DIY From Bottle to Blossom... Anthropologie Spring Windows

Pics from my Iphone shot at Evergreen Walk- Manchester, CT

After getting dumped on with another major storm in the Northeast I am more than ready for Spring! So while at Evergreen Walk the other day signs of spring and bright colors in all of the stores made me oh so very happy. I especially fell in love with the windows at Anthropologie. What a brilliant idea to use recycled water bottles and turn them into flowers. Each bloom was uniquely cut and painted to form the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers! I love this idea for buckets of ceremony arrangements going down the aisle, or even to be strung as garland behind a dessert or candy buffet. The ideas are endless!

Paper, Doilys and Lace... Valentine's Decorating for your Sweetie

Doily Table Runner, image Ashley Ann Photography

Paper Poms, Tissue Paper Candles, via Martha Stewart
Lace Votives, via Good HousekeepingGold Paper Doily Luminaries, via Martha Stewart

Vellum Doily Luminaries, via Martha Stewart

Doily Envelopes, via Martha Stewart

Valentines DIY Ideas:

1. Lace Doily Table Runner (For our Valentine's Soiree at Chamard Vineyards last weekend I made a lace Doily runner out of gold and white paper doilies and strung them together with thread, it is great alternative to the real one pictured above and super easy. You could also take the white doilies and spray them with other colored glitters)
   
2. Paper Poms (I searched all over for red and pink poms last week but only could find white ones, I didn't realize it would be just as easy to make them on my own, I just needed packs of tissue paper. This is a very time consuming project but if you want to do them hanging over your table for fun, whimsical pops of color you would only need to make a few. I also love the idea of making small ones to be used as napkin rings. Another fun way to use paper poms is to use branches, you can cut out in your backyard, spray them gold, and wire a couple paper pom flowers throughout, similar to my Thanksgiving centerpiece.
   
3. Tissue Paper Candles (I can still remember making these when we were growing up, tissue paper glued to clear glass votives, super easy and gorgeous when lit)
   
4. Lace Votives (These are the perfect detail on the table and can also be made with lace ribbon or paper)
   
5. Lace Doily Luminaries ( I love these! Using gold doilies or white over translucent vellum you can create two totally different looks)
   
6. Doily Love Note Envelope (This is such a cute idea, pictured about they used the envelope for escort cards, I love the idea of writing a love note inside the folded doily and setting it on the table for your valentine to read)
   

Adding a little sparkle to your step!

With the Holidays swiftly approaching us, we are all manically searching for that perfect party ensemble. I am seriously obsessed with anything sparkly and fortunately for me this season, every store is offering a whole lot a bling!

Sequined tops, glitter heels and beaded skirts line the racks but what about the legs?

I fell absolutely in love with this DIY post from Corocosa!

Check it out as it is perfect for the Holidays as well as any fabulous bride walking down the aisle!!

I also love Park & Cube's DIY interpretation of Doo.Ri's tights.

It's so simple and yet so fun.. I can't wait to add a little sparkle to my step!

LSW

It's all in the details... Escort Cards

Gillian & Nate Inspiration Board

A couple of months ago I blogged about one of my upcoming weddings at the Boston Harbor Hotel with Gillian and Nate and posted images from their wedding inspiration board. I just love the details that have really taken shape that are truly a reflection of them and their relationship.

I just had to share with you this fabulous idea we designed for an escort card board.

I recently discovered this fabulous vintage poster site, that Gillian purchased this poster from as the artwork for a huge board that will be displayed as the escort card board. It will be backed by a metal sheet with escort cards stuck to it with custom designed magnets with little skis.

As guests remove their name from the board they will reveal the poster that will then hang as a decoration. I think this is such a unique way to display your escort cards. Another idea is to have the image framed with a matte around the border that could then be signed by guests as your guest book.

Eco Chic Wedding... Hanging Hankerchief Vases

I came across this fabulous DIY project on Once Wed this morning and just had to share with all of you. This is a great way to recycle glass jars and beautiful handkerchiefs to add a vintage "Eco Chic" design element to your wedding.

What You'll Need:

Several Canning Jars (1/2 pint wide mouth with the straight sides)
Several Handkerchiefs (in coordinating colors)
Ribbon
Bailing Wire
Rubber Bands
Flowers
Wire Cutters
Scissors
Iron and Ironing Board

Resources: Canning jars are easy to find at yard sales and thrift stores, so are handkerchiefs. Bailing wire is available at any hardware store.

Directions:
1. Press all of your handkerchiefs flat. (if you're going to be use these in a humid location, I would suggest using a little spray starch to help keep them crisp)
2. Fold the bottom of your handkerchief up (see figure 1) and the top of the handkerchief down (see figure 2) to create a band of fabric that is the same height as the jar. Press the folds.
3. Cut a 2 1/2 foot length of bailing wire. Wrap it tightly around the grooves in the top of the jar, then create a hanger. (see figure 3)
4. Wrap the folded handkerchief around the vase and secure it with a rubber band. (see figure 4)
5. Cut a length of ribbon (about 18 inches or so) and tie it around the vase to conceal the rubber band. Tie the tails in a bow. (see figure 5)
6. Add a little water in the bottom of your vase, insert the flowers. ( see figure 6)
7. Create a grouping of coordinating vases and hang from a tree, and arbor, or from the ceiling.

What it Cost:
Handkerchiefs $.25 - $3.00 each
Ribbon $.25 a yard
Bailing wire $3 for a 50 foot spool
Jars, if purchased new are about $9 for one dozen (but they are easily found for much less when used)

DIY... Wine Glass Candles

I am totally in love! I discovered these darling lampshades while reading an old issue of Blueprint Magazine last night. And they are so easy to make!

Simply drop a tealight into a wineglass, and roll one of these gorgeous parchment shades from Dekoop into a cone shape. Tuck tabs in place and place the shade on over the glass to create a minature lamp, $14 for three, chalesandmarie.com.

DIY... Vintage Cake Plates

I am always on the hunt for crafty DIY projects and I was blown away when I came across Stylegarden on Etsy. I just love the vintage plates and vases she found searching through thrift stores and estate sales to make one of a kind cake plates. What a perfect housewarming gift this would make, or accesory to your table while entertaining.

To DIY (via Associated Content):

Materials:
- Vase
- Plate or bowl
- Clear epoxy glue

The first step is to completely clean out your glass vase and glass bowl. Your glue will not hold your cake plate together if they are not clean.

Once the surfaces have dried completely you can adhere them together. Simply run a bead of epoxy glue around he top edge of the vase.

Now, place the plate or bowl on top and press it into the glue. Allow your scake plate to dry for at least 24 hours.

A Few Things to Consider:
You can use a glass bowl or platter with upraised edge to create a "cake stand" that can double as a fruit bowl or even a dip bowl.

When choosing the size of your plate and vase keep a few pointers in mind. First of all an overly tall vase will not make a sturdy cake stand in most cases. Try placing your vase on your dinner table and see how high it will make your guest reach to get a slice of cake or a cookie.

Bud vases are just not a sturdy option; go for clear vases that are at least 4 to 6 inches wide. When choosing a plate or bowl, keep in mind size and weight. Keep your plate proportioned to your vase for a sturdy cake plate. Generally it is a good idea to only have your plate stick out about 5 inches or less on either side of the vase.