Happy Mardi Gras!

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 Letters in a Different Medium


Initials created with plastic beaded necklaces 

Today is the start of the legendary New Orleans tradition- Mardi Gras. One of the features of this celebration are the family friendly parades, which include elaborate floats and colorful, imaginative costumes. Participants throw beads, and other items, to the spectators along the route as they march and perform. It's a vibrant atmosphere. 

Unfortunately, Mardi Gras will look very different this season, festivities have been pared down considerably to meet the demands of the moment. This is a shout out to all the undaunted, creative people of New Orleans who put so much time and effort into this celebration in the best of times and who are calling upon that creative energy to rethink the celebration for 2021.

I'm reminded of a project from a few years back that was inspired by New Orleans. We used old plastic beaded necklaces to create initials. The beads were hot glued to sturdy foam board and hung with wide ribbon,- a festive home decorating accent. It's a fun way to recycle those little items that pile up and outlive their usefulness.   

A tree on Tulane University campus that stays 
decorated with Mardi Gras beads year round.

Hopefully sometime soon we will all be able to return to celebrations like the festivities of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. In the meantime, if you're looking for something to do with the mementos from parades gone by,... 

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 5, 2021 at 3:58 PM

    You really inspired me with this tree. I'm putting some Marti Gras beeds on a tree today. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauren Klementz-HarteMarch 6, 2021 at 8:04 AM

    What a fun idea! Who says the sparkle has to stay in New Orleans? ;)

    ReplyDelete

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