Pepper Design Blog

Shabby Chic {Handmade Paper Rosettes}

I love when you find inspiration in the most unexpected of places… the other day I was thinking about those little accordion paper fans I used to make as a little girl by folding up 8 1/2×11 sheets of white printer paper. They might turn into turkey tails for Thanksgiving or maybe even folded hearts for Valentine’s Day.

I found this lovely inspiration board (below) at Paper Crave and it brought me right back to the 2nd grade. The grown-up version of paper accordions comes in the form of folded maps, book pages or antique wallpaper.

I really love the simple way these accordion paper poms fit into every type of party decor. I can imagine them delicately hung above a wedding reception dance floor, lined neatly over a bridal shower dessert buffet or in bright & bold hues for a child’s birthday party.

The rosette ‘table confetti’ is my favorite. And how pretty are the button and brooch centerpieces? A little pearl bead would be perfect.

Once Wed designed an entire grey, green & pink dinner party around this theme (see top top photo), and design*sponge shares it here. To make your own paper accordion rosette, Paper Source provides a free downloadable pdf. And finally, a super easy DIY awaits after the jump! Read more »

A Lovely Paper Lantern Refashion

This is a really neat idea by Crafty Nest. Floral paper lanterns would look wonderful strung across a courtyard as an elaborate wedding decoration (for our reception we made similar floral balls that were hung across a pool – the flowers looked so real at so high up!) and would be equally lovely clustered in the corner of your living room.

This craft project calls for simple white paper lanterns and cord kits (such as those you can purchase form Ikea, World Market or my favorite online resource: Paper Lantern Store). A white garland covered in fake stems from Michaels worked perfectly for the flowers and were easily applied to the lantern with a dab from a hot glue gun.

For full DIY directions, click here.

Crafty Nest used pom-pom fringe for the second refashion, but ribbon, crepe paper, cotton balls (for a snowball?) or tissue paper cut-outs would work well too. Hope this inspires some wonderful projects!

20 {Easy!} Handmade Party Favors

Whether you’re planning a kid;s birthday party, winter get-together, Valentine’s Day group dinner or shower, your personal party favor can be a unique and special way to say ‘thank you’ for joining in on the celebration.

These easy ideas are as simple (a thoughtful take-away bouquet from wrapping a few centerpiece stems in prepared tissue or plastic baggies with ribbon) or fancy (cardstock cones complete with matching ribbon and monogrammed labels) as your party sees fit.

These vellum wrapped cookies are one of my favorite ideas – wrap up a homemade dessert as if you were creating a mini envelope and add a pretty sticker. Place at the center of all individual table settings for a sweet little touch.

These diy pinwheel baggies are super easy and adorably cute as well - using plastic favor bags from your local craft store, fill with goodies and staple shut by folding cut out round circles over the top edges, wrap a ribbon completely around favor for a finishing touch. Simple! And it’s perfect for a kid’s party or baby shower.

For 8 more creative favors, and the ‘how-to’, follow the jump! Read more »

Silver & Green New Year’s Inspiration!

It’s almost time to chime in 2010! If you’re still searching for the perfect New Year’s Eve party inspiration, look no further than a green and silver soiree featuring your favorite left over Christmas decor and delicious lavender & mint cocktails.

Silver and white is an ideal palette to build on — you likely have all white dishware around the house and maybe even a few silver platters, stands, serving utensils or candle holders. Tie in a bit of green as a complimentary color and you’re set!

Freezing edible goodies in ice cubes is my favorite way to fancy up a favorite cocktail. You can find edible violets at a specialty super market (just be sure to call before hand to save yourself a trip) or at many high-end gardening stores (clarify that you’re looking for the organic, non-sprayed version).

More great images and ideas after the jump! Read more »