The Gourd Festival

We were so fortunate to be able to go to the gourd festival this year. There are so many talented people who have made gourds into beautiful works of art. Until now, I had never heard of making gourds into art, but when I saw all the gorgeous pieces I thought that I would like to give it a try (someday). Here are some pictures that I took while at the festival. Maybe it will inspire you like it did me.

Making a Girraffe Out Of Paperclay

Making this paperclay giraffe was so much fun! You can purchase the paperclay from any craft store. I used aluminum foil for the body and head and wire for the legs and neck. Roll the aluminum foil into a fairly solid ball and poke the wire into the aluminum foil and glue. Wrap the paperclay around the aluminum foil to form the body. As it dries it will crack some, but you can fill in the cracks with more paperclay and after it is dry you can file smooth with a nail file. You will know when it is dry because the clay will not be cold anymore, now you are ready to paint, varnish and embellish. I used false eyelashes, wool for the neck and horns and embroidery floss for the shoelaces.

Place Table Sparkle

 

Here is a quick and easy way to sparkle up the dinner table.

 

 

The sparkle band has an adhesive back on it that I purchased from Michaels. Measure and cut the length you need.

 

 

You can use any flowers that you like. If you want to mix it up, use tea lights in some of them.

 

 

Flower Arrangement in a Cupcake

 

 

For this arrangement I found a plastic cupcake holder and tiered cupcake plate in the dollar store. To start the arrangement place some wet foam into the cupcake holder and tape down with floral tape.

 

I bought a package of miniature carnations. That is all you need, you don't need to get any greens with this arrangement.

 

 

Start by inserting the mini carns. into the side of the foam.

 

 

Go all around inserting the carns as you go.

 

Fill any gaps that you missed.

 

Put the birthday candles on top. I think it is quite cute.

Table Arrangement With Glitter and Glam

 

Place wet foam into container. Tape with floral tape.

 

 

When inserting greenery, take off the bottom needles.

 

Start inserting Christmas greenery into the foam.

 

Insert the greenery until it looks full.

 

I used shoe Christmas ornaments.

 

Insert pinecones, snowflake ornaments and mini Christmas balls.

 

The bigger Christmas balls, you can insert a skewer in the hanger.

 

With the shoes, I inserted the skewer into the hanger too.

 

 

I chose not to use any flowers in this arrangement, only glittery and shiny ornaments, but you sure could if you wanted.

 

New Years Eve Table Arrangement

 

Put wet foam into a container of your choice and floral tape it onto the container. I used wet foam because I used fresh greenery.

 

Use Christmas greens and insert them into the foam.

 

Keep inserting the greens until it is full.

 

 

I bought the mask at Halloween when all the costumes were selling in the stores. The Christmas balls are small and I wanted them the same color as the mask.

 

 

Floral tape a wood skewer and hot glue onto the mask.

 

Insert the skewer with the mask into the wet foam.

 

 

Fill the rest of the container with whatever you like to put in. I used the purple Christmas balls (attaching 3 at a time), snowflake ornaments, pinecones, and a touch of red just to set off the purple color.

 

To finish it, I tied a purple ribbon onto the container.

Feather Christmas Tree Centerpiece

 

This feather tree centerpiece is so easy to make. You could make them in different sizes for the table or mantle and they look so pretty.

 

 

To make, all you need is a Styrofoam cone, a feather boa, and a jewelled strap. I purchased everything from Michaels.

 

 

The band has adhesive on the back but you will also need to use stick pins.

 

Wrap the boa around the cone and use stick pins where needed. It's that easy!