DIY: Chalkboard Plates!

I always try to be on the look out for projects that you can not only "do-yourself," but also that are easily manageable (both with time and effort!). Although there are countless ways to be a crafty chic for your BIG day, this DIY project just might win a "easiest ever" project award! I came across this picture when hunting down photos for the "Now That's Cool" post:

Not only can these chalkboard plates be used for wedding signs, but they are also great for shower gifts, wedding menus, table numbers, or anything else you would usually write down for display. Not only is this project easy to do, but it is SUPER inexpensive..here is how it goes:


Materials
Plates or Platters of Your Choice (be savvy, pick them up from a local thrift store, or out of your Grandma's attic)


Painter's Tape


Chalkboard Spray Paint


...and that is it, seriously (were are talking like $10 bucks here)






Instructions
Step 1: Lightly clean you plate/platter if needed. Use a dry cloth to rid surface of any loose particles.


Step 2: Use the painter's tape to tape off the section of the plate/platter that you DO NOT want "chalked"


Step 3: Once the borders are covered, use the chalkboard spray paint to paint your desired area


Step 4: Once dry, remove the tape, and begin writing!


....again, seriously, that is it...we are talking $10 or less and 5 minutes of your time for an AMAZINGLY cool and functional project! 

Here are some more examples! Enjoy, and as always, much love!

DIY Project: Flower Pomanders

I hop everyone had a fabulous weekend! It was my husband's 25th birthday on Sunday, so we celebrated with a fabulous steak dinner at Hal's located in Buckhead, Ga. If you are look for a outstanding date night with your loved one, Hal's is definitely a place to check out - their intimate setting and "brick" sized filet mignon is a perfect way to enjoy any evening.

I was looking over some pictures I had saved a while back and came across a photo of flower balls, or flower pomanders as they are properly referred to. Although flower pomanders are often the responsibility of the florist, in my opinion, these are a perfect DIY project that will surely save you a couple pocket's worth of muh-lah! Flower pomanders are great for pew markers, flower girl bouquets, table centerpieces, and overall wedding accents. Here is the key to keeping them low budget: use artificial flower buds. Why you ask? Well, for one, silk flower buds can be easy obtained online for a fraction of the price of the fresh stuff, and two, it is a general rule of thumb that people cannot actually tell if decor flowers are fake if they are at least 3 feet away from them - hence, a silk flower is perfect for a large table center piece or other accent decor not immediately at the guests' finger tips. Here are some simple instructions on how to easily (and cheaply) create flower pomanders to dress up your BIG day!:

DIY: Flower Pomanders

Materials

• Styrofoam Balls (these may vary in size and in number depending on your needs)

• Silk Flower Buds (Carnation's fluffy texture are perfect for this project, but other types may be used. Check out online resources for great deals - I found a large pack of silk carnation buds for only $2.99!)

• Optional: Hot Glue Gun, Sewing Pins, Hanging Ribbon

Step One: The silk flower buds will have a tiny bit of stem on one side - use this side to "punch" into and adhere to the Styrofoam ball. If the stem is not substantial enough to hold you may use hot glue to adhere the back side of the bud to the Styrofoam or, use sewing pins to pierce through the bud and into the foam.

Step Two: Continue adhering buds, by your chosen method, around the foam ball. Be sure to use proper spacing so that the ends of the petals overlap slightly - this will prevent foam from showing through and will ensure that your ball looks fluffier (and real!).

Step Three: If your pomanders are going to be hanging as a part of your wedding decor, make sure to attach a decorative ribbon. The easiest way is to use hot glue for attachment.

This project is by far one of the easiest out there - perfect to do while your watching your favorite TV show at night. The pomanders will bring a modern chicness to your BIG (without the big bucks! $$$). Check out the board below for some pomander inspiration. 

J. Cogliandro Photography

 Widdis Photography

DIY: Corked Place Cards

I LOVE projects you can do yourself -- it saves money ( and keeps ya' busy!) Here's the premise: you will use wine corks to act as a stand for any paper product. In my opinion, The Corked Place Card Project is definitely the way to go if your BIG day requires place cards, table numbers, and/or decorative photos. The project in particular costs you near to nothing and takes minimal assembly time...and if you must have another reason to drawl you in, this project requires no CREATIVE ability - so if your shy with art, do not be scared off for this one! The only heads-up I will give concerning this project is that you need to start collecting corks well ahead of time (depending on how many you need) - you do not want to have to go through 25 bottles of wine all at once! Check out the [minimalist] instructions below and a special inspiration board to see all the great uses of these quirky corks!




Corked Place Cards


Materials Needed
Wine Corks (as many as your wedding requires)
Box Cutter or X-acto Knife


Step 1: Begin collecting wine corks at least 6 months ahead of time. Obviously, with the more corks required for your event, the further ahead you will want to begin collecting. Tip: tell family and friends to hold on to their extra wine corks - your collection will accumulate much faster!


Step 2: Once you have all your corks collected, you will begin the cutting process. You can choose to have the cork stand vertically or horizontally 9see the inspiration board below to choose which way you like). 

• Horizontal Holder: Stand the cork vertically on a hard service. Use a box cutter to cut a line down the cork (from top to bottom). Be sure to only cut halfway through the circle - that way the cork will not split into two (see diagram for reference).
• Vertical Holder: Lie the cork down horizontally on a hard surface. Use the box cutter to slit just the tip of the cork. Once you stand the cork up-right, the slit should be at the top.

Step 3: Test out the cork - place a piece of paper into the slit you just cut. If the cork rolls, shave a tiny layer off the bottom of the cork to create a slightly flat surface.


Step 4: Stuff your corks! Assembly all your place cards, table numbers, and/or photos into the slits.

Caution: When cutting the slits into the corks, be sure you are on a flat, non-slick surface. Watch out for your fingers at all times!


...quick note: if you are not a Bride-to-be, these are FABULOUS to use around the house or for an entertaining event. Use them a family photo stands, place card holders for Holiday dinners, or as name cards for your array of hours d'evours!

DIY Photos By:

 Adrienne Gunde Photography
Jessi Ringer
JAC Photography
Adeline and Grace Photography
Missy Cochran

Fresh Idea Friday's (Monday Style) - Have an Alternative Toss!

Your feet are tired from dancing, your jaw is tired from smiling, and your throat is scratchy from talking...yes, it is the end of your wedding day, and although it has been the absolute BEST day of your life, you are ready to get out of there! You and your new hubby's departure may not seem like a big "to-do," however, it is the last time your guests get to see you...you certainly want to end everything on a worthy note! Traditionally, guests have tossed birdseed or rice for the couple's big exit...these days, most venues will not allow you to toss either of the two (it is even in the venue contract a lot of the time!). Bird seed often spouts unwanted flowers, and rice is hard to clean up - furthermore, I personally would not want to be finding birdseed/rice in my hair for months on end! To update this old tradition, there are several Toss Alternatives that I have come up with. Listed below are some alternative ways you can match your toss item to your wedding style to make your BIG exit truly memorable! Enjoy!


If you are MAGICAL:
Provide mini bubble bottles for your guests! Bubbles are not messy, easy to use, inexpensive, and fun for all ages. You will be surrounded by  cloud of bubbles as you run off to your get-away car - a majestic ending to your magical day! Head on over to the Oriental Trading Company for some great bubble deals.

Stacey Reeves Photography

If you are TRADITIONAL:
Have your florist provide a batch of rose petals that coordinate with your wedding's color palette. Guests can easy grab a handful of petals to toss during your departure. Not only are rose petals an easy clean up, but your pictures will be stunning as colored petals dance around you!

Kristin Vining Photography

If you are WHIMSICAL:
Create ribbon wands for your guests to twirl as you run to your limo! This is a perfect DIY project that only requires a small wooden trowel, coordinating ribbon, and some hot glue. This concept is similar to a "ribbon dancer," a toy many of us used during our childhood. There is NO cleanup with this idea, and is a big hit with the kids!

Cameron and Kelly Photography

If you are FUN:

This idea is perfect for evening weddings and for those who wish to add a BANG to the end of the night. Buy sparklers for you guests to light at the end of the evening! Sparklers are fun for all ages and easy create an exciting ambiance for your departure. Sparklers are inexpensive, so make sure to provide at least two per a guest in case one burns out! Amazon is a great place to order from!

Agnes Lopez Photography

If you are GREEN:
Use a natural, biodegradable tosser such as lavender. The lavender creates a wonderful aroma for your exit and you will be doing some good at the same time! Place a small handful of lavender seeds in a 100% natural fiber Sinamay bag from Nashville Wraps!

Brooke Keegan Photography

If you are FESTIVE:
Make your own confetti! This is perfect if you are on a tight budget and an easy project! Head over to a craft store, such as Hobby Lobby, and buy bulk colored paper that matches your wedding style. Dice up the paper into small pieces and stir in a little loose glitter for some GLAM! Guests can either grab a handful during the departure, or you can package a scoopful into a mini paper envelope with your new initials on it!

Brooke Schwab Photography

Fresh Idea Friday: Guestbook Revamp

First I must send out me apologies and vent out my frustration. This post was written and ready to go on last Friday; however, the hosting company of the blog had a technical failure across all the blogs...and well, all our recent posts were lost (sad face!). Because I love the thought of bringing new ideas to an event, I decided to re-write my original post for today and we will pretend it is supposed to be "Fresh Idea Monday" instead of "Friday!" Enjoy!

Guestbooks are a staple at any Wedding and are a great "suvonier" from the BIG DAY. I personally love going back through our guestbook to see all the fun notes and wishes from our fabulous guests - it never gets old! These days, guestbooks are becoming more than your typical "sign your name on the line" type of deal; rather, modern guestbook creations truly allow the bride & groom to capture the support of their loved ones forever.

With a little creativity, a guestbook can be created out of pretty much anything! All you need is a medium for your guests to convey their love and wishes towards you - whether that be by book, note, object, or even painting...the choice is yours! Check out some of the wonderfully unique and sentimental "modern guestbooks" below!

1. Wish Bowl:

Have your guests write a note, good wishes, fun memories, or expert advise on a slip of paper and provide a container for them to drop it in. The collection of "wishes" are super fun to go through after your BIG DAY! To make the "wishes" last a lifetime, glue the paper wishes into a scrapbook afterwards.

2. Wish Tree:

A wish tree is similar to the "wish bowl" guestbook; however, your wishes get to be part of the event decor! Use manzanita branches to create a small tree-like arrangement. Provide guests with custom tags and ask them to write you a wish, or even a "wedding prayer," and hang it from the tree afterwards. The "wish tree" is a truly sentimental element that is great for any wedding - and it is fun for guests to share their love!

3. Thumbprint Tree:

This idea has just started recently - and I am loving it! You can buy this custom blank tree print on Etsy. At your wedding, provide guests with an ink pad and some nice felt writing pens. Each guest adds their "leaf" thumbprint to your tree and signs their name below it. Your once blank tree will be flourishing with leaves by the end of the night! A thumbprint tree not only is a very sentimental, but once framed, it is a great piece of artwork for your new home!

4. Sign an Object:

If you have a favorite"object" or a decorative piece that is signable, use it as your guestbook! Provide several permanent markers for your guests, and encourage them to write wishes and notes on your selected object. Big sports fan? Have your guests sign a small statue of your teams mascot. Love sitting on your back porch? Have guests sign all over your new rocking chairs! The ideas on this guestbook are endless (and fun!)

5. Photobooth:

Photobooths are definitely a hot trend, and now there are thousands of photobooth rental companies in any area. The rental company will set up a small photobooth in your event venue. Guests get to pile in the booth to take a number of silly pictures. Pictures print out instantly and can placed in a book along with the guests' wishes! This idea is so fun for guests, and will provide years of laughter for the bride and groom!

6. Photobook:

Take a collection of your engagement picture, or photos from your past, and make a custom photobook on Shutterfly. The book will be similar to a "yearbook!" Guests get to look through your photos as they write their notes and wishes! Provide several metallic markers to "snazz-up" your special book!

7. Typewriter:

If you are a nostalgic or vintage inspired bride, the typewrite guestbook should be under definite consideration! Find an old typewriter at an antique store or thrift shop...and load it up with some fresh ink and linen paper. Have guests type a short, but sweet, memo to you both as they enter the reception venue. Guests will have so much fun typing on something OTHER than a computer!

*** Remember, the more creative elements at your event, the more "special" everything feels. Guests truly enjoy getting to participate in clever ideas that take a spin on tradition - so don't hold back!

DIY: Moss Outlined Initial

This photo by Jeremie Barlow Photography and is featured on Junebug Weddings Blog. (Side Note: if you have never checked out Junebug's blog, it is a daily read MUST! Truly amazing stuff is featured over there, especially the jaw dropping photography!)

I am all about "Do It Yourself" (1) because it is usually less expensive, and (2) because I LOVE projects! I believe this moss outlined initial is a perfect touch to any wedding and an easy project for any bride. I see DIY moss initials all over the blogsphere...however, adding the gold letter certainly changes things up. The materials you need are:

1. Lettered Initial (I see these all the time at Hobby Lobby and TJ Max)
2. Sheet Moss (Hobby Lobby or Michael's)
3. Ribbon
4. Fishing Line or Twine (depends how rustic you want it to look)
5. Hot Glue Gun
6. Spray Paint (optional)

Step 1: Find a letter of your choice. If you do not prefer the color, that is where the 'optional' spray paint comes in. Just give the letter a quick coat of spray paint to customize it to your event colors.

Step 2: Tare the sheet moss into smaller sections. Use the glue gun to adhere the moss on the outer parts of the letter. The amount of moss coverage is up to you - experiment! :)

Step 3: Tie your ribbon around a section of your mossed letter. I would think a sheer ribbon like used above would look nice so that the moss can peek through.

** note: don't always go for the typical 'symetrical' look - I myself am trying to get better at this! Try tying the ribbon around a section that you would not typically go for (such as the right leg of the letter). Changing it up might just make it look that much more unique!

Step 4: Attached the fishing line or twine to the back of the letter. Hanging screws may be useful here if hot glue is not doing the job.

Tahh-Dahh! A perfect accent to any reception or door where guests frequently enter. Better yet, you may have just saved your self a $100 on a fresh flowered wreath!