Let’s Party: 3 DIY Ideas to Take You From Party to Home Decor

I’ve been talking a lot lately about how I enjoy throwing parties here and there, in addition to the home decor goodness. And today, I’m melding the two to create some DIY party ideas that can be reused long after the party is over, in your own home. The idea is simple…come up with projects that will look great for a party (photo booth backdrop, textiles, party favors, etc) that can then get a second wind in your home for years to come. Sounds easy enough, right?

So, I partnered with V8 to put together a two part series that shares the DIY process for these party-turned-home-decor projects AND a big ol’ party that shows you exactly how I brought everything together for a day of celebrating. Today, I’m sharing the DIYs and tomorrow I’m sharing the actual party, complete with even more DIY ideas and more fruit and veggies than you can shake a stick at. All to celebrate V8 Veggie Blends (a healthy beverage option that contains 1 full serving of vegetables in every glass) and V8 +Energy (a refreshing energy juice, powered by natural green tea).

I can’t wait to share the party tomorrow, complete with a (very edible) table runner and lots of other fun stuff. But for today, I’m pumped to share 3 DIY projects that can go from party to home decor without even trying. There’s a giant woven photo booth backdrop turned wall art, naturally dyed party linens turned everyday napkins, and leather handled rose gold baskets turned storage solutions. Let get to it!

DIY Photo Booth Backdrop Turned Everyday Wall Art

First up, is my favorite project of the three! To tie in more natural elements, Amelia and I made a giant wall piece that acts as artwork in the space and a photo booth backdrop for selfies at the party, etc. We used more than 100 yards of cotton piping for this guy and it was definitely a labor of love, but in my opinion it was totally worth it.

After the party is over, it would make a really cool art piece, hanging over a couch or in an entryway. and you could even dye the piping before you get started, for a pop of color.

Materials

• cotton piping (in various thicknesses – roughly 100 yards in total for a 4 ft x 8 ft piece)
• chicken wire (2 ft wide by 25 ft long – like this one)
• scissors
• wire cutters

Instructions

1. Cut chicken wire down with wire cutters to 2 pieces roughly 8-10 feet in length.

2. Next, it’s time to start creating the pieces that will be woven into the chicken wire. We used a picture of 3 techniques for the weaving process.

1.  Tassels of different sizes, which are made by gently pulling half of a 9-12 inch piece of cotton piping apart and leaving a ‘tail’ for the other half that is untouched. See photo. To attach tassels to the  chicken wire, weave the ‘tail’ end through the holes (over under, over under).
2. Double ended tassels, which are made from gently pulling apart both ends of a 6 inch piece of cotton piping. See photo. To attach these, fold in half, then push them through the back of the chicken wire, through the hole, creating a bubble like shape through the front and the edges in the back will keep them from falling out.
3. Completely unraveled 9-12 inch pieces of piping that have been completely split from the thin string holding the piping together. This one is not shown in the photo, but looks like the tassel from #1 if you had pulled apart the entire thing. To attach these longer pieces, you’ll use an over, under, over under approach like basketweaving.

3. Once you have the 3 techniques figured out, start weaving the different pieces into the chicken wire (working your way from the bottom up), being sure to stager the different techniques for a haphazard, organic look. *Leave the last 4 hole rungs across of chicken wire on each end untouched for later (4 holes all the way up and down on the left and the same on the right).

4. Once that first piece of chicken wire has been completed, repeat steps 2 and 3 on the second piece of chicken wire.

5. Next, thread the 2 pieces of chicken wire weaving together (one above the other) with a very long piece of cotton piping. Pull highly so the piece doesn’t sag anywhere, but not too tight that the piece buckles. You’ll be able to tell if you’re doing it right, I promise.

6. Then, cut long pieces of cording and basketweave the unfilled in holes on each end, all the way up and down. This will help with securing the two pieces together and give a more finished look.

7. Fold remaining chicken wire behind the piece of a more finished look and extra security / smoother looking sides.

8. Attach to the wall with wall anchors (it’s a fairly heavy piece).

FYI – this particular project is not a quick one. Ours took 8-10 hours (in total) from start to finish, but I love it so much.

Naturally Dyed DIY Linens for Bright Yellow Napkins

Using a natural material, that is easily accessible (you can find turmeric at any grocery store) seemed like the perfect match for  our V8 party. V8 Veggie Blends and +Energy strive to make getting your veggies each day a little bit easier and more accessible, they even have a hashtag for it… #VeggiesForAll.

And you all know I love a good dyeing project, so I was excited to test out a natural dye bath. The napkins turned out vibrant and it was super easy to dye. Love the pop of bright yellow on the table (for parties and everyday).

Materials

• 1-1.5 ounces of turmeric (average size of spice container)
• white linen napkins (I used these)
• large pot
• 1 gallon of water
• salt

Instructions

1. Start by adding 3-4 tablespoons of salt to one gallon of water. Add in linens and let sit for 20-30 minutes. This will help the turmeric dye more evenly.

2. Remove linens and wring out. Set aside.

3. Add turmeric to water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, add linens into the dye bath, and keep in the bath for 30 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, wring out, and run under water for several minutes until water runs clear. Put linens in washer (use detergent) and then dry in dryer (or on a drying rack or clothing line outdoors). Iron and they’re ready to use.

DIY Leather Handle Baskets for Party Favors + Everyday Storage

When I found these amazing rose gold baskets, I almost didn’t get them (even though I really loved ’em) because they didn’t have handles. But then I thought to myself, duh – I can totally make my own handles. So that’s what I did!

The baskets are great for adding vegetables and fruit too, along with V8 +Energy and other items, for party favors that guests can take home. And if you make a few extras, they’re also perfect for storing things around the house, after the party is over.

Materials

• 3/4 inch wide leather strips (like this roll that can be cut down)
• scissors or sharp blade
• leather hole punch (get a good quality one)
• rose gold tubular rivets
• tubular rivet peening tool
• mallet or hammer
• rose gold wire baskets (mine are from here)

Instructions

1. Cut leather strip down to roughly 10 inches long for each handle (this can be slightly shorter or longer, depending on what you like).

2. Then punch 2 holes (2-3 inches apart) on each end of the leather – for a total of 4 holes per strip of leather. See photo.

3. Weave one end of the leather through the top of the basket, as shown. Then, use a tubular rivet and tubular rivet peening tool to secure the two ends together. See photo.

4. Repeat this process with the other end of the leather strap and then you have one finished handle.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 on the opposite side of the basket to make a second handle and then you’re good to go.

Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Modeling Katherine Dickerson, Courtney Dietz, Machaelie Hay
Styling + art direction Brittni Mehlhoff

After all those projects, I imagine we’re at a good stopping point for tomorrow’s post. So grab a V8 Veggie Blend or V8 +Energy (you’ll probably need a little energy boost after all that reading), kick up your feet, and come back tomorrow for the big reveal.

Think you’ll give these party ideas a try? Curious to hear your thoughts and also hear which project is your favorite. Let me know in the comments below.

—

This post is in partnership with V8. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.