I actually saved my favorite Delphine post for last…how stinking cute are these coffee stir sticks and customized napkins? LOVE (shouting from the rooftops!).

They sticks can be used for coffee, cocktails or as skewers for olives, cheese, you get the picture. Erika, the mastermind behind all of these gorgeous designs, even thought to stick the shorter ones in cupcakes as a cute topper! You can buy all of these products either by emailing her directly (erika{at}delphinepress.com for custom designs) OR through ForYourParty.com in the FYP Library under the header “Delphine.”

And, if you are in need of even more paper inspiration, check out Erika’s blog. She features some of her other great designs, fun products and so much more!

Stay tuned, we have a fun real wedding coming up and we are announcing our DIY winner later today!

A few more invitation designs by Delphine to inspire your Monday! This first one is based on that charcoal grey that I love so much, though this time paired with a clean white. The end result is, well, stunning.

I love that there is basically an invitation for every style of wedding…from the clean and modern, to the sweet and feminine, the palettes and the designs offer something for everyone really.

So much more to come!

I am sure that most of you know by now, I designed a line of wedding invitations called Abby Jean before launching Style Me Pretty. I stumbled into stationery design after working at this cute little paperie in San Francisco…it was hard not to fall in love with the gorgeous letterpress, the unbelievably exquisite engraved designs, the lush papers, the incredible colors and designs…I could go on and on.

Anyway, ever since, I have had a complete love affair with all things paper, particularly invitation lines that capture a sense of timeless elegance and yet smart, fresh designs. So, when I saw these designs by Delphine, I couldn’t wait to share them with you!

Love, love, love the charcoal grey and yellow color palette. The great stamps kind of “finish” the look of the invitation suite…one part modern, one part unabashed charm.

So many more designs from Delphine are on their way! PLUS, we are announcing the DIY winner a little later today, so stay tuned!

I found these AMAZING headpieces by ban.do when I was playing around on Oh Joy!, one of my all time favorite blogs. Needless to say, I fell head over heals for these incredible beauties. They are sweet, they are romantic, they are…well, gorgeous. Head over to ban.do to check out their lovely collection and if you decide to buy one, you absolutely MUST send me a picture when all is said and done!

One more DIY Wedding Program for you to fall in love with…

Materials

Two types of fabric (both of which we incorporated into a variety of other DIY projects)
Satin ribbon
Cardstock Paper
24-lb Paper
Pinking Shears
Hot Glue Gun
Paper Cutter
Sewing Machine
Computer/printer

Instructions

1. We only had a limited amount of fabric, so the first decision we made was the size of the programs. They ended up measuring 5.5 x 7″. In order to incorporate two design themes we were working with, we used two types of fabric – one on top of the other on the programs. The fabrics were used on the front cover of the programs only, so we cut pieces of fabric that matched the dimensions exactly (although the “top” variety of fabric was slightly smaller and had a decorative edge).

2. Next, we wrote the content of the program and formatted it using Microsoft Word. The document size matched the program dimensions, but we made sure to leave extra space on the left margin of each page for the seam of the program. We printed the pages using my home printer, front-side only. Because the paper was too big, we cut the pages down to size (5.5 x 7″) using a paper cutter. The back cover of the program was printed on cardstock, to give it some heft. (We didn’t use cardstock under the fabric in the front because it made the program too difficult to flip through!)

3. We then collated all the individual pages together, with the fabric pieces for the front cover and the cardstock sheet for the back. To hold them together, we machine-sewed a seam down the left margin. (Note – this was a thick booklet, so it took some tinkering to get the right needle and machine settings!)

4. Finally, we tied a bunch of bows using 3/4″ satin ribbon and hot-glued one to the corner of each program.

5. Voila! All done!

I love this DIY project…hand-stitched programs that reflected the couple’s personality and style…

Instructions

(please note, I have skipped the step about designing the art for the cover as it is totally up to you and your own design ideas)

1. Once you have your cover and inside pages designed (ours were made to fit four on a standard 8.5 x 11 piece of cardstock) get them cut and printed (saving yourself lots of time and agony). **when designing keep in mind that you will need a larger gutter on the side with the seam.

2.  Assemble pages in the order you want and use a few binder clips to keep them in place.

3. Use a decorative stitch and sew the pages together. We had two pieces of cardstock and 4-5 pieces of regular weight paper and my regular sewing machine needle did just fine. I wouldn’t worry about back stitching at the beginning and the end – it should hold pretty well without.

4. Fill a small glassine envelope with dried lavender (or rice or whatever you want thrown at you). Tape closed (I used Martha Steward ribbon tape from Michael’s).

5. Use rubber cement to glue the glassine envelope to the back inside cover of your program. Design your back inside cover to have a sentence instructing guests what to do with them.

LOVE! These programs are such a sweet way to introduce your guests to the day. They are laid back, they are cozy, they are completely adorable! Oh, and I’ve already asked the bride if we can put her wedding up on SMP because the whole wedding is this pretty.

We have so many elegant, pretty DIY projects on SMP, I thought it was about time for a really fun, whimsical project. How cute are these Gumball Favors?

Materials

Clear flat bottom candy bags which can be purchased in bulk from candy store

Lots of gum balls (about 10 per bag). They can be color specific to your wedding!  We purchased ours from gumballs.com

White labels to fit the width of the bag

Clear tape

Instructions

1. You can have your labels designed or you can design them yourself using a program like Microsoft Publisher or Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

2. After your labels are printed, put the labels on your candy bags.

3. Fill your bags with about 10 gum balls per bag.  Make sure you have enough gum balls to fill each bag evenly before taping the bag shut with clear tape.

I am always a little shocked when I hear that brides are crafting their own flowers…centerpieces, bouquets, the works. It just seems like such an incredible task to undertake and yet the impact on your budget is pretty undeniable. But even more exciting to me, is when brides design a floral suite that is both beautiful and amazingly professional…just like this bride did for her recent wedding!

From the bride…

The flowers were my proudest achievement during the wedding. The flowers were the most important part of the wedding for me. I went to several florists but none of them could achieve my vision within my budget so I decided to make the arrangements myself. I was obviously uncertain about the whole idea but the minute I started putting the sample together, it came very natural. Two months prior to the wedding, I applied for an internship at a floral design studio in Santa Monica. I purchased the vases online, the flowers were all purchased at the Los Angeles flowermart for wholesale prices ( the owner of the studio purchased them for me with her resale license). I saved thousands of dollars doing the work myself, I loved the experience so much that I decided to pursue a career in floral designs.

Happy Halloween everyone! For all of you brides out there that are looking for a little “fabulous” now that you are too old to trick-or-treat, I thought these adorable brownie pops might just be the answer! I found them via Amy Atlas, though the original source is Brownie Pops. Check out all of their offerings as these pops barely scratch the cuteness surface!

So sorry about all of the technical difficulties yesterday…what a mess! But, we are back in full force today, with fun DIY projects that will definitely leave you inspired. The first is simple and pretty, a lovely favor for any wedding!

Materials

Mini Bird’s Nests
Jordan Almonds
4-bar Flat Cards in Butter from Paper Source
Hole Punch
Blue Ribbon
Tulle, cut in large squares
Bird Stamp and Thank You Stamp
Brown and Green Ink

Instructions

1. Buy mini bird’s nests from Beau-coup (3 sets of 12 for a total of about $35).

2. Filled them with 5 baby blue jordan almonds to look like robin’s eggs (I got the Almonds off The Knot wedding shop, with regular shipping they are a total of about $20 for two bags or about 200 almonds).

3. Wrap them in tulle (I bought mine at a fabric store, 3 yards at $1.99/yard).

4. Using blue ribbon, (mine was from Paper Source in “bluebell” for about $4 for 10 yards) tie the tulle together.

5. Cut your 4-bar cards into 4, then stamp them with the green birds and brown thank you.

6. Punch a hold in the corner, then tie the ribbon through. Voila!

I love these simple, but rustically chic invitations. I doubt anyone would imagine that they are actually a DIY project!

Instructions

1. Choose image and/or text to be printed.
2. Make a carbon based print of image/text (xerox copy or laser printers work)
3. Place image on gocco machine – make master screen using the gocco and gocco bulbs.
4. Once the image is burned into the screen, you can ink it.  Smear ink on the image burned into the screen, insert back into the machine, then press image onto paper invitations as desired.  Re-ink as necessary.
5. Let it dry fully before printing any other sides (I let each side dry a full 24-hours).

These starfish boutonnieres are perfect for a beachside wedding. I get so many emails from readers looking for an alternative to flower boutonnieres. Voila!

Materials

one inch bar pins
small starfish
strong glue

Instructions

These starfish boutonnieres were created with small starfish and one inch bar pins that were glued together.  I used small starfish that my fiancés mom found at a yard sale. 

1. I applied glue to both ends of the bar pins and applied glue to the back of the starfish where the bar pins were attached. 

2. Then attach the bar pins to the starfish and lightly pressed them together.  Let them dry completely with the bar pin side up.   

{Use cement glue that I found at a hardware store, though any strong glue would work and the one inch bar pins were found at Michaels.  The small starfish can be found online too. Oh, and I found the inspiration for these right here! Gotta give credit where credit is due!}

This DIY project is strictly for those of you who have a steady hand and some serious patience. BUT, if you can pull it off, I think that it’s such a great gift for your guests…a custom block print inspired by your own unique personalities.

From the bride…

My amazingly artistic fiance, Josh Lowe did three block prints for our upcoming wedding on November 1, 2008. A landscape of where we are getting married for the save-the-date, a nest for the invitation and a graphic carving of the word Love on notebooks for our favors. We wanted our paper goods to feel like little pieces of art that we hope will end up in frames. They are all different and unique and really set the tone for our rustically elegant diy wedding.

Instructions

1. First draw what you want to carve

2. Then transfer the drawing onto the wood (pear wood works well)

3. Use small woodcarving tools to carve out your design

4. Next roll out the paint on the woodblock with a brayer

5. Place the paper on the block print and use a spoon to press down all over the design, you want to use firm but even pressure.

6. Finally, peel the paper off carefully

7. Let the print dry 

We have so many more fun DIY projects to share with you over the coming days. I hope you guys are loving this week as much as I am!

This lovely aisle runner was totally custom made…a great way to conceal a not-so-pretty church carpet and a wonderful keepsake for you to remember your day!

Materials

White Muslin
Iron
Stencil of your choice
Printer
Acrylic Craft Paint
Easy Hem Adhesive

Instructions

1. Purchased white muslin that measured 45” wide.  I used a bolt, but purchases as many yards to create the length you want.

2. Layout the muslin and iron flat the section you wish to do the logo.  I placed mine toward the bottom of the aisle runner.

3. I purchased the stencil from Hobby Lobby.  Arrange the stencil so that you will be able to fit two of them angled where the ends almost touch.

4. Complete the circle by rotating the stencil around four times.

5. For the initials, create your layout on the computer and print it.  Place the paper under the fabric centered in the circle.  You will be able to see the initials through the fabric.  Trace the initials with paint.  I used acrylic craft paint.  Do the same thing for the date.

6. The edges of the muslin are already serged all you have to do is serge or hem the top and bottom of the muslin.

After our wedding, I cut the logo from the aisle runner to create a wall hanging.  I left enough room at the top and bottom to create a 2” hem.  Leave the ends open so that you can stick a curtain rod through.

I heart these knit capelets by Fringe…I can just imagine the earthy, warm feeling of these paired with a whispy, romantic wedding gown for a late fall wedding. It’s a rustic, really feminine look that would be so fabulous on the right bride. If you haven’t checked out the fringe shop on etsy, it’s a must. I am kind of in love with most of the stuff in her collection!

I never would have thought to make these but once I saw them, I knew I had to share. Sprinkled on guests tables and around the reception, these customized “message marbles”  are perfect little take aways for guests.

Materials:

Flat clear marbles about 1 inch round (I found some at Target)
Printer
Computer with Word or InDesign (I found InDesign worked well)
Different colored paper (if desired)
1 inch hole puncher
Decoupage glue
Poly Brush

Step 1: Format and design what you want the marbles to say or look like.  Make rows of circular templates with images or words.  My flat marbles were about 1 inch round so I made the templates a little smaller.  I chose to use different wedding related words with a nice border, but you could use your imagination for the designs. 

Step 2: Print the template on your printer at home.  I used different color paper and ink in my wedding colors.  If you are using an ink jet printer, make sure to let the ink dry for a couple of hours. 

Step 3: Use a large hole puncher to punch out each design.

Step 4: Using decoupage glue and a poly-brush (regular brushes tended to have hairs come off onto the paper) brush the printed side of the cut out designs.

Step 5: Gently but firmly press the flat side of the marble onto the glue side of the paper.  The image will show through the glass. 

Step 6: Let dry.

Step 7: Brush decoupage glue on the back of the marble (the paper side that is exposed) to seal the marbles and protect the paper. 

Step 8: Let dry.

Step 9: Repeat step 7, for a final coat. 

These lip balm holders were actually crafted as favors for a birthday party, but I thought that they would also make pretty cute shower gifts or a lovely addition to a bag of must-haves for your bridesmaids!

Here is a glimpse into the process involved in making these…

Material
 
2 colors of cardstock
1 patterned paper
Glue
Scalloped punch
1 3/8” circle punch
1 1/4” circle punch
X-acto knife
Round stamp
Glue
Satin Ribbon
Lip balm (mine was crafted and personalize by http://ll2b.com/ )
 
 
Instructions
 
Print this templatefor drawing instruction (The copyright for the template goes to Renne Ondrajka)
 
1)  For the Outside piece:
a)  Cut a piece of cardstock by 3 1/2” x 5 3/4”
b)  Score it at 2 1/2” and 3 1/4” (the center piece will be 3/4” wide)
 
2)  For the inside holder piece:
a) Cut a piece of cardstock by 3 1/2” x 5 3/4”
b)  Score it at 2 1/2” and 3 1/4” (the center piece will be 3/4” wide)
c)  With an x-acto knife, cut 3 different slices as we can see on the template link.  These cuts will serve to insert the lip balm inside the pocket.
 
3)  Glue the inside and outside cardstock piece making sure to not put glue on the center cuts pieces.  The pieces should open like this:  http://picasaweb.google.fr/MEDRO13/MotifDamaskDiane50Ans#5211949307577820194
 
4)  Decorate the exterior pocket as desired with a pattern paper, stamps or anything else you’d like.  A quick note…before you glue the pattern paper on the outside cardstock piece, put a piece of ribbon between the two pieces. 
 
5)  Insert the lip balm inside the pocket and tie the ribbon.  Voilà !

I heart these little bundt cake wedding favors…so cute packaged in their pretty green boxes and adorned with a little note! They make the perfect favor!

Materials

Recipe for bundt cakes on allrecipes.com
bundt cake pans
Favor Boxes purchased at Michaels
Blank Labels

Instructions

1. Make Bundt Cakes

1 package of yellow cake mix
1 package of instant lemon pudding mix(3 ounces)
3/4 cup of orange juice
4 eggs

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Grease the mini bundt cake pans ( bought at my local Target store) -Stir together cake mix and pudding mix. Pour the orange juice, oil, eggs and lemon extract. Beat on low speed until blended.

Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool.

Make the glaze. Just use confectioner’s sugar and a couple tablespoon of milk or lemon extract. Brush over cakes. They can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 1 week.

2. Assemble Boxes: I purchased the favor boxes at Michaels craft store and the blank labels were purchased at paper source. It was time consuming to put the favors together but in the end it only cost us a little more that $80 for 120 guests.

Inspired by an Amy Butler design, these DIY wrist corsages are so stinking pretty. Adorable for bridesmaids or flower girls…OR you could use them to tie up napkins on guest’s place setting! Too cute!

Materials

Strips of Fabric
Iron
Sewing Machine/Thread/Needle
Hot Glue Gun
Pretty Strips of Ribbon

Instructions

1. Cut a 4×18 inch strip of fabric – you may need to play with the width and length to get the look you are going for.

2. Fold the fabric hot dog style (so the long edges meet) with wrong sides together. Press with an iron.

3. Using a loose straight stitch sew the open long edges together (leaving about 1/4 inch)

4. Pull the bobbin thread to gather the material. The more you pull the more it gathers. You will have to kind of play with the fabric to make it gather evenly.

5. Once you are happy with the amount of gather begin rolling the strip up – so it looks like a spiral. So start at one end and just roll. The tighter you roll the more open your flower will be.

6. Once you are happy with your flower hand sew the bottom together (the bottom is the edge with the seam – the folded side should be the open part of the flower). Be sure you get through all the layers – don’t worry this part doesn’t have to be pretty.

7. Once your flower feels like it is secure and will not unravel use a hot glue gun to attach it to a piece of ribbon. Voila! You have a corsage.

I love these because they are so quick and easy, but so beautiful. You can also make these flowers to adorn bags or sweaters. My husband’s grandmothers LOVED that I had made special corsages just for them.

This DIY Project is just great. Simple as that. The carved place cards are an unexpected touch to a table setting that not only add a hint of chic, they are also perfect for guests to take home with them so that they always remember your big day!

Materials

Small 6 x 6 piece of wood, depending on the shape you want to create
Wood Carving Tool
Spray Paint
Sand Paper

Oil Based Pen

Instructions

1. Design and cut out the desired shape out of wood. Some scrapbooking stores make pre-cut pieces of wood that make it much easier!

2. Once you have your wood shapes, sand all sides to get rid of any rough spots.

3. Spray paint in your desired color, then let dry.

4. Use a light sand paper on the edges of the piece to give an antique look.

5. Using an oil based pen write the name of the guest on every piece. Be careful there is no going back!