tie it down with string and you’re done.
To make the paper look neat with crisp lines, simply fold in the sides a little:
Wrap it over the top of the box:
Add some string and tie a simple bow:
If you have plain paper or a plain box and just want a simple decorative touch, just tie a colourful ribbon around it and tie a simple bow:
Sometimes we misjudge the size of the paper and end up with a gap in the wrapping:
Just gather scrap pieces of paper (especially chiyogami or plain washi if you have it) and see if any match the paper you have:
Choose one and cut out a simple shape that’s large enough to cover the gap (I chose a lantern shape):
I added a cute little heart as an extra touch:
Then just drew in the last details to complete the lantern:
Done!
