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Post tags: Delphine, For Your Party, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Featured

From the horse’s mouth…

“Wedding genealogies are customized charts, similar to a family tree, that detail the relationships of the bride and groom to all of their wedding guests. Great for the cocktail hour and receptions, these charts fill guests in on who’s a friend from childhood, a neighbor, a family member, and more.

We have three distinct chart aesthetics available in a myriad of formats. Couples can customize the chart best suited to the style and environment of their wedding, and keep the diagram afterwards as a unique piece of memorabilia. We hope you enjoy glancing through the following samples!”

The above option is my fav…this chart features a modern design using seating information, icons, color and size of tables to denote personal connections. All information and colors are customizable. SO COOL.

I also love this family tree style option…a design that organizes groups of friends and family by branches of categories and color. All information and colors are customizable.

If these aren’t the perfect way to personalize your wedding, I’m not sure what is! It’s also a pretty incredible keepsake that will forever remind you of those people who were there to help make your wedding the best day of your life. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Melangerie for designing such an innovative product!

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Post tags: Genealogy Charts, Melangerie, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Wedding Favors & Gifts

When one of their clients wanted to surprise her friend with a flower arranging class, Melangerie crafted this handmade paper flower bouquet that announced the lessons on an attached note. So cute!

This is probably my favorite of all of Melangerie’s featured designs…it’s a custom Spice Book designed for a woman’s 90th birthday party. The book is filled with her friend’s and family’s recipes along with a spice box containing the appropriate seasonings with which to make them. LOVE.

This time inspired wedding invitation was crafted for a couple who met through a series of “fortuitous events.” Along with the invitation, the couple gave their guests a mixed CD of their favorite songs, all related to time.

I am so glad that Amy shared this incredible source with us! Melangerie is THE place to find inspiration for really cool, wonderfully personal wedding favors and gifts. Their capabilities are so far reaching…custom event identities, invitations, correspondence, favors, packaging and welcome gifts. The best part though is that each design is crafted with TLC and reflects the client’s personality to perfection.

Thank you so much to Amy and to Melangerie!

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Post tags: Amy Atlas, Melangerie, Silhouette Boxes, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Wedding Favors & Gifts

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.

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Post tags: DIY Project Instructions, Gumballs, Wedding Favors & Gifts, Whimsical Wedding Details
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects

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Post tags: Amy Atlas, Brownie Pops, Halloween, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Featured

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 

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Post tags: Block Prints, DIY Instructions, Save The Dates, Wedding Favors & Gifts, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Woodblock Carving
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects, Wedding Resources

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. 

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Post tags: DIY Project Instructions, Message Marbles, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects

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.

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Post tags: DIY Project Instructions, Michaels, Paper Source, Target, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects, Wedding Resources

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.

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Post tags: DIY Project Instructions, Fabric Flowers, Wedding Favors & Gifts, Wrist Corsage
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects

And here is the step-by-step!

Materials

Needle and Thread
Fabric Stuffing/cotton balls
Fabric
Pen/pencil for marking
Scissors
Glue
Ribbon / Pin / Jewel / Embellishments for the box
Glue brush (optional, but makes things easier)

Notes:
I used bookmaking glue because it dries very quickly. However Mod Podge (available at most craft stores) works just as well. Any glue that dries clear and doesn’t cause the paper to wrinkle, or add too much bulk will work.

In making the box shown, I used paper that I found in the recycling. A good way to personalize your own box is to use paper that has a story. For example, instead of a thank you card, one could use the wrapping from a bridal shower gift to cover their box. The options are endless! (however, beware of using tissue paper, as it can be too thin.)

Step 1: Cut Paper

Trace and cut out 4 pieces of paper- one for the base, one for the outside of the lid, one for the inside of the lid, and one for the sides of the box. The outside lid piece will need an inch in of slack around the actual size of the lid, and the base will need .5 inch extra (as shown). Double the width of the paper for the outside of the box, as it will also cover the inside of the box. (see step 5)

Step 2:

Glue lid and base to the middle of each paper cut out. (don’t forget, the lid gets the bigger heart cut out!) Take care to use as little glue as possible on inside of lid- it still needs to fit on the box.

Step 3:

Cut several slits in the surrounding paper edges. As you fold and glue the paper around the edges and corners of the box, this will compensate for the curves (of course, no cutting is needed if you’re using a square or rectangle shaped box.)

Step 4:

Glue the last paper strip to outside of the box, cutting the excess in the same manner as in step 4. Fold and glue the strips to the inside of the box. This excess paper should cover much of the box on the inside. Set pieces aside to dry.

Step 5:

Trace the box shape onto the fabric, leaving about .5 inch excess on all sides.

Step 6:

Turning Fabric inside out, sew the two pieces together in a simple stitch, leaving a small opening unsewn.

Step 7: Turn fabric pillow inside out, and stuff with cotton balls / fabric stuffing (or even toilet paper!)

Step 8: Pillow should fit nicely inside box.

Step 9: Turning lid face down, glue ribbon to inside of the the lid. (as before, take care to use as little glue as possible- the lid will need to fit on the box)

Step 10: Wrap Ribbon around lid and back to the inside, gluing securely. 

Step 11: Glue last lid template inside lid to hide ribbon ends.

Step 12: Glue desired embellishments desired to box.

You can use any shape of box you please! The box can be used for many things: gifts, favors, carrying the rings, flower petals.. you name it!

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Post tags: DIY Project Instructions, Jewelry Box, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects, Wedding Resources

Aside from the fun color palette and the touching favors…I love the photographs. The first one is so dreamy and ethereal…it speaks so much to Jen’s talents!

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Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Color Palette Pink, Jen Fariello, Pink Week, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Wedding Details

And, I haven’t let go of my love for Caroline’s perfect little ring bowls and now, her absolutely gorgeous heirloom bowls. She has so many beautiful pieces, each one crafted by hand with TLC. I love that.

Paloma’s Nest is one of my all time favorite etsy sellers, so if you haven’t already, spend some time checking out her beautiful work!

Caroline, Paloma’s oh-so-talented designer, is gifting one lucky reader a set of wooden thank you notes. Just leave a comment as to what your favorite product from her line is, and we’ll choose a winner at random!

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Post tags: Etsy, Gift Bags, Give Away, Paloma's Nest, Thank You Notes, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Contests

The prize for the winner, which will be chosen by myself and a small panel of blogging judges, will be $500 to the store where you are registered. If your wedding has passed, this is a great way to complete your registry!

Here is one of my favorite projects from our last contest that we held…

For complete instructions on how to make these adorable coat check tags, click right here. And, if you’d like the free template, just shoot me an email!

As for the contest, just email your DIY entry to abby@stylemepretty.com by October 15th, with a step-by-step instruction guide and at least one image of the final product. Can’t wait to see what you guys have come up with! If you are in need of a little inspiration, I found some great DIY products done by other bloggers, like this one from Design*Sponge…

Check out the complete instructions for these little gems, right here! I also love these amazingly cute little birds that were designed for a baby mobile, though would be absolutely adorable hanging at different lengths from trees at your reception…

You can get the full instructions, as well as the pattern right here on Spool. They also feature these adorable aprons that would make great favors for your guests!

Okay, I’ll be back in a bit with the real weddings that I mentioned earlier! I hope that you are inspired to create a fun DIY project for our upcoming contest!

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Post tags: Aprons, Birds, Coat Check Tags, Design*Sponge, DIY project, Paper Lanterns, Spool, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Wedding Favors & Gifts

Amy’s Sweet Tips for a Fabulous Dessert Table…

Take something that inspires you and create your dessert table around it.  It could be as simple as the design on your wedding invitation.  For example, you can have your cake designer re-create the design on your cake, or you can incorporate that same pattern into a crafting element such as a banner.

Pick beautiful linens and unique vessels to dress up your dessert table. Since your sweets will be the star of your wedding dessert table, the background should have a coordinated, tailored look. 

Always sample your wedding dessert vendors before using them.  A beautiful cake is not always the best tasting cake!  The key is to find the right balance.

Incorporate some type of personalized tag or label element to dress up the dessert table. This will show your guests how personal your dessert table is. You can do this yourself, or have www.myweddinglabels.com create personalized wedding labels for you.

Provide goody bags for your weddings guests as take home desserts.  It is always a treat to give your guests something that they can take home to remind them of how sweet the day was.

Thank you so much, Amy, for sharing these sweet tips with us (and for providing hours of inspiration with your designs)!

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Post tags: Amy Atlas, Budget Beautiful, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Wedding Cakes, Wedding Decor

Top Image…how decadent and yet completely appropriate are those bottles of limoncello. Perfect for a late Summer, outdoor cocktail hour.

Second Image…Elegant starfish make perfect favors and keepsakes for your guests.

Third Image…love, love, love these innovative place card holders. Tiny ceramic vases filled with branches serve as both a favor and a place card.

Last image…I just really like the packaging on the favors. It’s sweet and yet elegant…not to mention, something that your guests will hold on to.

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Post tags: Love Life Images, Photography, Place Cards, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Photography