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During the holiday break, I wanted to learn something new and decided to learn crocheting. Now I’m addicted!
It’s pretty easy, you can make a lot of things, and it saves money. Now I don’t have to buy most of my accessories like scarf, hat, mittens, decorative belt.
I think every crafter should have a Silhouette SD
You can read a review on the machine at one of my favorite blogs, Giver’s Log. Happy crafting!
I’m so excited about this giveaway. I’ve been wanting a Silhouette SD for a while now!
Silhouette is a cutting machine, similar to the Cricut. What I love about the Silhouette is that it allows you to create your own design. It’s perfect for what I do. Click here to enter the giveaway at Giver’s Log. Contest ends 11/29/10.
Personalize your wine glasses with a word or two… a great way to add a personal touch to your party. Be creative with your words and it can be a conversation piece.
This is not your regular stenciling, it’s edible! All you need are stencils, corn syrup and cinnamon. Head on to The City Cradle for the instructions. It’s pretty easy!
In the beginning, I was planning to DIY my centerpieces. Recently, our plans changed and decided to hire a florist instead. But I totally forgot to show you the mock-up I did when I was still planning to DIY the centerpieces. So here they are…
Click here for instructions @ Project Wedding
Cost Breakdown:
Tissue paper = free (I have in stock – yes I do have that many)
2 3″ styrofoam balls ($2.88/6) = $0.96
2 4″ styrofoam balls ($3.52/4) = $1.76
1 7″ candelabra = $9.99 – 20% discount
1 9″ candelabra = $12.99 – 20% discount
table letter = $1.99
TOTAL (per table) = $12.70-$22.69 + tax
I loved making the tissue pomanders. And now that I have tissue pomanders lying around, I decided to use them during the cocktail hour.
I love decorative boxes. They’re great to keep little stuff in like photos, little trinkets, letters, etc. So I set out to find DIY instructions to create them and I found a great video from The Scrapbook Lounge via Elizabeth Anne Designs.
I just don’t do a project just because. I’m doing it actually for the wedding. Well, I’m not gonna say what it is for yet. Just stay tuned 
.
How I Did It
Materials (per set)
1 80lb (or heavier) coverstock 8.5×11
belly wrap or 1 36lb (or close) vellum 8.5×11 – creates 5 belly wraps
1 envelope A2 (4 3/8″ x 5 3/4″)
For stores, click here
Tools
cutter, X-acto knife (to cut inner rectangles), adhesive, computer, printer
Recommended
Rotary Paper Trimmer
Fonts Used
Sloop Script Two, AvantGarde Gothic
Template
The card measures 4″ x 5.5″ and contains 4 pieces wrapped together with the belly wrap.
Click image below to download template
Directions
Print and cut on solid lines. Assemble with top-left card at the top, then the top-right card right below, then the bottom-left card, then the bottom-right card at the very bottom. Wrap them together with the belly wrap.
If you want a crisper image (bridesmaid), print this file first on paper that you plan to use for your card. Personalize this 2nd file, then print it using the paper you’ve printed the first file on. Make sure you print on the side where the image is printed.
Insert assembled card into envelope and you’re all set!
Remembering all the wrapping I’ve done for the holidays, I dream more and more of a wrapping station of my own. Here are some beautiful inspirations.
And here are a couple DIY instructions on how create your own wrapping/craft station…
I have tried Hydrangeas, now it’s time to try Carnations. They’re very affordable and I love the fullness of the blooms. Please pardon the visible rubber bands. I ran out of floral tape and I didn’t get to wrap the bouquet handle with ribbon before I did the corset-type wrapping.
Unfortunately, to get the bouquet size I wanted, I had to use a lot of carnations which ended up being more expensive than the Hydrangeas I used earlier. I spent $15 for 50 carnations.
The biggest advantage of using Carnations is that they last long. They lasted more than a week just being in a vase with water (no flower food).
To save money, we’re planning to DIY bouquets… kinda like “create your own bouquet” thing . I think my bridesmaids are willing to do their own 
. I don’t know exactly what flowers I like to use, but I’m definitely using white ones.
First up is hydrangea. I got the hydrangeas from the NYC flower district for $10/6 bunches. I only used 5 which was about a foot in diameter altogether, 6 bunches were too big for me. Of course I had to use the knot on the handle too!
I love the fullness of the hydrangeas. But since a bunch is too big, the stem is too thin. I like my bouquet to have a thicker handle. Maybe I could just wrap it more with the knot to thicken it. However, I’m still not sure what style I like to use for the ribbons/knots for the handle.
It cost me just a little less than $11 including tax to create this bouquet:
Hydrangeas (5 bunches) = $10 / 6 bunches
1 1/2″ Satin ribbon (1 yard) = $15.99 / 50 yards – you can get this cheaper at PaperMart.com
Knot (2 yards) = $5.50 / 10 yards
Next up, I’ll be trying on carnations. They’re inexpensive and when bunched together, they somehow create the same effect and fullness.
