February 2019 – A Beautiful Mess

Happy Singles Awareness Day! — Valentine’s Day

Oh Valentine’s Day…

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. Love is floating around and at every turn. A warm memory I have of that day is always going with my grandpa to get a box of Whitman’s Sampler assorted chocolate for my grandma. Their exchange of love was so small but big in my young mind.

But…

Cupid also has a way of letting you know he forgot you, again. LOL. Every year I tell myself don’t let some hallmark holiday get you in a funk. And every year it happens. Single slaps me in the face. This year I decided to slap it back in the face and host a Galentine’s Day party. I wanted to take some time to celebrate some ladies in my life with a brunch!

Invitations

The foundation to any party an attention grabbing invitation. Canva is great online graphic design website that has tons of templates to choose from. Invitations can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.

Decorations

I wanted to keep the decorations very simple and easy to clean up. Paper products are always an inexpensive way to decorate. I stayed with the color scheme of my invitation through the decorations.

Don’t forget your photo backdrop!

Activity

I picked an activity that could go over with everyone. Although, I love a good arts & crafts not everyone feels the same. I had stencils for the ladies because free handing can be intimidating. I gave them some instructions to get started but overall the painting was free range. I wanted them to let their creativity flow; making their canvas unique to themselves. The only ask that I had was that they choose a word or phase that was uplifting to themselves to up on their canvas. It’s Galentine’s Day! It was all about uplifting each other.

We had conversation cards to keep the brunch engaging. Each lady throughout the brunch would read their respect question and give an answer to the group. It was an inviting way to get to know one another. Some of the questions were: “Would you rather live a life with no inhibitions or a live a life with no stress? and “What is the most annoying personality trait someone can have?” The answers/stories, mixed with mimosas, made for some good laughs.

Frugal Fran Tip

Save a few coins by making your own tabletop easels. Purchase foam boards and duct tape from you local dollar tree.

There is beauty in simplicity! — Unknown

I love decorating with paper products for many reasons! It is an affordable way to decorate any event and clean up is fairly easy. Your decorations can go from the wall to the recycling bin or can be reused for the future.

Things You Need:

Ruler
Scissors
Ribbon
Tissue Paper
Stapler (optional)

Step One: Prep Work

Start with one package of tissue paper, diving the the 8 sheets into two stacks. Set one stack aside and flatten the remaining stack of 4 sheets.

Step Two: Fold Accordion Style

Fold the tissue paper accordion style. Each fold should be no more than 1 inch.

Step Three: Cut Desired Lengths

After the tissue paper is folded, use your ruler to measure approximately 6 inches and cut.

Cut the 6 inch piece of tissue paper in half. You should have the following from that stack of paper.

1 – 14 inches
2 – 3 inches

Step Four: Repeat

Repeat steps on the stack of tissue paper step aside. When you reach Step Three, measure 10 inches and cut.

You should the following pieces from one package of 20 in. X 20 in. tissue paper:

1 – 14 inches
2 – 3 inches
2 – 10 inches

Step Five: Secure with Ribbon

Working with one piece at a time, fold in half and tie with ribbon. Ensure that the ribbon has a snug fit.

Step Six: Round The End

Using your scissors, round the ends on both sides.

Step Seven: Fluff The Pom-Poms

Gently pull one layer at a time toward the center. Alternate sides if your center ribbon begins to move. If you rip the tissue paper during the fluffing DO NOT panic. Just blend it in. Honestly, you won’t be able to tell.

*Optional: Add stables to the back of larger pom-poms if additional structure is needed for fullness.

Step Eight: All Done!

Repeat Steps 5-7, for the bother pieces and you have successfully make tissue paper pom-poms. Use tape to secure them on walls or tape two of the same size together to make a ball for hanging.