My Introduction:
I have a sweet blog friend, Charlotte, who often brings a tear to my eye when I read her posts on tender memories of precious daughters. Our daughters are all flying the nest and her poignant memories of the past and attempts at letting go mirror many of my own. She is great at getting me all choked up! And just when I am blubbering over a memory of little girls, she will get me laughing by sneaking in a post showing her subtle sense of humor. I love her blog. This is the Charlotte I am most familiar with, but I am also coming to know her as Charlotte Lyons, the artist and crafter, and author.
She has written books and been featured in a long list of well-known publications. I even own books with her name in them and I didn’t realize it. I’ve been reading her blog since I started my own, but I hadn’t really put her and her professional life together in my mind. Case in point, I was looking through a magazine the other day and saw a cute little snowman craft. I thought to myself, how cute! And then I happened to notice who made it, Charlotte Lyons. And I paused motionless for a minute, puzzled. “WAIT! Charlotte? What are you doing in this magazine!” Alrighty, I have got to start being more observant! Anyways, she is a down-to-earth, delightful person I am happy to have here as my guest.
This craft idea was originally printed in Charlotte’s blog, I am pleased she is generously sharing it here for us too! Thank you Charlotte!
recycled napkin rings by charlotte lyons
Last year I admitted that I don’t cook much for Thanksgiving. I made the pies and then kept busy with table-setting. Over the year though I noticed that the image for the place cards– crafted last minute from scraps in the drawer- was very popular with readers. Here I am again, up against the holiday event and wanting to inspire you with something crafty after all those family posts. And it looks like more quick and simple papercrafts to keep me out of the way of those who seriously cook here.
As I often do, I looked first in the recycle bin for materials to start with. Aha! These napkin rings are from paper towel rolls. We only have one today because I try not to use them- I’m a fan of washable dish towels. But if you have one, flatten it and cut 2 inch sections with a pinker. Keeping the pieces flat-ish (they’ll look less like what they are and won’t roll on the table), then just decorate them with paper scraps….pretty ones like sheet music and handwriting.
Add a phrase or guest’s initial letter snipped from a cut-up book. A piece of ribbon makes a colorful place to add a word or two. But kitchen string or baker’s twine would be lovely too, especially if it is wrapped around many times.
No end to the ideas once you start.
Wallpaper bits, yarn, fabric, buttons, letter tiles, faces from old photos, laces, charms, things found in nature.
A sailing pin for him or a just-found-in-Omaha favorite brooch for her.
Wishing you all a happy, happy holiday with your loved ones. Hoping you get to enjoy the little things like the crowded kitchen, table or couch. I do think that’s the best part, especially when they help me with the dishes. xoC
This tutorial and its photos are all copyright Charlotte Lyons. Used by permission.
Hi Melissa these are so sweet, such a clever idea, Love it! Thank you Charlotte :) Jenn and Jacqui
These are great. I will definitely have to try this. Great tutorial!
This is a very cute idea!
Thank you!
Great ideas with a lot of style yet easily accomplished…that’s what I am looking for.
Oh my goodness, I am going to have to pay much closer attention myself! I had no idea that we are in the presence of the professionally gifted and talented on a daily basis. How wonderful!
What a great idea, and something you can whip together in a time crunch!
i just recently found our how connected and loved charlotte is myself…i love this tutorial…thank you for doing this week…blessings, rebecca
I am having a hard time keeping up but I am book marking All these pages so I can come back for inspiriation… what a simple elegant way to dress up a table LOVE it…
Thank you Charlotte for sharing!
HUGS
I have made many “things” using paper towel and TP tubes over the years, but these are so pretty. Thank you Charlotte for the inspiration and the tutorial.
I am just starting to use sheet music in decorating/crafting. And brooches, too.
I love this idea – you can customize it in so many ways! Love the one with the green ribbon and also the one with the velvet leaf- so inspiring! Thanks!
Charlotte – thanks for the great idea – paper towel rolls, gosh, who woulda thunk? Love, Esther
How clever! Having a dinner party Saturday, hope I can get a hold of enough tubing by then! I love this idea, thanks again for a wonderful inspiration.
I LOVE this- my favorite so far!
Several years ago I bought a lovely book called “Mothers and Daughters at Home” by Charlotte Lyons. How nice to see her here! The napkin rings are a pretty and easy craft. Thank you Melissa!
Absolutely beautiful and such a creative look with style!
Thanks Melissa for that great post. Your napkin ring certainly brings some glamour to a table. They are quite easy to make as well. Cheers.
Charlotte’s posts get me choked up too! Love the tutorial–thank you!
Great idea ! Hope to create some as a surprise for my daughter- in-love…Thanks again & Happy Holidays to one & all…In Appreciation yours in Christ, Ana