newspaper snowflake garland: a tutorial

These aren't exactly garlands, more like delicate mobiles. They gently spin and twirl at the slightest breeze. It seems to add to their magic... as if they are spiraling to the ground like real snowflakes.

Materials:


newspaper squares ( I used a 9 inch square)
sharp scissors
sewing machine and thread
tape

Make:



1. Cut out several squares from newspaper. I made a template out of card stock and cut a bunch at once.
2. Fold paper in half to make a triangle.
3. Repeat step and fold again.
4. Fold paper into thirds, being careful to have each side match up on top and within the fold.

5. Snip off excess paper, by following along the straight edge.
6. Start snipping.

Tips for lovely snowflakes:
-there are two long sides to your folded and ready to snip triangle: the folded edge and the open edge. Cutting away at one of them ( I prefer the open side, but it's fun to experiment) gives a more defined six points and not such a rounded flake.
- The more you cut away... the more "air" you put into your snowflake. This makes them lacy and delicate.
-Try drawing a design before you start cutting
Here are some examples of snowflake designs- cut and then unfolded:



back to the tutorial...

7. Unfold your design and iron out the wrinkles and folds.
8. Lay out your snow flakes in the order you want them to hang.


9. Stack them in that order (with your bottom hanging snowflake on the top) and carry them to your sewing machine.
(I'm sorry my sewing machine pictures are so challenged... a dark day and one-handed sewing make for tricky photo shoots)
10. set your machine to a basting stitch (large stitch)
11. Place a point of your snowflake under the foot. Make sure to line up the center. Begin sewing.


There will be "air" in the lacy parts with nothing for your needle to grab onto. Be ready and take your thread (coming out from behind the foot and gently pull as you sew through nothing.


Simultaneously, push your snowflake toward the needle. Let go once you've reach paper again. Does this sound tricky? A little bit, but after one or two tries, you'll be a pro!


12. Use "the gentle pulling of your thread" technique to create space of about 2 inches between each snowflake.
13. Once you reach your final flake, keep the machine running and you pulling ( be ever so gentle with your machine), until you have enough thread for hanging... several inches.



14. Because these are so light, all they need is a bit of transparent tape to adhere to a ceiling.
Give each strand some space so they don't get tangled. I'd also keep them out of high traffic areas... they're quite fragile.
So, there you have it! Please don't hesitate to ask for any clarifications. For photos of a series of strands together (a snow flurry!), please see my post about the winter window installation, here. If you give it a try, don't forget to upload your photos to the maya*made designs flickr group. It's so fun seeing everyone's beautiful work!

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I'm off to finish sewing... lots of fun stuff going into the holiday shop update on Monday. Did somebody say MONDAY?!! Hoping to have those sneak peeks at buckets, etc. some time this weekend. Do I ever sleep? Nope... but it might need to be a resolution for the new year!