Merry Brides

My friend Sean runs a fun site called Crafters Town which I want to tell you about. Sean’s enthusiasm is contagious and he’s already got me hooked. This site allows you to buy and sell handmade crafts of all kinds. 

I know your probably thinking Crafters Town sounds like another Etsy site; and if you guessed that, you are sort of  correct. Yes both sites allow you to open stores and sell your products. However, the difference lies in the fact Etsy is now a cold marketplace for professional crafters to earn a living so the small crafter is getting lost in the crowd. Competition is fierce.  

Crafters Town is the new kid on the block and perfect for the crafter / artist who is intimidated by Etsy or even the Etsy pro seller who wants to expand their sales potential.

You don’t have to be a web pro or a professional to sell on Crafters Town as they make it very easy to open a store. If you knit, paint, make jewelry, or craft wood products why not consider making some extra money selling your work on online. It’s fun and easy to open a store and the sky is your limit!

Here are a few cute things I found on Crafters Town you might want to check out……

                                Basset Hound Puppies Afghan

                                   Hand Crocheted Doilies

                                     Leather Zen Bracelet

                                          Daily Dishtowels

1. Lavanderia | 2. Janda Celebration Script  | 3. Masterics | 4. Some Weatz | 5.  Allura 6. At Mahogany Script | 7. Before the Rain | 8. Sail | 9. Lovers Quarrel | 10. Affair

The pretty orange and yellow colors of this cocktail look like summer in a glass.

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rum
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grapefruit juice
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur
• 1/2 cup crushed ice

Preparation:

In a blender, blend all ingredients 10 to 20 seconds, and serve in a chilled cocktail glass.

A new trend in weddings which I love is the use of personalized wooden signs. I think small details can have a huge impact on the overall mood of your wedding. For example, this cute Bicycle Welcome Sign by Tiger and Fox would be a fun way to greet your guests as they arrive. 

There are many ways you can incorporate wooden signs into your wedding. They are great for garden weddings or locations off the beaten path. You can use cute directional signs such as this Follow Your Heart Sign to guide your guests.

If you are having a special dessert table, you can add some fun personality with a Sweets Table Sign.

Rather than a boring floral display on your cake table you could add a cute sign such as this Je T´aime & Heart Sign (I Love You)

The fun with signs don’t have to stop there, you can hang signs over your guest book table such as this wooden Love Sign  

Or you can add fun elements such as this wooden Skeleton Key Sign.                              

This key would be fun to display on a table in the reception entrance displaying photos of the bride and groom as children and their current lives together…”He/she holds the key to my heart” theme.

One great thing about custom made wooden signs is that after the wedding you can bring them home and use them as part of your home decor. Years to come your signs will still be cherished memories of your special day.

* A special thank you to Tiger and Fox for the use of their photos. For further information on ordering handmade custom signs please visit their Etsy Shop TigerandFox

Some pretty color to brighten your morning. Seize the day in all you do…Live With Passion!!!

Wedding season is officially here and a lot of wedding guests are scrambling to figure out the answer to one of modern life’s most troubling questions: What are you supposed to wear to a wedding these days? There’s no definitive answer, but here are some common questions.

My friend says she’s having a 1920s theme wedding, do I need a flapper dress?
No. Wedding themes can be great organizing tools for couples trying to make sure their wedding has a unified feel, but that doesn’t mean that the guests are characters in a play and expected to dress accordingly. Unless the invitation gives specific instructions or suggestions such as “bring out your best rock and roll wear” follow other clues on the invitation to decide what to wear.

What clues?
Nighttime weddings are generally fancier than day time. If the wedding is at night, and doesn’t specify “black tie” than suits and dresses are appropriate. Weddings in a church or house of worship mean you should keep your shoulders covered.

What about outdoor weddings?
Outdoor weddings are generally less formal than indoor weddings. But, still, remember this is a special occasion. Unless you know for a fact that this is a totally casual, jeans wearing affair, wear something nice. Also, if the wedding is outdoors you probably want to avoid high heels, go for a wedge or flat to avoid getting stuck in the grass, dirt, or sand.

The bride and groom are from a different culture, should I try to dress like that culture?
No, unless you’ve been specifically asked to do so by the bride or groom, wear your regular dressy clothes. If you are worried that your dressy clothes might not be modest enough for a different culture, consider buying something new.

I’m from a different culture, can I wear what we consider fancy to a “regular” wedding?
Yes, your friends invited you to their wedding because they like you, so dress like yourself, only nicer.

Can I wear white to a wedding?
No. It’s generally considered bad form to wear white (or off-white) to someone else’s wedding. It makes it seem as though you’re trying to compete with the bride for attention. I know, you have the perfect dress, which just happens to be white, but still, don’t do it unless you want to spend the evening getting nasty looks from other guests.

What if I know that the bride isn’t wearing white? Or there isn’t a bride, there are two grooms?
You still shouldn’t do it. Look, the fashion police doesn’t really exist, so no one is going to arrest you, but wearing white to a wedding may cause trouble, so unless you want to cause trouble, why do it? 

I’ve heard you can’t wear red or black either, what’s that about?
Traditionally, it is also bad form to wear red or black to a wedding. Red is seen as an attention getting color. Black is seen as a color of mourning. Remember also that these “rules” came about when most weddings were during the day, and red and black were not seen as acceptable day time colors either. (In fact, it used to be seen as highly inappropriate for women under 30 to ever wear black or diamonds). Today, both colors are pretty widely worn at all times of the day. In my opinion, you can safely wear red or black to a daytime or nighttime wedding without attracting stares. There are exceptions though, if the wedding is in the South, don’t risk it. Also, if you are an ex or relative of the groom who may not approve of the bride (or who others think doesn’t approve of the bride), don’t wear black.

Q. Do you have any ideas what I can give to my bridesmaids as thank you gifts? I don’t want to give the same traditional boring jewelry, or spa certificate type of things. I want to give them a gift they can actually use and not store away in the attic in a few months. Not sure it matters, but all of my girls are more design and  tech geeks than the outdoorsy camping types.  Please help?

A. Since your girls are into technology how about giving them customized cell phone cases. Last year for my birthday my sister gave me a handmade iPhone case she purchased on Etsy. I love my case and still use today.

Shop around and find some special cases your girls will love. I recently found some really adorable handmade phone case at an Etsy Shop called Twinkle Case. Here are a few favorites my niece wants…

                        Balloon Crystal Bling iPhone Case  

                     Love Elephant Crystal Bling iPhone Case

                               Garden Rose Lace Phone Case

iPhone Cases are also fun gifts for the bride….

                                    Wedding Proposal iPhone Case

 I think truffles are the perfect dessert for pretty much any occasion. They’re bite-size, sweet, decadent and the perfect foundation for just about any flavor combination imaginable.

Rich, dark chocolate is infused with Nutella and Frangelico, then rolled in toasted, chopped hazelnuts to create a simple, yet fabulous treat. 

• 10 ounces semi chocolate or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate morsels)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons Frangelico liqueur (optional…see notes)
• 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, finely chopped (see notes)

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, combine chocolate, butter, heavy cream and Nutella. Heat until chocolate is melted. Stir until you have a smooth mixture.

2. Remove from chocolate mixture from heat and allow it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Whisk in vanilla and Frangelico. Pour mixture into a shallow dish (example: 8x8 pyrex dish) and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 2 hours. If you refrigerate longer than two hours, the mixture will be too hard to work with. If this occurs, allow the mixture to sit at room temperature until they are pliable enough to work with.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small scoop (2 teaspoons) or a melon baller, scoop out chocolate mixture, roll into one inch balls, and place on prepared baking sheet. Continue with remaining chocolate mixture. Roll balls in chopped hazelnuts. Refrigerate truffles until ready to serve.

- For information on how to skin and toast hazelnuts, check out this article, How to Skin Hazelnuts

- Truffles will store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- If you do not have Frangelico, simply omit the ingredient, just note the recipe will lack the layer of flavor that the Frangelico imparts to the truffles. You can typically find mini bottles of Frangelico for about $2.99 at liquor stores.

* Recipe Credit: My Baking Addiction

Add a touch of seaside charm to your wedding with tones of tiffany blue, seafoam, and summery aqua. Perfect for a beach or garden wedding. Shades of turquoise look extra beautiful when mixed with rosy pink or lavender and vintage brass details. Or go for an ombre effect, as seen in the handmade fabric chandelier by Adaura, below.

1) Gracious Style  2) The Honey Comb  3) Modcloth  4) Essie  5) Peonia  6) Coralie Beatrix  7) Palermo Bakery  8) Adaura  9) Amaretto 10) Megans Beaded Designs

Guest Blog: Simply Kierste

You will see how simple this lantern—literally 3 minutes. LOVE that!

Supplies:

• Half pint mason jars
• Battery operated votives -
• Double stick tape
• Twine

Directions:

1.  Set the mason jar lid upside down, and use a piece of double stick tape to attach the candle to the center. 

I use double stick tape because it’s strong enough to make sure the candle doesn’t move, but not so strong that you can’t easily remove it when you need to switch it on and off.

2.  Place the lid inside the ring, turn your mason jar upside down, and screw on the lid, so the candle is on the inside bottom.

3.  Tie a piece of twine  around the jar, and you’re set!  You can color coordinate ribbon or fabric instead of the twine if you want it to match a certain theme or color scheme, i.e. wedding colors. That’s it!!!  I told you it was so easy!!! 

Ready for some eye candy!? BHLDN’s Fall 2013 collection was just revealed and today I have a little preview for you. There are so many gorgeous gowns, accessories, and even décor available in their new collection and below are a few of my favorites. I also love that these gowns are affordable – and I’m talking in the $400 to $2,800 range! Your nuptials need not cost a fortune and with these pieces you won’t be sacrificing style either. Which one do you love?

* All photos courtesy of BHLDN

One of the most beautiful components of a wedding is the flowers. Bouquets, nosegays, arches and centerpieces help pull the theme and aesthetic together. Learn how you can put together the perfect floral arrangements and save money.

For a rustic-style table, look at mixing bright and fresh-picked blooms. A mixed arrangement can also save money. Mix expensive flowers with less expensive ones. If you love peonies but can’t afford heaps of them, use them sparingly. Bring in affordable flowers like roses, carnations and lisianthus. The peonies will still shine and elevate the other flowers.

For a wedding with a faraway feel, stick with bold colors. Dominant shades of pink can remind you of tropical beaches, while deep red can whisk you away to the Far East. Using a single type of flower to create arrangements can also cut down costs. Stay with one or two types of flowers and let them carry through the entire wedding, A floral designer is sometimes able to get a better price if they are ordering boxes of a single type of flower. Plus, one or two flowers can make an impact, especially if they are in a bold or complementary color combination.

Think small and loose-style arrangements for a rustic, organic feel. When choosing your design, don’t go for extremely tight, compacted styles that use tons of flowers. Pick lower arrangements that feature lush greeneries, like seeded eucalyptus, bear grass and plumose. The greens will help stretch out the size of the arrangement.

This charming spring bouquet is tied with a swath of lace and an antique pin. For the DIY bride, Purchase flowers from the local farmers’ market. Try to plan your wedding around the time when flowers are in abundance.

Antique silver, Mason jars and even tin cans can be upcycled into vases. Provide your florist with containers. You can save money if you find a comparable container yourself, but be sure to take measurements. A container with a larger opening will call for more flowers.

A blushing white bouquet will look elegant at a wintry white wedding. If you are getting married during the winter holidays, look for flowers that are in season. Regardless of the season, brides looking to save money should always opt for seasonal flowers. Though this does not guarantee rock-bottom prices, it always helps when flowers are readily available and abundant.

A holiday wedding may call for an arrangement of red and green flowers to accessorize cocktail and reception tables. When planning a wedding around Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s, be sure to include extra room in your budget.. The quality of flowers at these times is not as high, as the flowers are forced to bloom. Flower growers charge more for flowers around major holidays due to supply and demand.

Soft flowers like roses and ranunculus are a wonderful way to celebrate romance. If you need to be budget-conscious, repurpose flowers that were used during the ceremony. You can repurpose flowers from an arch or gazebo to work elsewhere when the ceremony is finished. Lay the bouquets of your bridal party around the cake table, or use the flowers from the aisle for the sweetheart and cocktail tables.

A romantic flower arrangement can also be accentuated with unconventional elements. Here, light and airy feathers complete an ethereal bride’s bouquet. 

This cute mini strawberry shortcake display would be fun for a summer bridal shower. 

I Love the inviting feel of this rustic tablescape. The gingham accents will make your guests feel right at home.  

I have a super easy DIY project to share with you today.  I love that these pinwheels can be adapted and used in so many different ways throughout your wedding. You can make pretty place settings, table decor and even adorable cake toppers from mini pinwheels!

Literary lovers could use old book pages. Musical couples could use sheet music, comic lovers could use comic book pages…you get the picture. Or why not create your pinwheels around your wedding color scheme?

If you want smaller pinwheels, you can cut your paper smaller. If you want larger, use a whole book page, folding lengthwise.

Materials you will need:

• Book pages-I thrifted a book and tore it apart. Or any double sided paper will do.
• Scissors
• Glue gun and glue

~ Begin folding pages like an accordion.

~ Once you have your paper folded. Fold in half.

~ Cut the end of the paper anyway you’d like. (The non-folded end) I rounded mine. Then, glue at the fold. One side to the other. See below.

~ You will have one piece of the pinwheel complete.

For my smaller pinwheels, I made 6 separate pieces. You can make fewer or more, depending on the gaps you want in your paper.

~ Begin gluing one individual pinwheel to the other. One at a time. Your circle will start to take shape.

~ Your last piece will be glued on each side to close the pinwheel.

And VOILA!

You have a pinwheel!

* Many thanks to Karie Denny Photography for sharing this adorable DIY project with us

Scent is inherently linked to memory…

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life and definitely one you will always remember. Capturing the moment and the emotions through the magic of fragrance is a timeless treasure. Scent evokes emotions by connecting with the limbic part of your brain where memories are stored, so the faintest whiff of your wedding perfume can whisk you back to that day.

Perfuming yourself is part of the bridal dressing process. Like your specially chosen dress, your fragrance should reflect your mood, taste and sensibility. Overall, it should be something you love!

Some of my favorite scents are from the Heatherella Collection which offers an exclusive line of light airy fragrances. 

Unlike mass produced perfumes all the scents from Heatherella are handmade in their perfume house. They use high quality pure essential oils and absolutes. So not only are they good for you, but also good for the environment

Enchant Perfume is a romantic hidden gem and would be a lovely scent for your wedding day. It has a light magical floral essence with hints of musk and rose.  Available in limited edition 5ml bottle.

Cortona Cologne would be a great scent for a summer beach wedding. It is bursting with a symphony of Citrus reminiscent of a sun soaked summer’s day. It is a light breezy, yet bold scent which is infused with Lemon, Lime and a hint of sandalwood.

An intoxicating, sensual scent, Parfum De Morgaine would be fun for your honeymoon. It will tantalize your senses with all natural notes of exotic Sandalwood, hint of Rose Damask, and Jasmine.

 Perfect for layering or to wear alone for an intimate candlelight dinner.

Provence Cologne is the perfect fragrance for the traditional bride looking for a timeless scent of sweet Lavender with a hint of Sandalwood and Rose Damask.

 * All photos featured in this blog are courtesy of the Heatherella Collection

This paper garland takes a festive twist on an old favorite by creating cone shaped pennants attached to a strand of cafe lights. Strung in the trees or over outdoor tables, this is a wonderful way to light up an evening wedding. In this sample the couple’s names (“EVA & JACK”) are written out but feel free to punch any wording or design that you like.

Supplies:

• Cafe string lights
• Scissors (plus X-Acto knife if you have one)
• Glue (heavy duty)
• Craft paper (at least 14″x14″)
• Screw punch
• Ruler
• Pencil and eraser
• Bone folder or butterknife (for scoring folds)
• Tape

Begin by printing out the template for the shape of the pennant. The template prints on two sheets of 8.5″x11″ paper so trim off the margin on one side, line up the edges and tape the two sheets together on both sides before cutting out the shape. This template will also serve as a guide for where make your fold creases (the dotted lines).

Trace the shape onto your desired paper and cut out. Next, refer to the template and use a bone folder to make your creases along the dotted line (try using a letter opener if you don’t have this tool). Fold the main creases so that you see the triangles form. This will help you find where to draw your design or letter on the other side before punching it out.

Turn the pennant over and draw your desired design or letter with pencil and then punch it out along the lines with a screw punch. Also, cut the slits in the top triangle of the pennant (guide shown on template).This is how you’ll pop the cafe light into the pennant.

Fold in the tabs, and working one at a time, apply glue and and attach to the opposite sides (note: if you don’t have good glue this stage will be very frustrating). Hold each side together until the glue sets.

Once the glue is dry gently pop the cafe bulb into the top of the pennant.

* Project created by Anna Bond of RIFLE design

This recipe is very simple to make. All you need is unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk (or cream if you prefer).  

To being with I always slice up the butter, even if it’s been sitting out. This makes it easier for  the mixer to whip it up.

Give it a good beating on a medium speed until it has paled in color.

Next add in your powdered sugar.

Getting it all over your kitchen aid in the process is not obligatory, but that’s just how I roll.

Add in your vanilla and milk and beat until it’s combined. It should be nice and stiff, otherwise it won’t hold it’s shape when you pipe it. If it is too runny, place it in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Now you just have to prepare your icing bag. My favorite pipping tip for cupcakes is a large open star like this Ateco one.

I always put the pipping bag into a tall glass. It’s the easiest way to fill it up with icing.

Then just pipe your swirls and add the sprinkles of your choice. Easy!

Enjoy!

.Ingredients

• 1 block unsalted butter (1/2 lb)
  
• 3 cups icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Directions

• Slice up the butter into small chunks. Then, in an electric mixer, beat the butter on a medium speed until completely smooth.
  
• Add in the icing sugar one cup at a time, beating to combine each cup fully before adding in the next.
• Add in your vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk.
• Beat until combined and taste.
• Add in more milk until desired consistency and taste is reached.

Let’s get ready to kick off the weekend with some burlap love! If you are planning a rustic + handmade wedding, you’ll enjoy this post. Rustic weddings utilize natural fibers such as burlap, one of my favorite and most inspiring decorative touches. You may have seen burlap used in wedding decor tied around mason jars, or as a fabric to cover ring pillows, … but the inspiration doesn’t stop there!

Burlap Roses - Who says flowers have to be real to be beautiful? These roses would be fun to attach to your escort cards. The best part they can double as your wedding favors and guests can take them home. With a little thought you could incorporate these cute roses into all sorts of wedding projects. 

Burlap Bouquets are a  whimsical touch I always welcome. These are handmade with love and never wilt, which means your bridesmaids won’t toss them at the end of the night. A pretty vase in her office or bedroom will keep these bouquets lasting forever! 

Burlap Silverware Holders - Dress up your dinner tables with custom cutlery cases made with burlap and adorned with your favorite color burlap flower. They will look great at each guest’s place setting.

 Burlap Potholders are sweet for your buffet tables, or potluck bridal showers. Not only are they functional, but they will add a homey charm to any table decor.

Burlap Door Stops are a fun way to incorporate a rustic theme while holding the doors open for your guests. After the wedding you will have a cute decor for your home. 

Burlap Pillows - And, last but certainly not least… if there’s a special bride and groom in your life, consider a handmade wedding gift like these burlap pillows. Burlap pillows ooze country charm and will look great in their love nest, either on a couch as throw pillows or in the bedroom. 

These handmade burlap pillows are made with love by Homestead Burlaps

                     Real Touch Orchid & Rose Wedding Bouquet

Maybe this is a question you are asking yourself.  And it’s a good question.  Of course we are naturally and instinctively attracted to fresh flowers with their delicate petals and heady aromas.  And if you tend to be a traditionalist, you will be inclined to want fresh flowers for your bridal bouquet.

But wait!  Don’t make your decision too hastily. Let’s explore the advantages of using artificial flowers for your wedding.

 Exceptional Realism

 Artificial flower technology has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the cheap silk flowers with the frayed edges. Now you can purchase real touch flowers which are made from such highly specialized materials that they look and feel stunningly life-like. The only person who will know that the flowers in your bouquet are not fresh is you.

                              Real Touch Artificial Orange Roses

Keepsake

What better keepsake is there than the very bouquet you’ll hold in your hand while walking down the aisle. An artificial wedding bouquet is something you’ll cherish for years to come. It’s the ultimate wedding keepsake.

                                   Real Touch Pink Orchid Bouquet

Allergy Suffers Rejoice!

If you get a little misty eyed during your wedding ceremony let it be for the right reasons. Allergy sufferers no longer have to endure a pollen attack for the sake of a beautiful floral bouquet. So go ahead and cry a little…it’s ok.

No Wilting

Artificial flowers won’t wilt before the main event. Many flowers like calla lilies and gardenias have a very short life span and require perfect timing to survive the wedding ceremony. Artificial flowers will last through the early morning photo shoot, afternoon wedding ceremony and late night party. They will look as fresh at 8 in the morning as they will at 8 in the evening or the next day and next day and day after that…you get the picture.

                              Real Touch Artificial Roses Centerpiece

Destination Weddings

Take the hassle and stress out of trying to coordinate the flowers for your destination wedding. You can order your artificial floral ensembles weeks, even months before your wedding day. Know exactly what you’re getting, no hassles, no stress, no surprises.

                              Real Touch Rose Wedding Bouquet

Artificial flowers are perfect for outdoor weddings as they will not attract bees and insects to buzz around your food or frighten guests.

The sun makes outdoor weddings especially challenging for florists. In fact, any climate other than overcast and mild can cause significant problems for fresh flowers. Maintaining a flower’s longevity during an outdoor event is difficult at best and disappointing at worst. No matter what the weather is like the day of your wedding, you can feel rest assured your artificial flowers will be in prime condition.

                          Real Touch Fuchsia & Pink Peony in Vase

* A very special Thank you to Flovery for the use of their beautiful Real Touch Wedding Flower photos. Be sure to visit them for all your custom wedding Flower needs.