Paper Decorating- spirals

Card Stock Paper Spirals

(Doesn't have to be card-stock, scrap book or even tissue paper would work too!)

I threw a Christmas themed baby shower for a friend last week and wanted to decorate without spending a lot of money. I happened to have lots of left over bold colored card stock so I went to work creating fun pin-wheel type spirals.

I've seen lots of versions floating around the internet, but this is the way I learned as a kid in school. We used tape and elmers glue back then, but if you've read much of my blog you'll know I don't do any craft without my handy-dandy hot glue gun!

Start off making a square out of your paper by folding it in half to form a triangle then cutting off the excess.

Save this extra piece to make tiny spirals out of or for a guideline ruler as shown next.

Using some of your excess paper make a strip that's aproximately 3/4 inch wide.

Hold the guideline strip in the center of the folded over triangle with one hand as you cut 1/2 inch slits up to the strip's edge. You're starting the slits on the folded side and cutting up towards the open side's tip.

Cut 6-7 slits on each side. Remember the guideline paper is there to stop you from cutting too far into the center.

Try to match the width of the slits equally on both sides.

Now open the triangle up and starting with the two outside slits, pull two sides together and attach with either white glue, tape, stapler or if you want something quick and easy, a dab of hot glue.

Now grab the next two slits and pull them to the opposite side and glue.

Continue gluing the two sides together, alternating the side you pull it to each time.

I left the center piece open for a cool diamond look, but gluing it to itself looks cool too.

After a few large spirals I started to get stingy about my paper so decided to make smaller spirals instead.

Depending on what size you want you could make several spirals out of one piece of paper.

 I wanted to create a whimsical feel so I hung them up with curling ribbon all over my house!

 Don't ask how I got them up here...

Next I'll post the rest of the baby shower decorations!