Wine Glass Lamps!

I'm totally loving this idea!! You can find a template here with detailed instructions here. Imagine all the possibilities! LOVE IT! Happy DIY-ing!

Thanks to TC Brides for pinning this ;)

Cupcake bar? Yes Please!!!

Cupcakes are the new cake. Did you know that? Seriously, there's been this huge surge in cupcakes over the past year {or two}. I mean you've got a TV show dedicated to Cupcake Wars for gosh sakes. I'd say they are pretty darn popular.

One night when I was brainstorming on some new ideas for weddings I found myself thinking "why not have a cupcake bar?!" {ok maybe I was watching cupcake wars at the time. And maybe Mindy Weiss was on it....} 

So, I pop on my little computer and start researching...and would you believe it? One of my favorite blogs, Green Wedding Shoes, did an amazing concept shoot last year featuring - you guessed it - DIY cupcake topping bar. For real - in love.

They did a rustic theme but you could easily transform the ideas to fit any feeling your trying to accomplish. My favorite part? The gourmet fillings...

The trick to keeping the fillings in place it to apply the icing in a circle like this:

Seeing as how most guests wouldn't know that, I think the perfect addition to this bar is a how to video of you and your man instructing the guests on how to assemble them. How cute would that be? You could have so much fun and I pretty much promise your guests would love it! It's another glimpse into who you and your hubs are and how much you love each other. And THAT is what makes a good and memorable wedding.

 

mmmmmm....I'll have the first one please ;)

Have you seen this done at any weddings? Is it something you would be interested in? Talk to me!

Centerpiece Thread on Project Wedding

I stumbled on this great thread in the boards on Project Wedding. If you haven't been to Project Wedding make sure you stop over there. There's a wealth of information and the brides are really responsive to each other.

This particular thread is "centerpieces - how much?" - what bride hasn't asked that? Pop on over and check it out. And if you're feeling extra helpful add your response to the list! And because you cannot post without a picture here's one of  the first posts on the board:

"I am doing this! well sorta. I bought the candelabras at hobby lobby for $12.50 a piece, but mine only have three stems i guess you would call it and my florist will put flowers into the candle holders" Shoot - think I need to page Cassie and let her know I just quoted her on my blog???

DIY: Download and Print

Meet Download and Print {dot} com

F-ah-reeeee {that's 'free" drawn out in dramatic fashion} invitation templates!!!

ok for real? Where was this when I was planning my wedding? ::::::jealous stare::::::::

That's ok - I plan plenty of other parties that could use fabulous invitations! Loving this.

        

Thanks to I Do-It-Yourself for scoopin' this first! 

Inspiration

Where do you get your inspiration? It's such a common question that can yield such uncommon responses. For me, I find a lot of inspiration just from talking with people. I love to hear their stories and what makes them..them. I'm also a blog jumper {I need help with this addiction - you can see some of my fave blogs here} and go to a lot of hostess sites.

But nothing inspires me more than walking into a home decor store. I walk into Pottery Barn and swooooon. Think about it - they basically have multiple revolving tablescapes set up in their stores. Now take a look at your inspiration folder and tell me how many pictures are of tables and table decor...I'm betting a lot. So take a moment and think outside the box, step into home goods and browse their vases - do any of the colors or shapes jump out at you? Or a fabric store - oh the surprises there. And don't even get me started on Ikea....okok get me started! After a millisecond google "ikea wedding" search I pulled up this:


Helloooo future centerpiece at one of my dinner parties. Even better - here's how they put it together. {ps - I'm pretty sure I've seen this picture all over wedding blogs. Lovin it}

Here's some fab pics from some home decor sites:

 {House Beautiful} 

{pottery barn}

PPS - totally check  out the ikea haker blog - it's added to my reader.

Who would have thought....

think outside the box...think outside the box...think outside the box...

Two 'you have GOT to be kidding me - that's brillant' ideas to dress up your table:

Numero 1: Tile Sheets: yes you heard that right, tile sheets. 12x12 mesh mounted mosaic tile sheets come in several different colors and can be purchased at your local tile shop. Lay each sheet flat as a table runner or cut the sheets into strips to fit your desired size.

Numero 2: Wallpaper. Yep, the kind you find at a home improvement store. That's the one. Project Wedding has a great article on how to incorperate it.

 
 
Welcome!

DIY Heaven...

You all know I'm all about DIY-ing what you can so I'm constantly on the search of good resources for you. I already posted this on the Link Love page but if you haven't made it over there I'll make your life easier and post it here, too.

Invaluable resource here for you guys - The Wedding Chicks! While I love the whole website I am specifically drawn to the fab DIY page. Here's just a glimpse of what you can find over there.

Bridal Shower Invite {family and friends don't look - you'll be finding something like these in your mailbox for our next party...}

Wedding Invites - includes that fabulous swirly monogram at the top! Yay!

Vintage STDs

 

The ever popular black and white kit

and my favorite...

The beautiful and Classic STD. ::sigh::

So pop over there and get your DIY on! Happy Friday!

Websites I love....Nonpareil Magazine

Nonpareil Magazine is the collaboration between Maddy Hague of {one of my top blogs} the Inspired Bride and Kristen Magee of Paper Crave. It's an online magazine focusing on hip, stylish, DIY projects and inspiration. Seriously gotta love that.

While you're checking out Maddy's blog make sure to stop at her "sources for the crafty (or budget) bride" post. It lists some of her favorite sources and is a great resource for all of us!

{how many times did I just type 'source'? Goodness....}Y

Fabulous finds - templates

We looooove templates! I found these while blog-jumping and landing on Inspired Bride. These are totally to my personal ascetic. In fact, you might see them pop up at my next dinner party...

Designed by Katie from Chelle Paperie you will find printable versions of table numbers (1-20) fill in the blank placecards, favor tags, thank you cards, napkin rings, welcome bag labels, and blank labels for your bar or dessert buffet. Hop on over to download the FREE templates!Y

Damask Lamps

So many people have emailed asking about the damask lamps. No, this is not my wedding {though I wish it was!!} and no, I didn't design it. My best advice if you like this look is to purchase some damask lamp shades or make your own! DIY instructions are below. Or buy one ready-made at target ;) Hope this helps a little!

DIY

Materials:

black candle stick (Hobby Lobby has a lot of them)

13x13 damask print paper/fabric

a similar shape lamp shade (ikea has some)

Instructions:
Wrap the paper/fabric around the lampshade and secure with spray on glue or glue gun

The lamp shade should have a ring at the bottom so you can glue it to the candlestick

You can find better, in-depth instructions here and step-by-step instructions for the damask with pictures here.

Or buy at Target

Websites I love....Bravo Bride

Continuing with my favorite websites let me introduce you to a little site called Bravo Bride. Now I know about the trash to treasure board on the knot and I think it's fantastic so consider this just another tool in your arsonal. Bravo Bride is a place where you can find all your wedding needs {from dresses to place card holders!} in one spot for a fraction of the cost of renting or doing it yourself.

Here are a few items that jumped out to me while I was poking around today {instead of working..oops}

12x110 damask runners {also in black} $9.95

A glorious pair of purple Stuart Weitzman Pumps {Steph??} $175

Wood place card holder {love it!} $25

another damask runner for good measure ;) $160 for 12

Chargers - $100 for 100

I wonder what you'll find over there....

Oh Martha....

I *finally* got around to reading the latest Martha Stewart Weddings {Spring 2009} and I loved so many things in it! I was motivated to check out the online template pages and wanted to share. It's a fabulous resource for those of you taking the DIY approach {and in this economy, who isn't?!} Check out some of the "Spring Good Things". Thanks Martha!

Real leaves and paper magnolias. Genius! 

How cute is this?! Can you not just see your flower girl coming down the aisle with this? 

Save the date DIY instructions here

Anyone else get bored when they sit at their table waiting for the bride and groom? How fantastic would it be to have this little lovely waiting for you? Even cuter with monogrammed pencils. {How to instructions}

{FREE} Templates!

Those of you that have met me know that I am a DIY type of girl. I firmly believe there are DIY projects that we can all do. Here are some basic templates to help you out. This way you can save enough money to get the custom martini luge! Enjoy

Black and White and Damask place cards

Perfect for a candy bar! DL from my secret DIY source :)

Preppy spring labels for favors, treat bags, place cards and such...courtesy of HP!

Custom labels via everyone's fave chef, Rachel Ray.

Lovely spring labels from Heirloom Paperie.

A little something everyone should have - damask wrap-around labels! Check out different colors and drop suggestions for new ones at The Fussy Designer. {love that name, I want to be the fussy coordinator :)}

Download menus, escort cards and favor tags here. Courtesy of the Wedding Chicks!

I seriously could have posted 20 more different templates but you've got to stop somewhere! Check back periodically to see some new ones.