Don’t just decorate your home for the holidays… Adorn your party guests too with this festive 4th of July lei! It’s a great way to add a patriotic touch to anyone’s outfit!

Have a happy AND safe Independence Day!

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials Needed:

• Patriotic Lei How-To PDF
• Infinite Loops Trim Double Edge Paper Punch
• Star Hole Punch
• Text Weight Paper (Red, Night, Pure White)
• Ladybug Sugar Coated 12 x 12 Paper
• Red Stripe Fabric Tape
• Baker’s Twine
• Guillotine Trimmer
• Large Zots Dots
• Stapler

Instructions:

1. Punch infinite loops, trim along 11″ side of red, pure white and night paper. Cut bands of infinite loops in half measuring 51/2″ x 1″ and set aside.
2. Cut simple bands from pure white paper, or a mix of colors, measuring 51/2″ x 1″. Stick red stripe fabric tape down center lengths of bands and set aside.
3. Punch star shapes from ladybug sugar coated 12 x 12, or a mix of colors.
4. Begin linking approximately 15 bands in a mix of color combos of infinite loops and simple bands dressed with red stripes. Secure to one another with a staple and cover each staple with a star.
5. Tie ends of links with approximately 18″ of baker’s twine and pull over to head to wear!
]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-patriotic-lei/feed/ 2 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-summer-cup-covers/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-summer-cup-covers/#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:35:10 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=13711

Keep those pesky bugs away from your favorite summer beverage. These stylish cup covers are festive AND serve as a drink marker too… write your guest’s name on top! Use this super easy how-to at all your summer fêtes!

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials Needed:

• Summer Cup Cover How-To PDF
• Not a Plastic Cup (set of 4 re-usable red cups)
• Red & White Paper Straws
• Circle Cards in Sunshine, Clover & Poppy (or whatever colors you like!)
• Flower Shapes Pack
• 1/4” Round Hole Punch
• Small Zots Glue Dots
• Pen

Instructions:

1. Begin by folding petals for added dimension.
2. Re-punch holes in centers of flowers using a 1/4” round hole punch. Stack flowers as desired in two or three layers. Position flowers on top of circle card, close to the edge (making sure to leave room for writing a name), and punch a hole as far as your hole punch will reach.
3. Write name on circle card opposite from where the hole is punched. Place on top of cup, position flowers on top of circle card and feed straw in place. Place two glue dots on lip of cup.
4. Place cover on top of cup with the straw placed closest to glue dots. This will keep your cover in place AND acts as a hinge allowing for refreshing refills!
]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-summer-cup-covers/feed/ 6 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-clover-garland/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-clover-garland/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:06:54 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=12134

What luck! Our new Clover Pack is here in time to celebrate on March 17th! There are even enough shapes to spell out “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!” These are also good for more than St. Patty’s Day. It’s no blarney, use these clever clovers to wish someone luck on any occasion or milestone.

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials Needed:

• Clover Garland How-to PDF
• Clover die cut pack
• 2.5″ label sheets in ecowhite
• ¼” hole punch
• 1″ satin ribbon in moss

Instructions:

1. Using the font of your choice (we used AdLib BT), print H-a-p-p-y-S-t.-P-a-t-r-i-c-k’-s-D-a-y-! onto 2.5″ labels
2. Peel and stick each label onto a clover shape
3. String together with 1″ wide ribbon by punching two ¼” holes at the top of each letter
4. Hang all together in one sweep or in three parts
]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-clover-garland/feed/ 6 http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/video-housesmarts-gets-crafty-with-paper-source/ http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/video-housesmarts-gets-crafty-with-paper-source/#comments Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:47:02 +0000 PS Stores http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=10349 If you missed PS craft expert Linda Barrett on HouseSmartsTV this weekend you can catch the segment online. Watch Linda help “Mr. Fix-it” Lou Manfredini get crafty at our new Southport Chicago store:
]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/video-housesmarts-gets-crafty-with-paper-source/feed/ 1 http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/ps-gets-crafty-with-lou-manfredini-and-our-own-linda-barrett/ http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/ps-gets-crafty-with-lou-manfredini-and-our-own-linda-barrett/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:04:12 +0000 PS Stores http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=10087

When “Mr. Fix-it” himself, Lou Manfredini, and his crew came to film a crafting segment at our new Chicago store on Southport, I found myself with quite the crafting challenge.

To begin a project, I find it is best to consider the audience, including the person for whom the party, gathering or project is built around. In this case, Lou Manfredini is a contractor with a love of all things DIY. His audience is a mix of men and women who love to learn lots of interesting tips and time savers. And, since several of his segments also include food, what better way to inspire a project for both he and his audience then to find a way to marry all of those elements together?

With a quick call to my brother Bob (a contractor and big fan of Lou’s) to get blue print paper; a stop at the local hardware store for wingnuts (yes, you read that right), a few carpenter pencils and some old-school folding rulers; as well as a stop for some interesting wine, I was set for a “crafting throw down,” combining the perfect blend of contractor ingredients with some PS style! Yes folks, we were going to have Lou creating a bold, colorful wine and cheese tasting party in honor of his newly built wine cellar. (Hypothetically speaking, but after this project I think Lou might give some thought to the possibility of adding a new cellar!)

The persimmon suite features an A9 wine tasting card, ideal for guests to provide comments on the wines, which are wrapped in 8 ½” x 11” sheets and printed in an elementary school style font on superfine soft white. These wrapped bottles are intended for blind tasting of wines from his “new cellar” collection.

Table tents were used to layer corresponding numbers for the rows of wines, and ribbon-tied carpenter pencils added a fun visual element. The finishing touches were a folding ruler for holding the place cards and a little wing nut adornment for conversation. Also displayed are the square invite and the hole-punch accented diagonal enclosure.

You can watch Lou & Linda get crafty on NBC, Saturday, November 13 at 5:30 a.m. (for those early birds) and Sunday, November 14 at 11:30 a.m.. Check your local station programming times for House Smarts before setting the DVR.

Check out some shots from the filming of the segment, and visit our local Chicago Southport team to say welcome to the neighborhood!



Segment preparations by Linda



The Crew: Bobby (Cameraman), Linda, Regan (Producer), Chris (Sound)



Lights, Camera, Action

Hope you enjoyed seeing a bit from behind the scenes! That’s a wrap!

–Linda
PS colors: paper bag & persimmon
Latest fave: 2011 Paper Source Booklet Calendar

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/ps-gets-crafty-with-lou-manfredini-and-our-own-linda-barrett/feed/ 1 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-pretty-printable-place-cards/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-pretty-printable-place-cards/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:37:53 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=9943 I love the ease of our printable place cards, especially during this busy, bustling, holiday season…it allows just enough time for me to get my craft on! An edging of ink color from a rubber stamp ink pad and a simple raffia bow adds that perfect dash of warmth to my Thanksgiving table. Bon appetit!

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials Needed:

• PDF How-To
• Printable Place Cards (Computer & Printer)
• Kraft Paper Ribbon
• Happy Thanksgiving Rubber Stamp
• Color Box Chalk Inkpads (Butterscotch & Tangerine colors)
• Small Glue Dots
• Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad (Optional…but highly recommended)
• Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner (Optional…but highly recommended)

Instructions:

1. Print names onto place cards just below midway point.
2. Stamp “Happy Thanksgiving” in butterscotch and tangerine at tops of place cards.
3. Add a hint of color to edges by lightly smudging place card edges with ink pads.
4. Tie single knots at centers of paper ribbons measuring approximately 6”.
5. Adhere to place cards with glue dots between “Happy Thanksgiving” and name.
6. Place one at each setting for your guests.
]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-pretty-printable-place-cards/feed/ 3 http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/personalized-invitations-with-santana-row-and-%e2%80%9chome-with-lisa-quinn%e2%80%9d/ http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/personalized-invitations-with-santana-row-and-%e2%80%9chome-with-lisa-quinn%e2%80%9d/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:49:29 +0000 PS Stores http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=9925 Our Santana Row store manager, Linda Kaiser, did a wonderful job hosting the Live Well Network’s “Home with Lisa Quinn,” demonstrating three great party invitation ideas! Have a look at the simple projects she shared using our cards, rubber stamps, favor boxes, and table tents:

Makes you want to host a fun party, doesn’t it?! Cheers to Linda and team!

P.S. To catch the show with lots of other great decorating and party hosting ideas, watch it air on the Live Well Network next week, Tuesday, November 9 at 9:30 PM, Wednesday at 10AM, and Sunday at 4:30PM (be sure to check your local listings to confirm these dates and times).

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/personalized-invitations-with-santana-row-and-%e2%80%9chome-with-lisa-quinn%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/spooky-sandwiches-four-frightening-ways/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/spooky-sandwiches-four-frightening-ways/#comments Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:33:06 +0000 PS Stores http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=9664 Yes, I am an adult. And, yes, I love Halloween.

Admittedly, I am not much of a seasonal decorator, however, I do play hostess to an annual Halloween party where I try out crafty tricks and treats, one of my favorites being the graveyard of sandwiches.

The original idea called for an assortment of salad (chicken salad, tuna salad, etc) fillings, but we prefer roast beef and soft cheese (for veggie lovers I use marinated Portobello in lieu of meat). I also commissioned my neighbor to weld a brander, so I could toast cross markings into the sandwiches instead of decorating with condiments.

In pre-Paper Source days I used greens as the ground covering for these bites. This year, I decided to freshen up the party offerings. So, for this Halloween inspiration, I am giving you three additional ways to present spirited sandwiches.

1. The Playful Knoll – Add a little whimsy to the graveyard presentation by using moss paper and scissors (also consider: Die Cut Fall Leaves)



2. The Vampy Sammy – Let your vampire-loving friends know you are hip to their scene by nestling your bites into origami coffins using black cover weight and parchment paper.



3. The Tangled Web of Vittles – Take a tip from our first guest blogger and rubber stamp bakery paper with something spooky, wrapping and securing your sandwich with Martha Stewart Crafts Baker’s Twine. It’s the perfect presentation for lunchboxes or a lighter tribute to the season.



In what ways do you transform your Halloween handouts? Share your holiday tricks and treats.

– Liz
PS colors: night & curry
Latest fave: Cavallini Wrapping Paper

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/spooky-sandwiches-four-frightening-ways/feed/ 3 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-tissue-pomettes/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-tissue-pomettes/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:41:13 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=9187 We love these easy Halloween decorations for doorways and hallways. Our tissue paper pomettes (mini pom-poms) can be done in any color for any occasion – here the combination of black and poppy adds a touch of Halloween flair. Spooky fun!

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials needed:
How to PDF
Tissue Paper (black & poppy)
Black Linen Thread
Scissors

Instructions:
1. Cut tissue papers to approximately 3″ X 5″. Create a mix of black and poppy, all black and all poppy pomettes.
2. Stack 6 sheets per pomette (diagram A). Make 1/2” accordion folds with each stack (diagram B). Cut points at both ends of tissue (diagram C).
3. Tie centers with 6” pieces of thread (diagram D). Carefully pull ends of each layer towards knot to fluff up the pomettes.
4. String up one long length of thread where you want your decor to hang and attach tissue pomettes.

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-tissue-pomettes/feed/ 7 http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/easy-wedding-table-cards/ http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/easy-wedding-table-cards/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:15:56 +0000 Paper Source http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=8435 I’ve never planned a wedding, but when I do, I’m calling Linda (my colleague and regular blog contributor). Look at this easy wedding table card idea she shared with me – just a table tent with a beautiful rubber stamp and an expression note attached with eyelets. We have expression notes printed with wonderful sayings, but you could print your own with words or numbers and use the same design.



I just used our table tents for a baby shower to mark the favor table and baby shower gifts – they’re so easy to use and make an impact. Try them at your next dinner party (a sign to list featured drinks at the bar or items on the buffet), and of course, they’re perfect for a wedding.

This also made me think – what would I use for wedding table names? Have you seen any creative wedding table name ideas?

–Kristen
PS colors: lake & chocolate
Latest fave: Printable Labels

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