a little paper globe therapy

My heart is still heavy. So many emotions I was experiencing just two months ago after my brother passed away are resurfacing. It all feels like a bad dream. A dream I know I can't wake up from. To know there is another Kim family aching to see their beloved son, husband and father again is heartbreaking. But once again in the hazy mist of grief there are people in my life who are lifting me up. Friends who call to see how I'm doing. Laughter + smiles from my boys which fill me with hope. And even the process of creating provides me with a bit of joy. 

After seeing paper globe ornaments in Martha Stewart's Holiday magazine, I knew I wanted to make my own version. The materials required for this project are minimal. You need a pair of scissors [a paper cutter is even better], hole punch, cardstock [or old Christmas cards], paper fasteners [brads] and string. I wanted some decorations for our family room and was inspired by the colors in this photo.

I printed out simple designs on white cardstock [both sides], but you can always pick up some cute double-sided paper at your local scrapbooking store.

I chose not to make the paper globes into ornaments, rather I put them into bowls and trays. I plan to make another set with Big J for our Christmas tree.

This craft project has endless possibilities--garland, mobiles and even little baskets.

Simple craft. Simple pleasures.

Comments

[christina]

you took a simple idea and made it wonderful! great work. your paper design make them work so well.

[Geninne]

I am in awe of your talent Ms. Shim :-)
Simple+elegant+clever=your work

[tiffany]

Those are lovely! I tried find Martha's holiday mag at the bookstore today, but they were out. :( I must get it. What a great project, and your personal touches make them even better!

[tammie]

sally, in my blogging absence, i missed your sad times. my thoughts are with you as those feelings resurface. i cannot even begin to imagine. i am so happy you have those precious little guys to lift you up, and crafting always lifts the spirits, no?

[Sarah]

Beauty + therapy = a good thing if ever there was one.

[Danielle]

Oh that's brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing them. I haven't seen the Holiday issue here in Australia. I hope the globes help lighten things up for you.

[tracy]

lovely lovely work. hugs those boys of yours. . .

[jo]

sally, i am feeling the same as you...my world has been turned upside down and i had no idea what was going on until two days ago...i wanted to see what you were creating and there was your everso graceful prayer for the kim family and the missing family... you opened my eyes that the world is so big yet so small. like you, i was hoping for a miracle and was so devasted to hear that mr. kim left this world while fighting to save his family...the wounds we carry may never heal but having those smiling lil' eyes staring back at you, a lil' hand to hold, the love we create with our hands (those globes are so amazing!)may all give us a warmth of solace in our hearts during these trying times...even though we're strangers (you, the kims...) my heartaches for you, the kims, my lil' one...and will keep all of you in my prayers. in honor of mr. kim, a valiant hero, i've also put up a memorial on my flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/3littlemiracles/316753191/in/set-72157594410403475/ ... (ps thank you for your personal e-mail...i admire you greatly) xoxo jo

[Marie-Louise]

They are so beautifull:-)I have just made some too. They are so cosy to make and as you say very simple.
Marie-Louise

[Lisa K.]

Sally,

Thank you for sharing this simple and satisfying craft with us. I read it earlier and fled to make some. I've just come back and noticed the bowl! The bowl!!!

I've now taken my biggie ball and made it into a home for some of its smaller brothers.

[Morgan]

Thank you for this Sally. So sorry for all that you've been feeling!

[joyce]

such a great idea! i love the paper and colors you've chosen.

[Yvonne]

I'd love to pay a visit to your house. Everything you do looks so thought of, so stylish and it seems that you exactly know what you are doing and I love that about you. Beautiful ornaments Sally!! Wishing you extra warmth :)

[manela]

hi!
I like these xmas decoration and I'll make some of my own too!
bye,manela

[Jo]

I was lucky enough to do a swap for this magazine and I have not been able to put it down. I love how you have put the globes in a bowl rather than hang them. My other favourite is the paper decoration made with the joined circles - the one that you score the triangle in, fold and join to make a globe. So simple, but wow! Take care Sally.

[Mama Urchin]

These are so pretty, and seemingly simple. Did you use a brad at the top and bottom?

[Lindsey]

Those are so pretty. I was planning on making some with my kids this weekend:)

[Mike]

Great craft idea! Love 'em. You hang in their Sally!

[Alicia A.]

Very pretty and simple. Your style all the way!

Give it time, Sally. All of this is very new and time is a wondrous thing.

[molly]

I was feeling the same way yesterday--how quickly, at the word about james kim, I could remember (and feel) all those same feelings I felt just over four years ago....
But there is joy in routine and children and creativity and relationships and LIFE.
Your globes are beautiful. If I had brads on hand I'd be whipping some up today...but I promised myself I wouldn't leave the house today--a peaceful day at home.
(what font is that called that types out the manuscript lines and letters? I LOVE it)

[amy h]

I was actually wondering if the news of James Kim would be hard for you, since your wounds are still so fresh. It has been hard for me, and I've had more than seven years to heal! It's hard to explain what time does for you -- it isn't that it stops hurting altogether or that you forget the person -- you just learn how to love life again even without that person's physical presence. They're still there somewhere in the background. I know right now your brother must be so much in the foreground. Stay strong!

And I love the paper balls -- I've been wanting to make some of those.

[kathy]

A beautiful post all the way around.

[abbyjane]

The last photo is great. I love that dark brown basket. Super.

[bugheart]

thank you
for
your beautiful
thoughts
and
creative
distraction.

[kat]

You are so talented. I wouldn't be surprised if Martha herself would be impressed:) You really have a designer's eye.

My son has a playdate today. This might keep little hands busy! What mum wouldn't want one of these from their kids?