wedding blogs

February 27, 2009 - 12:36 PM

Playful Pomanders

Tissue pomanders are a great way to pack a big punch in a very affordable decoration.  Playing with color, you can often use these fun spheres and skip the flowers.  I think groupings of these whimsical additions work wonderfully for a shower or small reception, and really don't take much time once you get the swing of things.  So get out those twist-ties, and prepare yourself for a round of fun!

The Stuff You'll Need

20"x24" tissue paper
22-gauge floral wire or sandwich bag twist ties
ribbon for hanging
scissors
optional:
feathers

The Stuff You'll Need to Do

1.Begin by cutting 8 sheets of the same color tissue paper in half, making the 20"x24" sheets into 20"x12" sheets. 

2.Take 4 sheets and fold them accordion style, starting on the shorter (12") end, using 1" folds.

3.After you have reached the other end, find the middle of the tissue and tie the twist tie or wire around the center.

4.Take your scissors and round off the ends of the tissue paper.  You will likely need to cut only a few layers at a time, as it is rather thick. 

5.Pick one side of the tissue and begin to separate the layers.  Do this very carefully, starting with the top layer and working your way down.  It is best to slide your fingers under the layer you're working up and raise your fingers slowly.  Any forcefulness can tear the tissue paper.  Repeat on the opposite side.  Your plume should look like half a sphere.  Don't worry about it not being the perfect shape at this point.

6.Repeat steps 2 through 6 with the other 4 sheets.

7.Now it is time to bring the two halves together to make a whole.  I won't even go there with that sappy pun.  This part can be a little tricky but be patient.  There should be two areas on each half sphere that have a pass through, where the ends of the tissue meet up.  Simply one wire through each area, bringing them up to the top of the other sphere and twisting them off.  Repeat with the other half, not twisting all the way shut just yet.

8.Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to double up and hang your ball from the ceiling.  There are other options to ribbon for this, I actually used suede and leather strips.  Bring the ends of your strip together and tie a knot. 

9.Go back to your pomander and twist off the wire, including the knotted end of the strip with your twisting. 

10. You pomander is now complete!  If you would like to add a little something extra to your decoration, may I suggest feathers?  Not only are they a hot trend right now, the type of feather you choose can really help set the mood you are going for.  I went with a more subdued, natural feather for a more relaxed look.  You could also try tucking other elements such as fabric, lace, or ribbon to add to your decor.  If you choose to make more, trying playing with the size, going larger or smaller to mix up the look.

February 27, 2009 - 11:39 AM

the basement.

We haven't done much decor-wise, and I haven't seen my husband for more then 10 minutes at a time since its completion, but I am proud of the work!

Yes, that is Marilyn and yes, that is a leg lamp.  There certainly could have been worse male touches to this space.

February 09, 2009 - 3:09 PM

and the man cave is complete.

Our first newlywed project is finally complete!  Oddly enough our first major house project together is something my husband likes to think of as his own.  Micah's "man cave" threatened several times to contain a keypad, locking out any touch of femininity possible.  While I must admit, I often wanted to give my two cents about the renovation, I was excited to see his "bachelor-like" couch and monster television move out of our living room.  I may be losing a husband to the depths of the sublevel, but I will soon be gaining a lovely living room renovation!

While some touches would not have been my first choice, I think my husband did a smashing job, considering he chose almost everything on his own.  I'll take some pictures of the final project and post them later.  And don't think my brain hasn't been on DIY.  I'm putting together quite a good little project, but trying to work out a number of kinks.  Hope you all have a wonderful week!

January 23, 2009 - 12:18 PM

Tea Cup Candles

Candles are a great way to create ambiance at any shower or reception.  My mother-in-law threw me an evening shower in her backyard this past summer, and these candles may have been the perfect addition.  By thinking outside the box you can turn just about anything into a fiery glow of ambience.  If you can pour wax into it, you can make a candle out of it.  These can enhance a centerpiece or make a nice gift with the addition of a tag.

The Stuff You’ll Need

Old teacups
Garage sales, antique malls, your grandmother’s house (make sure she doesn’t want them back)

A candle making kit
(I highly recommend going with a kit if you’re a first time waxer.  And if you’re planning on making a-ton-o-candles you can still use the kit and just buy more wax and wicks.  Otherwise, there are several things you’ll need, like a pitcher to melt the wax in and a thermometer that hooks on the side of the pot so it does not touch the bottom of the pot.  A kit is a one-stop purchase and you know it will all work together.  I used Country Lane’s Candle Making Pouring Pot Kit from Michael’s) (DIY Candle Prep 5)

A large pot to act as a double boiler
Your kitchen cabinets—didn’t you register for one?

Parchment Paper
The Grocery Store

An old spoon

A few clothes pins
You may have these in the house or you can buy a bag for cheap at Walmart  

Optional:

Crayons (for color)

Essential Oils

Materials

The Stuff You’ll Need to Do

1. Fill the large pot 2/3 the way full of water and put it on the stove on high enough heat to bring to a boil.

2. Disassemble the kit.  It should come with a thermometer, pouring pot, wax, wicks, and some form of instructions.

Follow these closely as different kits will vary.  If you are attempting this without a kit, follow your specific wax’s instructions.  I will give you the loose instructions for the kit I purchased.  While I follow most instructions, DIY for me is often like life:  I enjoy taking my own route at moments.

3.  While the water is heating up, begin to get the other materials ready.  Put down some parchment paper to protect your work surface and place the teacups on it.  Place a wick in the center of each cup.  Have the clothes pins ready.

4. Once the water comes to a boil place the pitcher filled with wax and the thermometer attached to the side, inside the pot.  You may find you need to hold the pitcher because it’s a bit bouncy…I did.

5. Heat the wax to 180 degrees.  At this point you can add in color or scents if you’d like.  A few drops of essential oils or a crayon will do the trick and give a more personal touch to the standard kit.  Crayola is the best—the cheaper crayons do not melt as well.  Stir well.

6.  Now lift the pitcher and begin to pour.  Move quickly because as the wax cools it begins to harden.

Fill all of your candles and place the pitcher back in the pot.  At this time attach the clothes pin to the wick and allow the other end of the clothes pin to rest on the side of the cup.

7.  Let the candles set for about 10 minutes.  The wax will begin to shrink, specifically in the center around the wick.  Top off all candles again with wax.

8.  Let the candles set for another 10 minutes or so.  Feel free to top off again if you’d like.

9. Now add a tag if they are a gift, or add to an arrangement.

To put together a similar centerpiece I recommend thinking of someone you know who might have a dish collection and asking them if they wouldn’t mind letting you borrow it.  It is probably a rarity for them to be able to show off their goods, so they will likely be flattered.  Possibly your grandmother or your friend’s mom?  Most of these collectors gather things that compliment each other, so finding all the pieces you’re needing could be a snap.  My mother-in-law’s glassware and ceramics collection may be neck and neck with Pryde’s Old Westport’s entire inventory.  We could have done an entire reception with the things she had: keeping each table different but having the color palette and the flowers consistent throughout.  She was thrilled to help me pick out these pieces.  Drop in some hydrangeas from the local florist, I got these at Village Gardens, and you have a full, fresh centerpiece that is unique and cost you very little.

January 23, 2009 - 11:09 AM

Decorative Tag

Personalization is key in making any event stand out.  Tags are a fun way to embody your own style, and add a little something different to your big day.  Plus they cost very little to make, allowing you to add some of your own style to a simple favor.  

The Stuff You’ll Need

(All of these items can be found at your local craft store)

Paper cutter                             

Paper scraps

Ribbon

A pen

A stamp

Embossing powder

An Embossing gun

A pad of ink

Scissors

Adhesive tape roller                             

Eyelet setter tool or hole punch         

The Stuff you’ll Need to Do

1. First determine your tag size based on the item you will be attaching it to.  For the wine stop I did a rather small tag with the largest paper square only being 1”x1”.  Cut using a paper cutter for accuracy.  

Cut the inset square slightly smaller. 

2. Pick out a stamp and an ink that compliments your papers and object.  Ink the stamp sufficiently.  You’ll know it’s good to go when the entire stamp is covered in the color of ink you’re using.

Stamp the desired area, making sure not to rock the stamp.  Just press firmly.

3. Working quickly after you have stamped, pour the embossing powder over the stamped area.  

Tip the card over onto a scrap piece of paper and flick the back side of the paper, ensuring all excess powder has been removed.  When you are finished with the embossing powder, you may pour the excess back into the jar for future use.

4. Plug in your embossing gun and turn it on.  Just like when you blow-dry your hair, heat the stamped area, ensuring to keep some distance from the paper and keep the gun moving.  

You will see the powder begin to melt together.  When this has happened, move on to the next area until the whole stamp is smooth and glossy.  Be careful: If you hold for too long, you will burn the paper.

5.  Attach the two pieces of paper together using an adhesive roller.  

6.  I find that using an eyelet setter tool creates a smaller hole, more appropriate for the size of ribbon you would use on these tags.  Fiskar makes a great, reasonable set, and you can find it at most Walmarts.  Lay the piece of paper on a mat or piece of cardboard.  Place the open end of the setter where you would like the whole.  Pull up on the top of the setter and release. 

 Repeat until you are through all paper. 

7.  You may now write on the card anything you would like.  I recommend keeping it simple: the date, “thank you”, a monogram.  Attach some ribbon or rickrack and tie to your object. 

Here are some other examples.  You can do all sorts of things with tags, depending upon your time constraints.  Add multiple layers of paper, buttons, brads, whatever you like!

January 23, 2009 - 10:12 AM

Wine Stop

While everyone loves monogrammed chocolates, why not give your guests something practical and lasting instead—candy favors placed in front of me are lucky to last to the salad course.  This wine stop is very simple to make, and can be used as a shower gift or a wedding favor.  Your guests are sure to think of your big day every time they relax with a glass of pinot.

 

The Stuff You’ll Need

1 1/8”x1” Cork Stoppers
Hobby Lobby

Decorative Pulls
Hobby Lobby

A Drill with a 1/8 bit
My husband’s workbench

An adjustable crescent wrench
My husband’s tool belt

The Stuff You’ll Need to Do

1. Begin by placing the cork skinny side down on a hard steady surface.  Grab that drill and place the bit in the middle of the fat end of the cork.  Drill away, making sure to move fast enough for the drill bit to have consistency, but with enough control to not lose control.  Do not drill all the way through, stop just short of the bottom of the cork.  Reverse the drill to remove the bit from the cork.

2. Take your decorative pull and begin to twist the screw end clockwise into the hole you have created.

3. If your pull is not easily graspable, grab your crescent wrench and adjust the claw to grip around the knob.  Twist until the screw is completely covered by the cork.

4. Add a decorative thank you tag, and for less then $3 you’ve got yourself a beautiful favor your guests are sure to enjoy…wow, that was a Martha moment if I say so myself.