Tabletop Decor

I’ve had these strips of paper left over from trimming I did to our good friends Brittany and Jared’s wedding invitations… a year ago. I kept them in a box planning to get all crafty on them. So a few days ago I got them out and sat them on my round table in my office. I was inspired to try one craft that turned out to be a total flop. So I regrouped and got started last night on this little gem. I’m totally into white-on-white design and papercraft (inspiration often from here). So I set out to use up every scrap of paper from those invitations. If you’re interested, I was using Strathmore Windpower Smooth Bristol Paper. But any heavyweight paper will do.

Also, as a confession, I made this piece larger than I would prefer. In my head I wanted it this big, and when it was finished, I realized the ideal size is about 30% smaller. So the instructions I’m giving you are for what I would do if I were making another one – which is exactly the same except smaller.

What on earth will I do with this? That’s a great question. At the size I made mine, it fits perfectly around a medium size housplant, in case you have one in an ugly container. It would also work surrounding a tealight. I could cut a door out and let the kids use it as a miniature playhouse. Or it works as a candy corral. Mmm… that last option sounds like a good idea.

Paper Tabletop Decoration – You will need:
Scissors or paper cutter
24 1″ x 4″ strips of heavy weight (100# or heavier) paper
4 1″ x 2″ strips
Glue

Use your paper cutter or scissors to cut strips. They sould be close to the same size, but they don’t need to be exact. Once cut, overlap six, gluing between the seams. Leave about 1/4″ overlap.

Once you have four sheets of six, cut a straight edge off two of the sheets.

Next, take your four 1″ x 2″ strips and fold in half.

Glue the outsides of the small strips, using them to link all four panels in a row. Arrange them in a checkerboard pattern, alternating between vertical and horizontal stripes. Be sure the cut edges are are along the bottom of the vertical striped panels, and even with the edges of the horizontal panels. This ensures it will sit level on the table.  Note: Start by gluing three, and let the panels lay flat until dry. Then stand it up to link the last one in place.

Finally, stand it up and enjoy!