Weddings: Umbrella Lighting

Source: paisleytreepress.com via Anna on Pinterest

Now here's an idea that's different from the usual lighting you see at a wedding! Maybe this trend will catch on in 2011? What's going to be this year's 'it' things?

DIY: Button Monograms

Source: diyideas.com via Theresa on Pinterest

This is another way you could make use of buttons, just like my DIY Button Table Numbers tutorial. Follow all of the same steps, but trace a letter instead of a number!


Happy February! Can you believe it's February already?

Interiors: Wall Collage

via on Pinterest

I've always been a fan of displaying my photographs, and wall collages have always drawn my eye. They create a statement for that room, and some are even ever-growing. I have a wall collage in my bedroom above my bed.

via on Pinterest

They serve as a way to remember, but they're also a form of art in the way that you display them. I particularly love the warm, cosy feeling the collage in the kitchen above gives. Some are neatly aligned in a perfect rectangle, like this one below in a giant wall frame.

via on Pinterest

They also don't need to be of several different images, but can create one image!

via on Pinterest

Framed pictures in a collage are beautiful, they create such a work of art on your wall that your guests will be commenting on for years to come. Frame your favorite works of art and arrange them in a collage, or frame your own pictures.

via on Pinterest

What I love the most about a collage is that it can go anywhere and take up any wall space, such as this collage done on a stairwell. Genius!

via on Pinterest

Do you have a wall collage in your home? How do you like to arrange yours?

Inspiration: Holiday Ribbons

Gift ribbon heart and bokeh, originally uploaded by ♥ Moa Maria.

I'm a busy little elf in my "workshop" aka the dining room, working on gifts and cards. The holidays are creeping closer and closer! Do you have everything done yet?

DIY: Star Garland

{ via Creature Comforts }

Check out these super amazing (and super easy!) star garlands from Creature Comforts! Click on the image above to read all about how to make these adorable little decorations. They're great for your tree, centerpieces, adding a little extra spruce to your pine garland or your mantle. They're also perfect for gift wrapping!

DIY: Fall Tablescapes

I know Fall is beginning to ebb into Winter, but you can use this for Thanksgiving to spruce up your tables. It's very easy to create a Fall atmosphere, and a big part of it is the nature. Think about using acorns and leaves (the ones that won't crunch when you pick them up) and any gourds you may still have from Halloween. The other aspect I've used here is some of my glass bottle collection to put some flowers in. The sunflowers I've used are fake silk ones, which you can find at a craft store. Mine are from my mom's collection of Pottery Barn decorative flowers.

Friday Etsy Picks: Holiday Decorations

{ via Jenilyons81 }

This burlap pillow cover is repurposed from a coffee burlap bag and hand painted to bring a bit of French spirit to your Holiday season. Simply cover a pillow and part of your decorating is already done!


{ via Timber Green Woods }

These hand-crafted wood ornaments are gorgeous and would look great on your tree or around your home this year. They would also make a wonderful gift! This eco-friendly set is also available to be engraved for an extra $5.


{ via Bits and Barley }

If your door is bare this year then consider this beautiful wreath to "deck your halls" with. Though it is not weather-proof for outdoors, it would be great for an apartment door or another door in your home. The hand-made flowers bring a real charm to this beautiful piece.

Have a happy weekend!

DIY: Button + Fabric Table Numbers

Here's a very simple, fun project for table numbers for a party. If you're going for something kitschy or vintage these are great because you can use buttons, brooches, and pendants from antique stores and flea markets.

Materials:

Scrap Fabric, large enough to fit into a picture frame

Sewing needle and thread

Buttons, Brooches, Pendants

Picture frame



Directions:

Step 1: Trace your number onto your fabric with sewing chalk or a pencil.

Step 2: Lay out your buttons, brooches, findings, and pendants on your number. Take a picture of your finished layout for reference.

Step 3: Sew your pieces to the fabric in the pattern that you laid out. I used an embroidery hoop to help me.

Step 4: Cut your fabric to fit your picture frame (if necessary) and place it in the picture frame. Trim any overhang after putting the backing on the frame. Voila!

Weddings: Designed by the Bride

My DIB Virtual Bouquet, discovered via Savvy Cinderella

Designed by the Bride is an online decorative resource tool for brides and event planners alike. Whether you use the free tools, or subscribe for even more options, you can easily create a virtual mock up of your dream bouquet, centerpiece, and cake! The bouquet I made above uses baby's breath, queen ann's lace, baker's fern, bronze chrysanthemum, "billy balls", and lavender alstroemeria. It was very easy to do!

And though it's a bride's site I would say it's not just for weddings. If you have a party that needs some decorating, use the site to do virtual mock ups of your vision!

Friday Etsy Picks: Birds

{ via SugarElf }

These little birds are perfect ornaments for your tree this year, or just to have around the house! They're bright and cheery and come in many different colors. The fabric patterns on the birds are darling!


{ via PedPed }

The quickest and easiest way to decorate a room without hurting the walls is a removable vinyl decal. They come in many styles, shapes, colors, and sizes and are perfect for every kind of room. Try them in a dorm room!


{ via Lizix26 }

I love this bird and nest necklace, it's charming and sweet. I would love to give this as a gift to my mother or my Grandmother as a thank you for helping me fly, as momma birds do.

Have a happy weekend!

Wishlist: Silhouette SD

{ via Mubeimmik's Photostream }

I saw this cute little paper wreath on Flickr and I can't wait to make one! I asked for the Silhouette SD (newly mac compatible with their new software, and a plug in for Adobe Illustrator) for Christmas. My mind is completely boggled at the possibilities with this amazing machine.

Do you have a die-cutting machine? What do you like to use it for the most?

DIY: Decorative Snow

{ via Pottery Barn }

Last year my mom purchased the fake snow from Pottery Barn. It ran her about $20 a bag. When we opened the snow to use around the house we figured out that it was just cut up white plastic. Thus we vowed never to spend that much on fake snow again and opted to make our own this year. It's very simple to do and it looks great. Pottery Barn has several suggestions for how to use it.

Materials:

White plastic bags or Wax Paper

Scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Cut out any logos or non-white parts of your bags or wax paper. My bags were from Petsmart so I needed to cut that logo off.

Step 2: Twist your bag to make cutting easier, then cut at random spots on your twisted bag. You want to make your cuts as small as you can, going back later and re-cutting your finished pieces smaller if you feel it's necessary.

That's it! Now go and decorate something with it! They look great in hurricane vases or on tabletops!

DIY: Rustic Fall Monograms

Up first today I'd like to share the Monogram project I did for the Ruffled DIY contest. These are really easy to make, and inexpensive! I made mine for under $10.

What you’ll need:

• Paper stem wire
  
• Wire (florist or jewelry)
  
• Curly raffia (sold at craft stores)
  
• Decorative elements such as fake tall grass or ribbons
  
• Twine
  
• Wire cutters
  
• Pliers

Instructions:

Step 1: Using paper stem wire create the letters. More than one wire may be necessary, as well as cutting for shorter wire lengths. For example, the M was created with two full length wires and a half of a wire.

Step 2: Using florists wire connect the paper stem wire to form one shape. Bend the paper stem wire at joins and intersections or twist the pieces together. Be sure to wrap the florists wire tightly to secure the letter.

Step 3: Using the florists wire create a mesh base to start the volume of the letter. Wrap and bend the wire around the test. The mesh can be as wide as you like, I kept mine between 0.5″ and 1″ away from the stem.

Step 4: Weave, wrap, and braid the raffia through and around the wires to create the next layer. Try to cover the wires as best as you can, but don’t worry if you can’t cover them completely.

Step 5: Cover the remaining wires sticking out by wrapping the raffia, tall fake grass, and any other elements you are using. Wrap as evenly (or unevenly if you prefer that look) as you can around the letter monogram. Secure at points with twine and tuck ends into the weaving.

Overall the letters took me an hour to design and make. They're perfect for a rustic country wedding any time of year, or for a harvest Fall wedding.

Wishlist: I Heart State Pillows

{ via Love California }

Ok, how cute are these? I saw them today in the Gifted magazine (by the lovelies at Creature Comforts) and I want one SO. BAD. You see, many people will say how much they want to get out of Jersey, how boring Jersey is. Well I happen to adore my little state and I love living here. I'm a total Jersey Girl, born n' raised folks.

And don't worry, if you don't see your state there is a custom order listing so you can get your state on the pillow map!

Design Crush: 7 Rules Poster from StickHOME

{ via StickHOME }

I looooove StickHOME, they're releasing a 2011 calendar soon and I want it. I also love this poster and really want it. I adore their typography designs, I want to cover my walls in them.

Here are my favorites:

{1.} ABCD
{2.} 123
{3.} UP
{4.} Fragile
{5.} Possible/Impossible/Miracles

Friday Etsy Picks: Pumpkins

{ via Vintage Green Limited }

Friday's Etsy picks are coming one day early since I will be out of town in Salem, Massachusetts for the weekend. With Fall in full swing pumpkins are always on my mind. This adorable felt pumpkin decoration is perfect if you have a small apartment or if you want something to put on the mantle by your fireplace. You can pull it out year after year to charm your holiday spirit.


{ via Timeless Paper }

I usually throw at least one get together or party during the Fall, and these darling place cards are great for place settings or keeping track of your wine glass. They'd look great at a Fall-inspired wedding!


{ via Sun Basil Gardens }

Ok, if you haven't caught the hint yet I am a fiend for pumpkins. And this soap actually sounds delicious. Like, you would have to shackle me to keep me from putting it in my mouth. Who wouldn't want to smell like Pumpkin Pie Sugar all day? Right? Impress your guests with this soap in your bathroom, or hoard it away for yourself. Get clean and smell good!

Have a happy weekend!

Featured: DIY Fall Monograms on Ruffled!

Today on Ruffled (one of my favorite blogs) my entry for their Fall DIY contest is up! I created the Monograms project, which I will feature here after the contest is over with more ideas on how this project could be tailored to your style. They're easy and inexpensive to make and they're great for use in your home after your wedding! They're also not just for weddings - they'd be great for a graduation or anniversary party.

Go check it out here and let me know what you think!

Friday Etsy Picks: Doilies

{ via Uncommon }

I saw this clock in the recently listed section and I frantically clicked on it to get a closer look. This elegant clock would look great on any wall, especially someone who has a knack for decorating with vintage touches. It is laser engraved with a doily pattern with a bamboo woodgrain. If you have fallen in love with this clock like I have, then you will also enjoy the rest of their shop!


{ via Sea Pinks }

This little zippered pouch would be darling in any girl's bag. I'm coveting it for my own purse. Linen lined with a printed cotton on the inside, and a crocheted doily on the outside. How cute!


{ via Cranny Found Favorites }

This garland is perfect for indoor and outdoor affairs. If you're planning a DIY, vintage, or country wedding this is a great decor option. Garlands are easy to decorate with and add a lot of charm to a party atmosphere.

Have a happy weekend!

Fall Inspirations

{ via Twig and Thistle }

With Fall finally upon us I am finding myself more and more inspired by all of the gorgeous decorations popping up all over the blogs and in magazines. Today I saw this place setting project on Twig and Thistle and wanted to share it with you. It's quite a simple, fast project and quite affordable! At my local farmer's markets mini pumpkins are somewhere around $1 a piece or something. I've always been more of a late spring/early summer wedding dreamer (in my some-day future with my winner of a boyfriend), but now I'm not so sure - maybe I'm more of a late summer/early fall kind of girl instead!

Here are some more wonderful inspiration ideas for you:


{ via Family Circle }

There's some lovely floral arrangement ideas in the October issue of Family Circle, including a twist on spring and summer table arrangements - use fall leaves in jars and bottles instead of flowers!


{ via Bridal Bubbly }

Bridal Bubbly has some great Fall ideas for Wedding and party decor. But don't think you have to go the traditional route with a Fall color palette! More and more brides are breaking seasonal color traditions and sticking with the palettes they fall in love with. The colors of spring and summer can still pop against a Fall background with some deep oranges, golds, and browns mixed in.


{ via Thrifty Decor Chick (and Pottery Barn's Fall Catalog) }

Thrifty Decor Chick collected a bunch of DIY projects for the Fall that would look great in home or at a celebration! In her post she shows pictures from Pottery Barn's catalog, which is one of my favorite to thumb through for inspiration ideas. I can totally see this table setting at a Barn Wedding.

DIY: Book Covered Bookshelf

Image from Lowe's Creative Ideas

I was reading the Lowe's Creative Ideas weekend projects magazine this morning and found this fun little idea in there. It's a great way to spruce up a room, especially if you have some beat-up books.

If you don't have an existing extensive library at your fingertips, hit up garage/yard sales and antique shops for books in different shapes and sizes. Then pick up some funky wallpaper, I love the textured white paper that they use in the project.

It would also be a great way to display some cookbooks with vintage wallpapers.

Try this project out for yourself!