Merry and Bright - Scandinavian Inspired Christmas Crafts

                                                                            
One of the challenges of my job is creating completely different holiday stories from year to year. It's also one of the best aspects of my job because it forces me outside of my personal comfort zone. It's a bit like being an actor, wearing different hats for a time, completely inhabiting a persona, then moving on. But no matter the style or color palette I'm working with, I find I usually manage to integrate natural elements in some way.

Last year I was obsessed with the icy, silvery aspects of nature, imagining them in a winter landscape. This year I went to the other extreme, fascinated with clean, modern lines and shapes, warmed by a cheerful palette of red and tangerine and the natural coziness of felt accents. 

I had a great time working on this story for Family Circle (and I'll show you the parts that were cut, in another post or two this week). I felt completely happy and energized, surrounded by these colors for several weeks, and I continued to be inspired by my materials long after the assignment was over, a creative bonus. Personally, I'll probably take a sharp turn into a shimmery, sparkly Christmas, much needed visual relief after months of working on holiday stories back-to-back. But what a fun dip into color it was!

You can find the instructions for these crafts on the Family Circle website, along with downloadable templates. And come back tomorrow - I'll give you directions for one of the projects that got away. I made it with one of my favorite craft finds of the year - BARC wood veneer paper.  

 

 

 

All photographs by Burcu Avsar for Family Circle

Comments

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Lauren! And not too difficult, other than the inevitable burns from the hot glue gun. :)

[recruitment business partner]

Wooow, holiday is fast approaching so I have to make some decisions on my designs. I think this would be the perfect designs.

[Lauren]

These are great. I especially love the wreath!

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Shalagh. And kraft paper is still one of my all-time favorites to craft with!

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Catherine!

[Catherine]

I love these crafts. Simple Scandinavian style is totally up my alley. Just beautiful!

[Shalagh Hogan]

OF course you did a lovely job. Very clean with the light wood and clean simple shapes. My favorite? Duh, the deer. And I hear ya' when you say it'll be sparkly foo foo Christmas for you now. I found myself itching to Christmas craft early this year. I may atill be in a brown kraft paper mood. We'll see.
Thanks,
Shalagh