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-4th-of-july-decorating/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-4th-of-july-decorating/#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:47:06 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=8240 If you’re throwing a bbq or pot luck for the upcoming holiday weekend, use these easy 4th of July decorating ideas to make your gathering extra special with patriotic touches made from paper.



A festive banner done in red, eco-white and blue (I mean, lake!) will add instant charm to your celebration. Adhere the leftover star punch-outs to toothpicks to dress up your 4th of July cupcakes, cheese plate or hors d’oeuvres. Or use them loose as table confetti. Couldn’t be easier! And as always, you can use these decorating ideas for any occasion by swapping out your paper colors and punch shape.

P.S. Check out our Independence Day paper rosettes from last year – so lovely, we want to use them again!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors

Materials needed:
How to PDF
8 1/2″ x 11″ text paper (red, eco-white and lake)
1/4″ wide lake satin ribbon
1/4″ super tacky tape
star hole punch
scissors
12″ blade trimmer (optional)

Instructions:
1. To make the 4th of July banner, begin by cutting red, eco-white and lake papers in half widthwise to 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ (see A in How to PDF) using scissors or blade trimmer.
2. Punch stars along one 8 1/2″ edge (B) of each sheet.
3. Fold over opposite edge, as indicated by dashed line, in varying, random widths (C). Repeat to create desired length of banner.
4. Apply super tacky tape along the inside folds (C).
5. Place ribbon into folds and remove tape backers to secure in place (D).

To make the cupcake toppers, adhere two star punch outs back to back on either side of a toothpick.

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-4th-of-july-decorating/feed/ 2 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-hamburger-party-invites/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-hamburger-party-invites/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:33:24 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=7876 Looking for a summer party invitation that will WOW your guests? Send them a tasty hamburger with all the trimmings, including your party details! Such a fun and unique idea for cook outs and backyard bbqs.



Our favorite part – it features one of our brand new colors…persimmon!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors

Materials Needed:
How to PDF
5 3/4″ square persimmon envelope
circle cards (khaki, moss & chocolate)
8 1/2″ x 11″ cover paper (curry, persimmon & eco-white)
scissors
pen & pencil
double-stick tape

Instructions:
1. Prepare your ingredients as shown in the How to PDF. Cut out the burger bun and lettuce leaf from circle cards. Cut out cheese, tomatoes, and onions from cover weight paper.
2. Write your invitation welcome line on the top bun. Write your event info on the cheese slice.
3. Build your burger with double stick tape to adhere layers using PDF diagram.
4. Mail to party guests, yum!

Please note, square envelopes require $.20 extra postage, but it’s worth it!

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-hamburger-party-invites/feed/ 12 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-camp-stationery/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-camp-stationery/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 17:18:09 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=7415 Before the kids head off to summer camp, squeeze in some craft time to create this camp stationery set. Note cards, envelopes, address labels and postage stamps are all neatly packed inside a little backpack, which you can add to their favorite stuffed animal!



Kids will have a fun time making their own stationery set, and then filling them in later so you can hear all about their summertime fun!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Tree Trunk Tea Light and Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors

Materials Needed:
How to PDF
Chartreuse A7 Linear Enclosure
Moss 1″ Satin Ribbon
Curry A2 Note Cards
Paper Bag A2 Envelopes
Moss Notched Corner Labels
Owls Circle Stickers
Googly Eyes (optional)
Xacto Knife
Ruler
Stapler
Scissors
Pencil

Instructions:
1. With an Xacto make 3/4″ cuts on folds of linear enclosure as indicated by dashed lines in the How to PDF.
2. Cut approximately 40″ of ribbon. Making sure to leave approximately 12″ of trailing ribbon, tuck ribbon into cuts following directions 2A through 2F.
3. Secure ribbon ends by stapling together. Adjust ribbon to hide stapled ends behind pocket.
4. Behind ribbon “X” tuck six envelopes and six note cards, along with pre-addressed labels, stickers and postage. (Tip: When tucking in labels remove sticker outline paper so that sheets can easily fold in half.)
5. Create ribbon tab with 3″ of looped ribbon and staple in place.
6. Personalize the backpack with labels printed with child’s name, “Summer Camp 2010,” or any fun saying of your choice. Finish with owl sticker. Add googly eyes (optional).

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-camp-stationery/feed/ 4 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-doll-pool-party-invitations/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-doll-pool-party-invitations/#comments Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:35:45 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=7036 Dress up our oh-so-sweet paper dolls and turn them into adorable party invitations for a child’s birthday or even your BFF’s bachelorette shower. Ours is going to a pool party sporting the latest in pool safety with her very own inner tube. To create this accessory, slice a curved line almost in the center of a circle card with an xacto knife, then tuck your paper doll into the slit. Don’t forget flippers! Simply cut a tapered rectangle to fit over each foot. Our dolls fit into A9 envelopes so you can mail them off to party guests!

Show us what you create with our paper dolls – upload your photos to our Facebook page to inspire our fans!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Tree Trunk Tea Light and Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-doll-pool-party-invitations/feed/ 1 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-independence-day-paper-rosettes/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-independence-day-paper-rosettes/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:13:48 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=991
We originally created a version of these classic 4th of July decorations for Inauguration Day 2009. To celebrate the day, the PS Design team had streaming video of the day’s events projected onto a wall, framed by curtains and hanging red, white and blue (lake, of course) paper rosettes. It really created a festive patriotic setting and we noted we’d have to remember the rosettes again in July. Well, here we are, halfway through summer (though not in Chicago) and ready to celebrate our country once again! Our take on the tissue paper rosettes you often see at Independence Day celebrations is SO easy. You’ll want to hang them from front porches, around backyards or patios, from tree branches or on the backs of chairs – wherever you choose to celebrate, they’re the perfect decorative spark!

Materials needed:
Red text weight paper
Eco-white text weight paper
Lake text weight paper
Red 1/8” Satin Ribbon
Super Tacky Tape
Bone folder
Crafting knife
Ruler
Double-sided tape

Instructions:
1. Using a cutting knife and ruler, cut two 1 ¾” x 8 ½” strips of eco-white text weight paper and two 1 ¾” x 8 ½” strips of red text weight paper.
2. Adhere red and eco-white strips to sheet of 8 ½” x 11” take text weight paper with double-sided tape, as illustrated in the sketch to the right. Repeat steps preparing two more 8 ½” x 11” sheets.
(Hint: view the Paper Rosettes pdf to help illustrate the following additional steps.)
3. Using bone folder, accordion fold the three sheets of 8 ½” x 11” lengthwise at ¾” intervals.
4. Fold the length of the accordions and begin adhering the pieces together using Super Tacky Tape.
5. Repeat for all three accordions, forming a rosette circle.
6. Using knife, create a small hole at the top of the rosette and thread with ribbon to hang.

P.S. Check out our how-to on paper pinwheels for another fun 4th of July project – they make great centerpieces when clustered in Mason Jars on your picnic table!

– Cindy
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: PS India Elephants Wrap – I love the proud marching elephants with their beautifully painted toes!

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-independence-day-paper-rosettes/feed/ 3 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-honeycomb-summer-party-invitation/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-honeycomb-summer-party-invitation/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:51:27 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=713

This breezy summer party invitation is easy to make using fill-in printable invitations and our honeycomb rubber stamps. The honeycombs take on a citrus look in these ink colors, but you can change up the colors and use them again and again for any occasion– make fireworks in red and blue for a 4th of July celebration, or a garland in red and green for a holiday party. We finished these off with clear embossing powder for a shiny, textured look.

Materials needed:
Recycled Black & White A7 Printable Party Invitations
Honey Comb Flower Small Rubber Stamp
Honey Comb Flower Large Rubber Stamp
Sunflower Color Box Stamp Pad
Moss Color Box Stamp Pad
Orange Color Box Stamp Pad
Clear Embossing Powder
Heat Embossing Tool

Instructions
1. Along the top of each invitation, stamp small and large honeycombs in a staggered pattern in various ink colors.
2. To emboss, begin by sprinkling clear embossing powder over pattern while ink is still wet.
3. Shake off excess powder. We recommend doing this over a large sheet of scrap paper so you can funnel the excess back into your jar — it’s totally reusable.
4. Set with heat tool to create a raised, glossy finish.
5. Pair with a colored A7 envelope to complete your invitation!

– Annie
PS colors: eco-white & pool
Latest fave: Zots Glue Dots

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-honeycomb-summer-party-invitation/feed/ 0 http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/summer-craft-idea-french-canvas-fabric/ http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/summer-craft-idea-french-canvas-fabric/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:27:25 +0000 PS Stores http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=591 Okay, if it’s possible to have a total FAVE outside of PS designs, then these French canvas fabrics from Les Toiles du Soleil (“canvas of the sun”) have to be mine. They just scream summertime and the beach! The best news is that on top of using them to make our awesome French canvas journals (handmade at Paper Source here in Chicago), we are now selling the cloth online by the meter– ideal for summer craft projects! I have been hoping for years that we could offer it by the meter, so with five summery patterns now to choose from it’s a dream come true for me.

The tough part was then figuring out how to make everything I want with the cloth. I started with an easy table runner (no sewing required and it looked super cute), then some cool “across the table” place mats to cover all the paint on my table from years of art projects.


Eventually I plan to sew a pillow cover for my comfy new reading chair, and make a cute summer beach bag that lives in my imagination… the list goes on, you get the idea.

If you’re interested in fun ideas for both canvas fabric and summertime parties check out this month’s Summertime Parties Workshop in stores to get started.

Cheers!

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/summer-craft-idea-french-canvas-fabric/feed/ 5 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-lanterns/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-lanterns/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:21:26 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=533 Our new India-inspired prints really got us thinking of summer– and what kinds of crafts and party decorations we could dream up for warm-weather celebrations. Using bright colors, including our vibrant new Fuchsia, we created these simple paper lanterns. They look great hanging from anywhere, adding a colorful touch to any outdoor occasion!

Materials needed:
One 26″ x 20″ sheet of text weight paper in each of 2 colors (one sheet of each makes two lanterns); floral wire; 1/8″ hole punch; double-sided tape; craft knife; ruler

Instructions:

Exterior sheet (outside frame of lantern)
1. Cut text weight sheet of one color down to a 10″ x 20″ piece. Fold each of the 10″ ends down 2″ to create a crease, then unfold.
2. Using craft knife and ruler, make vertical cuts between fold lines at roughly 1/2″ intervals.

Interior sheet (inside tube of lantern)
1. Cut text weight sheet of second color down to a 11″ x 15″ piece. Apply double-sided tape to the edge of one of the 15″ ends.
2. To form cylinder, roll paper into tube with 2″ overlap, adhering with taped end.

Combining exterior and interior
1. Apply double-sided tape to 10″ (creased) ends of exterior sheet.
2. Starting at one end, stick fringed exterior to top of rolled tube using seam of tube as a starting point & guide. Repeat at bottom of tube until complete.
3. To hang, punch 1/8″ holes on either side of lantern top. Bend floral wire and hook ends in place.

Play with colors to create a cluster of paper lanterns — and enjoy all summer long!
– Annie
PS colors: eco-white & pool
Latest fave: Zots Glue Dots

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