From picking a turkey to assigning side dishes to cleaning house, few obligations toe the line of exciting and stressful quite as well as hosting Thanksgiving, so — to help you along — we dug up some of our favorite fixings for a grateful table. With the help of a paper kit or one of our Thanksgiving How-tos your guests can savor the color of the season along with the feast.

Centerpieces & Table Accents
Try your hand at creating something unique using a fall wreath or paper leaves. Last year, Paper Source Designer Karen showed us three table accent themes built from our kits. This lovely Leaf Light How-to is another great option.

Placecards
Bring a hint color to your table with this festive Printable Place Card How-To. Our new Turkey Shapes (also featured in our Garland of Thanks How-To) and Reindeer Place Cards serve as wonderful backdrops, especially fitting for those who celebrate hunting season.

Cards & Favors
Customers often tell us charming stories of our Thankful Cards and the lasting impression left at their gathering. Try this favor box variation to create a keepsake that will mark the occasion. Or, for those who prefer handmade cards, check out our card making recipes for Thanksgiving.

It’s amazing how simple paper accents can transform your table into something inspired. Party Planner Rachel Hollis recently transformed our die-cut leaves into an elegant table accent for holiday entertaining.

Image courtesy MyChicLife.com

Do you have an inspiring project or a touching tale? Comment to this post or share photos on our Facebook wall and help others find ways to set a grateful table this Thanksgiving.

Create a lovely garland of thanks for all to enjoy this Thanksgiving.

Materials Needed:

• Garland of Thanks How-To PDF
• Printable Label Template
• Turkey Shapes Pack
• Paper Wraphia in Natural
• Superfine Soft White 2.5″ Round Printable Labels
• Small Die Cut Fall Leaves
• 1/8″ Hole Punch
• Transparent Tape
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Using the Printable Label Template, print the words “GIVE THANKS” onto Super Softwhite 2.5″ Round Labels.
2. Stick labels onto alternating colors of turkey shapes. (Note that we have turkeys facing each other in pairs.)
3. Layout shapes and use transparent tape to adhere them to Paper Wraphia.
4. Stack several leaves in various colors on top of one another and use a hole punch to make a hole through the layers.
5. Thread leaves through end of Paper Wraphia and knot end. Repeat so that each end is finished with a stack of leaves.
]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-garland-of-thanks/feed/ 1 http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/tis-the-season/ http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/tis-the-season/#comments Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:15:16 +0000 PS Workshops http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=10657


Parchment, twine, sealing wax, rubber stamps, old book pages

Once the holiday music begins in November most people seem to cringe. Not me. There is something about hearing the Charlie Brown classic “Linus & Lucy” by Vince Guaraldi that always makes me smile. Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby make me want to pull out my cookie press while Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin inspire cocktails for festive evenings with friends. For me, holiday music creates a sense of nostalgia. It’s a feeling that gives me a gentle tap on the shoulder to say, “Get busy, Linda. You need to make a few things for those special people on your list!”



Stitched linen bags, rubber stamps, branches, mail collection stamps.

Perhaps some of you have that surge of overwhelming gratitude each year? A certain feeling which inspires your giving season?

In the spirit of season’s past, I wanted to share a few of my favorite little handmade gifts, including handmade linen bags for small accordion books, jars of homemade fudge sauce (my grandma’s secret recipe), and yummy cinnamon and caramel chews in a sweet chocolate favor box. All, of which, have a classic feel thanks to my favorite PS rubber stamps!




Chocolate favor box, paper, small branch stamp.

I hope these thoughts help you find your own inspiration to create. ‘Tis the season for handmade treasures!

Season’s Greetings!

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

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/tis-the-season/feed/ 0 http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/thanksgiving-place-card-ideas/ http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/thanksgiving-place-card-ideas/#comments Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:54:13 +0000 PS Stores http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=10551 Thanksgiving is fun for SO many reasons. In my family, everybody works together to prepare the meal, each person with a specific task (the same task each year so we’re experts). I am in charge of the green bean casserole and place cards. I take each of these tasks VERY seriously, and I have a lot of time to think ahead about place cards. I work on the PS catalog, so I get to see all the wonderful ideas the designers have devised months ahead of the day. I’ve narrowed it down to 3 ideas this year, plus Turkey Place Cards for my three little nephews who will hopefully love them!



Idea #1: Inspired by the wonderful & talented Linda – a Pear (an apple or little gourd would also work) with a little text weight paper banner stamped with “Happy Thanksgiving” and attached with double-stick tape, then perched atop fall leaves. Both the banner and leaves have been curled using a bone folder (but you could also probably just use your fingers), to add a little dimension.

Idea #2: I am Thankful Cards – These are just wonderful, and my family has used them already a few times, but every year brings something new to be thankful for! And there are different ways to write on them. This year, maybe I’ll have each person write what they are thankful for in the person seated to their right, and then pass the cards.

Idea #3: Wheat Bundles – They look so beautiful! I have not made them before, but have been assured that they are not as difficult as they look, which will make me look good! I wonder if I could somehow use them around taper candles too? Or is that dangerous?

What creative table settings do you use for your feast? Share your time-honored traditions and decorating bloopers.

– Karen
PS colors: persimmon, moss, paper bag (of course)
Latest fave: Holiday Elf Kit

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/thanksgiving-place-card-ideas/feed/ 0 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-lovely-leaf-lights/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-lovely-leaf-lights/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:41:33 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=9693 Add rustic charm to your Thanksgiving table using recycled jars and our Small Leaves Die Cut Pack. Assemble a cluster of jars at your table’s center and dress up mantles or shelves to add a warm welcoming glow.

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

Materials Needed:
How-To PDF
Small Die Cut Fall Leaves
Walnut 4 Ply Linen Thread
Kraft 1/2” Cotton Ribbon
Double-Sided Tape
1/16” Hole Punch
Scissors
Glass Jars
Tea Lights or Small Candles

Instructions:
1. Punch two 1/16” holes (side by side) at the stems of each small leaf.
2. String leaves onto a length of linen thread, wrap around lip of jar and secure in place with double-sided tape.
3. Wrap paper ribbon around mouth of jar for a finished look.
4. Drop in candles, light, and enjoy the warmth!

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-lovely-leaf-lights/feed/ 2 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-thanksgiving-turkey-party-favors/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-thanksgiving-turkey-party-favors/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:51:35 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=3837
We’ve turned our Pocketbook Favor Boxes into just about every kind of animal, so we knew we had to try a turkey for a fun Thanksgiving party favor! With just paper, labels, and tape or glue, these favors are super easy to put together. If you’re having little ones over to your house this Thanksgiving, use this as a kids craft project that will keep them entertained while you’re busy in the kitchen with the big bird!

Gobble, gobble!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Owl Placecard Kit

Materials Needed:
8 1/2″ x 11″ Text Weight Paper
Chocolate Pocketbook
Eco-White 1.25″ Circle Labels
1/8″ Hole Punch
1″ Circle Hole Punch
1/8″ Super Tacky Tape
Glue Stick
Scissors
Pencil

Instructions:
1. Using tape, assemble the pocketbook favor box according to instructions.
2. Stick eco-white 1.25″ labels in place for eyes.
3. Print out our PDF template, then trace the feathers, beak, and other turkey components from text weight paper in various colors. Cut out pieces as indicated.
4. Adhere pieces in place with glue stick, as pictured.

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-thanksgiving-turkey-party-favors/feed/ 8 http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/thanksgiving-ideas-grateful-boxes/ http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/thanksgiving-ideas-grateful-boxes/#comments Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:34:43 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=3820
This Thanksgiving each guest at my dinner table will be welcomed with one of these personalized keepsake boxes. Our craft boxes are so wonderful to decorate – the perfect blank palette for adding colored paper, ribbon, rubber stamps, etc. I will also have a stack of “I am thankful for” letterpress cards on hand so everyone can share their gracious thoughts of one another and slip them into each box. It’s a nice way to engage your guests and remind everyone of the true meaning of the holiday. The boxes themselves make charming Thanksgiving table decorations and double as favors for your guests to take home.

This extra special touch is sure to stir up smiles, joy and happy hearts this Thanksgiving!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Owl Placecard Kit

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/holiday/thanksgiving-ideas-grateful-boxes/feed/ 4 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-adorable-turkey-placecards/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-adorable-turkey-placecards/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:11:44 +0000 PS Stores http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=3738 We have a wonderful customer here in Dedham who loves to create her own special holiday cards and decorations. She visited us recently on our Grand Opening Day in search of a Thanksgiving placecard idea, perhaps a twist on our classic Turkey Placecard Kit. Along with my fellow associate, Calla, I had some fun concocting this adorable turkey placecard for her using our Owl Placecard Kit as inspiration.

We chose chocolate 4bar oval scallop cards for the body, and cut a few in half to create feathers. We cut poppy 4bar oval scallop cards into feet and a beak, and used red cover paper to make the waddle.

We gave our turkey some stylish eye shadow using gold 1.25″ circle labels. Two circle hole punches created the large white and brown eye components, and a 1/8″ hole punch was perfect for the small whites of the eyes. We think our turkey has some attitude.

Our customer was thrilled with our creation, and we’re looking forward to seeing her group of turkeys soon!

–Colleen, Paper Source Dedham Store
PS colors: beet & chocolate
Latest fave: Flocked Gift Boxes

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-adorable-turkey-placecards/feed/ 2 http://blog.paper-source.com/stores/this-weekend-free-holiday-open-house-at-paper-source/ http://blog.paper-source.com/stores/this-weekend-free-holiday-open-house-at-paper-source/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:26:13 +0000 PS Workshops http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=3742
We are so excited about our Annual Holiday Open House this Saturday and Sunday at all Paper Source locations. In addition to our holiday demonstrations, this year we’re giving you an opportunity to do “make & take” projects so you get hands-on experience learning some of our favorite decorating tricks. The best part – it’s all FREE!
Saturday, November 7 from 11:30am – 5pm
Sunday, November 8 from 12pm – 4:30pm
All Paper Source stores

11:30am – 12:30pm • Holiday Greetings Sent with Style – Make & Take
Learn how to dress up & coordinate your holiday greetings with this hands-on rubber stamping and envelope lining “make & take”.

12:30 – 1:30pm • Kraft Boxes for Hostess Gifts! – Demo
Using paper, sealing wax, and ribbon we’ll demonstrate how to dress up our kraft boxes for lovely Thanksgiving gift giving.

1:30 – 2:30pm • Festive Stamped Notes & Place Cards – Make & Take
In this festive stamping and cutting “make and take”, you’ll see how simple it is to dress up place cards, as well as the Thanksgiving table.

2:30 – 3:30pm • Thanksgiving Table Décor – Demo
When it comes to easy and colorful table accents, our favors and place card ideas are just what you need. Let us inspire you with kits, stamping accents and embellishing techniques for the table, as well as for the hostess!

3:30 – 5:00pm • Creative Crafting Time
Explore rubber stamping, heat embossing, quickie glue pens, glitter and more during our free Creative Crafting session. Please contact your local store for this “reservation required” crafting experience.

Come early to our make & take sessions as supplies are limited and available on a first come first serve basis. If you can’t make it this weekend, be sure to mark your calendar for our second Open House weekend November 14 & 15.

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

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/stores/this-weekend-free-holiday-open-house-at-paper-source/feed/ 3 http://blog.paper-source.com/stores/paper-source-special-event-the-grateful-table-2/ http://blog.paper-source.com/stores/paper-source-special-event-the-grateful-table-2/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:46:34 +0000 PS Workshops http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=3305
Our last Girls Night Out of 2009 – The Grateful Table is coming up this Thursday at all store locations. In addition to a fun opportunity for you to spend an evening with friends exploring creative hostess gift giving and learning to make beautiful accents for your holiday tables, this a wonderful way for you to thank others by giving them the gift of our Girls Night Out. Treat your next-door-neighbor, babysitter, or any of the other people in your life you are oh, so grateful to, with a ticket to this wonderful event!

WHAT: The Grateful Table Girls Night Out
WHERE: All Paper Source stores
WHEN: Thursday, October 22, 7-9pm
HOW: Visit our workshop page to find your store & purchase your $30 ticket.

We look forward to sharing our great ideas and inspiration with you, all while gluing, stamping and sipping a glass of wine. The best part: you’ll receive 10% off all your purchases that night.

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

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