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

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Cara and Spencer, DIY Table Runners, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jackson Hole
Post categories: DIY Projects, The Blog, Wedding Decor

photos by Visionaire Studios

From Jenny…

I spent a fun day in my front yard and put together a fantastic inspirational/do-it-yourself table setting – perfect for a flirty Fall wedding. I chose soft, feminine colors (instead of using the typical orange, golds and yellows that are used in Fall weddings) of ivory, pink, blues and natural colors. Little Black Book member Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott made the fabulous Bee Hive Cake for the table.

photos by Visionaire Studios

Gorgeous, right. Well the best part is that the look is actually really easy to achieve. Here are some super simple DIY Projects that Jenny did…

1. Pumpkin Place Cards: To make the sweet and seasonal place cards, I spray painted mini white pumpkins a soft shimmery gold. I snipped the stems and inserted a small name card (printed on textured cardstock) into each pumpkin. A very simple, but special looking project.

2. Rose & Wheat Bouquet: Using creamy garden roses and soft pink tea roses and 10 stems of wheat, I gathered the flowers into a bouquet – taping the stems together with floral tape. Next, I added wheat around the roses, creating a collar. For the wrap, I used a small piece of burlap (that matches the table runner – and is super inexpensive!) and secured it with pearl pins… I love the mixture of rustic and refined elements.

3. Table: I used a variety of linens to achieve a luxurious feel – natural oatmeal linen as the base, a wide brown burlap runner and topped with a classic ticking stripe runner. To bring more seasonal elements to the table, I added Blue Hubbard squash on each side of our “Bee Hive” Cake created by Black Book Member Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott (Kansas City). Each place was set with vintage gold plates, classic hemstitch linen napkins, and, of course, the pumpkin place cards. For added ambiance, I added single rose blooms in bud vases that bring some floral whimsy to the table – without a big investment!

I am totally smitten with this really sweet approach to Fall decor. Who says Fall inspired weddings have to be burnt orange and reds. They can be just as sweet and pretty as any Spring or Summer affair, simply by approaching the design and the color palette differently. It’s SO cool to see a seasonal style in such a different way! LOVE. Make sure to check out Jenny’s blog for even more goodness.

Vendors: Design by Jenny Steffens of Occasions by Jenny / Cake by Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott – Little Black Book Member / Photography by Claire Ryser of Visionaire Studios

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Fall, Jenny Steffen, Natasha's Mulberry & mott, Occasions by Jenny, tablescape, Visionaire Studios
Post categories: Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Planners & Designers

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!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
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!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: DIY project, Do-It-Yourself, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Favor Bags, Penny Candy, Wishing Cards
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

And you know what. It SO will.

Heidi Ryder is the incredibly photographer behind the affair and she has been sweet enough to share some of the details!

In love. Madly in love. We have so much more from this delightful wedding, including the full resource list, on the way! Thank you so much to Heidi Ryder for sending such a treat our way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 38 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Etsy, Heidi Ryder
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired

I mean seriously. How stinking cute is this? The vintage floral linens, the sweet centerpieces, the CELEBRATION sign. Madly, madly in love with all of it. Oh and they actually had an Elvis impersonator to celebrate their Memphis roots. Yep, they are that cool! The full wedding is coming up next!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Heidi Ryder, Memphis, Rehearsal Dinner
Post categories: Casual Elegance

photography by Sarah Neal Photography

Are you in love yet? I literally just grabbed my husband and planted a big one right on his lips.  Here are a few words from the bride about her gorgeous, gorgeous day…

We wanted a wedding that was simple, affordable, and yet had meaning behind everything we chose to do. Living in Tucson, AZ but originally from Southeast Alaska, we decided to have our wedding in the mountain town of Flagstaff. The venue was a huge log cabin built in British Columbia, disassembled and brought to Arizona to be rebuilt on location. We had our 80 closest friends and family join us for a destination weekend of fun and celebration of being together, and mostly everyone dressed vintage!

photography by Sarah Neal Photography

We have so many more absolutely stunning images from this wedding coming up in just a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 21 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Arizon, Charming, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Flagstaff, Sarah Neal Photography, Vintage
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Vintage Chic

I hope that everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend! Here are a few more pictures from today’s affair to see you into the weekend…

photography by Jessica Hill

From Allie…

More than anything, though, I was overwhelmed by the joy of spending so much time with our family and friends. We are blessed with very close families, and we were able to plan some events for the week of the wedding to spend more time with them. Most of Josh’s family lives in California and we were so thankful that they came up to Oregon to celebrate with us. We are simply unbelievably lucky to have these people in our lives. And they’re ridiculously fun too, as is evident from the photos from the dance floor…

photography by Jessica Hill

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jessica Hill, Oregon
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired

Oh and I have to say, there are a lot of good things about having a wedding in Oregon. But hands down the best reason ever is Cupcake Mama. See for yourself!

photography by Jessica Hill

From the lovely bride, Allie…

We incorporated a lot of vintage and antique pieces into our wedidng. Josh and I had many adventures in antiquing during the months before the wedding to procure the 70 or so glass bottles and dozen cake stands that we used for the reception. Along the way, I found some unexpected little bits — like a blue creamer and lovely green tin trays — that were begging to be incorporated into the decor.

photography by Jessica Hill

I’m fortunate enough to come from a crafty family, so my mom was a huge help with the multitude of DIY projects I tackled — cake topper birds, escort card board and easel, coat check tags, music CDs with hand-sewn fabric sleeves, welcome bags, designer shoe semi-recreations, flower petal cones, wedding website, etc. I also worked with a number of super-talented artisans (from Etsy and elsewhere) who rocked my clutch, hair flower and jewelry; a letterpress printer who printed our invitations; and the always-amazing Jenna Hein, who did our calligraphy. A few other things were deeply personal gifts from family — like the antique sewing scissors that we used to separate photo booth pictures; my Melissa Sweet wedding gown, a gift from my grandmother; and the card trunk that my grandfather made for me when I was a little girl.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Cupcake Mama, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jessica Hill, Oregon
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired

I love, love, love to see vendor’s own weddings as they always have such an easy, completely effortless style that seems to be infused into each and every detail.

From Sarah…

Our photographer, Brendan McLaughlin (who I found on craigslist ) was not a wedding photographer, but was interested in getting into the field…After looking at his at his small portfolio, I  realized I liked his point of view and vibe. We told him we were looking for a less traditional, moody photo diary of the day, and he produced exactly what we wanted. We were really lucky.

Thank you so very much to Sarah for sharing her absolutely gorgeous day with us. It was beyond lovely and such a beautiful example of an effortlessly chic day, a intimate wedding that is all about the pretty.

I really don’t want to sound like an ad here, so try to understand that I am speaking completely from the heart…if you are lucky enough to live in Boston, you should DEFINITELY put Sarah and her floral studio, Spruce, on your must-have list. She is an incredible talent and there is no doubt that she will turn your wedding dreams into the best reality you could ever imagine. I love her work, always have and cannot recommend her highly enough!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Sarah, Spruce, Vermont
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired

Of course I would expect nothing less from the bride behind the affair, my very own florist Sarah Matteson of Spruce in Boston.

photographs by Brendan McLaughlin

From Sarah…

We spent 3 days in the kitchen and came up with a menu that was both luxe and homey—but most of all do-able. My business partner and his wife slaved with us in the kitchen and produced some unbelievable food!  Crab cakes with lemon pesto vinaigrette, roasted pork loin with apricot shallot stuffing, aged parmesan and olives, truffled mac and cheese with caramelized wild mushrooms. I kind of wish I was a chef and not a florist sometimes…next life. And chocolate desserts to feed my hubby’s addiction.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Spruce, Vermont
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired

But the best part about this wedding is the personality that they infused into every detail. The little touches that guests will always remember, that they will tell their friends about, that will always make them smile.

From the bride…

My dress was made out of handmade crotched lace by a designer here in LA by Magda Berliner. I made a flag banner from scraps of fabric from Anna Maria Horner and hung them from the trees. I had my 86 yr old grandmother as part of the ceremony and get up and say words of wisdom to all the guests.

My pink shoes with my dress were from Payless, but I changed into boots for the reception. All the bridesmaids wore boots and dresses they already owned in colors I asked them to wear.  It saved money from them having to buy dresses they would never wear again and they ended up looking really cool. All flowers were made by friends were done in a wildflower fashion, by having my friend do all the flowers we saved TONS of money.

SO much more to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 32 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: All You Need is Love, Backyard, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Magda Berliner, The Nichols
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired

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.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 32 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Favor Box, Favor Packaging, Kathleen, Twig and Thistle
Post categories: DIY Projects