Cutie Circus Decorations!

Hi, there!  When was the last time you went to the circus?  I think we went one time when Lauren was little, so we're talking 25 years ago for me.   Dennis and I have been watching a show that reminds of a really awesome circus sometimes:  America's Got Talent.  We'd never watched it until this season.  Maybe they should combine several of the acts and take them on the road!

I guess America's Got Talent put me in the mood for something circus-y and then my grandma asked me to make a card for my little cousin's seventh birthday so...

Isn't this clown adorable?  I got it from Retrofair Graphics.  I don't think you have to be seven to enjoy this!

This cute circus elephant is from Studio Shine Vintage.

I can think of several ways you could use these circus decorations - cupcake toppers, party favor bag toppers, birthday bags or cards, a banner....I'm sure you can come up with many more!  Here's how easy they are to make:

Make fringe first.  I layered 6 strips of crepe paper - 2 of each color, alternating colors.   I've made fringe before by sewing down the middle, but I really think I like gluing down the middle better.  I thought it would be a great idea to cut it with fringe scissors, but mine cut way too thin strips.  There is no need for each cut to be exactly the same, just start cutting, stopping at the glue line.

Next, make the stars.  I cut three stars and glue them together.  This makes the star nice and sturdy and it holds up well to the glitter and the hot glue on the back.  The clown has stars that are displayed with wire.  I use 24 gauge wire for this.  Make a coil in the wire - the coil is great for adhering to the back of the star with hot glue.  I always glitter after adhering the star to the wire.  I hot glued the stars onto the back of the clown.

Cut off a small piece of fringe and glue to the straw.  I put a ring of glue all the way around the straw and wrapped the fringe around the straw.  Next adhere the clown, elephant or other image above the fringe.  And FLUFF the fringe.   Fun, huh?

If you want to use the decorations on a bag, a paper clip is a great way to hold it in place.

I stamped a cute ticket to use on the party favor bags I made.

Fun, sweet circus bags!


I wonder who will win America's Got Talent?