String Art

Anyone else remember playing cat's cradle? Anyone? I used to play it all the time. I tried to do it again recently and apparently you need the dexterous hands of a 7 year old to play that game.  

Moving along.

Even though I'm unable to do a simple string task, I'm glad there are people out there with Houdini fingers that can turn string into masterpieces. I bet they could even turn string into wine if they tried. Or, at least into a bottle of wine!

But a girl can daydream, and today I daydreamed that my fingers could pull off these:

Table Numbers

{image and inspiration via Happiness Is...}

Wedding Sign

{image and inspiration via The Sweetest Occasion}

Sewn Paper

When I receive a card in the mail - with my name carefully printed on the envelope and the stamp often lopsided - I get really really excited. I feel like I did when I was six years old and couldn't wait for the mailman to drop off the contents of his bag into our mailbox. It brings me back to a time when I didn't know that the mail could contain anything other than a personalized letter, when the thought of bills and credit card payments were a foreign concept.


I love the idea below because it adds an extra personal twist to whomever you are reaching out to via snail mail. Whether it's a love note to your significant other, a thank you to your future in-laws or a card to the bridesmaid who talked you down from a wedding panic attack - these hand sewn cards ooze love... even before you write your personalized message.


Find the tutorial here. 

{images and inspiration via Sew Mama, Sew!}

Paper Bag Bouquets

On the first day of first grade, a teacher asked us to all go around and say our favorite color. Every girl said pink. Every boy said blue. Except for me and one other little one. We said green. Needless to say, this was not a good way to become a cool kid. But the point of the story is, I've always loved GREEN. Going green, being green, wearing green. 


So when my fabulous friend sent me a picture of birthday bouquet (happy bday EK!), which she had cleverly placed in a brown paper bag, I was like SCORE! What an awesome decor idea. Below, the original inspiration, and several other eco-chic bag ideas:

Original inspiration - a friend's birthday bouquet

Paper Basket Bouquet. Directions can be found here.

{image via Martha Stewart Crafts}

{image via Bride.ca}

DIY Name Banner

Remember how you used to doodle your name next to the name of the guy you liked? I have notebooks filled with this stuff. But now that it's legit - and you are actually marrying the man of your dreams - why don't you blow up those name doodles and hang 'em from a string? What better way to shout your love from the rooftops!

{image via My DIY Wedding Day}

Take Home Cake Box

Happy hour food, reception food, alcoholic beverages... By the time the cake is cut and served my poor tummy is often too full to even enjoy the delicious dessert.  Which is why I love the idea of cake boxes! Wedding guests who want to savor their slice can pack it up and bring it home with these practical DIY boxes that range from adorable to classy:

 Cake Box from DailyCute. DIY directions can be found here.

{image via The Lemon Drop Tree}

Sweet Treat Keepsake from Paper Source. DIY directions can be found here.

{image via Paper Source Blog}

Paint Chip Invitations

What's better than free and colorful? Ummm... nothing! Combine those two things by heading to your local paint store, picking up some free paint chips, breaking out the typewriter and click-clacking out an invite to any fab soiree. As I was saying, free and colorful - a creative, impressive combo :)

{images and idea via The Haystack Needle}

Leaf Place Cards

Yesterday was the first day that really felt like fall.  The foliage has started turning to shades of rust and yellow; the breeze was a little cooler than normal; and I finally had to pull out a light-weight jacket.  To be honest, I'm going to miss the summer sun, but I'm kind of ready to embrace the crisp colors that will be lining the streets.

And what better way to do that than to use what nature's offering and turn those fallen leaves into fabulous place cards:

Dried Leaf Place Cards. The DIY directions can be found here.

{image via Martha Stewart}

Stiffy By Plaid Place Cards. The DIY directions can be found here.

{image via Cathie Filian}

Recycled Paper Garlands

Reading is my favorite pastime. I devour books. I love carefully crafted sentences and paragraphs that capture my imagination. Give me a good book, a warm bath and a glass of wine and I'll be a happy gal! [sidebar - if you haven't read Chris Cleave's Little Bee yet, get to your local bookstore or library and pick it up!]

The dream team over at Bookity on Etsy has combined my love of the written word into amazing garland decorations created from recycled book pages.  Green and oh-so lovely!

Cocktails Anyone?

Between pouring over seating charts, picking out the flowers, pulling together the menu and handling all the other prep work in anticipation of the big day... it's not surprising us nearlyweds are craving a drink.  Or three.  So set aside the wedding stuff for a night and gather your girlfriends for a get-together.

But this time, forget about the e-cards and get a little creative.  These DIY Cocktail Party invites will set the tone for a fabulous girls-only, alcohol required soiree. And once you've sobered up, head to Rifle Paper Co. for some more amazing party ideas!

For complete instructions on how to create the Cocktail Party invites, click here.

{images via Madame Bonbon}

Wave Hello to Your Future

Have your guests help you wave goodbye to single life forever with these fantastic flags.  No matter what they say, it's a fun way for friends and family to express their excitement (and a lot less messy than rice or bird seed!)

{image via West Aussie Wedding}

Labor Day Foodie Favors

Have I mentioned I love ice cream? I'm sure I have.  Like seven million times. But you know what doesn't love ice cream? My hips. And with two bridesmaids dresses and one wedding dress I have to fit into over the next several months, I need to steer clear of any Labor Day Ice Cream Socials.  Unless they are offering lower-cal, yet super enticing treats.

Re-fashion a fruit salad into a stylish, sweet treat

{image via ZuZu Girl; directions via Bakers Royale}

Fill them with red, white and blue jelly beans; colorful skittles 

or any other colorful, fat-free treat. FREE Ice Cream Cone Favor download here.

{image and free download via Tangarang}

Berries and the DIY Bride

It's nearing the end of the summer and I'm feeling a little... blue.  And what better way to cure a case of gloominess than to indulge in a last few weeks of fresh fruit lovin with a blueberry blitz (and blintz? :) Turns out there are a ton of ways to incorporate this blue fruit into your wedding decor. Which makes me extremely happy :)

A sweet thank you treat for family & friends

{image via Intimate Weddings}

Blueberry bud-inspired boutonierre

{image via OnceWed}

A taste of summer with homemade blueberry jam. 
Download the FREE printable jam labels here

{image & labels via Eat Drink Chic}

DIY Place Mat

Turn a pretty piece of wrapping paper into a sophisticated place setting.  Cut a cute triangle in the corner, lift the flap and write the guest's name. Voila - decor greatness on a dime!

{image and inspiration via Martha Stewart Weddings}

DIY Address Labels

It's not always what's on the inside that matters - sometimes it's what on the outside that makes a difference. 

In regards to invitations that is.  

Use these free (yes, I said FREE) wrap-around, spring-inspired address labels to dress up any mailing envelope.  

Head to the terrific Tart Workshop to download these amazing DIY labels.

{inspiration via iDIY; image via Tart Workshop}

Clothes Line Creativity

Turn an everyday clothes line into chic, rustic decor:

Have guests impart words of wisdom onto uniquely designed paper. Then turn their notes into pretty decor that will sway in the wind.

{image via Cori Kindred}

Hanging guest favors from a clothes line transforms the typical "thank you for coming gift" into a work of art
{image via Martha Stewart Weddings}

Forget the table - hang cards from a clothes line! It will send guests into a spin cycle of excitement as they make their way to their seats
{image via MissAmberlane}

DIY Comic Book Table Numbers

There are a gazillion uses for photo cubes... including turning them into table numbers filled with your favorite comic strips.  Comic book lovers Sarah and Dominic transformed these simple, plastic cubes into centerpieces AND table numbers.  Totally cool, totally practical, totally original and totally fun! 


If there was a thought bubble above my head right now it would say, "WOWIE!" 

{image via Martha Stewart Weddings}

True Blood "Drink Me" Cupcakes

Want to channel your inner vampire? Offer guests some "bloody" delicious cupcakes. Fangs are optional. Head to Along Came Sunshine for the recipe.

{image and recipe via Along Came Sunshine}

Yum with a Side of Pop Rocks

Create a bling-worthy bridal shower or bachelorette party by incorporating the old-school candy, Pop Rocks. Yum with a side of sparkle!

A soda station - complete with sparkly pop rocks

{image via Hostess with the Mostess}

Roll lollipop sticks in pop rocks to create cute these cute and Pop Rock-Sicle wands. Use honey to make the Pop Rocks stick if necessary

{image and recipe via YumSugar}

Put the "pop" into a caramel popcorn martini by lining the rim of the glass with - what else? - Pop Rocks. Find the delish directions on how to create this concoction here.

{image and recipe via Garrett's Table}

Decorative Ice Cubes

You've got ice on your finger, now you need some ice in that glass you are using to make a celebratory toast.  Here are my favorite finds to jazz up your drink and your party:

For the DIY Crowd:

 Fruit Cubes

{image via TLC Cooking; directions via Tipnut}

1. Fill the tray one-third full with water, then partially freeze

2. Add the fruit then freeze. This will hold the fruit in position

3. Then add water until the tray is about three-fourths full and finish freezing

 Flower & Mint Ice Cubes

{image & instructions via DognBird}

1. Fill ice cube trays one-third full with distilled water
2. Freeze for one hour then add small flowers or mint leaves
3. Add more water and freeze all the way

For those of us (ahem, me) with a bit less time and a lot less craftiness:

Glam Ice Cubes

Set of 6 for $6

{image via CB2}

 Heart Ice Cube Tray

£5.99

{image via Random Good Stuff}

July 4th Inspiration

I wear festive head bands. Some people wave a miniature American flag. Others break out the sparklers.  However you do it and whomever you do it with, let your patriotism shine as bright as those fireworks overhead.  Here are some July 4th inspirations to help you sail off into the long weekend.

American Fare on top of a Quintessential Dessert

{image and inspiration via Cupcakeaholic}

DIY Picnic Flair 

Instructions can be found here

{image and inspiration via Twig & Thistle}

A Patriotic "S-andle"

{image and inspiration via Hostess Blog}