Month: October 2015

#radpaperhowto DIY

Easy DIY Paper Pumpkins

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A few weeks ago we did these quick and easy, little, paper pumpkins as a free craft in our store. We got a great response, but I know that a lot of our Instagram followers wished they could have been there. I figured- why not do a little tutorial so you all can make them at home? I know, Halloween is this weekend- but this is such an awesome craft for any fall decor (would be so cute in a cluster for a Thanksgiving centerpiece!) Plus they only take a few minutes- so why not?

This is an easy craft for kids or adults! I would love to see it done with patterned paper or as a garland (WOULD BE SOOO CUTE) but whatever you do- tag us @paperieandpen #radpaperhowto so we can see! 

The supplies are pretty simple and straight forward. The best paper would be a text weight (thin) paper like from an office copy machine. I think it would also work well to use wrapping paper or a non-cardstock scrapbook paper. If you would like to make a larger pumpkin, you can make the strips longer and use more of them. A normal hold punch works fine, just make sure you are punching the holes in the same place. But if you do a lot of hole-punching, a Crop-a-dile will be the best thing that has ever happened to you...since you can punch through a whole stack at once!
The supplies are pretty simple and straight forward. The best paper would be a text weight (thin) paper like from an office copy machine. I think it would also work well to use wrapping paper or a non-cardstock scrapbook paper. If you would like to make a larger pumpkin, you can make the strips longer and use more of them. A normal hold punch works fine, just make sure you are punching the holes in the same place. But if you do a lot of hole-punching, a Crop-a-dile will be the best thing that has ever happened to you…since you can punch through a whole stack at once!

Punch 2 equal holes in your paper strips- one on each end, and one in the center. You will then assemble a brad in the center hole and fan out your strips into an equal circle.

Take another brad (point side up) and start gathering the ends of the strips one by one until you for a nice spherical shape. It works best if you alternate strips that are across from each other. When you have collected all of the ends, loosely open the brad to keep it all together while you cut your leaves. 

Take your leaf paper and fold in half. Cut a leaf shape out of one side. If you would like to draw it first, you may- but you can just freehand with the scissors if you are daring.

Open up your leaf shape and make sure you like the size with your pumpkin, feel free to trim down if you would like. Once you are ready, punch a hole in the center of the leaves and the center of your brown rectangle. Then you can open the brad at the top of your pumpkin and add the leaves and brown, then re-open the brad and tightly fasten.

You can then start to scrunch and twist the brown paper into a stem. Be careful not to pull it off of the brad while you are doing this. But the more that you twist and manipulate the end upward- the more it looks like a stem.

You are finished! Feel free to add finishing touches to your pumpkin- we crinkled our leaves a little bit. We would love to see how yours turned out- make sure to tag us: @paperieandpen #radpaperhowto

Hope you had fun!

Events!

PAPER PARTY, OMG!

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We LOVE our amazing customers, fans and social media stalkers so much that we are throwing you a party! Come and enjoy a local brew from Payette Brewing Co. and show off your costume skills from 4-8

We hope that you are interested in participating in our MAIN EVENT– the Proof Eyewear Pinewood Derby Tournament! Here’s how it works:

– Purchase your kit from 1 of 2 locations. Paperie + Pen in the Village at Meridian, or from Proof Eyewear’s Boise Flagship location in BoDo. Kits are $5 and include everything you need to make the raddest of derby cars.

CAR SPECS

A. Width: Not to exceed 2 3/4 Inches

B. Length: No to exceed 7 inches

C. Weight: Not to exceed 5.0 ounces on scale accurate to 1/10 ounce

D. Height: Not to exceed 3 inches

– Show up early to register. Registration will be open between 4:00PM – 5:30PM on Saturday, October 24th and the racing will begin at 6PM.

-If we don’t sell out of the kits before the event, they will be available to purchase during registration if you’re feeling super ambitious and have overly speedy boy scout widdling skills.

-Format of the race might change depending on the number of entries. We are planning for a single elimination tournament style competition.

-Prizes will be awarded for most creative and fastest cars. Prizes include prize packs from Proof Eyewear, Paperie + Pen, Payette Brewing and the Village at Meridian.

COSTUME CONTEST:

Register for free for the costume contest between 4-5:30 at Paperie + Pen. There, we will take your photo and post it for voting. Voting will begin at 5:30 and go until the end of the Derby race. Winners will be announced after the Derby race. Must be present to win!

** Categories are not pre-determined. But feel free to come as individual, couples or groups. Kids are welcome to participate!!

BEER GARDEN PROVIDED BY PAYETTE BREWING CO.

MUSIC AND SOUND SUPPLIED BY SOUNDWAVE

CLICK HERE TO RSVP & INVITE FRIENDS

Meet the Staff!

Meet the Staff: Kinsey

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Here we go- Meet the Staff Monday! And we have a special treat for you this week- meet Kinsey! You probably see a lot of her since these days she is a little bit of a workaholic… Kinsey is actually our “Merchandising Specialist” and kills it with inventory placement and display vignettes. She is also a VERY talented photographer- so make sure you follow her on Instagram: @kinseyand

Tell us a little bit about you and your background: I’m originally from Seattle but I moved to the good ol 208 about 4 years ago. I love rainy weather. I own 37 black and white striped articles of clothing. I’m left-handed and I hate cilantro.

What is your favorite part about working at Paperie + Pen? My bosses are (kinda) cool and it’s just a fun environment to be in in general! We always got the tunes bumpin and our card section is #onfleek. What more could you ask for besides Kanye West greeting you at the door? (We really need to work on that)

When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love taking pictures, stalking cute boys on Instagram, hiking, (trying) to learn Ukulele, shopping, and going to coffee downtown.

What are 4 superficial things you can’t live without? Anthro candles, man buns, my iPhone, and Spotify.

Favorite P+P vendor and why: Bando all the way! I have their Florabunda planner and it makes me smile every time I use it. All of their stuff is super quirky and bright. It’s like a party.

Favorite Restaurant in the Boise Area: 36 Street Bistro and Juniper are two of my faves. Super good food and locally owned, holler!

Favorite Movie: A 3-way-tie between Hot Rod, Juno, and Great Gatsby.

Favorite Song/Singer/Band: Slyvan Esso is a rad band. Their tunes are rockin. Specifically their song “Coffee”. They even let me take their photos once when they came to Boise!

Favorite Thing(s) to order from Starbucks: coconut milk lattes and chai’s

Favorite TV Shows: The Office, New Girl, Catfish, Bachelor in Paradise

Favorite Celebrity Crush: Michael Cera–lol

What is your best on-hand joke? I don’t believe in jokes. Everything is a serious matter all of the time.

Sum yourself up in a hashtag: #DontBeMadCauseImDoinMeBetterThanYouDoinYou