How-to: Folding Stars

I'm not quite sure why I was drawn to this little origami, other more complicated shapes have always frustrated me in the past. But I'm glad I gave it a go, because now I'm totally hooked. Here is a site with clear, well-photographed directions:

Foldastar.com

Commercial star-folding paper is available. Klutz makes a kit, which is sold at Kinokuniya bookstores. I've also seen it in craft stores, it runs about $7.00. I've seen packs of folding star paper ranging from $1 - $10+ in other places, like Pearl River Mart, or hole-in-the-wall Chinatown shops. (Have I mentioned lately that I love working in Manhattan?)

I prefer to make my own. Until two weeks ago this was accomplished by using a good old pair of scissors. I've upgraded to a guillotine style paper cutter, but still use the scissors a ton. Some tips:

* Practice on cheap scrap paper! Typical copier paper is a good weight to start with. This craft doesn't have to cost you a dime!

* Different papers need different sized strips- If your paper strips are too wide it will be difficult to get a good, sturdy star before running out of length. Generally the skinner the paper, the shorter the length required.

* Experiment! My favorite materials to make stars from include junk mail, catalogs, magazines, manga, maps, fliers, posters, etc.

* Stars can then be turned into jewelry, or displayed in bowls and jars. A word of caution- if you make a bowl of these at your desk warn co-workers that they are not candy!

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Mystery Bottlecaps!

What will they be? Nobody knows....oooh...ahh...except for me....

...and my husband...

...and the fact that the tokidoki ones are almost dry...

...

Oh well.

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Abingdon Boys School Magnets

 

For Lindsay...although I'm having a hard time sending them out! So cute!

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Spooky Shop update

 

I picked up this cool octopus earring holder at Urban Outfitters, and felt that it would accent my zombie accessories well. What do you think? I took many more photos, so there will be an earrings update before the weekend.

I got a little creative with the descriptions, mwa-ha-ha! I'm excited that Halloween is on a Friday this year. Some friends are planning a group for the Greenwich Village parade, but I'm not sure what the theme is yet. I voted for "Where's Waldo" or "Pac-Man", but it may go to superheroes. Decisions, decsions...

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It's extra paycheck month!

October is a 3 paycheck month! The last was back in April, and I dutifully put the extra cash into my savings account. But October is a new ball game! Lately I've felt the need to overhaul my wardrobe. I bought a vintage ring off the street in SoHo, a blazer at Esprit, and am continually hunting for the perfect pair of boots. One thing that would look super chic with the new blazer-

An "Oscar the Octopus" necklace from Pulp Sushi! What a coincidence- the NewNew etsy street team is giving one away! All you need to do is blog about it? I'm so there.

This would go well with some of my earlier etsy purchases, like the squid cuff from hollyhawk. Oh, and I would so wear it while eating fried calamari.

Now I'm hungry.
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Spoils of war

I had promised myself that a new paper cutter was first on the list of things to buy with any profit from the show last weekend. I priced out several, read some reviews, and decided on a 12" Dahle guillotine. The DH and I met up after work, took a trip to Dick Blick, and lo! We are now the proud owners of a sharp, dangerous chopping device!

For the record- the Dick Blick on Bond Street in NYC is sweet! It has usurped Canal Street's Pearl Paint in my opinion. They have a lot of the same merchandise, but the layout is so much simpler at DB. It's cleaner too, everything at Pearl seems to be covered in a layer of grime. I also picked up some glitter, mini-canvases, and more acrylic varnish.

The picture has nothing to do with this post, really. I just adore this phone strap. It will be listed in the shop soon! I'm going to have to restock on ninjas. They came from Pandora's Locker, which has a plethora of fun kitschy charms.

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Postcards are in the shop!

I listed the "I Cube NY" postcards in my etsy shop this morning:

Paperelle.etsy.com

I have ~25 left, let me know if you would like a larger quantity than what is listed. I'm so glad I took the time to make these, they got a lot of love at the show. I did try burning the edges to give it a more authentic look, but this paper doesn't singe well. Live and learn.

I do still have the screens...hmm...what else can I make with the cube?
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