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:

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love it!!!

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. Strange? Only in the best sense...

    I will definitely be trying out this wonderful idea!

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. 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!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. cute!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. 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!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very great idea !!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. 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.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  23. 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....

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

    Jen, those Twiggums are mighty cute!

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is so unique and cute. luv it!

    ReplyDelete
  27. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  29. this is so simple and fun! i love it!

    ReplyDelete
  30. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  31. so clever! i love the inspiring pattern and the end result!

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

    ReplyDelete
  33. that's soooo pretty! i like it.

    ReplyDelete
  34. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  35. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  36. These are fabulous!! Would love to try these at home!

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  42. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  44. Just found this post advertised on a site!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete