I <3 Ann Wood

So it's not really news, but it's worth another mention... I love Ann Wood's little creations. I love her birds, owls, ships, and all the fantastic little projects she works on. The miniature projects are so detailed and so fantastic that they almost transcend you into a happier, simpler time.

To be even a bit more specific, being a second-time around bride, as I got engaged and began imagining what I wanted for our wedding, I honestly felt a little stuck. As I started to try and put together a vision for the wedding - I found that it was hard to decide upon a theme and identify something that really inspired me. And that's when I stumbled across Ann Wood. I saw a picture of these cute bird cake toppers and thought, WOW... now THAT's something different. I quickly jumped on chat boards and wedding blogs and was able to identify that they were from Ann Wood.

Were they expensive? Yes. Were they WAY over our budget? Yes. Did I still have to have them? Absolutely. I tried looking for alternatives... but NOTHING really compared. So these little birds became the inspiration. Not because I was planning on having a bird themed wedding (yikes), but because I decided that everything I choose for our special day would be carefully chosen, collected, and put together... just like Ann's birds.

So i'm less than three weeks away from our big day and as I stand back and look at all the decisions we've made, and the details we've incorporated into the wedding.. I couldn't be more proud. Each detail is a reflection of 'us' and of the couple we are together... and I couldn't be more excited to share it with our friends and family. So thank you Ann... they may be little, but they sure do mean a lot!

And just in case you're wondering, Ann was kind enough to make a set for my fiancee and I... this cute little couple will be proudly perched upon our wedding cake. And will be a beautiful reminder of our special day.

PS: I just saw this posted on her blog from Design Sponge - a fun sneak peak into her studio! And another about cardboard horses.

(Visit her blog and click on the green button to the right to download the horse template)

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

Quit your day job (well... maybe)

Did anyone read the ETSY profile of Elizabeth from nelladesigns? Check it out here. It's a really cute story. (Finally some uplifting news in this economic downer) **Update - just saw that the story was pulled off the ETSY website (Grr... anyway, keep reading, Nelladesigns is still fantastic!)

Not only are Elizabeth's designs affordable, but SO DARN cute. But you know me, I go a little nutsy for bird things (maybe it's a phase?) ha. Anyway, check out a few samples of things she sells in her shop. So fantastic!

So the fiancee and I are not living together yet, but I couldn't resist these fabulous address labels. (again, do I score any points for thinking ahead? ;) I'm trying to control myself.. but I'm LOVING this cute print. AND she customizes... choose your color, your photo and add in your wedding date. What a great gift, and a fun addition to your new home together!Or this:

Bird crazy

Okay, so admittedly, I'm obsessed with all of these fun love bird themes that are 'flying' around the wedding world. It first started with my obsession with Ann Wood's FANTASTIC bird cake toppers.

Now I've started to notice SO many fantastic 'love bird' details.

Look at Whitney Smith's fantastic bird cake stand - how cute and vintage looking is this!?!

I'm also loving Beehivekitchenware's bird measuring spoons!

Anyone else loving these bird details like I am?