DIY Tree Cake Stand

DIY Wedding Challenge 2010 - DIY Tree Cake Stand - Project Wedding

FABRIC NECKLACES

Fabric Necklaces from PD Couture

Prismera Design has launched a new couture collection of fabric necklaces that utilize a variety of materials including: Japanese chiffon, pleated velvet, or heavy cotton twill. Laura, the designer, name the collection "PD Couture" due to the handcrafted nature of each necklace. Each necklace is cut and layered, sewn, then draped on a mannequin and secured. Some of the designs are limited editions and the necklaces range in price from $45 to $330. They are available online at prismeradesign.com. These necklaces would work for either a bride that wants a statement necklace or even as bridesmaids gifts. And, for a limited time, each order will receive an exclusive watercolor postcard featuring the Jenesis necklace.

Rustic Twig Ball Bouquet

MAKE YOUR OWN  BOUQUET!

Materials:
•dried Spanish moss
•green soft moss (Michael's $4.99)
•faux butterflies (I think they were around $3.99 or so…for 3)
•beaded wire (or you could bead some yourself!)
•one 5" twig ball ($4.99 ea.)
•miscellaneous woven threads/yarns
•wired rhinestones (the ones I used were vintage, but you could just use rhinestones)
•fimo blue egg (handmade by Mom, but you can find them at craft stores)
•feathers
•hot glue gun
•wire cutters
•sheer ribbon

Step 1:

First, I took my twig ball and put some of the green moss down inside of it. It can be a little tricky to get stuff in there, but if you push back some of the twigs, you can create a hole to put things through (without damaging the actual ball itself) and then pull them back into place when you’re finished.

Step 2:

Next, I took some other twiggy type stuff, some faux Spanish moss, threads (leftover from other crafting projects), a feather, and some wired rhinestones, and created a little bird’s nest that would fit down in the ball and sit atop the moss.

If you don’t have all of that random twiggy stuff around, don’t fret – you can purchase some really neat pre-made nests! I then hot glued a tiny blue egg (something blue!!) that my mom made out of fimo clay to the center of the nest. I smooshed the nest up and put it into the twig ball and used a pencil to situate it because I couldn’t fit my fingers down in there!

Step 3:
Then, I wanted to embellish the twig ball itself and give it the same feel that the inside of the ball has. So, I took the faux Spanish moss and the beaded wire and entwined them with the twig ball itself.

Step 4:

Then, I attached the butterfly (which came with a wire attached). If it had not come with wire, you could easily hot glue wire to the butterfly and attach it that way.

Step 5:
Once that was finished, I was ready to give it a handle! So, I took a piece of sheer ribbon (about 1.5 feet long) and tied it to the twig ball. And, there you have it! I cannot wait to carry this little ball of handmade love down the aisle!

Other looks you may like. Use your imagination and gather items that are personal to you to make you a unique twig ball bouquet!

Thanks to our friend Mary Bland

TIPS FOR GREAT ENGAGEMENT PORTRAITS

Location

Choose a location that reflects your lifestyle. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, then a park or hiking trail could be a great location for you. If you are more likely to relax at home, then we could take photos at your house or favorite coffee shop. If you're more drawn to a city lifestyle, we could wander around an urban area for your portraits. Think about your hobbies, sports, and daily activities, and pick a setting that will be meaningful to you when you look at the photos many years from now.

Timing

The best time of day for portraits is about two hours before sunset, when the sun is lower in the sky and the light is flattering.

Clothing

Wear clothing that is comfortable and will not distract. You may end up doing a lot of walking during your photo shoot, so wear comfortable shoes. Choose colors that look good like solid colors or simple patterns; avoid bold patterns that will draw attention away from your faces in the photos.

Make up

Wear the same style of make up that you would wear on a normal day. Select colors that look natural on your skin tone, and avoid experimenting with new colors before the photo shoot. Consider bringing powder or blotting papers to eliminate shine during the photo shoot. You want to look like yourself in these photos, so avoid experimentation with makeup colors or hairstyles.

Activities

Plan an experience that will make the photo shoot fun for you both. Bring your guitar, ride your bikes, go to the zoo, or go somewhere special.

Spring Wedding Cakes

This stand held 180 cupcakes including marble cake with chocolate pudding filling, almond cake with raspberry chambord filling, and chocolate cake with oreos and cream filling. The top cake was covered in plum colored fondant and topped off with white and pale pink cherry blossoms.

Put Some Spring Into Your Wedding

Springtime is a fabulous time to host a wedding. The air is fresh and everything is new. It’s a great time for pictures and a wonderful time for love. But if you’re having a spring wedding how will you add some spring flair to your plans? Here are 5 simple ways to add springtime to your nuptials:

1) Think Lemon- Lemon meringue pie for dessert, lemon sorbet, lemon colored tulips, a lemon drop signature drink martini or bright lemon cocktail napkins. Mimosa was the color for 2009 but we’re just now starting to see if more and more in weddings. You have so many opportunities to make your wedding feel bright and fresh with a burst of lemon! (Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com)

2) Get Outside- Nothing says that you have to have your reception inside. At least not the entire time. When looking for a venue see if there is an outdoor patio space that could be used, or an outdoor fire pit. It’s a great time to be outdoors even though the air is still a little chilly. It’s perfect for getting cozy! Give your female guests a bright colored pashmina to keep them warm.

3) Spotlight the Flowergirls and Ringbearers- So many weddings these days say no children, but springtime is a perfect time to involved the little ones in your big day. We especially love when flower girls are dressed up as little fairies or little ringbearers are outfitted in khaki and tweed (just like those adorable Ralph Lauren print ads you see in Martha Stewart Living). (Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren)

4) Steer Clear of Severe Hair- Spring calls for a more fun and flirty hairstyle. Try big curls or long waves, even half up half down. Headbands with a big flower ooze springtime glamour. I love when brides have sparkle hairspray in their hair as well as it looks so magical.

5) Get Inspired By Nature- Bring the outdoors inside, use brown linens to ground the room like soil then have bright colors popping from the centerpieces and the cake. Use tree branches in a vase with sparse flowers to represent the new blooms occurring outside. Try using grasses and greens for centerpieces instead of full flowers. Bulbs just beginning to sprout can make fun centerpieces and fantastic take home gifts as well.

By Caira Daykin, Firefly Occasions

Love this kids table!

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