Easy Birthday Centerpiece

One would think that being a larger-than-average family, we would have birthdays spread out throughout the year.

But, no. We have grid-lock birthday season, and then a couple more here and there. We've just survived yet another jam-packed birthday season, 1 Mama, 2 sons, 3 daughters and 1 daughter-in-law. In 5 1/2 weeks. And this year we threw in Luke's High School Graduation Celebration. Whew! I'm tired just reading that!

There are upcoming posts 'in-draft' to document some of these events more properly, but today I'm going to share how to make this fast and festive, frugal, fun and fabulous table decoration.

You'll need:
paper (any size, any color, the more you have the more you can make. I used 8.5x11 colored printer paper)
scissors (or some type of cutting tool)
pencil (used as a wrapping tool)
cellophane tape
and something to use for the 'stems' or stick-holders (we used chop sticks but straws, dowels, pencils would work)

Cut several strips, 1/4" wide or so, from each color of paper. Then wrap each strip, individually, tightly around a smooth pencil. (see picture left)
Release the paper strip and you a beautiful ribbon-like curl. (see picture right)


Tape one end of each curl to your chopstick or straw (see picture below).

 Place in a vase or glass, and VOILA! Instant, festive, centerpiece. Kiddos made this for Dad's birthday a couple months ago. It was recycled for recent birthdays and re-vamped with more blue and orange for Luke's graduation party.

You'll find more tips and ideas over at: