Paper berries and branches | How About Orange

June 16, 2008

Paper berries and branches

A little Saturday experiment: a tiny vase of branches with origami paper berries. I can't decide if I think it's cute or just strange. Where did the inspiration for this come from, you ask?

This stick-circle theme pops up a lot. It's decades old but experiencing a resurgence. (Here, on Patricia fabric from Ikea.) The motif is based on three dimensional branches and berries found in nature, reduced to flat graphic shapes. Which I then attempted to make 3-D again. Silliness!

To make this, find a few delicate little branches (these are from some sort of pine tree). Trim them with a scissors if some of the ends are too long. Then use a circle punch (it will make your life easier) to cut out paper circles. With gel or liquid craft glue, stick the circles together, sandwiching your branch in between.

59 comments:

Janet said...

I think it's adorable. Great centerpiece for casual summer parties. Cutomized for each occasion.

Brie said...

Agreed with Janet, it's so fresh looking. :) I like it.

gina said...

it's cute- a nice burst of color without being to heavy- great for the season.

Dallas said...

Very fresh and cute.

Swestie said...

Love the pattern!

Unknown said...

I agreed with the previous comments! This project is completely adorable and fresh and lovely and yes, maybe a little silly. But you know, we all need some silliness in our daily lives, no? I am certain to try this myself. Will make a fun project with my son. Thank you for sharing!

s a n s k u :) said...

Love it!!!

I'm making curtains for my little girl's room with that Ikea fabric.

Hi! I'm Wendi! said...

Love it!

Karen Kossow said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen Kossow said...

Sorry - last comment I left made no sense after I read it...I really like this idea. I am thinking about doing some version of this for a spring garden wedding reception, maybe with pictures of us on one side and colors matching the wedding theme colors on the other.

Anonymous said...

I think it's really cute in a kinda weird way...or weird in a cute kinda way maybe.
It's great inspiration for fun holiday center pieces using theme colors- thanks!

Delice said...

I love it! What a great idea that I may have to borrow!

Sarah said...

I like it!! It's a unique spin on a classic theme!! I may have to steal it...if I ever find time :)

Ashley said...

Very cute! I really like it.

Mollie said...

Strange? Only in the best sense...

I will definitely be trying out this wonderful idea!

bethany said...

Love. How inventive!!

Erin said...

It would look cute in the winter with branches sprayed white.

Anonymous said...

Love it girl!! I think I might make a centerpiece for my craft show this weekend. That is such a cool idea. Love you blog, it's my fav. If you are up for it, I've tagged you! Just come check out my blog and see what you have to do!!

Anonymous said...

cute!

i have a small vase/milk jug verrrry similar to that. mine is not a pretty blue though!

Marla Taviano said...

I like.

Anonymous said...

Great job!!

Eve

Shelly G said...

Very clever...I love it... I am going to try it...

Elfin Goddess said...

Love it!!!! I have lots of beautiful handmade paper left over from our wedding a few years ago. I think I will make one of these centrepieces using the paper....p'raps for our next anniversary!!!

Anonymous said...

Very great idea !!!

Lara said...

My vote is for cute too!

Megumi said...

Hmm. I think the berries are 2 dimensional, but the branch and the vase are 3-D, so that might make you feel weird. Also maybe because I'm Japanese, I feel odd to see Origami paper in the Western vase. Of course you don't have to make it Japanese. We all have 100% of freedom to make something interesting! My students would love it, too.

Natalie Que said...

Your site is ADORABLE! I found you off of my sister's blog. So many great ideas, you are brilliant.

Livia M. said...

i think i'm gonna try this today! do you think it would also work with fabric?

elizabeth engelhardt creations said...

too cute!!!

Unknown said...

How strange. ;) So this is what you do while I'm trying to figure out Texas Franchise Tax?

Beth said...

What a cool idea. I think it looks awesome! Branches are one of my favorite things to decorate with. This is a great way to use branches and get the affect that they are blooming.

Anonymous said...

I love it! It actually reminds me of something I saw months ago...Twiggums (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10327385).

I don't have the tools to make Twiggums knock-offs but I can certainly make some of these paper berries! Wheeeeee....

Jessica Jones said...

Yes, jcaroline, that's exactly what I was doing while you were pulling your hair out.

Jen, those Twiggums are mighty cute!

Saying It Simply said...

I love this. So sweet and simple. A great way to decorate for any occasion!

Cinthia Truong said...

This is so unique and cute. luv it!

Tricia said...

VERY cute!

Gillian Mowbray said...

This looks fab. It reminds me of stems of Honesty seedheads. Great idea. x
If you're unfamiliar with the plant you can see it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annual_honesty

Rachel R. said...

How cute! This would be especially great in the winter, when bare branches are plentiful, but flowers are in short supply.

katylinvw said...

this is so simple and fun! i love it!

Anonymous said...

cute

Manda said...

So cute!

Jessica Jones said...

Livia, you'll probably need some iron-on interfacing or something to stiffen the fabric up. Depends on how heavy it is, I'd imagine. Try it out!

Jess said...

so clever! i love the inspiring pattern and the end result!

Lexi:: PottyMouthMama said...

I love it. Reminds me of blossoms and lollipops - and that ain't bad!

bunzi said...

that's soooo pretty! i like it.

Lanii Be Good said...

I think it's very cute. Perhaps it wouldn't feel as silly in monochromatic colors. Or maybe patterned paper in the same color. And I agree that in the winter it would look great white - maybe silver twigs with white 'berries'. Great idea!

And I just found your blog and love it!

Ryan Green said...

i love the idea!

for some reason i have never really liked red, blue and yellow together so maybe that is what is throwing it off for me. i agree with lanii in that i would love to see it monochromatic, or just a more "adult" color combo. i wish i had an excuse (and the room) to have a dinner party b/c this would make a great centerpiece.

Anonymous said...

These are fabulous!! Would love to try these at home!

summer pickles said...

Cute.... perhaps because it's a wee bit strange... would love to see it in all greens and blues... lovely!

Catherine said...

Love that! I am going to make a bunch of these in different fabrics for different events and seasons. Thanks for the tutorial!

Amanda said...

I love it and have bookmarked it to add to my office credenza!

Dida said...

woowooo.
i ve been absolutely in love with ur blog...that day i saw it..(yesterday)...
i have to try this..!!1

Jessica Jones said...

Dida, thanks so much!

Dida said...

hey Jess..i have uploaded my version in ur group...thank u once again for such an amazing idea and sharing it....

Amanda said...

This just inspired me, even though it's been on my project list and I've looked at it many times. I'm going to have to see if what I'm thinking of in my head works... and report back!

ILikePaperCutting said...

I've learned that craft project does not need to be difficult and complicated. You're superb.

Steph said...

Just found this post advertised on a site!

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/punches.html

Christina said...

I'll be featuring this on my blog in a few days!! Awesome idea! What a great way to dress up a table!

EllensCreativePassage said...

Oh my, how very cute!! I think this is darling...will be making some of these soon!