photo by Carrie Patterson

My mom’s a pretty amazing seamstress. She learned to sew in her teens, which means she’s been sewing for more than 40 years. In addition to sewing her own prom dresses, she made our Halloween costumes growing up, from princesses to cheerleaders to space women to ladybugs. Planning my wedding, she was a huge resource. And even though she has lots of sewing experience on her belt, she said that anyone with a sewing machine can make these super simple 14-foot long runners! Plus, you can customize your look and use any type of fabric/thread color combination!

Materials

One bolt of 54-inch wide burlap (you can use less, but 21 runners took the full bolt)
Teal Blue Thread

Directions

1. Cut fabric in lengths of 14 feet, two inches.

2. Cut in half lengthwise so that each strip is 27 inches wide

3. Turn the ends and sides under one inch and hem

4. Stitch with a zig zag stitch (my mom used the largest zig zag, about a quarter of an inch) on her machine and chose satin thread)

5. Iron flat

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Post tags: Cara and Spencer, DIY Table Runners, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jackson Hole
Post categories: DIY Projects, The Blog, Wedding Decor

Please note, we kept our bags without names on them, as when we created them, we weren’t sure how we wanted to use them. To complete the seating card DIY, you’ll need to write in your guests names above the number. If you want to use the scalloped hole punch, we’ve allowed enough room on the template for you to do that. Otherwise, we used little dotted lines that are super cute and you can simply cut around them for a pretty darned great look.

Materials

Mini Brown Bags (found at Michaels)
Strawberries
Tissue Paper
8.5 x 11″ Card Stock
2.25″ Square Scalloped Hole Punch (found at Michaels)
Color Printer

Instructions

1. Using your color printer, print out this template. Note that we have left room above the numbers for you to write in the names.

2. Using your hole punch, punch out the squares. Or alternatively, using a paper cutter, trim around the dotted lines.

3. With double stick tape, adhere the labels on to your brown bags, right in the center.

4. Using a red or black pen, scribble in the name of your guests above the number. Don’t worry about being too perfect, this project is all about charm.

5. If you don’t want to fill completely with fruit, stuff the bottom half of the bags with red tissue paper, then fill to the brim with strawberries.

These would look especially cute with cherries!

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Seating Cards, Strawberries
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details

Materials

Pie Dough (pre-made or homemade)
Pie Filling (we went with Cherry, starting with this recipe then using the pre-made stuff instead)
Disposable Mini Pie Tins
Red and Pink String (or whatever color you want)
Bamboo Spoons from Green Feet
White Bakery Boxes (6″ found at Michaels)
Red cocktail napkins (or whatever color you want)
Pie Tags by Grapevine Invitations

Instructions

1. Make your mini pies. Leaving this part totally up to you! For cheaters even bigger than me, I spotted some cute mini pies at the grocery store over the weekend.

2. Using both colors of your string, wrap the pies like a package, tying your spoon onto the top and making a cute little bow.

3. Tuck your unfolded napkin inside your bakery box, then place the pie on top. You can either slide the tag right inside so that it’s a complete “look” when your guests open it OR you can use more string to tie up your bakery box threading your tag on to your string before you tie the knot.

Voila!

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Pie Favors, Wedding Favors
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

I knew that I wanted to do some homemade pies, inspired by these little beauties that I spotted over on The Cookie Shop, but with a more vintage inspired twist. I just couldn’t figure out the packaging. So, with about 48 hours before the shoot, I frantically emailed the fabulous Karen Bartolomei of Grapevine Invitations to help us design some tags that would properly show off these adorable favors. When I tell you that Karen whipped these perfect little tags together in literally an hour, I am being completely serious.

It’s not terribly surprising considering Karen has written a book called Paperie for Inspired Living devoted completely to paper treats, but still…does it get ANY cuter?

And guess what…she’s sharing them with you today! Here’s the DIY project for the adorable Pie Tags just for SMP readers!

Materials

80 lb white card stock from Paper Source
Color Printer
3 inch circle hole punch found at Michael’s Craft Store

Instructions

1. After choosing your colorway from the attached template, print the circles on 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock (please note, the circles are slightly bigger than the hole punch)
2. Turn the page over and print the back checkered pattern. (optional, of course)
3. Using a 3″ circle hole punch I purchased at Michael’s craft store I hole punched each tag in a perfect circle shape

Coming up next, we’ll show you how to make the pies and assemble them in such a pretty way for your guests to enjoy! Thank you so much to Karen for being so generous with her time and talents!! We are going to be doing a fun giveaway with Karen in the coming days so definitely stay tuned.

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, From Inspiration to Reality, Pie Tags
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

So in celebration of the new feature, I thought that I would share some of my favorite DIY projects from our last From Inspiration to Reality Shoot! Starting with these really cute, REALLY easy Penny For Your Thoughts Bags! Oh and all of the GORGEOUS photographs are by Justin and Mary Marantz.

My vision was to have these cute little bags right next to wishing cards that your guests could write messages on for you. It turned out really cute and I was amazed at just how easy these little favors were to create.

Materials

8.5″ x 11″ Full Sheet Label Paper
Color Printer
Paper Cutter
White Paper Bags (3½-inches x 2-inches x 6¾-inches, found at Michaels)
Large Red Brads (found at Michaels)

Instruction

1. Print out this template on 8.5″ x 11″ full page label sheets. Set your printer to the highest print setting to make sure your text is crisp.

2. Using a paper cutter, trim the labels to size.

3. Adhere labels to the center of your white bags, before opening the bags to fill.

4. Fill the bags with your favorite penny candy. We used little gummies that looked just like pennies that we found at CVS.

5. Fold the top portion of the bag over and punch a small hole in the center.

6. Insert your red brads to close the bags and keep them secure.

Next to these cute little bags, scatter a few wishing cards and a tray or a bowl that guests can place them in when they are done.

We’ve made this super cute wishing cards template for you to use. Just print it out on 8.5″ x 11″ white card stock and trim down to size. Voila! Coming up next, the super duper cute pie’s and coordinating tags!

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Post tags: DIY project, Do-It-Yourself, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Favor Bags, Penny Candy, Wishing Cards
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

Step #1: Supplies.

Pick your paper and buttons. *Hint*: text weight paper works best. Choosing coordinating patterns and colors for the paper is fun, and choosing different sizes and shapes in the buttons is cute, too. Choose scissors or a paper cutter, and adhesive. Cut 2 strips of paper, equal length and width, depending on the size of the pinwheel you want (thicker strips = larger pinwheel).

Steps #2 and #3: Folding + Combining.

Evenly fold (like an accordion) the 2 strips of paper. Make sure the widths match! (Note: smaller folds make tighter pinwheels. Larger folds are more loose and show more of the pattern. We like to make several of each size – makes for an adorable display). Line up one end of the folded accordion with the end of the other accordion. Fit together and adhere securely. Permanent adhesive squares work nicely, and lie flat.

Step #4: Securing.

Pull the loose ends of the accordion strip around towards each other and adhere securely. The pinwheel will look like a cardstock “circle” (similar to the coffee sleeves they give you at Starbucks). You will need to pop the pinwheel out and push it down (work with it until it looks like a pinwheel should look), holding it in place with your fingers. In the photo, the paperweight is doing the job of holding the pinwheel in place.

Step #5: Finishing Touches.

Choose your button and secure *tightly* with glue dots (you may need to use several!). Note: we recommend weighing the pinwheels down for several hours once they are fully assembled). This will help to ensure that they are secure.

Vendors ~ paper stylists: posh paperie, 619.504.6506 / photography: jackie wonders, 619.787.4296

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Post tags: Decor, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Pinwheels
Post categories: DIY Projects, The Blog, Wedding Details

So, all you need to do is print this template out on 80lb card stock (try Paper Source). Using a 3.5″ hole punch, cut out the circles. Then using either a small amount of glue or some double stick tape, adhere them to corn dog or popsicle sticks (corn dog sticks are a little bit longer). Voila!

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Justin & Mary Marantz, Stir Sticks
Post categories: DIY Projects

Oh and the lovely, lovely board above was designed by the oh-so-talented Krystal at Studio Foto! Thanks, Krystal…LOVE!

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Post tags:
Post categories: DIY Projects

So, if you want to add a little DIY charm to your affair, head on over to the Style Circle for a little treat!

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Post tags:
Post categories: DIY Projects, Style Circle

So today, we are sharing some completley adorable DIY favor boxes. If you missed the first two boxes, click here and here.

The best thing about this set is that they are total perfection standing alone or mixed and matched! And, you know how I feel about yellow. They are just adorable.

To download the pink polka dots, click right here. To download the yellow stripes, click right here. To download the pink flowers, click right here. To download the yellow waves, click right here.

All you have to do, is print the template onto an 8.5×11” piece of card stock (80 lb) with a color printer. Score along dotted lines with a bone folder and a ruler. With an x-acto knife and ruler, cut along solid lines. Fold box together and tape shut with double-sided tape where indicated.

* * *

For those of you that need a little more of Kathleen’s fabulousness, check out her blog Twig & Thistle and her adorable etsy shop right here.

Also, here are some of her past SMP projects…

Favor Packaging here and here.

Custom Matchboxes, Sparkler Packaging and Coco Favors.

Farewell bells right here.

Homemade Vanilla Favors right here.

Lunch Bag Favors right here.

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Favor Box, Favor Packaging, Kathleen, Twig and Thistle
Post categories: DIY Projects

To go along with the pictures, I found THIS great tutorial over on The Adventures of the Grosgrain Bride. I think that it might look a little more complicated than it is. I hope that some of you will do this project as it is SUCH a great way to make a huge statement all while spending very little mula. Gotta love that!

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Moss Letters
Post categories: DIY Projects, The Blog

Here’s how she did it!

I’d previously seen handkerchiefs and other bits of fabric printed on and really liked the idea of texture. I also wanted to create a keepsake. I ended up scouring ebay for about a month, collecting vintage handkerchiefs. In the meantime, I created a vintage-y layout using our silhouetted profiles. Once I collected enough handkerchiefs (and washed and ironed them, too!), I used the Yudu (which is apparently trying to be the next gocco) to hand screen the 165 handkerchiefs.

Once they were dry and ironed, I tied them to some cardstock I had custom printed on one side with a pair of lovebirds and on the other side with a little heart pattern I created for our wedding suite. The single men received a white handkerchief on the patterned background, while couples and women received patterned handkerchiefs on the lovebird side facing up. I hand-lined some kraft envelopes using paper from a scrapbooking tablet. I created a custom label that tied into the whole design and finally sent them all out.

How great are they? Thanks so much, Rachel, for sharing these with us! LOVE. I am now dying to buy a Yudu and yudu myself silly. WAY too many ideas and projects swimming through my head!

Rachel is a designer by trade and we are keeping her fingers crossed that she will start selling these babies! Her fabulous website that is filled to the brim with goodies can be found right here and her equally awesome blog is right here!

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Post tags: Hankerchief, Save The Dates, Yudu
Post categories: DIY Projects

LOVE. To see the full post and the DIY instructions, click right here. The second of Kelly’s DIY features that I am loving is the super simple DIY chalkboard. I adore it so much that I’ve decided to make one for my house!

To see the full DIY on the chalkboard, click right here. Thanks so much, Kelly, for the inspiration!

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Post tags: Chalkboard, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Kelly Oshiro, Succulents
Post categories: DIY Projects

LOVE! To see the how-to (and so much more eye candy) head on over to Oh So Beautiful Paper!

* * *

Next up, I am loooooving these doilies that the girls at Hello! Lucky are featuring. Crafted by the FABULOUS Paul Lowe for Country Living they scream effortless elegance.

And speaking of Paul Lowe…I am love, love, loving his blog that is filled to the brim with the most delicious eye candy you’ve ever seen. My personal favorites are his Crafty Friday posts where he features easy, but beautiful, DIY projects.

More DIY on the way!

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Post tags:
Post categories: DIY Projects

Materials:
Everything I used for the necklace I got at Michael’s store.  They have a great bead selection (certain stores more options than others- but I think you can also order online).   I also got clasps that had multiple hooks or loops so that I would have more than one strand of beads coming from the one clasp.  (I am not sure what those are referred to as). I found them on sale so the brand is not listed on Michael’s site, however, there are others that will substitute nicely.  There are also plenty of bead shops and craft shops that I am sure would have great selections.

You can find the clear jewelry string (nylon- not stretchy) at Michaels, or fishing line from any local Target or Walmart store will suffice as well.

Instructions:
My basic philosophy in going into the necklace was that I wanted it to be eclectic and sweet- so, I stuck with jewels that matched my color scheme but still added a bit of spark every now and again.  Since each strand connected to a different hook, I basically just started with one layer, and as I added more, made them slightly longer or slightly shorter to layer them one right on top of the other- After each layer I was sure to hold it up to my neck to make sure they were falling properly.  If you want the necklace a bit fuller- you can add more than one strand of beads to each individual hook.

The great part about an eclectic necklace is that your strands don’t have to have even numbers and matching patterns.  Each strand was unique to itself- however, it is good to continually try on the necklace and have an outside opinion to make sure it is flowing smoothly and looking good on your particular neckline.  I also used this necklace as a “reception necklace”- so, I felt ok about making it a little more “fun” rather than “formal”. 

I added a small chain to the back so that I could adjust the length of the necklace if desired. 

I used pretty basic “necklace crafting technique” and just put in a little more time and patience to create the layers.

A helpful hint: When you tie knots at the ends when you are attaching the strands from one latch to another- after tying several knots to secure the beading- Cut off the excess clear string and use a lighter to burn the very tip of the string so that it shrivels up and creates a small lump of melted plastic.  This helps to secure the knot from slipping loose as well as from creating an itchy point.  Don’t get the fire too close (you only need to hold it near -not directly on)- or it will burn more than desired and snap some of the base knots as well.

* * *

If this is a little over your head, Stephanie (she is known as Stevie) would be happy to make you one! Just shoot me an email and I’ll forward it right along to her! abby {at} style me pretty {dot} com.

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Post tags: Necklace DIY
Post categories: DIY Projects