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, so no need to reinvent the wheel, I have left it just as it appeared. Thus, you will find links to other fun posts in her blog which you will enjoy too! I thought this craft was so cute and manageable (for me, the non-crafter) 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.
