A fun DIY

A cute DIY idea to brighten your Wednesday...

See, now isn't that better?

Take a seat...

So, we're BACK from our honeymoon and i've got SOOO much to share - about the wedding, honeymoon, and so much more. But while I attempt to unpack and get my life together, I thought i'd share this great idea I saw - look at these place cards from Timeless paper. How fantastic are these?!?

Even the peacocks look SO neat...

Anyone else have a unique idea for a place card?

DIY cards

A big thank you to brides little white book -- I was looking into making a few thank you cards and ran across this post for step by step directions on how to make your own fantastic (and very unique) note cards!

Happy crafting Friday!

I'm a sucker for succulents.

And one more thing...

While we were in Napa, we saw THE most amazing succulents. So I got to thinking, how COOL would succulents be as a favor?!?!

Well, I guess i'm not the first to think of this idea. Look at 100 Layer Cake's post from Kelly & Chris' wedding... Click here for a full DIY description.

Designer Dessert Tables

A huge thank you to Amanda at Elizabeth Anne for referencing Amy Atlas' AMAZING dessert tables. If you're considering doing a dessert table you absolutely MUST check out her website for inspiration! Getting married in New York, or have the cash for Amy's services... you've got to check it out. Her tables are nothing short of breathtaking!! Look at all those cute details!!

Mix and Match.. the more the merrier?

I'm finally back (I'll explain later) and have banked a few fun ideas from fellow bloggers that I wanted to share...

While I myself purchased custom stamps using zazzle, how amazing is this idea? Using vintage stamps, mix and match stamps in your wedding colors, creating a a chic rustic effect with a variety of stamps. See 100 layer cake on specific how-to's.

But I loved this idea, not only is it incredibly unique but budget friendly as well. Got to love that!!

Cupcake BLING - DIY Style

I came across a few fantastic ideas for fun ways to decorate cupcakes.. having a cupcake wedding cake, or just love making cupcakes (like I do)? Here are a few fun ways to decorate your cupcakes.

Courtesy of Une-Deux Senses and Wedding Cabaret- here are instructions on how to make your own cupcake flags.

Here's another fantastic idea... Goosgrease has been featured in this month's Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine. In addition their adorable cake toppers, they also do a smaller cupcake topper. How fantastic are these? (ANNND... only $40!)

Another cute cupcake topper (great for birthdays) are Goosegrease's round toppers.. How cute are these? A set of two costs $10 and can be customized to match your color scheme!

Birds... AGAIN

So, I know I need to stop this crazy thing i've started for birds... but I just can't help it. (AGH!) I saw this post on Once Wed and had to share, such a fantastic DIY project!



See the step by step directions below, and click here to download the template!

What You'll Need:
One Bunch "Million Star" Gypsophilia (AKA Baby's Breath) Generally, a bunch is 10 - 12 stems, with multiple laterals on each stem)
One Spool Fabric Coated Wire
Decorative Paper (3 or so coordinating sheets)
String
A Sheet of Card Stock
Floral Snips
Scissors
Small Hole Punch
Pencil
Computer and Printer


Resources: Gypsophelia is a very common flower and available through any floral wholesale house, flower shop, or grocery store florist. There are many on-line resources as well. Fabric coated wire is available in the floral section of your craft store.

Before you get started on the garland, unwrap your bunch of Gypsophelia, trim the stems and place in warm water. Allow the flowers to drink for a couple of hours before proceeding.

1. Take your floral clippers, and trim all of the flower tufts off the end of the sprays, leaving just a little stem. (see figure 1)

2. Cut a 7 foot length of fabric coated wire. Twist the end of the wire to make a little loop at the end.

3. Take a tuft of Baby's Breath, and lay it on your support wire, just past the loop. Pick up your wire spool, and wrap the wire around the flower stem and support wire. (see figure 2)

4. Add another tuft, this time to the back side of the wire, and wrap again.

5. Keep adding the flower tufts, alternating front and back, and work your way down the wire. (see figure 3)

6. When you reach the end of the wire, cut the spool away and wrap the wire around the garland end several times to secure. Make a loop on the end with your support wire. Trim your flower stems to make the end of the garland tidy. (see figure 4)

To keep your garland fresh, coil it up, mist it lightly with water, and place it inside a plastic garbage bag. Put it in your refrigerator, or in the coolest spot available. It should stay fresh for 24-48 hours depending where you keep it.

7. Print out the bird template(see below) on a sheet of card stock. Cut out the birds, and trace them onto your decorative paper. ( I used 10 pairs for a six foot garland)

8. Cut all of your birds out, and punch a small hole in the middle of each bird's back. (see figure 5)

9. Cut a length of string about 14 inches long, and tie a bird to each end. (see figure 6)

10. Hang your garland from the wire loop ends and hang your birds over the garland, spacing them evenly apart. (see figure 7)

What it Cost: (to make one six foot garland)
1 bunch of Baby's Breath = $8.50 (from a wholesale florist)
3 Sheets of Paper = $1.80
Spool of Fabric Coated Wire = $2
String = $1.50

Hang-over

Just a quick fun idea to help spur your thinking on this BLAH tuesday morning. I found these last night on the stylish scribe, and just couldn't wait to share them. How fun is this idea?!?! I'm thinking these are MUST HAVE for my welcome totes!

Happy creative Tuesday!

Just throwing it out there...

So I realized last night (yes, it suddenly came to me)... the throwing thing!! What am I going to have people throw at us after we tie the knot? AND... do I even really want someone to 'throw' something at us (ha!). I think rice is a bit outdated, and not too eco friendly. Birdseed is fun, but definitely has the ability to get in your hair, dress, etc (yikes). I stumbled across a few ideas that I thought I'd share...

1. Ecofetti. This is a biodegradable and water soluble confetti that comes in a wide variety of colors... AND is good for the environment.



2. Or my personal current favorite (as always, subject to change)... how about lavender buds? How cute would some lavender be in these little glassine envelopes? You can get loose lavender for a decent price at this ETSY shop (only $14 for a pound of lavender!)

3. When in doubt... flower petals always make such a classy statement. Not only are they super colorful.. but they won't 'hurt' or be too terribly distracting if your cousins try and pelt you with flowers :)

Any other ideas.. please share!! :)

My own Kissing Tree

Surfing around the wedding blog world this morning I found this fantastic resource... go here to make your very own kissing tree. Kissthegroom is offering free customized kissing tree graphics. Trying to save money? This free artwork would make fantastic invitations, stationary, or even a sweet valentines gift (okay, I know it's only April... but you can't blame me for thinking ahead). Anyway, check it out!

PS: within minutes I received my own kissing tree.. here's what it looks like:

A runner with style

Looking for another interesting DIY idea??? Check this out...A personalized hand-made aisle runner!

The How-To:
Step 1: purchased white muslin that measured 36″ wide. I used a bolt, but purchases as many yards to create the length you want.
Step 2: Layout the muslin and iron flat the section you wish to do the logo. I placed mine toward the bottom of the aisle runner.
Step 3: I purchased the stencil from Hobby Lobby. Arrange the stencil so that you will be able to fit two of them angled where the ends almost touch.
Step 4: Complete the circle by rotating the stencil around four times.
Step 5: For the initials, create your layout on the computer and print it. Place the paper under the fabric centered in the circle. You will be able to see the initials through the fabric.Trace the initials with paint. I used acrylic craft paint. Do the same thing for the date.
Step 6: The edges of the muslin are already serged all you have to do is serge or hem the top and bottom of the muslin.

I saw this on Vintageglam, and couldn't help but pass it on. How fantastic is this DIY runner idea? Thank you Brandi for the step by step instructions.... it looks pretty easy, and turned out fabulous! The big question is do I still stomach the $150 the florist is charging me for a runner, or do I attempt this beauty on my own??

*PS: not only is this idea fun for wedding related items, but think of using the technique on other things... how about a personalized hanky or pillow... or even napkins!?!

DIY Handmade Soap

I sure do wish I would have found this a few weeks ago. One of my favorite new blogs, 100 layer cake, provides step-by-step directions for how to make your own soaps!

Not crafty? (or short on time?) I purchased these a few weeks ago from Sweet Petula. Not only are they cost effective (read $20 for 12 soaps), but she will customize the soaps using your colors/monogram! These 'mini' bars of soap will be perfect to include in our welcome tote bags. After all, who doesn't love getting fun soaps when they go to a hotel!