Party Ideas by Mardi Gras Outlet

Pink Deco Mesh Wreath: Video Tutorial & Giveway Results

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

The results of our first blog giveaway are in! Congratulations to Missy Smith who wins this fun pink and blue mesh wreath. Thank you to all of our readers who helped us reach one million views! We are looking forward to the future with lots of exciting things happening on the blog and at Mardi Gras Outlet.com.

If you did not win here is the video tutorial for creating this wreath on your own. All the supplies for this project are available at MardiGrasOutlet.com.

SUPPLIES

The estimated total cost for supplies for this wreath is about $35.

Deco Mesh, work wreath forms, ribbon and glamour rope come in many colors, finishes and patterns, so be creative and change up the colors and supplies for this wreath to customize it for your occasion or holiday.

Deco Poly Mesh is a versatile material that is perfect for making DIY wreaths or garlands. It is waterproof and holds its shape, and comes in many colors. This pink and blue wreath works well for a baby shower or birthday.

For more deco mesh ideas and tutorials, see our past blog posts.

1 Million Views Wreath Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:28:00 +0000

We hit 1 million! Mardi Gras Outlet's Party Idea Blog has reached 1 million all time views! Thanks a million for staying tuned to our tutorials and crafting ideas. We are celebrating by giving away the deco mesh wreath shown above. Want it for free? Simply comment on this blog post, and we will pick a random lucky winner.

We will announce the winner later this week along with the video tutorial for creating this fun pink and blue mesh wreath. Good luck!

Stars n' Stripes Snack Cups: Free Printable

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

School is almost out for the summer! Celebrate the arrival of the lazy days of summer with a Memorial Day barbecue or backyard picnic. These patriotic Stars n' Stripes snack cups in red, white and blue are a cute, budget friendly party idea that will wow your guests. Easy DIY paper cups are convenient and portable containers for pretzels and other fun snack foods. Use the free download available below for these printable snack cups!

PATRIOTIC SNACK CUPS-FREE DOWNLOAD

Click on the link above to download the free PDF template.

You will need a PDF reader, available here for free if you need one on your computer.

Print out as many as you need on your home printer onto 8.5"x11" copy paper or card-stock. You can also save the file and have them copied on a color copy machine at your local copy center.

DIRECTIONS

Cut out the half-circle template, and then roll it into a cone shape. Make sure that the paper edges overlap by a few inches, and line-up at a red stripe. Staple or tape the cup together.

Once you have made the cups, stack them up next to bowls of snacks on the table. And let your guests fill them up during your party.

Or have them filled with fun party snacks. We found these great vintage rustic wooden coke crates that held the snack cups perfectly. A pretty presentation and easy to grab snack on the go!

Snacks with family and friends- Let the good times roll this summer! Enjoy!

DIY Patriotic Fireworks Centerpiece

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:44:00 +0000

Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are just around the corner, so set the stage to celebrate with a crafty DIY fireworks centerpiece! This red, white and blue table decoration is an easy and safe way to add fireworks to an outdoor party or barbecue. To see how to make it, keep scrolling for our tutorial which uses deco flex tubing ribbon.

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to purchase at www.mardigrasoutlet.com)

1 Pack of Red, White and Blue Mardi Gras Beads

1 Clear Centerpiece Column 10"

1 Clear Centerpiece Base 6"

1 Red Deco Flex Tubing Ribbon

1 Blue Deco Flex Tubing Ribbon

1 White Deco Flex Tubing Ribbon

1 Aluminum Craft Wire

1 Plastic Balloon Sticks

Scissors

STEP 1: Make the Base

The clear plastic centerpiece base plate and column come separately, so you will have to insert the column into the base. Before filling the column, tape the underside of the base to keep the beads from falling out through the center hole.

With the red, white and blue Mardi Gras beads, layer in each color of beads to fill the centerpiece column. You may have to cut some strands to make the bead layer evenly.

STEP 2: Make the Fireworks Puffs

Gather the ends of the red, white and blue deco flex ribbon and hold in one hand.

Make a loop with all three colors at once and hold in the same hand. The loop should be about the same length as the loose ends of the ribbon. Form another loop with all three colors. Keep making loops, going back and forth about 8 to 10 times, holding them in one hand.

*This fireworks puff is about 4-inches wide, but we made a variety of sizes for the centerpiece, from only 2-inches wide to about 10-inches.

Now cut a short length of tubing and tie tightly around the center of the loops, where you have been holding.

Cut the end of each loop you made on both sides.

It should look like this once you have cut all of the loops. Fluff out the puff to make it look rounder.

STEP 3: Attach Wire

Cut a 12"-18" length of aluminum craft wire and twist one end around the fireworks puff.

Cut a piece of white deco flex tubing ribbon and insert the wire through the middle of the tube, to hide the wire. The ribbon should be about the same length as the wire.

STEP 4: Make more puffs

This centerpiece has 7 fireworks. Each puff has different color combinations and are different sizes to give variation to the centerpiece.

STEP 5: Insert into the centerpiece base

Now you can stick the wire ends into the column. As you add each firework, turn the centerpiece to make sure it looks good from all angles.

For the two taller and larger fireworks, insert the wire into the sturdier plastic balloon sticks instead of the deco flex tubing.

You could also use these fireworks individually. Fill a mason jar with sand, and insert one fireworks spray. Make several of these to decorate longer tables or dessert bars.

The same fireworks spray was used to make this red, white and blue wreath. Click here to see the tutorial on how to make the burlap ribbon wreath.

We hope you have a safe and memorable

Memorial Day celebration!

DIY Red Burlap Ribbon Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:21:00 +0000

Natural burlap ribbon offers great texture and color--perfect for creating a fun wreath for the summer. This basic everyday burlap ribbon wreath can be transformed into a themed wreath for special events. Our photo tutorial featured here shows you how to make this basic red burlap ribbon wreath using a Twig-works wreath form. With some simple additions this wreath is transformed for a summer crab boil, Cajun crawfish boil, Memorial Day, the 4th of July or anything else you can imagine.

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to purchase at www.mardigrasoutlet.com)

15" Twig-Works Round Wreath Form

2.5" Faux Red Burlap Ribbon

Scissors

The supplies for this basic burlap ribbon wreath will be about $18, without any additional decorative accents shown below in the crab, crawfish and patriotic themed wreaths.

Twig-works wreath forms are covered in a natural moss-like texture and have pre-attached wire ties, making it easy and quick to create your own wreaths.

STEP 1

Form a loop at the end of the red burlap ribbon. This burlap ribbon has wired edges, making it easy for the loops to hold a full shape.

STEP 2

Bunch the loop into one hand, and then twist the ribbon once.

STEP 3

Form another loop, gather it into that hand, and then twist the ribbon once.

STEP 4

Repeat and continue going back and forth to make 3 more loops to form a bow.

STEP 5

Use a pair of wire ties on the twig-works wreath form to secure the bow to the wreath. Twist the ties through the loops that you have been holding.

STEP 6

Without cutting the burlap ribbon, form another bow a length down the ribbon. Make 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 loops before attaching the bow to another set of wire ties. The more loops you make for each bow, the fuller the wreath will look.

STEP 7

Repeat and go in a zig-zig pattern all the way around the wreath, going back and forth from wire ties on the inner ring to the outer ring.

STEP 8

This wreath form will use most of the roll of ribbon. As you attach each bow, fluff the loops out.

YOU'RE FINISHED!

Once you have filled the entire wreath, trim the excess ribbon. Keep scrolling down for ideas on creating different types of theme wreaths for summer parties and patriotic door decorations!

Make a patriotic wreath for the Fourth of July by adding easy DIY pom pom fireworks. Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to make these fun fireworks puffs with deco flex tubing ribbon.

This red, white and blue wreath is perfect for Memorial Day or the 4th of July. The red burlap ribbon wreath was accented with cream burlap ribbon and royal blue Mardi Gras Beads.

Summer is the perfect time for crab boils. This crab themed wreath is accented with Jute Window-Pane Ribbon ($9.75) and crab picks ($1.75 each). Attach the crab picks to the wreath using the same wire ties used to attach the ribbon.

Using the same crab picks, you can create a different version of a crab wreath with natural-tone fish netting ($4.50). Attach the netting to the wire ties by going back and forth across the front of the wreath, as opposed to going around the wreath like the jute ribbon. Leave some slack and then open up the netting. Click here for more crab party decorations and supplies.

Need a crawfish boil wreath idea? Instead of adding crabs, try these red plastic crawfish and bunches of decorative Spanish moss. For more crawfish boil party decorations click HERE.

Twig-Works Square Ribbon Wreath: VideoTutorial

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Work wreath forms offer you an opportunity to create your own custom door decoration. Don't limit yourself to filling the wreath form with standard 21" wide deco mesh. Wreaths can be created with ribbon, fabric or greenery. The fun square shaped wreath shown here is crafted using two different styles of 4" wide ribbon.

This video tutorial shows you how to make a natural looking deco mesh wreath perfect for everyday using deco mesh ribbon and a new product, a natural woven 4" wide Abaca ribbon, on a Twig-Works wreath form.

The Twig-Works Spring Ribbon Wreath Video Tutorial:

Twig-works is a work wreath form with pre-attached wire ties that have a natural moss/brown vine-like finish. The wire ties make it quick and easy to attach deco mesh, ribbon or fabric, with no glue or much cutting. The natural look works well with burlap, natural fiber ribbons and greenery.

Deco mesh is a type of synthetic netting that comes in rolls and ribbons of different sizes, colors and finishes.

The Finished Square Ribbon Wreath (made with a Twig-Works Wreath Form)

SUPPLIES (click product name to purchase)

4" Moss/Apple Deco Mesh Ribbon

4" Woven Natural Abaca Ribbon

15" Twig-Works Square Wreath Form

Artificial Ivy

Faux berries

*Products featured here are available to purchase at MardiGrasOutlet.com, and will come to about $25, without the artificial greenery and flowers.

For a full list of instructional videos for making deco mesh wreaths, garlands, bows and more, click here . Or view our collection of photo tutorials, here.

How to Video: Deco Mesh Twig-Works Wreath for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:11:00 +0000

With the Easter wreath and decorations put away for the season, we know many of you are looking for a wreath design that can be displayed thru the summer. This Spring wreath is a good option. The DIY video tutorial featured below demonstrates how to make this everyday wreath using a new product- the twig-works wreath form. The pretty Spring wreath created in the video features a fresh turquoise/gold color scheme with natural textures of jute and grapevine garland woven in. The finishing touch is realistic-looking silk greenery and florals (ivy and poppies) that will stay fresh for the whole season.

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to purchase)

15" Twig Works Wreath

2-Tone Turquoise/Gold Deco Mesh Roll, 21"x10yd

Natural Grapevine Garland

2.5" Jute Window Pane Ribbon

Artificial trailing ivy bush and silk flowers

Scissors

Deco poly mesh rolls, twig-works wreath forms, grapevine garland, ribbon and more are all available at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com. The total cost of the supplies for this wreath is just under $35, without any artificial greenery or flowers.

Here is the video tutorial using the twig works wreath form and supplies listed above:

Twig-works wreath forms are made of moss green and brown wire that resemble twigs. They have pre-attached twig-like wire ties which makes creating a custom wreath with deco mesh simple. This popular natural look works well with grapevine garland, burlap, moss rope and ribbon. It also comes in bigger sizes and different shapes such as oval, square, a cross and even in garland form.

Twig-works wreath forms are similar to Work Wreath forms, which have wire ties that are covered in tinsel instead of a mossy twig texture.

*Please note: Twig works are measured by the true diameter of the work form, as opposed to the standard work forms that are measured by the completed wreath size. Therefore, this 15" twig works wreath is the same size as a 24" work wreath form.

Poly Deco Mesh is comes in many colors, patterns, sizes and finishes. Click here to see more options on colors and styles for your own personalized wreath.

Want to learn more about deco mesh and see more ideas? See our post: Deco Mesh Ideas Video, or keep exploring our blog for Deco Mesh Tutorials. We also have more videos: click here for our YouTube page.

DIY Decorations: Crawfish Paper Fans

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:36:00 +0000

As you probably already know, Crawfish Season is Here! In celebration, we've been dreaming up DIY ideas for some crawfish boil decorations to set the party scene for a chow-down on our favorite mud bugs. These ideas can also work for a lobster party if you aren't located in the South.

TABLE COVER: Crawfish Patterned Paper

Crawfish Print Paper isn't just for replacing regular newspaper at your next crawfish boil party. It's also a great craft paper with which to create paper accordion fans to decorate the walls, fence, trees, tables and more!

Use the crawfish paper rosettes as a photo-booth background, garland, table centerpiece or even hanging from the trees for inexpensive outdoor party decorations. Read on for our simple tutorial with step-by-step instructions on making your next crawfish boil a FAN-tastic event!

PHOTO-BOOTH & PARTY BACKDROP

We used tape to attach the fans on a brick wall for a photo backdrop or for easy party atmosphere. If you are using a backyard fence or other wall, try small nails that go through each fan. Or, cover up an ugly wall with the crawfish pattern paper first. It's only 99 cents for a pack!

DRESSING UP THE TREES

We also hung our fans from the trees using 2.5-inch Jute Window Pane Mesh Ribbon, available from MardiGrasOutlet.com. This natural fibers ribbon looks great in the outdoors, and its wired core is perfect for wrapping around tree branches.

HOW TO MAKE PAPER FANS

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to purchase)

Crawfish Print Newspaper
Red Foil Paper (Other colors also available.)
Clear Tape or clear Double-Stick Tape
Stapler & Staples
Scissors

Crawfish and Red Foil paper are available for purchase at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com. Total cost for this project with both types of paper will be under $20.

A pack of ten 20" x 24" sheets will only cost you about 99 cents. With a few other simple supplies such as a stapler, tape and scissors, you can start crafting your own low-cost crawfish-theme rosettes!

Visit our Crawfish Boil Supplies Section for more fun decorations, invitations and party supplies for your next crawfish boil!

STEP 1: Creating the Fan Form

Starting on one of the 20 inch sides, begin folding 1 sheet of Crawfish Newspaper back and forth at intervals of about 1 inch.

Once you fold the entire sheet, gather the folds and crease in half into a fan form.

Lay fan form long-ways and use a stapler to secure the center. Make the staple as parallel to the center crease as possible.

STEP 2: Beveling the Fan Edge

Refold fan.

Using scissors, cut across all ends of the folded fan at about a 45 degree angle to create a beveled edge. Make sure and remove about 2 inches of length from the end to create an appropriate ratio of height-to-width for the circular fan form.

STEP 3: Taping the Fan Into a Circular Form

With the trimmed fan form lying in a V shape, pinch together the two closest edges.

Attach the edge with two small pieces of clear tape from the outside or double stick tape from underneath. One piece of tape should be closer to the center, and one should be near the outer edge of the fan form to avoid gapping. You could also use glue to attach the fan edges. Just use a clip to keep them together until the glue dries.

Gather the opposite side of the form together, and tape the same way.

STEP 4: Get Busy

Admire the awesome fan you just made! Then get to making some more!

You can create variation in the fans by making them different sizes (just remember to maintain a ratio of about twice as long as it is wide), by cutting a scalloped edge in Step 2 or by cutting a variety of angled edges.

Also consider creating some fancy snips along the side of each fan fold during Step 2 to create a "Snow Flake" effect, as shown below.

To add some color and shine to the display, we made some of our fans using Red Foil Paper. You can purchase a 26" by 25' roll of red foil paper and a variety of other colors for just under $18 a roll here: Foil Paper Rolls.

Photo Booth Ideas:
Now you can attach the paper fans to a wall or fence for an easy photo background, or for a festive atmosphere.

For more photo booth backdrop ideas and how to set one up, check our our previous post: DIY Photobooth Ideas.

Spice up your boil photo shoot with some crawfish-themed props for your guests, as well.

Click below for a few suggestions:

Crawfish Balloon Centerpiece Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Corrie) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Easy to create and inexpensive, these Do-It-Yourself crawfish balloon centerpieces are the perfect idea for decorating a crawfish boil. These festive red crawfish balloon centerpieces will work well indoors or out with the multiple tables needed for a traditional crawfish boil. This centerpiece can also work for a lobster party. Using air filled (versus helium) balloons in the centerpiece, allows you to make the decorations days in advance and saves you money.

Here is how to create these festive red crawfish balloon centerpieces.

SUPPLIES: (click on the product name to purchase)

1/2 of a Dry Floral Foam Brick

Metallic Red Mylar Tissue Sheeting

Metallic Red Deco Flex Tubing Ribbon

(4) 5" Red Latex Balloons

(1) 11" Crawfish Red Latex Balloon

Stick/Cup Sets for 5" Balloons-5 sets

Scissors

Optional:

Air Balloon Inflator Hand Pump

Spanish Moss
Plastic Crawfish

*All of these items can be found at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com. The supplies cost approximately $6.25 for each centerpiece.

STEP 1

Cut the red mylar tissue in half and layer 2 together. Cut the floral foam in half with scissors. Center the square of floral foam in the middle of the tissue sheets.

STEP 2

Lift up the mylar tissue sheeting and bunch it over the top of the floral foam. Cut a short piece of metallic red deco flex tubing ribbon and tie it around the tissue to secure. This is the centerpiece base.

STEP 3

Make a bow with the deco flex tubing ribbon. First, form a loop and hold it in one hand. Form a second loop, and keep going back and forth until there are 10 loops total.

While still holding the loops in one hand, use the ribbon that holds the tissue sheeting together to secure the bow to the centerpiece base. Pull out and fluff the loops.

STEP 4

Inflate the 4, 5" red latex balloons and the Crawfish Latex Balloon and tie the necks in a knot. This air balloon hand pump inflator makes it easy to inflate the balloons.

STEP 5

Stick/Cup sets are an easy way to create balloon centerpieces without helium balloons. Thread the air filled crawfish balloon knot through the plastic cup to secure the balloon. The balloon should stand up in the cup. Insert the stick into the base of the cup.

Insert the end of the stick through the center of the mylar tissue sheets into the center of the floral foam so that the balloon is in the center.

STEP 6

Twist the knotted ends of two air filled 5" balloons together, and then twist again around the balloon stick to secure. Twist the last two 5" balloons together and then twist them around the stick.

OPTIONAL:

Add loops of deco flex tubing betwenn the 5" balloons for added sparkle.

Set your tables with newspaper or our new crawfish printed newspaper. Scatter real spanish moss and plastic crawfish around the base of the centerpiece for a complete crawfish boil centerpiece.

How to Make Deco Mesh Carrots

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Easter and spring are just about here, and so we made the cutest bunch of deco mesh carrots on the block (click here to learn more about deco mesh). Keep scrolling down for our easy tutorial on how to make these hanging carrots using deco poly mesh, wire and ribbon. Happy crafting!

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to purchase)

21"x10yd Metallic Orange Deco Poly Mesh Roll

10" Metallic Emerald Green Deco Mesh Roll

10" Metallic Moss/Apple Deco Mesh Roll

2.5" Jute Window Pane Mesh Ribbon

Gold Floral Wire (24 Gauge)

Aluminum Craft Wire (2mm)

Scissors & Wire Cutters

These products are available at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com, and will come to about $35, with extra material to make more than 3 carrots. (To make the three carrots, we used approximately 3 yards of the 21" wide orange deco mesh, and less than 1 yard each of the 10" green deco mesh rolls. About 4 yards of the aluminum craft wire were used, and about 12 feet of the thinner floral wire. A little over 3 yards of the jute ribbon were used.)

STEP 1: Make the wire carrot frame

Cut two pieces of the Aluminum Craft wire. One should be twice as long as the other. Our carrots were all slightly different sizes. You should make the two wires 18" and 36" long, give or take a few inches. The finished wire carrot frame just has to fit within the 21-inch wide deco mesh.

Fold the long wire in half and make a point at the bend for the carrot's point. For the top of the carrot, connect the two loose ends together by wrapping the wire ends around each other. Push the wire form into a carrot shape as shown above.

To make the carrot three-dimensional and not flat, use the short length of wire and attach it lengthwise to the carrot shape. It should stand up a few inches higher than the flat carrot shape.

You will eventually need short wire ties to attach the deco mesh to this carrot frame. Use the thinner floral wire and cut about 15, 3-inch pieces.

STEP 2: Cover the frame with deco mesh

Using the 21"x10yd roll of metallic orange deco mesh, cut 3 pieces that are about 10-inches wide, or wide enough to go around the front of the carrot. Layer or stack evenly on top of each other.

With the mesh placed curl side up, put the wire frame inside the curl. This is where you can see why the wire frame can be no wider than 21-inches, the width of the deco mesh roll.

Starting at the carrot tip, use pieces of the floral wire you cut to attach the mesh to the wire frame. Work from the back of the carrot, and poke the floral wire through the layers of mesh and around the wire frame. Twist the floral wire to secure. Go back and forth from each side, working your way up to the carrot top. You will need a wire every few inches.

This is the finished back view of the carrot. Go back and add more floral wire where needed. Tuck the extra mesh under the middle wire frame. You can also tie some floral wire across the back to help make the form sturdier.

Trim the extra floral wire sticking out or tuck into the mesh at the back to hide it. Now your carrot is bendable as well.

STEP 3: Make the green carrot tops

Using the two rolls of the emerald and moss/apple 10" wide deco mesh, cut 4 square pieces and place them curl side up.

Going one at a time, tie the center of the mesh with a length of floral wire. The wire should be about 2-inches from the bunched tip. Then tie all four sprays together to make one bigger bunch.

Now attach the bunch to the back top of the carrot, using more floral wire to secure.

STEP 4: Make 2 more Carrots and Tie with Jute Ribbon

Repeat the steps above to make two more carrots. They can be slightly different shapes and sizes like the ones we made.

Cut 3 pieces of the Jute Ribbon that are each about 1 yard long. For each carrot, tie one ribbon around the top. Then tie a knot to secure all three carrots together.

Looking for more Easter decoration ideas? Check out our Twig Works Cross Tutorial.

Deco Mesh Twig Works Cross: How To Video

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:49:00 +0000

The organic twig shaped ties on the new Twig Works forms are perfectly suited for creating beautiful spring or Easter decorations. Our latest video tutorial gives you instructions on how to use a Twig Works Cross form to create the beautiful ivy covered cross decoration featured here.

The supplies you will need are listed below. Many of the products are available at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com. Simply click on the product name listed below to go the product page.

SUPPLIES

cream-white two-tone 21" deco poly mesh roll

Twig works work cross

Artificial Ivy

flower accents

scissors

wire cutters

(The twig works cross form and deco mesh cost approximately $18.00. This amount does not included the greenery or silk flowers)

VIDEO

Here is the video on how to make this twig works cross decoration.

To learn more about deco mesh and work forms, click here.

Beautiful as an Easter wall decoration

Pretty displayed on a door

Mount on a fence, wall or tree outdoors.

Poly deco mesh and the twig works forms are well suited for outdoor locations. Both are water resistant and mesh puffs will retain their shape even when wet.

Easter blessings to you and your family!

Spring Wreath with Deco Mesh Flowers Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:09:00 +0000

Celebrate the arrival of spring by making a deco mesh flower wreath. This cute DIY wreath will last through the whole season, and is perfect for Easter as well. These instructions will show you how to make a basic deco mesh wreath, add grapevine garland, and create deco mesh flowers.

To learn more about deco mesh and work wreath forms, click here.

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to purchase)

15" Twig Work Wreath Round Form

21"x10yrd roll of Metallic Moss/Apple Deco Mesh

Moss Grapevine Garland

2.5" Lavender Deco Mesh Ribbon

2.5" Light Pink Deco Mesh Ribbon

4" Yellow Deco Mesh Ribbon

Craft Wire

Scissors & Wire Cutters

All of these supplies are available at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com, and will be about $45.

STEP 1: Make a basic Deco Mesh wreath

Using a Twig-Works wreath form and 21" wide Metallic Moss/Apple Deco Mesh, create a basic Deco Mesh wreath using our previous tutorial, How to Make a Deco Mesh Wreath with Twig Works (CLICK HERE).

STEP 2: Attach grapevine garland

Using the twig wire ties on the wreath form, secure the grapevine garland to the wreath. You will have to go around the wreath twice.

The garland curves naturally as you attach it to the work wreath form. Trim the excess grapevine with scissors.

STEP 3: Make Deco Mesh Flowers

Using Deco Mesh ribbon and craft wire, make a variety of deco mesh flowers. The wreath shown here uses 11 lavender flowers, 6 light pink flowers and 4 yellow flowers. You can make more or less, and choose different colors depending on your personal preference.

The yellow flowers use the 4-inch wide deco mesh ribbon, which makes a bigger sized flower.

These photo instructions use the 2.5" lavender ribbon, but you can follow these same steps for other colors and sizes of deco mesh ribbon.

First, cut a length of ribbon around 20" long. The length can vary, depending on what size you want to make your deco mesh flower. Cut a piece of craft wire that is about 1 foot long. You will use the wire to hold the rosette together and to attach the flower to the wreath.

Start rolling one end of the ribbon tightly, several times. Keep holding it by pinching almost halfway up the roll. Holding it this way help to keep the flower even and lined up as you roll the ribbon.

Once you have rolled the ribbon tightly to start, start folding or crimping the ribbon as you roll. This way, the flower will be more open-looking.

Keep rolling, folding and holding the flower tightly until you reach the end of the ribbon. Don't worry about making it look perfect, the more flowers you make the easier it will get.

Now, use the craft wire and wrap it around the flower where you have been pinching the mesh. Wrap it several times, and leave some excess wire so that you can attach it to the wreath.

Finally, tie the flowers to the wreath. Many of them are attached directly to the grapevine garland, and some are in groups of 2 or 3 and scattered around the wreath.

Our Deco Mesh Carrots Tutorial is another option for your spring decorations.

This spring wreath can work with other colors of deco poly mesh rolls and ribbon as well. Below are some new spring mesh styles: Fuchsia/Lime Check, Fuchsia/Yellow Check, Orange/Lime Green Check (click on the name to purchase).

Twig Works Deco Mesh Wreath Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:25:00 +0000

Twig-Works wreath forms are an exciting new DIY product that make crafting custom deco mesh wreaths easy. The natural-looking texture on the wire form is perfect for rustic and natural-looking wreaths. Below you will find instructions on how to make this wreath with 21" wide deco mesh and a round wreath form. We also show ideas on how to make it into a St. Patrick's Day wreath with shamrocks and a springtime or Easter wreath with garland.

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to purchase)

15-inch Twig-Works Round Work Wreath Form

21"x10yrd Metallic Moss/Apple Deco Mesh

Scissors & something round like a pencil

All products vailable at www.mardigrasoutlet.com.

The total cost of the supplies for this wreath is about $15, without any additional decorative accents.

Twig-works wreath forms are made of moss green and brown wire, resembling twigs. It has pre-attached twig shaped ties which makes creating a custom wreath with deco mesh simple. This popular natural look works well with grapevine garland, burlap, moss rope and ribbon. It also comes in bigger sizes and different shapes such as oval, square, a cross and even in garland form.

Twig-works are similar to Work Wreath forms, which have wire ties that are covered in tinsel instead of a mossy twig texture. *Twig works are measured by the true diameter of the work form, as opposed to the standard work forms that are measured by the completed wreath size. Therefore, this 15" twig works wreath is the same size as a 24" work wreath form.

Poly Deco Mesh is a type of synthetic, soft plastic fabric netting that comes in many colors, patterns, sizes and finishes. It holds its full shape and is durable and waterproof enough for outdoors. Click here to see more options.

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

First, open up the wire ties so you can easily place the mesh in between each pair. Bunch the end of the mesh and secure to a set of wire ties on the inner ring. Twist the wire ties around the bunch to secure.

STEP 2

Now you will form a puff. Gather about a 9" length of mesh, working from each side as shown. Fold as you gather the deco mesh in the center for an even, fuller looking puff.

STEP 3

To secure the puff, place the gathered section into the next set of wire ties on the inner ring. Twist the ties several times to secure the deco mesh. Pull and fluff the deco mesh puff out.

STEP 4

Continue around the entire inner ring, gathering, attaching and fluffing the mesh puffs. There is no need to cut the mesh between the puffs.

STEP 5

Once you have filled in the inner ring, move down to the outer ring without trimming the mesh. Fill in the entire outer ring with puffs, just like the inner ring.

STEP 6

Once the outer ring of the wreath is filled in, trim the excess deco mesh. This wreath form uses up most of the deco mesh roll.

STEP 7

Your last step is to curl each of the twig wire ties, to make them look more natural and organic. The easiest way to form curls is to wrap each wire around a pencil or pen.

You're Finished!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY WREATH

Now you have the option of adding decorative accents on your twig works wreath. For a St. Patrick's Day wreath, simply insert shamrock floral picks (available here for about $4) into the wreath, and twist the twig wire ties around them to attach.

SPRING WREATH

For a spring wreath or a rustic style, add natural grapevine garland as shown below (click here to purchase, about $11). Use the twig wire ties to attach the grapevine. You will need to go around the wreath twice with the grapevine, and then cut the excess. To make it an Easter wreath, attach some Easter eggs and a pretty spring colored bow!

DECO MESH FLOWERS

In our next blog post, we'll show you how to make deco mesh flowers to make this wreath bright and cheery for spring.

DIY Shamrock Wreath with Glamour Rope

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:05:00 +0000

Who says a wreath has to be in the shape of a circle? Glittering green Glamour Rope transforms into a cute shamrock-shaped door decoration. This wire creation offers a fun twist on a traditional wreath. See below for instructions on how to make it this cute St. Patrick's Day decoration!

SHAMROCK DOOR HANGER TUTORIAL

SUPPLIES

The only supply you need for this St. Patty's day decoration is Glamour Rope in Metallic Emerald Green, which is only about $6. Glamour rope is a type of glitter wired rope that comes in 25ft long roll. You can easily bend it into shapes and curls to decorate wreaths, bows, garland, gifts and centerpieces.

Glamour rope comes in many colors, and is available for purchase at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com.

This shamrock used the entire roll, and we didn't have to cut it.

STEP 1

Form the first clover leaf by making a loop that is about 11 inches by 8 inches. Make sure you leave the end hanging out by several inches. Use the end length to wrap and secure the point of the loop.

STEP 2

To form another leaf, make a second loop, the same size as the first. Use the loose end of the glamour rope to secure them at the center of the clover. Repeat and form 4 loops total.

STEP 3

Once you have formed four loops, repeat the shapes and start layering a second loop over each leaf. You are simply doubling up each loop. Wrap the glamour rope around the center to secure each loop as you go.

STEP 4

Make a stem with the rest of the length of glamour rope. Fold it a little less than halfway down for the bottom of the stem. Wrap the excess end of the rope around the center of the clover to secure.

STEP 5

The last step is to push in the tops of each loop a little bit, so that they look more like clover leaves.

Good LUCK to you-crafting your own clover!

Crawfish Season 2012 is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Corrie) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It's CRAWFISH SEASON!

Crawfish taste the best and are the easiest to peel from February until May. So that means it is the perfect time to enjoy this Louisiana seafood specialty.

Whether you boil them yourself, have someone boil them for you or pick them up from your favorite crawfish place, be sure to enjoy these spicy crustaceans while they are in season.

Ever wonder why there is a crawfish season? Why crawfish taste better and are larger in certain months? This illustrations shows the yearly time line and life cycle of the crawfish...how tasty crawfish go from the rice fields to your boiling pot.

Thanks to Cajun Crawfish blog for sharing it with us!

Now your ready for some hot, spicy crawfish!

Mardi Gras Outlet's exclusive crawfish design cups are perfect for crawfish boils. Cups with the crawfish motif are available in both a clear disposable cup and a frosted dishwasher safe frost flex cup.

We also have festive red latex balloons with the matching crawfish design!

For complete selection, click here: Crawfish Boil Supplies

Mardi Gras Bead Craft: DIY Monogram Letter

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Did you go to any Mardi Gras parades this year? If so, you probably brought home lots of Mardi Gras beads along with your great memories. Left-over Mardi Gras beads inspired us to come up with some easy Mardi Gras bead crafts. Here are some of our ideas for reusing Mardi Gras beads.

Tutorial for a decorative beaded monogram letter-

using only Mardi Gras beads, stiff cardboard and hot glue.

SUPPLIES

Mardi Gras Beads (33" long, 7mm Metallic Gold)

*this 7-inch tall letter used 10, 33-inch strands of 7mm diameter beads

Hot Glue or Skillet Glue

Cardboard

Print-out of Letter

Scissors, Pencil & X-acto knife

Optional: Deco Flex Tubing Ribbon

*Mardi Gras beads and ribbon can be purchased at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com. If you caught beads at Mardi Gras and if you have these common craft supplies, this project is free! Otherwise, a pack of these gold beads is only $3, and you get 48 strands which is more than enough to make several letters.

CUT-OUT THE LETTER

First, print-out a large letter of your choice on your home desktop printer. Use a word processing program on your computer and make the letter as large as you can fit onto a page. The font used here is Monotype Corsiva, and it is 7" tall by 8" wide.

Cut out the letter from the print-out, and then use a pencil to trace around the edges onto a piece of scrap cardboard. Use an x-acto knife or scissors to cut out the letter shape.

WRAP THE LETTER

Cut each of the Mardi Gras beads into single strands. You can use gold beads like this letter or other colors. If you have multiple colors of Mardi Gras beads, simply spray paint the letter when you are done. Use hot glue or skillet glue to attach the beads to the cardboard. Skillet glue is hot glue that is heated in a pan or crock-pot.

Wrap the beads strands around the entire letter, back and front. Make sure the strands stay going in the same direction, and place them close together so that they interlock. This makes the gaps smaller, giving the letter a mosaic look.

Now you have the option of spray-painting the monogram letter with the color you want, or leaving it as is. To make the letter into a wall hanging, simply tie a ribbon and a bow at the top. We used metallic gold deco flex tubing ribbon to create the bow and hanger.

Tutorial for a beaded photo frame

The same idea for making a monogram letter can be used for almost any other shape as well. We also created a 5" square picture frame made from Mardi Gras beads, as shown below.

Click here to see a previous post for creating this beaded chandelier.

DIY MARDI GRAS BEAD CHANDELIER

Still looking for more Mardi Gras bead crafts?

Check out our Pinterest page for lots of other inspiring Mardi Gras bead crafts. You will find lots of great ideas for reusing and recycling Mardi Gras beads such as coasters, Easter eggs, vase fillers, ornaments, decorations, lamps, mosaic art and more!

Here is a sample of what you will find:

Mardi Gras Parade Float Coloring Page

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

MARDI GRAS FLOAT COLORING PAGE

(click above to download)

Carnival season is in full swing, which means parades, beads and good times abound! Create your own parade at home (or an illustration of one ) with this free printable coloring page. This is a great Mardi Gras art activity for kids! Display your colorful floats in a row, lined up just like a real parade.

Happy Mardi Gras!

You will need a PDF reader to open the file, available here for free.

For more free coloring page downloads and other printables, click below:

Free Coloring Page Downloads

Mardi Gras Glitter Leaf Wreath: Three Different Ways

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Transform a simple Mardi Gras glitter leaf wreath into your own personalized Mardi Gras door decoration. A year ago, we posted about how to create three different looks with one basic Mardi Gras tinsel wreath from (click here to see the post). For 2012, we wanted to do the same concept with a new style of wreath form. This basic Glitter Leaf Wreath was easily updated with inexpensive Mardi Gras accents: lime green deco mesh, Mardi Gras ribbon and a glitter wall sign.

The Basic Mardi Gras Wreath

available at Mardi Gras Outlet.com

Option 1: Mardi Gras Sign

SUPPLIES

Glitter Leaf Wreath

2"x10 yard roll Mardi Gras Stripe Ribbon

Glitter Mardi Gras Wall Plaque

Craft Wire

*All of the supplies can be purchased at www.mardigrasoutlet.com, for about $34.

This first Mardi Gras wreath version uses a Mardi Gras sign and bow. You will need to use craft wire to attach both decorative accents.

First, attach the Mardi Gras sign at the bottom right of the wreath at a slight angle. Secure it on both sides with craft wire to the glitter leaf wreath form.

Use the Mardi Gras Stripe Ribbon to make a bow. Form a loop and hold in one hand. Form another loop on the opposite side and hold them in the same hand at the middle. Continue going back and forth until there are 4 loops on each side. Now cut 2, 30" long strips of ribbon and one shorter piece. Use the short length to attach the tails at the middle to the place you have been holding the loops.

Attach the bow with craft wire to the left side of the wreath.

For more detailed directions on how to make a similar bow, click here.

Option 2: Deco Mesh

SUPPLIES

Glitter Leaf Wreath

10" Deco Mesh Roll: Metallic Moss/Apple

Craft Wire

Scissors, Wire Cutters

This Mardi Gras wreath version uses 10" wide poly deco mesh ribbon to add volume to the wreath. There should be enough deco mesh on the roll to fill in the wreath and to make a big bow. The supplies needed for this wreath will be about $26.

STEP 1

Open up and fluff the Glitter Leaf Wreath so that you can easily reach the brown wreath frame.

STEP 2

Cut about 10 pieces of craft wire that are 10"-12" long.

STEP 3

Cut approximately 16 pieces of the deco mesh. Each piece should be square, measuring about 10"x10".

STEP 4

Form the deco mesh sprays that you will eventually attach to the wreath frame. With a piece of mesh placed curl side up, pinch the very center and bunch it together. Make another and group the two together.

STEP 5

Use the craft wire to secure the deco mesh spray you created to the wreath frame, in between two branches. The mesh should be pointing in the same direction as the wreath's branches. Wrap the wire tightly and securely.

STEP 6

Repeat for each space between the branches, continuing all the way around the wreath.

STEP 7
Using the rest of the deco mesh roll, make a bow and attach it with craft wire at the bottom center of the wreath. For exact directions on how to make a bow with 10-inch deco mesh, CLICK HERE for our previous blog post tutorial on making a bow with 10" deco mesh.

Option 3: Bow and Ribbon

SUPPLIES

Glitter Leaf Wreath

Mardi Gras Stripe Foil Ribbon

Craft Wire

This versions will cost about $25 in supplies from www.mardigrasoutlet.com.

First, form the bow. This bow was made the same way as the first version of the wreath, except there are 10 loops total. Tie the bow with craft wire, and pull and fluff out the loops. Cut a long tail, about 6 feet long, and attach at its center to the back of the bow.

Place the bow at the top of the wreath, and simply loop the ribbon tails all the way around the Glitter Leaf wreath.

One basic glitter leaf wreath transformed into three different wreaths.

Masquerade Mask Favor Centerpiece: Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Party favors act as a memento of a celebration for guests. For a Mardi Gras or Masquerade party idea, combine mask favors and the centerpiece for a festive and impressive decoration. This whimsical Mardi Gras centerpiece uses glittery floral sprays and accents in purple, green and gold colors.

SUPPLIES (click on the product name to buy)

(1) 6" Glittered Green Centerpiece Cylinder

(1) Dry Floral Foam

(1) PGG Philodendron Leaf Bundle

(3) Spiral Curls Mardi Gras Spray

(1) 6.25" Mardi Gras Fleur de Lis Ornament

(1) Gold Angel Grass Shred

(8) Metallic Gold Domino Stick Masks - enough for your guests

Hot Glue

Scissors

Optional: Mardi Gras Beads and Doubloons

*All of the centerpiece supplies can be purchased at www.mardigrasoutlet.com, for about $43 total if you use 8 masks, and not including Mardi Gras beads and doubloons. Many of these items have quantity discounts when you order over a certain number.

STEP 1: INSERT THE FLORAL FOAM

Using scissors, cut a piece of the dry floral foam brick that fits snugly inside the green centerpiece cylinder. You may want to place a weight underneath the foam brick to make the centerpiece more stable.

STEP 2: UNTIE THE PHILODENDRON SPRAY

The purple, green and gold Philodendron Leaf Bundle is held together by 2 brown wire ties. To separate the 3 leaf sprays, untwist the ties or cut the ties off.

STEP 3: ADD THE PHILODENDRON LEAVES

Trim the stick ends of the green and purple leaves by a few inches to lower and vary the height of each leaf. Insert the Philodendron Leaf sprays securely into the floral foam brick, all the way down. The gold leaf should be at the center and the green and purple leaves to either side.

STEP 4: ADD THE THREE SPIRAL CURLS SPRAYS

Again, trim the stick ends of two of the spiral curls sprays so that they are a few inches shorter. Secure and insert the three floral sprays into the foam brick so that they fill the spaces between the philodendron leaves.

STEP 5: ADD A FILLER

Gold Angel Grass Shred covers and hides the floral foam at the opening of the vase.

STEP 6: ADD MASKS

Insert the metallic gold domino stick masks into the vase opening. 8 masks were used here.

STEP 7: ADD THE FLEUR DE LIS ACCENT

Using hot glue, attach the Mardi Gras Fleur de Lis Ornament on the front and center of the green cylinder base. Trim the ornament tie off at the top.

You're Finished!

OPTIONAL

You can also scatter Mardi Gras beads and Mardi Gras doubloons around and underneath the masquerade centerpiece for additional party favors and decoration.

Paper Jester Hat Pattern: Mardi Gras Crafts for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Mardi Gras paper crafts are a fun creative activity for children. This three-dimensional jester hat can be made with some colorful construction paper and this free printable template. All you will need are some scissors, a pencil and some tape or glue. See below for instructions.

FREE JESTER HAT TEMPLATE

Click on the link above to download and print the Mardi Gras jester hat pattern on your printer. You will need to have a PDF reader to open it (free at this website). The hat instructions are also on the template page.

STEP 1: CUT OUT THE TEMPLATES

Print out both pages of the free download jester hat patterns. Follow the dotted line and cut-out each shape with scissors.

STEP 2: MAKE THE HEADBAND

Using the rectangular template on page 2, cut-out 3 pieces from construction paper. For this hat, you can use purple, green and gold, the colors of Mardi Gras, or any other colors you want. Tape the pieces end to end into one long head band.

STEP 3: CUT THE JESTER SPIKES

Using the triangle pattern, cut out 6-8 pieces out of different colors of construction paper. The number of triangles you need depend on head size.

STEP 4 & 5: CONSTRUCT THE HAT

Using glue or tape, secure the triangle bottoms side by side to the head band. Now, fit the headband to your head and secure with tape.

STEP 6: ADD ACCENTS

Use the circle, star and jewel templates on page 1 to cut out decorations for your jester hat. Glue or tape them to the hat.

Happy Crafting!

For more free coloring page downloads and other printables, click below:

FREE PRINTABLES

Curled Paper Bow Gift Wrap with Mardi Gras Paper

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

If you find yourself without a bow for your gift wrap, don't worry, making your own is simple with leftover wrapping paper. This present was wrapped with Fleur de Lis Mardi Gras gift wrap ($29.95) but it needed a festive top to match. Here's a short tutorial on how to make your own curly paper bow.

STEP 1:

Cut about 15 strips of gift wrapping paper that are about 1/2" to 3/4" wide, and 10" to 15" long. They don't need to be exact because different lengths make a fuller looking bow.

You also should adjust the lengths according to the size of the present and how big you want the bow. Longer strips makes a bigger bow and vice versa. Our gift box was 4 in. x 4 in. x 5 in and we made the curly bow over sized, so that it would cascade down the sides.

STEP 2:

Gather all of the strips evenly and hold the stack at the middle.

STEP 3:

Curl them! This is just like curling ribbon: open up your scissors and put the paper between your thumb and the scissors edge at an angle. Pull going towards the end of the paper strip.

Curl both sides of each strip from the middle where you are holding the bow. It is okay to have tighter and looser curls for this whimsical type of bow.

STEP 4:

Staple or tape around at the center where you have been holding the bow.

Finally, attach your bow with tape or a glue dot to the top of the present.

We also made a curly paper bow for a larger sized gift.

And there you go! An easy, fun and inexpensive way to decorate your presents.

Looking for more Mardi Gras or Louisiana gift wrap ideas? Click here to see our previous blog post on how to make this fleur de lis cut-out wrapping. Template provided for free!

Free Mardi Gras Printable Stickers and Labels

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Create custom Mardi Gras Beads, party favors or decorate gift packaging with our free printable stickers and labels. These Mardi Gras graphics include a crown, mask, scrolled fleur-de-lis and harlequin patterns. Similar to our other downloadable designs, you can personalize and customize the labels for a special event, party or parade.

FREE PRINTABLE STICKERS PAGE

FREE PRINTABLE LABELS PAGE

Click on the links above to download each page. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free here if you don't have it. To customize the Mardi Gras Labels, open the file in Acrobat Reader. You should see some highlighted boxes where you can click and type your text before printing. Or, you can simply print out the labels and write on them by hand. Only the "labels" page has customizable text.

Print these out onto 8.5"x11" sticker paper or cardstock (Avery is a good brand) with your inkjet or laser printer. Any office supply store sells both types of paper. Use a 2" circle cutter or scissors to cut out each circular design.

We have tons of ideas on how to use our Mardi Gras labels, so here are images of what we did.

Easily personalize Mardi Gras beads with these designs! They fit perfectly onto blank discs, which you can buy separately or already attached to a bead necklace at a really affordable price (12 necklaces for only $3.40!). Available at MardiGrasOutlet.com, we used the traditional Mardi Gras colors of gold, green and purple for the beads with white blank discs. If you need more bead colors, click here.

Printed onto stiff cardstock, these also make easy and festive gift tags. Use a hole-punch to make a place to thread ribbon or string through, and tie around a gift bag. We filled a purple cello bag with Mardi Gras doubloons and purple, green and gold Mardi Gras beads for a party favor that everyone can enjoy. The cello treat bags come with twist ties that you can use.

Last but not least, customizable stickers are great for drink labels. We put ours on a clear plastic hurricane glass, but this idea works for plastic party cups and glasses as well. Give your guests sharpie markers to write their name on their glass, or use the type-your-own text feature to customize for the special event.

Here are even more possibilities:

Scrapbooking and scrapbook pages

Candy, cookie or praline packaging (click here for a DIY tutorial)

Name tags or seating cards

Cupcake toppers by gluing to toothpicks (see examples here, and Mardi Gras cupcake recipe here)

Appetizer or buffet signs

Making a Mardi Gras Wreath with Deco Mesh

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:13:00 +0000

Celebrate the Mardi Gras season by making a festive deco mesh wreath in purple, green and gold, the colors of Mardi Gras. This wreath is embellished with a jester mask, jumbo Mardi Gras beads and metallic tinsel garland. Keep scrolling down for a tutorial on how to create your own!

SUPPLIES LIST (Click on the product name for supplies source)

(1) Metallic Gold 24" Work Wreath form

(1) 21" Deluxe Mardi Gras Deco Mesh Roll

(1) Deluxe Masked Jester Face Mask

(1) Wired Purple Glamour Rope

(1) 72 inch PGG Whopper Balls

(1) Metallic Spiral Tinsel Garland

(1) Mardi Gras Stripe Ribbon (2"x10yards)

The wreath supplies can be purchased at www.MardiGrasOutlet.com. CLICK HERE. All of the supplies needed for this wreath is about $62.

STEP 1: MAKE THE BASIC DECO MESH WREATH
The video above shows you how to attach the 21" Deluxe Mardi Gras Deco Mesh Roll onto the 24" metallic gold work wreath form. You will use the pre-attached tinsel-covered wire ties to secure the puffs of mesh all the way around the inner and outer rings of the wreath form.

The basic Mardi Gras deco mesh wreath should look like this.

STEP 2: CUT THE GLAMOUR ROPE

Using wire cutters, cut the wired purple glamour rope into 6 pieces ranging from 20" to 25" long. Glamour rope is a great creative product, and it comes in many colors. It is also wired so that you can bend it into many different shapes.

STEP 3: ATTACH THE GLAMOUR ROPE

Thread the pieces of glamour rope halfway through the work wreath frame and twist a few times to secure the glamour rope. Place the glamour rope pieces several inches apart from each other so that they are evenly spaced all the way around the wreath.

STEP 3: ATTACH THE GARLAND

Attach the metallic spiral tinsel garland all the way around the wreath. Twist the glamour rope around the garland to secure. Try leaving some slack as you attach the Mardi Gras garland so that it looks wavy.

STEP 4: ATTACH THE JUMBO MARDI GRAS BEADS

Using the glamour rope ties again, secure the giant mardi gras ball necklace to the wreath. Make sure the larger balls are placed at the bottom of the wreath versus the top.

STEP 5: CURL THE GLAMOR ROPE

Curl the glamour rope around a cylinder or tube to form each of the glamour rope pieces into spirals.

STEP 6: MAKE A BOW

For more detailed directions on how to make a similar bow, click here.

STEP 7: ATTACH THE MASK

At the back of the Deluxe Jester Mask, there is a loop. Use a tinsel-covered wire tie on the work wreath form to secure the loop and the mask to the middle of the wreath.

STEP 8: ATTACH THE BOW

Finally, attach the bow you made to the bottom center of the wreath, directly underneath the Jester Mask. Spread and fan apart the bow loops, as seen in the photo above.

Happy Mardi Gras!

Masquerade Column Deco Mesh Centerpiece: Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Create an element of mystery, opulence and elegance for your event with the right centerpiece. Versatile clear column and plate pieces combine to create striking table decorations for Masquerade or Mardi Gras themed parties, proms or events. And, making one of these centerpieces takes only a few easy steps and some key ingredients such as a mask, deco mesh puffs, clear column with base and feathers.

The idea for this tall puff centerpiece with mini lights was inspired by a combination of hanging mesh pompoms from our previous blog post, and feather tree centerpieces (click here for our tutorial)that have been floating around the blogosphere. One of the great things about this centerpiece is that it is easy to change the colors and decorative accents to suit your needs for specific occasions. Here's how to make it.

SUPPLIES:

1. Clear Column Centerpiece Bases: (1) 6" Plate, (1) 18" Column and (1) 10" Plate

2. (1) 21"wide Purple Deco Mesh Roll

3. Phantom Stick Mask in Purple & Gold

4. Angel Grass Shred in Gold

5. Glitzy Sticks in Gold

6. Purple Ostrich Feathers

7. Battery LED Mini Light Strand

8. Scissors

9. Craft Wire

You can find all of these at MardiGrasOutlet.com.

STEP 1: Assemble the Centerpiece Base

Assemble the clear plastic centerpiece bases. The 10" plate should be at the bottom, into which you should insert the 18" column. Finally, place the 6" plate on top. These are perfect for adding height to make tall centerpieces.

If needed, you can add another column and plate to make it taller, or use the 10" column to make the centerpiece shorter. All of these clear plastic centerpiece parts are interchangeable and fit together many different ways.

STEP 2: Fill the Column

For some sparkle, fill the column with purple deco mesh and mini lights. Cut about a 5 inch wide strip from your 21"x10 yard roll of mesh. Roll it tightly. Now, wrap the wired LED lights around the roll. Insert this into the column, with the battery end last, so that it sits on the top plate. You will need to roll the mesh tightly enough to fit into the column.

STEP 3: Make Deco Mesh Puffs

Make 3 deco poly mesh puffs with the purple mesh roll. The puffs give this centerpiece shape and volume. You can always use more puffs for a bigger and fuller centerpiece. 3 pom poms use up a little more than half a roll of deco mesh. For detailed directions, click here to see the previous blog post. Or, scroll down for a summary.

First, cut 3, 12 inch long pieces of craft wire to eventually tie the puffs together. Cut 3 sections of mesh that are each 2 feet long (3 pieces make 1 puff). Gather up one piece of mesh into one hand, and then layer on the other 2 pieces by first bunching in the middle. Tie it with craft wire in the middle where you have been holding. Make a loop with the wire ends so that it is easy to attach them to the centerpiece. Pull and fluff the puffs out.

STEP 4: Assemble the Puffs and Mask on Stick

Insert the end of the phantom mask's stick through each of the wire loops to hold the puffs. The puffs should be spread out evenly, like a tutu, so that the centerpiece looks good from all angles. The mask acts as the focal point for this centerpiece.

STEP 5: Insert

Insert the mask's stick into the column as shown in the photo above. Adjust the puffs and mask and take a step back to make sure the centerpiece looks even.

STEP 6: Create and Add Accents

Now you can add new textures and color accents. Insert 3 purple ostrich feathers around the mask into the column. Add about 5 gold glitzy sticks into the column. Glitzy sticks are wired and easy to twist around tubes to make spirals. You can also bend them into any other shape you need.

Finally, cover the base with gold angel grass shred to complete the look. Another great thing about this centerpiece is that it is easy to move around the accents till you are happy with the arrangement.

MORE DECO MESH CENTERPIECE IDEAS

This type of centerpiece is easy to customize. Here is a different version topped with a beaded purple and gold princess mask and with about 5 purple ostrich feather placed throughout the mesh puffs instead of at the top.

A black & white color scheme would be great for Masquerade party as well. The only difference would be to use both black and white mesh pieces when you are making each puff.

Shown above is:

1.White Metallic Deco mesh

2. Black and Gold Metallic Mesh

3. Black and White Formal Feather Stick Mask

Having a party, birthday, wedding or event that isn't a masquerade? Here is a simplified version with just the deco mesh puffs and lights, and another with feathers. Since there isn't a stick mask to hold and attach the puffs, simply use a thin wooden dowel or other type of stick. Choose accents and colors to customize for your event.

Deco mesh is a type of soft plastic netting that holds a full shape very easily, and it comes in a huge range of colors, finishes like metallic, and many patterns. Click here to see a great selection.

Have fun!

How to: Fleur de Lis Silhouette Gift Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (May) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Mardi Gras is around the corner, so we wanted to share some inspiration for a short DIY craft project: pop-up fleur de lis gift wrap. It's a simple but elegant way to accent gifts for krewe presents, Mardi Gras party favors and more. Cut-out template provided here for free!

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD

Supplies:

Gold Foil Wrapping Paper

Purple Foil Wrapping Paper

X-acto knife

Scissors, tape & pencil

STEP 1

Wrap the box in gold metallic wrapping paper first. Cut enough of the purple metallic wrapping paper to cover the present.

Place the box at the center of the purple paper, and crease it around the box. This way you can center the fleur-de-lis design. The purple wrapping paper should be frontside down.

STEP 2

Print out the fleur-de-lis template (click here to download), and cut the shape out. You will need a PDF reader to view it, click here to download.

STEP 3

Center the fleur de lis shape on the backside of the wrapping paper; use the creases as a guide. Trace half of the fleur de lis in pencil.

STEP 4

Use an X-acto knife and follow the line you drew to cut through the paper. Erase the pencil lines.

STEP 5

Now simply wrap the box with the purple cut-out paper as normal, following the creases you made. Fold open your fleur-de-lis pop-up silhouette.

This present is about 5 in. x 4 in. x 1 in., but the template can work for many other box sizes as well. You can try putting the fleur de lis at a diagonal or closer to a corner for larger boxes.

Looking for more DIY gift wrap ideas? Browse our previous blog posts:

Gift Wrap with Decorative Wire

Deco Mesh Gift Wrap: A Video Tutorial

Wrapping Small Treats