Easy DIY Project - Quick, Simple and a No-Brainer!

Daisy Votives from Pinterest (original link doesn't work)

 

Looking for an easy to make wedding favor (or even a way to decorate your tables?) Try these simple votive candle holders, wrapped in a thick yellow ribbon bow with a silk daisy hot glued to the ribbon. Simple right? Yes this is an EEEBCDI project. For the non-crafty out there who need a simple project that looks great this is IT! Simple, fast, and ends up looking great. What more could you ask?

 

**EEEBCDI stands for 'easy enough even Bill can do it.' I test how hard a craft is out on my 'non-crafty' spouse. He really rocked this one! Not to mention for some reason men love hot glue guns! So if you are looking for something your fiance or non-crafty friends can help you with, this is the project for you! Look for other EEEBCI projects throughout my blog.

 

Fruitsicle Desserts For Showers or Healthy Snacks

Photo courtesy of Parents Magazine

 

Fall in love with these heart kabobs or 'fruit pops.'

 

Love the heart shapes (make it perfect for a wedding shower) or even for a wedding day. Just use a heart shape cookie cutter to make the 'hearts' from watermelons, cantaloupe, or honeydew melons. Make an opening with a toothpick. Then slide them onto Popsicle sticks! How easy could it be?

 

If you're a teacher (or a mom) these make great school snacks for Valentine's Day. Add the citrus yogurt dip to make it more fun (and a little messy for the kids!)

 

No matter where you are serving these, the heart shaped healthy snacks will make your guests (or kids) happy!

Looking for more fruit ideas for weddings? Here are just a few of our favorites:

http://diyweddingplanning.blogspot.com/2012/03/fruit-salsa-and-chips.html

http://diyweddingplanning.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-appetizers.html

http://diyweddingplanning.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-chocolate-cups-filled-with-fruit.html

http://diyweddingplanning.blogspot.com/2011/06/brown-bagging-it-or-is-it.html

DIY Boozy Fruit Centerpieces

Photo courtesy of Jenny Heath

 

Possibly the most unusual centerpiece I've ever seen is this 'boozy centerpiece' posted on Offbeat Bride by Catherine Clark (aka Superman).  The couple, Drew and Kyle are possibly one of the most unusual I've seen. They took Mason Jars (yes, I know, I can hear the groans...NOT MORE MASON JARS!) Yes, MORE mason jars. But these are better--they are filled with boozy fruit. Can you say YUM?

 

The couple was having a brunch wedding reception and put these out as centerpieces so guests could snack at will. Bamboo skewers allowed each guest to easily access a piece of fruit.

 

How do you make them?

 

"Two months prior to the ceremony, we bought a variety of fruit at the local farmers' market and a bunch of booze (whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum) and made about 20-25 mason jars of alcohol-preserved fruit. We stuck bamboo skewers on the top of the jars we placed in the middle of the tables, and let guests pick at it as they pleased, and take home whatever jars they liked."

 

Sounds simple huh? Dare I say EEEBCDI? For those who read my blog on a regular basis I test DIY projects for how hard they are to execute by having my husband (Mr. Non-Crafter) try them out. Any project that rates at EEEBCDI rating means it's safe to let your groom loose on this project or if you are 'less than crafty' it's a great one for you as well.

 

Love using these as centerpieces or even as favors for your wedding. They are sure to be a hit with your guests whether they eat them during your reception or take them home to enjoy.

A Practical Guide To Your Wedding - An Unusual Wedding Program

From Style Me Pretty

 

Have you ever gotten a wedding program that you just tossed aside and barely looked at? The guide shown above is sure to pique the interest of your guests as they wait for the bride to walk down the aisle.

 

How do you do this? Not only do you need to put the usual info inside but something to grab their attention and make them keep reading. Think of things that are personal to the bride, groom and wedding party. Add some small bits of info to make your guests smile and keep reading as they wait for the wedding to get started.

 

Not only that, this is a perfectly simple wedding program to put together yourself. No fancy graphics, just black and white basics -- practical but fun!

DIY Metallic Quatrefoil Luminaries

Photo and Creation by Stephanie Lynn

 

Love this luminary created using a Silhouette machine and some spray paint. To get the look you do need the Silhouette machine. I've seen some on other sites though that used a pre-cut piece of paper as the stencil. So if you don't have a Silhouette already, it might be worth looking for some paper you can use as a stencil instead of investing in the Silhouette. (Yes, I want one too, but... expensive!)

 

You can make these metallic quatrefoil design in a variety of colors and you could even use a different design. The tutorial can be found on this By Stephanie Lynn link.

 

By Stephanie Lynn has a lot of great ideas for weddings or general crafting so take the time to bookmark and browse her site.

Buckets of Love

                    Garden Party Garden

Repinned from Parties. Holidays. by Momma McCall

Want an easy way to decorate at your rustic outdoor wedding? Just grab some buckets, some garden flowers and some water and a floating candle of two and you are in business!

Yes this is an EEEBCDI (Easy Enough Even Bill Could Do It Project). If you aren't familiar with my blog, Bill is my husband who is handier in a garage or outdoors tha dealing with crafting! 

So if you are looking for something your groom can help with, this is it! Just hand him a hose, a bucket, the flowers and candles and you're off!

Candy Bars, Dessert Bars, Now Popcorn Bars!

Photo and idea for popcorn bar courtesy of TPD Magazine

Bars, bars, bars! Brides and bars go together? Hmm. well that didn't come out quite right, but I'm talking about everything from dessert bars filled with tiny bites that delight your palette, to mashed potato bars and candy bars.

Now, enter the popcorn bar! A combination of sweet and salty additions for basic popcorn, this bar is the perfect addition to a rustic fall wedding.  Order a selection of popcorn seasonings, (Kettle Corn, Apple Cinnamon, Nacho Cheddar, White Cheddar, Ranch, Chili Lime, and Caramel etc.) and a butter spritzer from Kernel Season’s website and add them to some grocery store popcorn.

Your guests will enjoy the DIY creations they put together so each person's popcorn is custom designed by them for their own enjoyment.

DIY Thank You Notes -- Peacock Style

Found on Trail of Inspiration Blog from Etsy.com shop extase

Not impressed with sending out Thank You notes that are done in your new initials or that come from  your local card store? Head to extase on Etsy and buy a gorgeous peacock stamp and make your own stationary. Perfect! You can make you own stationary and wow your wedding guests as they open your Thank You note and see your unusual creation. Nothing like wow'ing your guests one more time!

Extase also has a variety of other stamps for your pleasure! Enjoy!

Unique Table Numbers - Easy DIY Project

Photo courtesy of OnceWed

Looking for a unique table number? How easy is this! Yes it is EEEBCDI (Easy Enough Even Bill Can Do It.) For those of you who have followed my blog, you know I test out just how easy a project is by getting my husband (a great guy who is just craft-clueless) to see if he can duplicate the project. These table numbers were so simple they rated the EEEBCDI rating! Face it, when you're about to get married you REALLY do not want a complex craft to pull together at the last minute! Also this rating means it's a good project to get your groom involved in. Most guys are not into making frou frou projects, but hey, bread... yeah, they can get into that!

Simple Tutorial on Bread Table Numbers:

1. Go to your favorite fresh bread purveyor (Whole Foods, Panera, Wegmans) and buy a loaf of bread for each table. Choose the size based on the size of your centerpiece you'll be placing your table numbers next to. It shouldn't overwhelm your centerpieces.

2. DO NOT (as one bride suggested to me) shellac your bread! I guarantee if you do SOMEONE will try to eat it (not a great idea.)

3. Either using simple calligraphy (not a guy thing usually) or use a computer program to make your table numbers. Print on heavy weight paper and glue onto a heavier backing so the number stands up straight. (You don't want droopy numbers!)

4. Cut a small slice in the top of the loaf of bread and insert the lower corner into the bread. If you are using a smaller loaf on a large table, make more than one per table so you can see it from every direction.

You can use a long loaf of french bread for your place cards which will keep the theme going! I like this idea for weddings with a rustic theme or a picnic wedding.  

The Secret to Cupcake Bouquets

Cupcake bouquets look so cute as centerpieces for your wedding or bridal shower. But some DIY'ers have reported having difficulty keeping the cupcakes from falling off. What's the secret?

Photo courtesy of Frugal Girls (linked here)

Well the bad news is, gravity works. So if your cupcakes are too heavy and too moist (and you like them moist if you're planning on eating them) they are likely to droop or actually fall off the side of your centerpiece. Cake Central shows you how to keep those cupcakes in place and pretty (and eatable!)

Posted by reader in Forum on Cupcake Central (Tina's Sugar Shack)

I've used long skewers (depending on the container) or if I'm using a base of styrofoam, I use multiple toothpicks, but Sugar Shack has a better idea that won't destroy the bottoms of your pretty cupcakes as much! You know those little plastic cups that your side of salad dressing comes in at a restaurant? These solve your problem! They effectively hold your cupcake in place by propping it up but are relatively invisible too. Depending on the size cupcake, you'll need with 1 oz (for mini's) or 2oz or 5oz for larger cupcakes.

Another trick? Don't try to cover a ball with cupcakes. Instead cut the ball in half so all you are covering is a dome. This keeps you from trying to keep cupcakes on the side of a ball--unattractive because gravity will pull these down and make them droop (or worse, fall off, everytime.)

Another option? Use a container that naturally supports your cupcakes that are at the side on the lower edges.

Oh, and if you want to know where to get those little cups? Sam's Club sells them. Or if you ask your local restaurant, if they use that size they can usually special order them.  I never knew that until one time we were talking to a manager at one of our favorite chain restaurants and saying how much we enjoyed their soup. He said he'd be happy to order some for us to take home the next time he put in an order! Wow! (Ok, not saying he did it for free, but ... it sure beat making soup from scratch on a night I just ran home from work!) Even places like McDonalds will order things for you like ketchup packets--who knew? (This may vary on the franchise, but wow! Learn new things every day!)

New Cookie App At Your Apple App Store In August

Bisquites App in the Apple App Store in August 2012

Do you love to make cookies? Fancy cookies? What the Brits call bisquites? This App will walk you through how to make different designs, and will include everything from videos to shopping lists to recipes.

It also lets you share recipes with friends and family! Sounds like the perfect App for the bride-to-be (or her maid of honor!) Visit the Apple App store in August and get your own App and get baking!

If you'd like to find out more about Bisquites, visit their web site at http://www.bisquites.co.uk.

Table Numbers - An Easy DIY Project

Photo from Scratch Videos Blog by Greener Visuals

Can't decide on what to use for table numbers but really don't want those ho-hum framed numbers? Why not make these DIY table numbers. They give your wedding a modern look and are easy to transport to your wedding (no worry about broken glass!)

How to make them?

OK, I'm sure you can figure it out for yourself but here goes:

Squares of wood

Black paint

sand paper

House numbers (to match the table numbers)

Just cut out the wooden squares (your hardware store may be willing to cut yours for you, my Home Depot did, but no guarantees). Sand the edges with sandpaper till smooth.Sand the flat areas as well. Paint (use whatever color you like, we used black, but there's no reason you can't use neon or pastels). Then screw or tack on the table numbers. (Depending on the brand they'll come with screws or little tacks.)

Be sure your wood is thick enough to hold the tacks without going through the opposite side.  Fine sanding will make this project look upscale, so take your time and do it right!

This is an EEEBCDI (Easy Enough Even Bill Can Do It) project. (for those of you who read my blog you know I test projects for easiness by having my husband, Bill try them out!) He said he could have cut the squares himself (and your groom may be able to as well, or you could), but we wanted to make it as easy as possible for you. So for the bride looking for an easy DIY project that her significant other can take on, this can make him feel like he's part of the wedding without having to handle girly stuff like tulle!

Have fun! You have to admit they really look great!

Be sure to check out Scratch Weddings if you are looking for a DJ. Their site has a lot of good ideas even if you are out of their usual area. 

Wedding Favor You Can Make Yourself

 

Photo and idea courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Having a summer wedding? Love organic foods? Fresh baked goods? Then this combo is for you. Send your guests home with small baskets filled with fresh organic strawberries (I get mine from Whole Foods Market) and make some fresh scones and wrap them in cellophane. Yum! Oh, and don't forget to line your basket with some parchment paper (you can pick some up in any grocery store, look near the foil and plastic wrap).  Add a pretty note, either stamp it for decorations for print a pretty note using colored ink.

Now no matter how late your wedding runs, your guests will have breakfast ready for the next morning! How convenient and thoughtful!

This is a favor you can have fun putting together with your friends or you can even rope your groom into this one. Yes, it's EEEBCDI tested. (For those new to my blog, this stands for Easy Enough Even Bill Can Do It.  Bill is my husband who I use to test DIY projects on to see if ANYONE really can make it.) The hardest part, keeping him from snacking while packing!

Planning A Bridal Shower? Need A Theme?

Photo courtesy of Michelle Burt/Maddycakes Muse at iVillage

Throwing a shower and can't decide on a theme? Why not base it on a color? Or type of color.  The photo above uses neon colors to throw a great party. In this case they are looking for an 80's look.

What can you take from this? No matter what color you are using the five vases on the table runner filled with gebera daisies (also in bright colors) catch your eye are are really easy to make! You can choose to either color the water (wow simple right?) or use some acrylic paints and just swirl it around a tall glass or Dollar Store vase.

(For a similar look in a smaller size, see this Dollar Store post photo below too(complete with link to tutorial from Nest of Posies!) 

Photo and directions from Nest of Posies

And see that flower pot to the right in the photo above from Nest of Posies? Just another simple trick to make yourself! It is a painted flower pot decorated with bright rick rack.  (All it takes is a little glue, rick rack and a painted flower pot and coaster under it) How simple can it be? (Oh and don't forget to add the potted flowers!)

So if you can't come up with a theme for a bridal shower, make your color scheme the theme! It allows for lots of DIY projects. (It is also easy to use these ideas for any kind of party you might be throwing!) I'd love to use these votives at Christmas time, or the vases with with a single red or white rose or even carnations if you are budget conscious.

Seashell Bouquet You Can Make Yourself

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Having a beach wedding? Why not make your own bouquet. And from what else? Seashells! How pretty is this bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings? Some silk, shells, and hot glue and you're good to go. For exact directions go to Martha Stewart Weddings.

Perfect for that beach wedding on the beach! (Though if you are leaving the United States make sure you can take the shells into the country!)

You can get the shells from Caribbean Imports.  Not sure you want this color? No problem! Caribbean Imports has shells in a variety of colors.

This is so simple to make! The toughest part? Parallel parking at the craft store to pick up some glue sticks!

DIY Fancy Envelopes For Invites

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings/Photo by Johnny Miller

Martha Stewart Weddings has a great idea for brides who are making their own wedding invitations. How about trying out these wallpaper envelopes? Just open up the shape envelope you need and lay it on the wallpaper.  Lightly trace the outline in pencil. on the plain side of the wallpaper. Cut out along lines. Use a Martha Stewart Bone Folder (available from Michael's Craft Store) to mimic the envelope's creases on the wallpaper cutout. Re-assemble and secure the envelope with all-purpose glue. Let dry! And you are ready to roll!

One hint: don't buy pre-pasted wallpaper!

Make Butterfly Petit Fours Yourself!

Apricot Petit Fours Photo from Pillsbury

Having a bridal shower and want to make some pretty butterfly petit fours? Try this recipe for Apricot Petit Fours from Pillsbury! The butterfly wings are sliced almonds, the yellow 'body' orange peel. These are so so good! And pretty too! For the recipe from Pillsbury click here.

DIY Invitations For Your Wedding

Photo from Pash Weddings

Pash Weddings has a selection of DIY wedding invitation designs that are FREE! Yes, for the budget minded bride choosing a wedding invitation suite that is designed for free will definitely keep the budget for invitations in line.

Not only that, but each suite offers:

Save the Date Card

Wedding Invitation

Wedding Party Card

Reception Card

Response Card

Program Cover

Placecards/Escort Cards

Table Card

Menu

Favor Tags

Thank You Cards

Everything you could possibly need for wedding stationary! The selection is growing so keep going back if you did find anything you loved initially.

DIY Flower Girl Petticoat

Photo and tutorial Martha Stewart Weddings

I try not to re-post Martha ideas because I figure it is the one blog you are already reading. But just in case you didn't dig deeply enough to find this one I wanted to bring it to your attention. I know, petticoats have gone out of fashion but they look perfect for this little girl's flower girl dress.

Here is the link to Martha's tutorial.  Check out the lace iron on, think what else you could make with this with a little re-sizing... hmm...

Lace details on the flower girl's petticoat can also be made by printing on heat-transfer paper and ironing onto the petticoat fabric.

Rustic Succulent Centerpieces

 All Photos: Heavenly Blooms Blog

I love using succulents (as you can see from my Hearts and Flowers: Decorating For Your Wedding Day Blog and WDW (Wedding Day Weekly) Blogging for Brides.

Succulents can be used as centerpieces, part of a bridal bouquet or for almost any other decoration for your wedding day. They are especially great for weddings with a southwestern or Mexican theme.

I love how the photo above combines the use of pinto beans and succulents. The pinto beans almost look like pieces of rock from the desert and the flowers add some color to make the display pop.

Then reverse the combination for the bridal bouquet, more flowers than succulents. Wow!