Last year I admitted that I don't cook much for Thanksgiving. I made the pies and then kept busy with table-setting. Over the year though I noticed that the image for the place cards- crafted last minute from scraps in the drawer- was very popular with readers. Here I am again, up against the holiday event and wanting to inspire you with something crafty after all those family posts. And it looks like more quick and simple papercrafts to keep me out of the way of those who seriously cook here.
As I often do, I looked first in the recycle bin for materials to start with. Aha! These napkin rings are from paper towel rolls. We only have one today because I try not to use them- I'm a fan of washable dish towels. But if you have one, flatten it and cut 2 inch sections with a pinker. Keeping the pieces flat-ish (they'll look less like what they are and won't roll on the table), then just decorate them with paper scraps....pretty ones like sheet music and handwriting.
Add a phrase or guest's initial letter snipped from a cut-up book. A piece of ribbon makes a colorful place to add a word or two. But kitchen string or baker's twine would be lovely too, especially if it is wrapped around many times.
No end to the ideas once you start.
Wallpaper bits, yarn, fabric, buttons, letter tiles, faces from old photos, laces, charms, things found in nature.
A sailing pin for him or a just-found-in-Omaha favorite brooch for her.
Wishing you all a happy, happy holiday with your loved ones. Hoping you get to enjoy the little things like the crowded kitchen, table or couch. I do think that's the best part, especially when they help me with the dishes. xoC
Nifty and SO smart, Miss C! A recycle craft that doesn't really look so...recycled! Love them...
Posted by: Crystal | November 21, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Cute idea! I love repurposing recyclables!
Posted by: Amy | November 21, 2007 at 06:04 PM
like you I am the tablesetter not the chef on Thanksgiving, so I especially appreciate your very lovely idea! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your girls!
Posted by: jerusalem | November 21, 2007 at 06:06 PM
SO CUTE! I love them. I used to (100 years ago) do little black and white paintings on old sheet music. I feel inspired again, wanna babysit??????
Posted by: Danette | November 21, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Oh Charlotte, I will cook for you :-) Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for the wonderful napkin ring idea. Chloe is off and running with ideas.
xoxoxo Clarice
Posted by: clarice | November 21, 2007 at 07:45 PM
Oh, I love this idea. . ! Especially making each one special for the person. Wishing you a wonderful, warm Thanksgiving.
xo, Bren
Posted by: Bren | November 21, 2007 at 07:57 PM
What terrific ideas for those napkin rings!! That's what makes you such a treasure---you can come up with creative ideas that make me say, "Why didn't I think of that?"
The snow came down today on the little blue house just like the class collage. Timing.....
Posted by: Carolr | November 21, 2007 at 08:25 PM
super cute!
Happy turkey day!
jessi nagy
Posted by: jessi nagy | November 21, 2007 at 08:37 PM
Once again you create the most elegant stuff...
love these ..could be a class lol
have a real happy thanksgiving
terri
Posted by: terri ventura | November 21, 2007 at 08:46 PM
This is SUCH a cute idea! I love it!! You could dress these up for any holiday. Have the cutest table AND hardly spend a penny on it. How great is that? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Posted by: Tracy | November 21, 2007 at 08:54 PM
Charlotte, oh my gosh, looking at those cookbooks seemed like browsing through my collection. I have all three books. I have loved the SP bookbook to pieces from use, and Ina Garten is my favorite cookbook author these days. I just picked up the Junior League cookbook at a thrift store. So glad to hear how much you like it. I'll have to start cooking from it soon. I always knew I loved your books and crafts. I feel an even bigger kinship with you now. Love to hear about your girls! Mona
Posted by: Mona | November 21, 2007 at 09:15 PM
You clever girl...!!! Just so cool.
Happy Happy yummy day to you!
love.
Posted by: suzi finer | November 21, 2007 at 10:24 PM
These are so cool! I love recycled things! I have a friend that collects napkin rings, I know going to make her some of this for Christmas! Thanks for the wonderful idea! Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Kim | November 21, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Lovely! Right up my alley for sure! Thanks for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: *Heidi* | November 22, 2007 at 01:11 AM
WOW! these are wonderful!!!
Posted by: gigi | November 22, 2007 at 01:21 AM
Dear Charlotte
I always thought we may be on the same wavelength...look at my napkin rings on my Thanksgiving post! Kindred spirits indeed. Thanks so much for your very kind thoughts. xoxo Nicol
Posted by: nicol | November 22, 2007 at 02:47 AM
Gobble, gobble...
Love to all,
D
Posted by: dede | November 22, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Gobble, gobble...
Love to all,
D
Posted by: dede | November 22, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Once again you've inspired me to do a great craft with my daughters! We don't use paper towels either, but we keep the toilet paper rolls for just this type of thing! Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Kelley ~ JunqueyGal | November 22, 2007 at 08:49 AM
Oh gosh Charlotte. I love them both! Simple is so often best. Thanks for the brainstorm idea of using pencil...somehow I like my own handwriting like that too. (kinda like an out of focus photo?) Happy day of giving thanks to you and yours.
Posted by: jen | November 22, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Hi Charlotte and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family,
Table setting is what IT is all about for me! Great ideas for napkin rings....love the recycling!
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon at American Harvest | November 22, 2007 at 11:19 AM
i am off to make these for my dinner this evening...thanks for the idea...happy thanksgiving my friend...rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | November 22, 2007 at 04:20 PM
i am off to make them for my dinner this evening...ad i am going to make my turkey shoes to match...happy thanksgiving my friend...rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | November 22, 2007 at 04:22 PM
Just such fun and a real conversation starter! So pretty!
I hope you had a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | November 23, 2007 at 01:17 AM
A truly wonderful idea!
Susan
Posted by: Susan Tuttle | November 23, 2007 at 10:03 AM
What a wonderful idea!!!These napkin rings are soooo sweet. As of today I am going to be saving my paper towel rolls. Thanks for the inspitation.
Posted by: Gardengirl | November 23, 2007 at 02:09 PM
JUst beautiful and you make it all seem so effortless.......also loving how you used recycled items!!!
Have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend!!!
Posted by: sharron | November 23, 2007 at 11:43 PM
Very clever...and classy!
Hope your Thanksgiving day was great. Carol
Posted by: carol | November 24, 2007 at 09:28 AM
I just saw your post on the lovely napkin rings. Thanks so much for the idea.
Darlene
Posted by: Darlene | November 24, 2007 at 09:30 AM
so beautiful and dainty..i must make these!
hope you had a blessed thanksgiving.
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | November 24, 2007 at 11:42 AM
What a fabulous idea!!! I am going to run with that one. Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: frivolitea | November 24, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Great idea for any party!
Posted by: Ann Christine Dennison | November 24, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Cute project Charlotte. love that one with the velvet leaf. I'll bet the table looked fabulous!
Posted by: Carolyn Peeler | November 24, 2007 at 05:44 PM
Just found this ~ such a great idea and one the kids can help with, too! Didn't find it in time for Thanksgiving, but I'm definitely going to do this for Christmas dinner. Thanks for you inspiration. Blessings, Patricia
Posted by: Patricia | November 24, 2007 at 08:10 PM
I just came over from another blog.
Wow, I had so much fun reading your
archives. Your creations are wonderful. I have heard so much about silver bella, I think I am going to have to go next year....
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Pinkie Denise
Posted by: Pinkie Denise | November 24, 2007 at 09:23 PM
These will go well with my vintage paper placemats! Who say it has to be silver to be rich in detail and taste? I especailly like the pin on the napkin ring. Clever idea.
Posted by: tongue in cheek | November 25, 2007 at 02:55 AM
love the simple yet elegant touch!
happy holidays
xo
Posted by: paige | November 25, 2007 at 10:57 AM
I LOVEEEE your napkins rings , so creative and artisitic ..Lovely
Posted by: Mélanie | November 27, 2007 at 08:52 AM
I just love these!
Posted by: Sara Duckett | November 27, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Lovely work! I must take one of your Tinsel Trading classes one of these days - it looks like so much fun, and you do such nice things.
Posted by: Liesl | November 28, 2007 at 12:33 AM
I love these! The kids and I are definitely going to have to make some this year...my mom would love a set for a gift. :)
Posted by: Jen | November 28, 2007 at 09:05 AM
What a wonderful idea! I will be making these for Christmas dinner (which my husband will cook!:))
Hope you had a sweet family holiday, Charlotte!
xo Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | November 28, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Charlotte!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is so sweet and so tender just like you!!!! I love how your creative energy puts such
calm into our world... these are so fab...
Posted by: Jennifer Paganellli | November 28, 2007 at 05:15 PM
Goodness that is such a FABULOUS idea, love the little trinkets and pieces you decked them out in :)
Posted by: Sue McG | November 29, 2007 at 11:53 AM
A great napkin decoration which is perfect for any table. Thanks for your creative input again. I will certainly try these out!
Posted by: VideoJug | December 11, 2007 at 08:51 AM
These are beautiful. What a great idea. I have made some in the past too, but not as elaborate as yours. I made some napkin folds this year for our Church's Men's Ministry Dinner, they are a Lotus Flower. If you go to my blog and scroll down a bit you will be able to see them. I love finding creativive things to do.
Posted by: Kelly W | December 15, 2007 at 04:44 PM
Just stumbled across this, how come I never thought to use my paper edger scissors when I make this type of napkin ring??? What a great idea! I will have to store it away until next year!! LOL!
Posted by: Tobey | December 15, 2007 at 08:14 PM