24 days of Advent = Xmas tree!

Images by Muffins in my backpack.

DIY: Advent calendar and Xmas tree (2 in 1).

For this year's advent calendar I wanted a "2 in 1" sort of thing, as J. didn't have any Christmas decoration (and he wasn't going to buy anything). So, I thought that I had to make a calendar that could be displayed during the holidays as well, and I wanted it as minimal as possible, in order to fit in with the whole living space.

I knew I wanted something inexpensive, maybe cardboard or paper, nothing fancy; and the most important thing, it had to be foldable as I had to carry it. I wanted to make something like in 2D that could, maybe, be hung up.

I started my research and found the perfect inspiration in this amazing blog called Weekday Carnival. I, obviously, adapted the idea to what I already had in mind but it almost had everything I was looking for: a flat surface and ornamentation.

I chose a colour scheme: black&white texture images and different red plaids. I printed them on white cardboard, put the numbers on the other side and then I cut them with my circle cutter.

To make the tree I used a large sheet of tracing paper cut it as a triangle and attached it to the wall with the transparent washi tape with black dots, and finally I put the circles on the tree with the same washi tape. I love that it seems there is no tree surface apart from the lines, and  I can have the advantage of not having to attach each circle directly to the wall.

Now, they only need to be turned around to show the texture and become a beautiful Xmas tree!

Images by Muffins in my backpack.

DIY: Christmas gift tags.

I really like to customize the presents I give, so yesterday I tried to make my own gift tags.
I've been wanting to try stamp carving for a while, so these gift tags were the perfect way to do it. You could find most of your craft supplies wih a Target promotional coupons and save.

I started by drawing some (easy!) Christmas decorative motifs: a tree, a snowflake and a candy cane. I printed and transferred them to the rubber. As I didn't have the required tools I cut them with my regular cutter (I think it made a pretty good job).

I could have used stamp pads but I tried gouache instead. I thought that this heavier texture would match better with the craft paper. I chose white, magenta (with a tiny pigment of white) and paynes gray.

Then I put some washi tape around the corners, made a little hole and attached a strip of white and red baker's twine. Finally I wrote the names with black marker.

I love this imperfect look and characteristic texture of the little drawings.

Images by Muffins in my backpack.

My wall.

These are some of the exposure test strips I did in my Black&White film photography class, hung on the wall.

I loved taking those classes! I wish I could have my own little photography lab and develop my own photos. 

I love the contrast of the black and white photos and the bright pink washi tape.

Images by Muffins in my backpack.

DIY: Advent calendar.

I know I'm a little bit late but I wanted to post my advent calendar. I had this idea in mind and wanted to do an advent calendar, but slightly different; since it was for a "grown-up"  (grown-up only when he wants, hehe).

I didn't come with the whole idea at the same time, I was looking for some small "boxes" to fit my messages inside, so I was so happy when I saw these colorful paper gems from Minieco (this amazing blog!). She explains how to do these small artworks and you can download the templates; so I couldn't resist!

There are three different gems, so I printed them out in white craft paper, cut and glued. 

I just let one piece opened in order to put the message inside, sealed it with different black, grey and white washi tapes, and wrote the numbers.

Then I built a box made of white foam board. It was 20x20x11cm, and I joined the pieces with washi tape (matching the ones of the little gems). Then I made a cap, placed all the gems inside and work was done!

I wanted a more "serious" look, not so girly, so I assumed white, grey and black would be the best tones to make the whole project; that pop of bright yellow just added a little bit of life.

I love how all these little boxes look together, and how can they ressemble at white snowflakes.

Images by Muffins in my backpack.

Cute washis.

A few days ago I received my order of washi tapes. They are soooo cute! They're like tiny pieces of art :)

I really like how they match together; specially the grey and black ones, I think they make a fantastic base for the solid bright colors.

You can find Office Depot duck tape coupons and save on decorative tape.

Images by Muffins in my backpack.

Washi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9