Oh Happy Day!

Creativebug Online Classes

jordan — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:11:45 +0000

Have you guys heard about Creativebug? It is new website where you can learn to take all kinds of craft classes from your favorite crafters. Last week, I took a Creativebug class taught by Eunice and Sabrina Moyle of Hello!Lucky. They walked us through the process of using freezer paper stencils to make Mr. & Mrs. Chair Banners for a wedding. The whole process was really easy and fun. When I purchased the class, it was stored on the site so I could take it on my own time – and as many times as I want! I was really excited to see that some of my other favorite crafters (like Christine Schmidt and Heather Ross) also teach classes on the site. You can purchase each of their classes individually, or set up a monthly subscription and take as many as you want. I picked out some of my favorites below.

1. Mr+Mrs Chair Banner 2. Rice Paper Lantern 3. Paste Paper 4. Ombre Napkins 5. Pompom Garlands

This post is sponsored by Creativebug! Get $15 off any subscription package with the promo code: OHHAPPYDAY before it expires 7/1/13

Homemade Paper Lantern DIY

jordan — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:31:58 +0000

I saw a window of paper lanterns at an art store last year and I have been wanting to try my hand at them. Below, you’ll find tutorials for 4 different kinds of paper lanterns. They can be hung up for a party or strung across the backyard patio. I like the variety of all the shapes and sizes, it makes it look like a big festive party.

Click through for instructions.

Materials: Construction Paper, Quick Dry Tacky Glue, Scissors, String, Flat Wooden Sticks

Square Paper Lantern

Step 1: Tape four wooden sticks together to make a square – repeat (you’ll need two.)

Step 2: Measure the length of your four sticks and cut paper so that it is long enough to wrap around.

Step 3: Glue the outside of the four wooden sticks to the paper – you’ll want to do the top and bottom at the same time.

Step 4: Glue the outside seam of the paper together.

Step 5: Decorate to your liking.

Step 6: Attach String and hang!

Wide Cylinder Paper Lantern
Step 1: Cut out a large rectangle shape.

Step 2: Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Measure and mark every 3 inches along the fold.

Step 4: At these markings, cut 3/4 of the way up the paper.

Step 5: In between each of these cuts, alternate between cutting a fringe and not.

Step 6: Unfold the paper and glue it into the cylinder shape.

Step 7: Pull the fringed sections outward, and push in the other sections.

Step 8: Decorate however you like.

Step 9: Attach string and hang!

Triangle Paper Lantern
Step 1: Cut the thin wooden sticks down so there are two 7-inch sticks, four 5-inch sticks, and one 3-inch stick.
Step 2: Glue two 7-inch sticks together to make a “+” sign.
Step 3: Glue the 3-inch stick vertically in the middle of the “+.”
Step 4: Lean a 5-inch stick from one end of the base to the top of the vertical stick in the middle. Glue into place. Repeat with the remaining 5-inch sticks.
Step 5: Allow glue to dry completely.
Step 6: Cut out several thin strips of paper.
Step 7: Wrap this paper horizontally around the sticks and glue in place.
Step 8: Cover the leaning 5-inch sticks of wood vertically with a long strip of paper. Glue in place on the top and the bottom.
Step 9: Leave as is, or cover with crepe paper fringe.
Step 10: Attach string and hang!

Thin Cylinder Paper Lantern

Step 1: Cut out a small rectangle shape.

Step 2: Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Cut 3/4 of the way up the paper and fringe the entire folded rectangle.

Step 4: Unfold and glue the ends together. Set aside.

Step 5: Cut another small rectangle and glue it together lengthwise so it creates a thin cylinder.

Step 6: Place this thin cylinder inside of the already fringed cylinder.

Step 7: Push both sides of the fringed cylinder down so the fringe pops out. Glue in Place.

Step 8: Decorate however you like.

Step 9: Attach string and hang!

Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting by Jessica Heywood

Favorite Party Ideas This Week

jordan — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:52:18 +0000

1. Letters & Numbers make for an adorable 3rd birthday party theme (via 100 Layer Cakelet.)
2. Name tags just got a whole lot cuter. Thanks Julep!
3. We loved Designlovefest‘s adorable cocktail video.
4. Design Sponge‘s bike adventures in Brooklyn look awesome.
5. We want to be invited to Mighty Girl‘s next oyster party in the park.

Mini Kite Cake Toppers DIY: Kite Party

jordan — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:05:28 +0000

These Mini Kite Cake Toppers are perfect for the kite-themed kids party we’ve been showcasing this week. (See the other posts here and here.) I love them because they feel like they are flying! I’m a big believer in focusing on a few memorable details and then not worrying too much about the rest of the party. They’re easy to make and add a fun punch of color. See the full instructions and photos below.

Click through for instructions.

Materials: Colored Tissue Paper, Flat Hobby Wood, Colored Cardstock, Quick Dry Tacky Glue, Scissors, X-Acto Knife, Thin Wire, Spool of White Thread

Step 1: Using an X-Acto knife, split a piece of hobby wood down the middle. Repeat this process until you have 2 super-thin strips.
Step 2: Cut out a small kite shape from a piece of tissue paper.
Step 3: Cut out 2 tiny triangles from a piece of cardstock.
Step 4: Cut out an 8-in. piece of wire and wrap it around the spool of thread.
Step 5: Remove the wire and stretch it out.
Step 6: Measure and cut the super-thin strips of hobby wood down to the size of the kite so they reach from top to bottom and side to side.
Step 7: Glue down the longer piece of wood from the top point of the kite to the bottom point of the kite.
Step 8: Glue down the shorter piece of wood from one side point of the kite to the other.
Step 9: Place a thin line of glue along the bottom of one of the paper triangles and attach it to the right side of the vertical wooden stick on the kite. Repeat this step on the left side of the stick.
Step 10: Cut out three super-thin strips of tissue paper.
Step 11: At the top of each thin strip of tissue paper, place a small dot of glue and attach them together to make a tail.
Step 12: Glue this tail to the bottom of the kite (below the paper triangles.)
Step 13: Glue the end of the curled wire between the two triangles.
Step 14: Place on top of the birthday cake!

Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting by Jessica Heywood
Styling by Caitlin Barker

Painted Floral Tablecloth

jordan — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:07:38 +0000

After making this painted Polka Dot Tablecloth last week, I’ve been inspired to test the process with different patterns and colors. We made this tablecloth based on some vintage fabric I had in my fabric stash. We had Paul mix up a few colors and I’m so pleased with the way it turned out! The process took only a few hours because the pattern is so abstract and imperfect. I can’t wait to use it at my next party!

Click through for instructions.

Materials: Fabric Paint, Cotton Tablecloth, Large Plastic Drop Cloth, Large Paint Brushes, Paper Plates

Step 1: Lay out the drop cloth and place the tablecloth on top.
Step 2: Mix your paint colors, one on each plate (colors and mixes below.)
Step 3: Begin painting. Start with the flowers, being sure to space the different colors evenly. Paint loosely and with confident strokes. The less you think about making them look perfect the better they will turn out!
Step 4: When you have enough flowers, start adding in the green leaves. Again, be sure to add the different shades evenly through the painting.
Step 5: Let it dry completely.

Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting by Jessica Heywood

Kite on a Stick DIY: Kite Party

jordan — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:27:57 +0000

Here is another element for a Kite Party. These paper versions are the perfect activity for kids to run around with before the actual kite flying begins. As a party activity the kids can paint and decorate their own. They are easy to make with a few simple supplies. Every kid who comes to the party can have their own. And, since they’re built with dowels, they’re easy for little kids to use too. (Click here for the kite invitations.)

Click through for instructions.

Materials: Colored Card Stock, Dowel (any size,) Thin Flat Hobby Wood (about ¾ inch wide,) String, Tissue Paper, Quick Dry Tacky Glue, Scissors

Step 1: Cut out a kite shape from the card stock.
Step 2: Measure and cut the flat hobby wood to the height of the kite.
Step 3: Using scissors, split the hobby wood down the middle.
Step 4: Glue one half of the split wood from top to bottom on the paper kite.
Step 5: Measure the distance from the center of the kite to the side point. Cut the other half of the split hobby wood to this length.
Step 6: Glue these shorter pieces from the center of the kite to the side points.
Step 7: Trim the hobby wood so that it doesn’t hang over the edges of the kite.
Step 8: Using the leftover card stock, cut out a triangle about 3 inches tall.
Step 9: Fold over a strip at the bottom of the triangle. Place glue on this strip and attach it to the middle of the back of the kite (the side without wood.)
Step 10: Cut out strips of tissue paper about a half an inch wide and two feet long.
Step 11: On the bottom corner of the kite back, glue strips of tissue paper on top of each other to create a tail.
Step 12: Cut a string about 1 1/2 feet long and glue one end to the triangle on the back side of the kite.
Step 13: Apply a little glue to the top of your dowel, and wrap the other end of the string around it.
Step 15: Be sure to let the whole kite dry completely before use.

Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting and styling by Caitlin Barker

Mini Kite Invitations: Kite Party

jordan — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:45:16 +0000

Spring is the perfect time of year to throw a kite party. This little kite invitation isn’t just cute, the little kite actually works! You can keep it in your bag for impromptu kite flying. These fun little invites are really easy to make. Just build a few small kites out of tissue paper and then attach them to a piece of cardstock that includes all the party information. Presto! Every guest is sure to feel special from the moment their invitation arrives in the mail.

Click through for instructions.

Materials: Colored Tissue Paper, Flat Hobby Wood(from art store), Colored Cardstock, Quick Dry Tacky Glue, Scissors, X-Acto Knife, Spool of White Thread

Step 1: Using an X-Acto knife, split your hobby wood in half so that it’s in very thin strips.
Step 2: Trace out the shape of a small kite and a triangle on a piece of tissue paper. Cut both shapes out.
Step 3: Cut on three thin strips of tissue paper (this will become the tail of the kite.)
Step 4: Measure and cut 2 thin strips of wood down to the size of the kite so that they reach from top to bottom and side to side.
Step 5: Glue down the longer piece of wood from the top point of the kite to the bottom point of the kite.
Step 6: Glue down the shorter piece of wood from one side point of the kite to the other.
Step 7: At the top of each thin strip of tissue paper, place a small dot of glue and attach them together to make a tail.
Step 8: Glue this tail to the bottom of the kite.
Step 9: Fold over a thin strip along the bottom of the already cut tissue paper triangle. Place a few dots of glue along this strip.
Step 10: Attach the triangle to the top of the kite (the side without wood.)
Step 11: Place a thin line of glue to the side of this triangle and attach a very long piece of thread.
Step 12: Wrap the thread around the invitation to secure the kite in place.
Step 13: Send in the mail for your friends to enjoy!

Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting by Jessica Heywood
Styling by Caitlin Barker

New Job Jar DIY

jordan — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:54:52 +0000

Celebrate a friend’s new job with this practical and thoughtful gift! Just like our Housewarming Jar, this New Job Jar is filled to the brim with all the goodies that any new employee would want. So, go pick out a few of your favorite office supplies, use paint pens to write a phrase on the front of their jar, and let them know how proud you are!

Materials: A variety of desk supplies, a large glass jar with a lid, a printout of your desired text, tape, opaque paint pen, ribbon

Step 1: Print out your text and tape it to the inside of the jar.
Step 2: Trace over the text with your paint pen and then remove the paper from the inside of the jar.
Step 3: Fill it up with new desk goodies!

Photography by Heather Zweig for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting by Jessica Heywood
Styling by Caitlin Barker

Favorite Party Ideas This Week

jordan — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:12:21 +0000

1. Caitlin Freeman’s new book of dessert recipes based on iconic works of modern art.
2. A floral Mother’s Day monogram by Parcel Post.
3. The prettiest balloon bouquet captured by Nat the Fat Rat‘s Instagram.
4. Popcorn cupcakes that almost look too pretty to eat (via Ucreate Parties.)
5. Martha Stewart‘s awesome bubble paper.

Married to Craft

jordan — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:10:30 +0000

I was so happy to discover that Thuss Farrell has a new blog called Married to Craft. I’m so excited about their new book coming out: Paper to Petal. I’ve already preordered mine.