Home, Paper, Scissors

Home, Paper, Scissors (Decorative Paper Accessories for the Home) by Patricia Zapata and available at Amazon.com has projects for creative brides.  Consider filling the bowls on the cover with cookies or candy on your sweet table.  Or using them to surround a glass vase for a colorful centerpiece with gerbera daisies.  The sky is the limit with this book full of great ideas for the bride who is willing to thing outside the box.

Paper, Scissors, Ribbon, Voila!

Save money on your decor by using these great kits from Paper Source.  This creative paper wreath is perfect for decorating the doors or walls of your venue or church.  It's less expensive than real flowers but shows your creative bent as well.  The best part is all the pieces come ready made in a kit for under $20. 

All you need is a bone folder,double stick tape, and scissors and a little bit of time! Any bride can manage to put these together and have them look like a pro did them. 

Similar items are for sale on Etsy.com at a much higher cost.  The Paper Source also has paper bouquets of flowers that you can use to decorate your tables or use to accent your napkins.  I just love a project that is so easy my eight year old could do it!

More DIY Wedding Favors In A Jar

(This in Kristan's (of Confessions of A Cookbook Queen) Great Photo! And using those disposable spoons and twine and recyclable jars are just more reasons to recommend this for Eco-friendly brides!)

Desserts in a jar...hmmm...not messy, easy to transport, show off your creativity, yes I think that all adds up to a great idea for a wedding sweet table or wedding favor for the DIY bride. I've seen many versions of these on the web but the one that makes my mouth water is by Kristan at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen. (use that link to find this recipe (with yet more photos as well as the exact recipe) and other creative ideas Kristan offers her readers on a regular basis!) Check out other recipes for cupcakes in a jar as well!

Also don't forget you could use peppermint flavoring with some red food coloring for a wedding with a pink theme. It's all in the details ladies!

Think how much your guests will enjoy both the taste and presentation of this well thought out gift from you and your new spouse. Now head over to Kristan's blog for more great ideas to make your mouth water!

Chocolate to Go

DIY Jars of Cocoa

These are so simple.  Buy the jars and sterilize them.  Let dry overnight so they are all the way dry.  Fill with high quality cocoa mix and seal.  Add decorations by using a ribbon in your bridal colors or in brown to accent the cocoa, and add a snowflake punch or if you are having a spring/summer wedding try butterflies etc. (see your craft store for assorted punches).  Add a jewel in the center for a little bling.  This is so easy! Done in two days, and one of those days is the one you spend sterilizing the jars.

DIY Counted Cross Stitch Ring Bearer's Pillow

Photo from Southern Wedding Magazine

Looking for a project to keep your mom or the mother of the groom busy?  This counted cross stitch pillow is a perfect DIY project to keep them, dare I say 'out of your hair?' while you take care of other wedding details? Kidding aside, anyone with some skill at cross stitching can make this pillow for your ring bearer to carry down the aisle.  Personalize by using your own wedding accent colors.  This will become something you can hand down to your daughters for their weddings.

Give Those Mason Jars a Lift--Add Your Monogram Yourself!

As pretty as these mason jars are, check out the upgrade below to see how to really make them pop!

Mason jars are perfect for serving summer cool drinks like lemonades but sometimes it's the presentation that makes all the difference.  Use etching cream (like Armour Etch, found at your local craft store) and make a template by tracing your monogram onto some Contact paper.  Cut out your monogram with a craft knife and stick the Contact paper to the mason jar.  Use a Q-tip for an applicator and put the etching cream over your monogram (use gloves so no etching cream gets on your hands).  Let sit for about five minutes. Rinse and peel off paper, then let dry.  It may look like it isn't etched after rinsing, be patient, it will.  Then wash to be sure all etching chemicals are removed.  Serve you drinks at your wedding in these upgraded mason jars with your own personal touch.  Photo and basic directions courtesy of Southern Bride Magazine.

Rubber Stamp DIY Project For Wedding Showers

Paper Source Rubber Stamping on Plates

Looking for a great way to decorate for a wedding shower? Try this unique idea from the creative minds at Paper Source. 

Start with sugar covering the bottom of a small bowl, then add liquid food coloring until you get your desired color (go slightly darker since the sugar will lighten the color) and add a splash of water, the consistency should be comparable to PVA glue. Just play with it, adding and balancing until you find the right mix.

Then apply the edible paste to the rubber stamp of your choice with a paper towel to control the coverage and gently and evenly press the stamp onto a plain glass plate like the one in the photo.  Let plates dry before stacking.  Once dry you will have no problem stacking for your buffet.  An idea that isn't expensive but sure looks it!

Where to Buy Flowers For The DIY'er

American Floral Distributors says"

     "Nothing says elegance and beauty like fresh cut flowers. When you need flowers in virtually any quantity at truly great prices—there’s no place like American Floral Distributors. We’re proud to be the leading online wholesale flower company serving the public and retailers directly with the largest selection of exquisite flowers in every color and shape shipped directly from the growers.
Whether you’re looking for wedding bouquets online for a single ceremony or bulk flowers for your business or an upcoming event, you’ll find it here—at wholesale prices. plus trade discounts for wedding vendors."

Not only do they provide you with a wide array of flowers to choose from but they also provide items like floral tape, aisle runners etc. for the DIY Bride.

But BEST OF ALL they have DIY Videos on how to make a variety of bridal bouquets and other wedding flowers.  This site is a must use for any DIY bride who is doing her own flowers.  So head over to American Floral Distributors for EVERYTHING you need to create great floral displays for your wedding or other special event.  They even offer wedding vendors trade discounts.

Great DIY Book for Brides

Handmade Weddings available on Amazon.com is full of crafts, easy and hard, for the DIY bride (and her groom).  The book is full of great ideas to inspire you to create pieces for your own wedding.  It offers 50 different projects for you to consider. 

One suggestion. Don't leave DIY projects to the last minute or try to do it all yourself, rope in some friends or a crafty mom to help out and have some fun while you're crafting!

Calligraphy? No, It Just Looks Like It

All photos courtesy of Primele

Patricia Mumau can create your own calligraphy stamp to use on your thank you notes or even the envelopes of your wedding invitations.  Visit her site, Primele to see a variety of stamps available.  Her stamps make this one easy DIY project for any bride.  Partricia also does custom designs work.  Take the time to enjoy her blog as well.  She's one creative lady!

DIY Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Pops

Chocolate Dipped DIY Cheesecake Pops

Caterer Wendy Crispin makes these cheesecake pops that are dipped in chocolate and have nuts on top.  Cut your cheesecake into squares while cheesecake is very cold, nearly frozen, then dip into dark chocolate.  Top with ground walnuts or hazelnuts.  Yum!!! Serve with fruit at the side or with strawberry or raspberry coulee. 

Visit Wendy's web site to find her other catering gems! If you live in the Dallas Texas area call Wendy to caterer your next event.  She offers food that not only tastes good but looks wonderful!

DIY Stir Sticks

Print out this template to make your own stir sticks for your picnic or outdoor wedding.  Project courtesy of:

Style Me Pretty.  Add the print outs to Popsicle sticks and put in a pretty glass holder near your drinks.  This simple DIY project is so easy every a child could do it! It might be a great way to involve your flower girl in you wedding projects.

DIY Garlands of Lilies by Martha Stewart

Lily Garland from Martha Stewart

Scent your wedding/reception with garlands of lilies.  Lilies are most abundant during the spring wedding season but you can always use silk lilies during other seasons.  For long spaces or double layer strands (see picture), wire several garlands together on the day of the wedding.  Use florist wire and string up 16 blooms each in sections, then cover wire with beautiful ribbons.  Be sure to remove the yellow anthers from the lilies because the pollen from them will stain.  For directions for these garlands visit Martha's web site or see all her other incredible DIY ideas for flowers for your wedding. 

Per Martha Stewart directions for Fragrant Garland of Lilies:

Thread 26-gauge wire through first bloom; attach at base with floral tape (or, for an end, tape wire to base of a closed bulb). Then slide on second bloom, to overlap previous flower a bit; tape base. Repeat until you reach desired length, leaving wire for hanging.

Italian Sodas -- Delizio!

Simply Sweet Blog photo of bright colored Italian Sodas

The designers and caterers at Simply Sweet suggest Italian sodas keep things fresh and fun at your wedding. Guests can choose their favorite flavor(s) and create the beverage...DELIZIO!

If you're planning on making these yourself check out the syrups at stores like Home Goods.  Or surf the web for a variety of recipes in your wedding colors.  Think how much money you'll save not serving alcohol!

DIY Aisle and Altar Flowers

Pink and Yellow Rose Petals make a unique aisle for the bride and her attendants courtesy of Martha at: DIY Aisle or Altar Flowers

Place large hurricane vases (made for floating candles) and add rose petals to the pretty floating candles and use the along the side of an aisle of multi-colored rose petals.  Be sure to fill in any small holes under the aisle area to make a smooth aisle.  Visit Martha's web site for additional ideas for DIY Aisle or Altar Flowers. 

Butterfly Wedding Theme? See This Easy DIY Centerpiece Project

Photo by Colin Cooke/design shown on Sweet Paul web site:

http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/10/decoupage-pumpkin.html

A little paper, your printer, clip art, and craft glue and Sweet Paul (a total genius!) has made these great pumpkin centerpieces that have decoupaged butterflies on them.  Perfect for a wedding with a butterfly theme!  Decoupaging on pumpkins can be used with any theme you can find great clip art on.  Just print out the clip art on thin paper and glue them to the pumpkin with regular craft glue.  Simple and sweet! And the price is right.  An easy DIY project perfect for brides on a budget.

Visit Sweet Paul's web site for ideas for centerpieces and also for great easy recipes to impress!

Marbled Marshmallows to Fit the Season

Make Your Own Marshmallows Courtesy of Kraft Trends

Whether your wedding is during the holiday season, spring, fall etc. you can personalize these marshmallows to suit.  While these have peppermint flavoring you can experiment with different flavor extracts during different times of the year.  These are also great for favors at wedding showers.  Experiment ahead of time with the depth of colors you want.  Package for your guests to take home with them or put them out on your sweet table.  (Can you tell I LOVE sweets?)  Enjoy!  Recipe on http://redhot.bettycrocker.com.

Wedding Cupcake Poppers

Photo from Moogie and Pap's blog; recipe from Betty Crocker Trends web site

Looking for a dessert table item that pops? (Do you suppose that's why they call them poppers?) Betty Crocker Trends at http://redhot.bettycrocker.com/trends gives you an easy recipe to make these poppers from their white cake mix (obviously you add some food coloring).  They also offer a recipe for a marshmallow cream frosting for the centers.  The recipe makes 60 mini-cupcakes for your dessert table.  Simple and oh so sweet! Great for wedding showers as well. 

Cherry Tomatoes - Bocconcini Lollipops

Photo and recipe from: http://moogieland.blogspot.com/

Looking for something a little different for an appetizer? Try this easy to make but attractive recipe that is based on caprese salad.  This pairing of mozzarella and tomatoes is a perfect combination for picnic weddings or appetizers anytime of year. 

Photos courtesy of Dahan Caterers Washington DC

Moogie from Moogie and Pap's web site suggests using black rice inside a tall glass to stabilize the skewers, but you could easily serve this on a base of seen above of grass, inserting the skewer into the field of green. 
Ingredients:

12 cherry tomatoes (stems removed) You can use regular cherry tomatoes or Trader Joe's sells heirloom cherry tomatoes.
12 bocconcine (baby Mozzarella)
2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions:

1. With a sharp knife, remove the top 1/4 inch of each tomato.

2. Skewer the bottom of each tomato with a large wooden or bamboo skewer. For the most eye-catching presentation, stand the lollipops in tall glasses. (I put black rice inside my glass to help stabilize the lollipops)

3. In a bowl, combine the seasoning and olive oil, and parsley. Drizzle a little over each tomato before serving.

White Chocolate, Peaches, Apricots, Cake...All In A DIY Cake!

All Photos courtesy of The Cilantropist at  http://cilantropist.blogspot.com

Are you salivating yet? There are two kinds of people in the world, those of us who love white chocolate and the ones who well, those other people! This cake is for the former. I posted this recipe for brides who are either making their own cakes or have someone making them for them or for anyone throwing a pre-wedding party. This is a perfect cake to use the multilayer cake stands if you want to make your own cakes and not involve the bakery. The slivered almonds on the outside hide any icing deficiencies you may have and the filling for this cake is indescribable! The filling is part apricot part peaches so for brides having a summer wedding this is a great cake choice.

All Photos courtesy of The Cilantropist at http://cilantropist.blogspot.com

For the recipe, go to http://cilantropist.blogspot.com where The Cilantropist gives you her version of this cake which is adapted from one in Bon Appetit, June 2003 via Epicurious. The Cilantropist also gives you great icing tips so your cake will look as great as these pics! So head on over to her blog to grab the recipe (guarantee you'll spend another hour at least perusing all her other posts! This is one yummy blog!)

DIY Classes In Lansdowne PA

Photo courtesy of: http://www.pendance.us/

Looking for art classes or calligraphy classes? Art Space Lansdowne at http://artspacelansdowne.com/art-classes/#art11001 offers classes in calligraphy as well as jewelry making and other crafts.  Head over to their web site and sign up now.  Deadlines are fast approaching for Art Space Lansdowne's Spring Classes and Workshops. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of these fun learning experiences. Classes are affordable, convenient, and a great experience for DIY'ers or take your bridesmaids to a jewelry making class as a thank you.

Do It Yourself Felt Bouquets and Boutonnieres

Photo by Claire Marika on Bride's Cafe

Have you ever seen do it yourself felt bouqets or boutonnieres? Are you looking to save money on your bouquet and boutonnieres? Visit The Bride's Cafe and see how to make felt floral bouquets and bouts.  This is a relatively simple DIY project although it may take some time so don't leave it until the last minute!

Or if you'd rather work with crepe paper go to the the Bride's Cafe  for ideas for a similar crepe paper bouquet seen below. And for tutorials on making paper flowers.

Make Your Own Terraium Placecard Holder

Photo and info courtesy of: http://wednesdaycustomdesign.com/

What can you make from the lid of a mason jar and a clear Christmas ornament? Your own custom terrarium place card holder.  Fill with flowers to compliment you decor and add a interesting fillip to your table setting at your wedding or shower.  For directions go to: http://wednesdaycustomdesign.com/blog/P15

DIY Doughnuts for Wedding Breakfast

Photo credits and info courtesy of: http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2011/01/page/4/

Planning a wedding breakfast reception? Or looking for something to serve your guests before they leave your evening reception? Try these pretty doughnuts.

I never make doughnuts because I don't want to have to deal with frying them but this easy mix from Sur La Table's web site is baked not fried. You can also find an easy recipe for these tiny bites of heaven at http://bakingbites.com/. Sur La Table also sells the pan you need to bake them in. If you are looking for a less expensive pan try http://myavon.com/cvecchione or contact your local Avon rep, it will save you a lot of money!

The doughnuts come in a variety of flavors so taste test them all (or make your fiance a very happy man and force him to taste test them (sure wouldn't take much force to get the man in my life to taste test doughnuts!). Add some pretty glaze and some custom colored sprinkles for a gourmet look. These tiny delights are only about an inch and a half wide so you'll need to make plenty for a crowd.

Fruit Tree with Blossoms DIY Wedding Invitations

Photo and download at: http://www.downloadandprint.com/

Download and Print has some new wedding invites and response cards ready for customizing and downloading to make diy'ing your invites fast and easy. Highly recommend their products. Not only beautiful but incredibally easy to execute. Additional invites available on web site.

The Glitterati of Cupcakes

Just when you thought you had seen it all, the folks at Bedazzle My Bonbons sent me an email with these photos that one of their creative clients had taken of cupcakes that she had designed using their bonbons.

Mishellle from Mishelle Handy Cakes in Oklahoma City purchased her liners from Wilton products at her local craft store and added faux stones and gems to add some more bling to the cupcakes.  She turned boring cupcakes into a bedazzled and delicious dessert.  For brides who love bling these cupcakes will match you personality to a T!

Choose the way you would like to display these at your wedding either individual or cupcake stands will give you a centerpiece that shines!



DIY Easter Lily Backdrop

Easter Lily Backdrop courtesy of http://ruffledblog.com/diy-easter-lily-ceremony-backdrop and from Veronica at My Hands Made it, http://myhandsmadeit.com/
Looking for a way to turn a plain room into a beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony? This Easter Lily backdrop(credited originally to Martha) can be found on http://ruffledblog.com/ on a post from Veronica at My Hands Made It http://myhandsmadeit.com/.

While this would be expensive to make with fresh flowers the directions on the Ruffled blog are for artificial lilies (easier to keep looking fresh for those of us without floral refrigerators too!)

Combine with a spray of lilies for the bride and it will knock them dead!

DIY Wedding Flags

Photo courtesy of http://www.saraspartyperfect.com

Having your wedding in a park or somewhere the signage is poor? Why not make one of these great signs? Perfect to let your guests know they are on the right track.  Use some canvas and paint and pick up a flag pole at your local hardware or gift store.  Makes finding your wedding site easy for your guests with an easy DIY project.  For other great party and event projects visit http://www.saraspartyperfect.com/.

Ribbon Wands At Your Wedding

Photo courtesy of http://www.lovetheshultzes.com/

Want an option to rice or birdseed?  Tired of the ubiquitous bubbles? Why not make your guests some ribbon wands?  Just get some dowels, spray them with cream or white spray paint, add some light weight ribbon to the end (use about three feet of ribbon per wand) and glue the ribbon to the dowel.  Use pinking sheers in a v-shape at the end to avoid fraying.  After glue sets roll up the ribbon around the wand and decorate a couple of pretty containers to put near the exit of the church.  It is a great photo op as you and your new spouse exit surrounded by soft and pretty ribbons.  Use two colors if you like to compliment your wedding colors. 

DIY Rose Frosted Mini-Cupcake Centerpieces

Photo and Credit from The Frugal Girls 

Frosted roses as cupcake centerpieces? Who would have thought? But if you are looking for an inexpensive but unique wedding centerpiece visit The Frugal Girls web site and see the step by step directions on making these great mini rose frosted cupcakes centerpieces. A nice change from a tower of cupcakes as a centerpiece on a table.

Find some interesting containers either at garage sales or Goodwill and fill them with roses for everyone at the table. Be sure you have a container large enough for the number of people at the table.

If you are looking for some inexpensive containers similar to the ones shown, I was in Home Goods on April 1, 2011 and they had some there...easy shopping and a great way to save money!

DIY Ice Scuptures

Ice Sculpture-Heart by Carlisle Photo Courtesy of http://www.galasource.com/

Looking for an easy DIY way to decorate your buffet table or appetizer table? Why not pick up a DIY ice sculpture? Carlisle offers ice sculpture molds in a variety of designs, one sure to suit any bride. They're a one time use only so you might want to pick one up ahead of time to test it out. They are on sale on the GalaSource web site so head over and take a look.

String Chandeliers

Photo courtesy of Wednesday Custom Design Events & Paperwork

Jessica at Wednesday Custom Design Events & Paperwork (http://wednesdaycustomdesign.com/events) tells you how to make these great string balls that you can use for either centerpieces or as chandeliers to hang from the trees outside.  The bright white accented with flowers in your wedding colors adds a custom look at a DIY price.  These are so easy you could rope in your flower girl to help make them!  Wednesday Custom Design also has lots of other great ideas to make your wedding day pop!  So head on over to their web site and blog and enjoy a feast for you DIY eyes!

Highlight Your Food Choices by Using Colorful and Unique Vegetables

Photo courtesy of: TheBearFootShaman

As an Etsy addict and a DIY bride, when I came across an Etsy store, TheBearFootShaman I saw a way to marry my love of gardening with gorgeous food presentation for a wedding or shower. At TheBearFootShaman they have heirloom seeds for sale for absolutely gorgeous vegetables! Take the time to browse the store for vegetables to brighten your wedding day food selections. Even if you aren't serving the food cooked, some of these would make a great part of a crudite or chesse display.

My favorite is the Five Colors Swiss Chard. These colorful plants are almost impossible not to grow! They will grow in places where there isn't enough sun or too much sun as well as where the soil grade is poor. You can cook them like spinach for a colorful side, after all, why serve ho-hum green beans with almond when you can highlight your plates with this gorgeous vegetable?

Purple Cauliflower from Sicily Photo courtesy of TheBearFootShaman

This gorgeous purple cauliflower is a great accent vegetable or perfect for hors d'oeuvres. Use it as a dip bowl by hollowing it out. Surround it with cheeses. The options are endless. And not to be a killjoy but it's also good for you!

TheBearFootShaman offers additional seeds from other heirloom varieties, so head on over. Even if you aren't planning a wedding the seed choices will jazz up dinner any night of the week. Visit the site at Etsy.com for lots of other choices like pear shaped tomatoes, chocolate color peppers and more!

DIY Flower Baskets From Save On Crafts

Photo Courtesy of http://www.saveoncrafts.com/

You too can make this designer-look birdsnest bouquet.  Just go to http://saveoncrafts.com/ under the heading: Weddung DIY Decorations for directions as well as the products you need to purchase to make these for your bridal party.  It's simple, you can order everything you need from them (except fresh flowers), and you can put everything together ahead of time just adding the flowers on the day of your wedding.  I highly recomment this craft site for both your wedding DIY projects and any other projects, they're prices are great and the service in phenomonal.  Have fun! 

Envelope Template If You Are Making Your Own Invitations

Photo courtesy of http://www.spoonsisters.com

If you are creative or crafty you're probably making your own invitations. But you still need envelopes. This template, available for only $16.95 from http://www.spoonsisters.com/ makes envelopes simple and easy. It allows you to create envelopes that measure: 4.5 inches W x 6.4 inches W; the template measures 7.8 inches W x 11 inches H, W x 0.1 inches thickness. It is an International Standard Size, Format: C6 and suitable for content format: A6 (or A4 folded in half twice). If you invitation is an different size you should be able to adapt the template fairly easily. Because it's made of wood it will last so you can use it for other projects after your wedding (maybe some creative thank you notes?).