Drum roll please...it's time foooooor...Thrifty Thursday!

Well ladies and gentlemen, it's that time again, and because Blogspot is in fact functioning as it's supposed to I can post my cost effective and fabulous Thrifty Thursday today! Woo hoo!

This is BY FAR one of my favorite tutorials I've found online and my vow to myself is whenever I close on my new place (once I am officially under contract!) I will make this because I love it to bits!

So please enjoy and check out Every Day Mom Ideas for this and so many other craft ideas!
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Spring Scrapbook Paper Tree

Today I would like to share with you all our newest craft. It's a fun and easy DIY Spring scrapbook paper tree. Tristin and I both love scrapbook paper. We love the large variety of gorgeous patterns to choose from and the lovely, convenient low prices (so you can indulge when needed). But the funny thing is, neither of us like to scrapbook. We are constantly searching for new and innovative ways to use scrapbook paper. Today's feature project is one of them.

Scrapbook paper tree

This simple project uses scrapbook paper leaves to create a bright and cheery Spring ambiance for your home. You could also use these beautiful trees in a wedding, baby shower, bridal shower, birthday party... the possibilities are endless!

What You Will Need:

Scrapbook paper  
Branches
Floral Wire (I used 24 gauge wire)
Glue (You can use scrapbook or tacky glue, but I just used good ole Elmers)
Scissors
Cardboard/cardstock/chipboard
Vase or Pot to place your branches in
Newspaper

The awesome thing is - you probably already have most of these supplies on hand. I only had to purchase the floral wire for a little over $1 (with a coupon). What an inexpensive way to bring Spring into your home!
 
Let's Get Started:

Scraps for Scrapbook paper tree

First, drag out your unseemly healthy assortment of scrapbook paper scraps. If you don't (yet) have a unreasonable amount of scrapbook paper (and everyone should), then just head over to your local craft store - Jo-Ann, Hobby Lobby, or Michaels and pick out your favorites.

Cut out your scrapbook paper leaves

Cut out a template of your leaf from the cardboard (you can also use chipboard or card-stock). I used two different sizes of leaves - one small and the other a lot larger. Try to make the leaves as symmetrical as possible (which I did not realize until later). This will help with pairing up a back and front leaf later on. Using your template, cut out as many leaves as you want. Cut them in even numbers because, again, you will be pairing them up later on.

DSC05622

Take your floral wire and cut strips anywhere from 5"-8" long. I know that's a big range, but I'm taking into account the different size leaves. If it's a larger leaf, you will want a few extra inches of wire.

Making scrapbook paper leaves

Lay down some newspaper next to your workspace. Take one of your leaves and put a thin strip of glue down the center. Place a piece of wire on the glue. Find a leaf of the same size and same scrapbook paper (or different paper- this is your project!) and place it on top of the glue, sandwiching the wire and forming a "vein" down the center of the leaf. Place your newly made leaves on the newspaper. Keep going until you've made all of your leaves.

Scrapbook paper leaves on tree

Now for the fun part! Start placing your leaves on your tree by wrapping the floral wire around a branch. You can arrange them in a natural way (as pictured above)...

Scrapbook paper leaf

...or make them funky.

Scrapbook paper leaf tree

And you're done! This project is so easy. You can make a huge tree or just make a small, simple one. Do ten of them for an event, or just create one for your humble abode. Either way, take this idea and run with it. You can create some Spring magic using only a few supplies!


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So that's it! What do you think, do you think you'll try it out? This project just makes me smile inside and out (maybe because it's a plant that is lovely and that I can't kill...shhh!) I'd love to see it if you try it!

Until next time -

Cat Nip and Chew Toys,

Jenna
  1. Wonderful blog and tutorial, Jenna.
    I am following you too now :)
    Lena.

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  2. This is great! I am so using my cricut to cut out leaves! Lol.

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  3. This is so fresh and springy--and easy to change with the seasons. Love it!

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  4. Very nice, I might make one of those for my new house! I have a blue little table that needs something special! Thanks!

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  5. This is such a cute project. I think it would make a great house-warming present. I'm so happy you found my blog which lead me to finding your blog - I love it!

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  6. I have filed this in my "Favorite Blog Post" file. I'm going to make one!

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  7. Very cute idea! I have a lot of little scraps of scrapbook paper ~ this would be a great way to use them! (btw- I found you in an Etsy thread and I'm an animal lover too!)

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  8. I am SO glad you all love this project as much as I do! Hopefully if any of you guys do try this project you share it, I'd love to see it, there are so many possible outcomes to this!

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I LOVE reading your comments, it brings a smile to my face, you lovelies are the best! If you have a question or comment and have your email linked to your blogger I will without fail respond!

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