Saturday, December 4, 2010

Welcome to Simply Scrapping Crafts First Annual Holiday Hop! We have quite a line-up for you today filled with lots holiday inspired goodies! Our DT has been busy at work in Santa’s workshop creating a sled full of gorgeous holiday projects to help you decorate, scrapbook or use for gifts!. Be sure to comment all of the blogs along the way because we have "hidden" some extra special treats along the way. There is no way to tell where we have them stashed, so be sure not to miss out! Some of our hop hosts are giving an extra entry for becoming a follower. Who doesn't appreciate more chances to win right? All winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 via the DT blogs and also in the hop room at SSC, which can easily be accessed here . You have until 11:59PM EST tonight, December 4th, 2010 to comment for your chance to win. All you need to do is click on each link and leave a comment as you hop along to the end of the list. Are you ready for a Holly Jolly Holiday Hop? Let's get to hoppin'!

Maureen http://stampandscrapwithmaureen.blogspot.com/

Theresa http://procrastinatingscrapper.blogspot.com/ (YOU ARE HERE)

Nikki - http://gracie33.blogspot.com/

Rona http://scraprona.blogspot.com/

Colleen http://cardsdelight.blogspot.com/

Amy http://amybeansblog.blogspot.com/

Clare http://bearydocardsinc.blogspot.com/

Pryn http://mochavation.blogspot.com

Tammy http://tmaynard.blogspot.com/

Now, for the good stuff! I have two projects to share with you today. The first is a tree made from a paperback book. I saw one of these on the internet a few years ago, and was entranced. I finally took the time to look up the directions for how to make one and tried it myself. This is my tree.



Unfortunately, my busy life has been extra busy this week and I did not have time to make a photo tutorial, but this is really easy to make. It takes less than 30 minutes to put the whole thing together, so it is also friendly for busy schedules like mine. I would love to have an entire "forest" of these little guys.

Supplies needed:
Paperback book
Sharp craft knife
Decorations (I used glitter and a pretty star, but you can use whatever you like - the possibilities are only limited by your imagination)

Directions:
Choose a paperback book with a strong spine and remove the covers.

Slice the spine with a sharp knife to separate the first 30 pages. This will make the first half of the tree.

Begin folding the pages. First, fold the top right corner toward the spine to form a right angled triangle.

Fold the triangle toward the spine again.

The bottom edge of the page will overhang the bottom of the book.

Fold the overhanging triangle at the bottom of the book back up to form a straight line along the the bottom of page.

Repeat with all thirty pages and set aside.

Use the knife to slice another 30 pages from the book. Turn this section so the spine is on the right, rather than left. Repeat the steps above to create a mirror image.

Glue the two halves of the Christmas tree together and add your decorations.

Tips: I tried using Glimmer Mist on mine, and that is not a good idea. The moisture in the Glimmer Mist made the paper "sag" a little bit, losing some of the crispness fo the folds. I did end up putting dots/globs of glue along the folded edges of the paper and sprinkling with some flaky Martha Stewart glitter. The tops of the folded star has a lot of natural slits in it, and I put strong glue on the end of my star and adhered it down into one of those slits.

NOTE: If you have any questions or need any assistance making one of these, please let me know. I am more than happy to help.

The second project I wanted to share is a little banner that I made for my Secret Sister. I should have mailed it to her already (they don't call me a procrastinator for nothing).



I used a cool banner die that I got from The Cat's Pajamas. I cut banner shapes from a variety of papers and added a bunch of various elements to make a Joy, Joy banner. These are quick and easy to make, they can be as fancy or simple, or elegant or rustic as you like. I try to make at least one for myself for each season of special holiday of the year - I hope you'll try one for yourself! And I hope my Secret Sister likes this one!

Thanks to you all for stopping by and taking a look. I have a great little prize package of paper crafting goodies to send to a random hopper who leaves a comment here on this blog post. I will also be giving an extra chance to win the RAK to each person who is already a follower and leaves a comment or becomes a follower today and leaves a comment.

The next destination on the hop is Nikki - http://gracie33.blogspot.com/.

Big hugs to you all! And happy hopping!

59 comments:

  1. Hello my very Girlie friend. Beautiful work. Love the tree, might have to make one tomorrow. I enjoy you so much and thanks for all you do on ssc. Merry CHRISTmas my good friend.

    Love
    Syd
    sydegan@hotmail.com

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  2. Theresa, Gorgeous tree!!! you inspire me :) love that banner - your secret sister won't care a bit about procrastinating when she opens that box!!

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  3. Absolutely have to try that tree if I can get past my ill feeling of tearing a book a part...lol! Love the banner too! I have been wanting to make one of those as well!

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  4. Hi,love the tree, we did trees from telephone directories years ago...never thought of making a Christmas tree! The banner is so clever. Just what I need for decorating my house...thanks for the inspiration!

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  5. Hi Theresa! Miss you!! Love the tree and pendants! Left something for you on my blog-
    http://georgiamacdonald.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-was-pleasantly-surprised-when-ann-my.html

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  6. Theresa, love the tree and banner! I think I understand the tree instructions and going to give it a try! Hugzz Colleen

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  7. Great projects!! Remember seeing the tree a few years ago, yours looks great!!

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  8. great ideas, will be doing some of these with the children I think
    pat

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  9. Very cool!! That Christmas trees bring back a flood of memories!!
    Hugs~
    Dana

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  10. What a great idea for the trees. I could see a small forest of them nestled together on the mantel. Thanks so much for sharing! You have a new follower and I am glad I joined the Blog Hop and found you! AJ - aj_822@yahoo.com

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  11. AWESOME!!! I am dying to give that tree a try. You seriously rock at making banners girl!! LOVE your projects!!!

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  12. I remember making these trees as a kid I'd forgotten all about them what an awesome idea. and I really love the banner it's beautiful.

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  13. Really a neat idea with a 'book' tree, I've never seen that. The banner is a great idea for your 'secret sister', I'm sure she'll love it. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Sandi

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  14. The banner looks great. I need to try one.

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  15. Hi Theresa - I am so excited to be joining in on the hop! I'm slowing taking on a few blogs at a time, in between my morning chores!!

    I LOVE your wonderful projects and also love the looks of your blog ! It's lovely, just like you!!!

    Hugs,
    Lis

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  16. Love that tree and banner! I really want to try the tree (if I have time) soon! Great job!

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  17. Love the banner idea. It will work great with a new product CTMH is releasing in January.

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  18. love the tree, but my jaw just totally dropped when I saw the banner.... gorgeous! :)

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  19. Cute tree! Love the banner, too!

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  20. Your tree looks like an antique! thanks for the inspiration. and your secret sister will love the banner, late or not. Happy Holiday Hopping!

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  21. Hi Theresa,

    Your projects are top notch, as always! The tree is a great addition to holiday decor and your banner is fantastic. I would be so happy to receive it if I were your secret sister, even if it is late! Thanks for all of your hard work on the projects and for giving us the directions.

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  22. Wonderful projects. Really love the tree....

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  23. Great projects I want to try the banner but that little tree is just to cute

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  24. Love that tree! I made these with Reader's Digests when I was a kid. Brings back memories!

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  25. Love that tree - beautiful! I became a follower!
    -Kristin

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  26. STUNNING projects Sis! Your SS will LOVE that banner!!! I am sooooo in LOVE with that tree!!! I am definitely making some :)

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  27. Wow, this is stunning - I especially like the paper you used!

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  28. You took me down memory lane with the tree made from a book...we made them out of old Reader's Digests when we were little. The banner is fantastic...your secret sister will be thrilled!

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  29. LOVE the tree--I've seen angels made like this too! LOVE the banner--I think I just might have to try and make one.

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  30. What a cute little banner but my favourite is that beautiful tree. What a fantastic project, plus it's not too much of a strain for those of us who are time poor.

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  31. Cute tree! Reminds me of using phone books to do the same thing.

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  32. That tree is gorgeous! I've been asked to make up some decorations for my mom's school, and I can see putting some of these together! :)

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  33. That tree reminds me of the ones we used to make with Readers Digest magazines when I was little! (showing my age there!) Yours is very cute and you could do a forest of them!! The banner is so eye catching. I love all the extra touches you gave it! Thanks for sharing your ideas today!

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  34. I am inspired...WOW!!! Love both the projects. TFS.

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  35. Oh my, I too remember making those trees from Readers Digest magazines. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Yours is really cute and that banner is spectacular. What a lucky sister!! I just became a follower. Thanks for sharing your talent.

    Babe
    youiesmom@att.net

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  36. I had never seen a paperback tree before! So sweet! I know I'd love to get the banner if I was your secret sister! Thanks

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  37. Wow, that tree is just too cute!! And I love the banner as well!

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  38. beautiful banner and your tree turned out great (I had made one of those a few years back and they are easy and fun)

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  39. Oh I really like your banner!!!!
    The tree is very different but kinda cute.

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  40. Your Xmas tree is FABULOUS and your banner FABULOUS!!

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  41. This is my first blog hop and I'm having so much fun. Thanks for sharing your beautiful idea.

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  42. Theresa, I love the little paperback tree and thanks for the tip on not using the glimmer mist. It was sweet of you to warn us so we avoided the same problem. Your tree looked great and I didnt see any globs of glue or dots anywhere :)

    Your Joy banner is beautiful and I love the little details you put on each letter. You might be a procrastinator (I am too!!) but your detailed work doesnt show it at all.

    I am already a follower of your blog and look forward to many more visits. Thanks for the chance to win some holiday goodies!

    *Hugs*
    ~Andrea

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  43. Such beautiful projects! Thanks for the great ideas and inspiration!

    Also, thanks for the giggle! I also am a HORRIBLE procrastinator. I make gifts for my secret sister all the time and they sit on my desk for weeks before I remember to take it too her! LOL So bad!

    ---
    Krista J.

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  44. The paperback tree is adorable! I think a set of these on a mantle would be amazing!

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  45. Love both of your projects! They are so pretty!

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  46. Wow - great idea,I would have never thought of this!

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  47. What a fab tree and awesome banner! I collect books so that would be a tough project for me to make *smile*, but your secret sister will love her new banner!

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  48. Love that tree project. What a super cool "green" project and so very creative

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  49. love your xmas tree and banner. Thanks for sharing I am going to try the tree

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  50. your tree is wonderful. thank you for sharing that. The banner is also stunning.

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  51. Both of these projects are absolutely stunning!! Fabulous job Momma!! I need to try and make one of those trees!!

    I left you some lovins over on my bloggy:)

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  52. this is just too adorable! thanks for sharing!

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  53. Love this tree! Thanks for the step-by-step...it's impossible not to try it now!
    {I'm already a follower!}

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Thanks for the love - it makes my heart sing when I hear from my lovely friends!