Friday, January 13, 2012

Valentine Centerpiece • Quick and Easy DIY

Time to start planning a centerpiece switch and I do like to use Valentines Day as a winter theme. Red is such a warm color and as the thermometer drops to single digits, warmth in any concept or application helps. Adding candles only ups the warmth quotient. Here is a very quick, easy and inexpensive design I crafted today. The end result is much to my liking.




My idea started with a huge roll of wired nylon sheer ribbon edged in gold. I picked it up at one of those 90% off all things Christmasy sales. I was going to use it to create a variation on my ribbon hearts from last year but I was distracted by the beautiful curls that just fell into place as I unwound some ribbon to use.



Creating is most interesting when your ideas change direction because of an inspiration that hits you while working. I allowed the ribbon to unroll and keep its natural curl. That caught my eye and my imagination. At that point my previous plan was scrapped and I improvised. I just loved the curl.
  • Starting at one end of the table I allowed the ribbon to unfurl down the length of the table, leaving its natural curls in place. (Sounds like a hair dressing lesson!) I placed a glass cylinder onto the curl where it touched the table to hold it in place. I put three cylinders on the ribbon in three places, each at a low point, 1 in the center and one out each curl.  
  • I draped the ribbon over the edge and cut it about 1 foot below the table edge.
  • I then started at the other end of the table and brought the ribbon back.  Because I was going in the opposite direction the curve of the ribbon was opposite the first ribbon and I nested them and positioned it so the ribbons crossed under the glass cylinders.

  • Under each cylinder I placed a paper doily and a 8.5" square of red card stock paper.
  • I also put a small glue dash (you know the kind that peels off) under the ribbon near the ends of the table to help hold it in place.



  • At both ends I allowed the ribbon to drape about 1 foot and the cut the ends in a classic ribbon v cut.
  • I put candles into the glass cylinders and, in less than 1/2 hour my center piece was complete!  
I was absolutely taken by the fascinating compositions created by the ribbon as it spirals down the table in a double helix line.


It created beautiful abstract designs in the camera lens as I started photographing the design.






It is stunning to watch both the sunlight or the candle light create shadows and visually plays.



Supplies Needed:
  • Ribbon: Length is two times the length of your table plus 4 extra feet for the over hang.  I used a wired sheer nylon ribbon with gold trim but many other wired types would work as well. What's in your stash?
  • Three glass cylinders - or other candle holders. A little weight is necessary. Doesn't need to be the clear glass. I'll bet three brass candlesticks would look great as well.
  • Three Candles
  • Three 8.5" square pieces of red card stock
  • Three 10.5 " paper doilies


Time for you to go and buy some supplies for a Valentine Centerpiece.  Share photos!

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©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

5 comments:

  1. Another one! Sent this to my daughter, as she's the more "crafty" one. Absolutely adorable.

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  2. I like this idea! Very simple but elegant! Blessings My Friend,

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  3. This is a really cute idea! Inexpensive and quick to create...the perfect storm!

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  4. Your absolutely right! Easy peasy done and so inexpensive.

    You always shared us great ideas.

    TY for sharing.

    Greetings from freezing Stockholm.
    /chie

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