Page 109 – the long thread

May 6, 2011

Wedding Napkin Flowers Tutorial

Happy Friday! Here’s another wedding-themed guest post from the fabulous, creative and very busy Dana of Made. Her blog is always filled with great DIY projects and beautiful photos with clear instructions. Visit her site for the full instructions and more photos of these pretty napkin flowers.

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Hello friends, I’m Dana from the site MADE, a spot for creative eye candy and DIY inspiration. I’m happy to pop in here today with a simple wedding-inspired idea–Napkin Flowers.

For years I’ve admired paper-made flowers….you know, the Martha Stewart kind that are absolutely amazing, look like they’re real flowers, and make you scratch your head wondering, “who has time to make paper flowers for an entire wedding??!” Seriously. Well, with this simple version you just might keep your sanity (and pennies!…for other important matters, like a tropical honeymoon).

The concept is nothing new. These are the same tissue paper flowers you made in 2nd grade for Cinco De Mayo and Mother’s Day. BUT….when made from party napkins, the flowers take on a life-like form with classy flair. The stiff petals are bendable and easily shaped into gorgeous flowers. Too bad I wasn’t a crafter 8 years ago. My mother would have loved it if our floral budget called for 10 packages of napkins and wooden dowels.

Use the flowers as centerpieces for the tables, cut the napkins into small petals to sprinkle along the wedding walk. Turn them into party favors for the guests, and make sure your man is decked out in napkins as well.

Handmade doesn’t need to look cheap, though it can be cheap! Head over to MADE for the complete Wedding Napkin Flowers Tutorial.

May 5, 2011May 5, 2011

Linen and Lace Table Runner Tutorial

Here’s another guest post, this time from Melanie of A Sewing Journal. Melanie previously owned Modern Organic Fabrics, which I loved, but I’m excited that she’s started this blog — it’s one of my favorites!

Melanie has put together a tutorial for this lovely linen and lace table runner, that would make a beautiful accent for a wedding, or really for any occasion. Head over to her blog for the full project instructions.

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Hi there, I’m Melanie and A Sewing Journal is where I share lovely, fresh and inspiring sewing projects. I update A Sewing Journal daily and feature a selection of fabric that I love and sewing projects from quilts to clothing to home décor along with sewing pattern reviews, tutorials and more. I hope to inspire you with a look at creative projects and talented people from around the world. I am also the mother of three lovely and energetic girls.

My contribution to wedding week is this fairly easy Linen and Lace Table Runner. I imagine this being used in outdoor garden-type weddings and more!

May 5, 2011

Wedding Printables

Print it for your wedding! Lots of these can be used for other occasions too.

Invitations and Response Cards from Love and Lavender.*

Invitations and More from Download and Print.

Love is in the Air Origami Hearts from Upon a Fold.

Giving Tree Save-the-Date Cards from Merriment Design.

Printables from Creature Comforts.

I Spy Conversation Starter for Kids from Martha Stewart.

Candy Bar Wrappers from Intimate Weddings.

DIY Fan Programs from Aylee Designs.

Paper Bag Favor Labels from Flights of Fancy.*

Candy Wrapper Printables from Funkytime.*

Table Numbers from Ruffled.

More Table Numbers from Project Wedding.

Paper Pennant Garland from Rifle Design for Once Wed.

*pictured above.

May 4, 2011May 4, 2011

Guest Post from Keen & Fitting

Continuing our wedding theme, today’s post is from my friend Sarah Moye, who has started a lovely new design blog called Keen & Fitting, where she writes about simple and elegant spaces. Sarah and her husband Will had a beautiful wedding in a small beach town, despite the arrival of an uninvited tropical storm. Here are some inspirational ideas from Sarah:

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Hello! I’m delighted to stop by The Long Thread for a visit today. And what a fun topic. I’m going with a twist on tradition (as today’s brides and grooms often do): Something bold, something true, something billowed, your own brew.

Something bold:

I love the idea of a bold, colorful piñata in the midst of an otherwise subdued wedding. What a fun touch for guests (especially the kiddos) and, perhaps, a great stress buster for weary party-planning brides and grooms. With a piñata in play, everyone will have a smashing good time!

Click here to learn how to make this tissue rose piñata from Kate Landers Events. Note: If you’ve got a disco theme going, check out Confetti System’s metallic fringe piñatas for more flashy DIY inspiration. And visit the Martha Stewart site (fourth video down) to watch Confetti System’s Julie and Nick make fringed favor boxes.

Something true:

Australian couple Megan and Ross incorporated a clothesline of photos of friends and family members in their garden wedding décor. I love this DIY wedding project because as you’re putting it together, you enjoy the added benefit of reflecting on fun times. The most challenging (but rewarding) part of this project is gathering up the photos; the only supplies needed are twine and wooden clothes pins. Be sure to include a few photos documenting the true love of you and your mate! Alternatively, you can make it a wedding day DIY project for your guests: Megan and Ross had a Polaroid camera on hand and asked guests to snap their own photos and pin them to the line.

This couple seemed to understand the true meaning of the day—they played croquet and badminton with their guests before the wedding! See more of their celebration here.

Something billowed:

I love rustic weddings that make use of just a few simple elements to soften the scene. At this barn wedding (featured in Modern Bride magazine), billowed, muslin curtains at the entry doors lend a dramatic and romantic effect and are reminiscent of a beautiful, billowy wedding gown. Muslin happens to be an inexpensive fabric that is widely available at fabric stores and craft shops; click here for a no-sew muslin curtains tutorial from The Feathered Nest.

Your Own Brew:

Consider your own special tea recipe as a wedding favor or to serve at a high tea-themed wedding. As a nod to the “something old” tradition, you could box your signature tea blend gift with a vintage silver tea strainer. Or, send guests home with tea and cookies. Click here for instructions on crafting this charming tea favor from Martha Stewart Weddings. Get started on your custom brew with this indoor herbal tea garden from Living Whole Foods.

Another bespoke brew option: beer! This DIY project requires advance planning but can be fun—you can even design your own labels. Learn more here.

Best wishes and happy planning!

–Sarah

May 2, 2011May 2, 2011

handMAYde

Each week this month I’ll be featuring ways to incorporate handmade projects into your life. This week it’s all about weddings! And not the royal kind. So whether you’re getting married soon or just looking for party ideas, I’ll be sharing tutorials, hosting guest bloggers and giveaways, and linking to wedding ideas all week long. I may even dig out my wedding album (husband gasps).

Incorporating handmade ideas into your wedding can sometimes save you money, but I think more importantly, it adds meaning to your special day. Today my resourceful intern Gigi has helped compile this list of ideas and inspiration. Enjoy!

Colorful Paper Mobiles from Project Wedding.*
Lace Photo Backdrop from Martha Stewart.
PomPom Vines from Once Wed.
Fabric Flower Garland from Once Wed.
Succulent Wreath from Prudent Baby.*
Lace Votives from Martha Stewart.*
Mason Jar Lanterns from Intimate Weddings.
Wedding Wands from One Stylish Bride.
Cupcake in a Jar from Cakies.*
Bride and Groom Cake Topper, excerpt from Handmade Weddings for My DIY Wedding Day.
Wedding Menu Wheel from Design Sponge.
Make Your Wedding Cake from Project Wedding.
Birdcage Veil from Project Wedding.
Rubber Stamp Carving Tutorial from Geninne’s Art Blog.
Watercolor Tags from Project Wedding.*
Watercolor Wedding Invitations from Once Wed.
Printable Seed Packets from Vale Design.
Yo-Yo Decor Ideas from Emmaline Bride.*
Cake Pop Wedding Favors from Bakerella for Etsy’s The Storque.
How to Make a Boutonniere from The Knot.

Feel free to share more ideas and links of your own wedding photos in the comments below. And stay tuned! Next week I’ll be doing a round-up of divorce crafts (kidding). Baby projects, of course!

*pictured above.