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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

DIY: Rustic Fall Monograms

Mary Veterano Photography

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
Mary Veterano Photography

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.

Mary Veterano Photography

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.

Mary Veterano Photography

Monday, November 1, 2010

Wishlist: I Heart State Pillows

I Heart NJ
{ 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!

Photography: GE's Ecomagination Photo Project

Mary Veterano Photography

I just stumbled across this, GE is working with charities to donate solar power, wind power, and drinking water for every photo uploaded to Flickr that is tagged "light", "wind", or "water". So if you have some pictures that need to be uploaded go and upload them and tag them accordingly! I happen to have some from this passed weekend exploring my boyfriend's Grandfather's farm and some of my pictures from Salem, MA. Do your part to help donate! More information can also be found at the Photojojo blog. There is also a Flickr Ecoimagination Pool where you can submit photos taken for the cause. You can submit up to 3 photos per day.

Design Crush: Rifle Paper Co.

Rifle Paper Co.
{ via Rifle Paper Co. }

Welcome to November 1st, 2010! This really kicks off the Holiday season for me - I start listening to holiday music all of the time, I work on Christmas presents, I bake, and I write and send out Holiday cards. I ADORE Rifle Paper Co. and their holiday designs are no exception to their beautiful work. The cheerful designs and beautifully colored illustrations always make me smile.

Rifle Paper Co.
{ via Rifle Paper Co. }

And let's not forget my absolute favorite item from their store - the recipe boxes. I desperately want one. And they're gorgeous. And they're reclaimed wood. How cool are they? They're on my wish list this year!

Rifle Paper Co.
{ via Rifle Paper Co. }

I'm hoping to screen print my holiday cards this year, but my time is drawing very very short for that. And I still have Christmas presents to knit! If you don't have time to make your cards this year I definitely suggest Rifle Paper Co. for your cards!

Design: There are many ways to say Yes.



I did another piece of my one word many ways prints, this time working with "Yes". I hope to do a few more, too. I also have a few ideas for some other ways I can work these prints.



In the New Year, when I re-open my etsy shop, these prints may be available for purchase.



This week I have a ton of projects for you, now that the entries are all posted for the Ruffled DIY Contest. I have a boutonniere project, a table numbers idea, and a way to style your harvest-inspired tables.

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