Pintrest: Marquee Letter

Today marks a month adventure though the world of Pinterest Crafts!

I'm Maggie, one of the interns (I like to think of myself as the crafty one. Paige is the brains!) here at Bliss Wedding & Event Design.  I have been given this month to show you how doable some of these crafts we see on Pinterest are.  Lucky me because I'mm ambitious and would like to think that I can do everything I see! But as a recreational crafter, I have limits and some of those crafts we see are done by people who do nothing other than that!

But when it comes to weddings in particular I would have to say that most times, I can only do the same thing about 5 to 9 times before I want to hurt everything mostly because I find the work to become too tedious. At a wedding you have at least 10 tables and well I am reaching my upper limit at that point, BUT that should not scare you away from doing maybe one DIY project! So I am going to show you the good the bad and the ugly from my month of DI[wh]Y projects. Some will look awesome others may not. Keep your eyes peeled for the photo lantern. I am already having nightmares about that one! But today's craft was pretty simple and lost cost. It would be a cute decoration for your wedding.

Supplies:
Large Cardboard letter ( I got mine at Joann's)
White paint Globe Christmas tree lights ( LED or Normal, but I saw use LED they get less hot)
X acto knife

1. You will need to paint the letter white and let dry fully.



2. Next you take the X-acto knife and cut out the back, but not to close to the edges. I would say the cut needs to be about two inches wide.

3. This is the tricky step. You will need to space the light blubs and then cutting an X pattern on the painted side of the letter you will mark where all the letters go.



4. after cutting all the X's you will need to push the end of the light bulb thought he middle of the X. Do this for all of them.

5. Then if you have a letter like mine you need to remove the zig zaggy cardboard, so that you can do the next step.



 6. Time to reach the light blubs with the cord. This takes some patience and a willingness to fiddle with it. But once you get the first few the rest are as easy as pie!

7. PLUG IT IN!

 

 Very cute and inexpensive was to put your initials up somewhere at the wedding.

Happy Crafting!

 xoxo, Maggie

Trend Alert: Custom Hankies

These little guys are beyond cute! The are located at the Wedding Chicks Blog. They are the prefect bridesmaid gift! I love everything on the website. Another super cute thing in the shop is a save the date that is beyond perfect for a couple that is from different states. You can have the save the date have both of your states! So cute. Check out this blog. Everything is super, super cute! Love it! Happy shopping! xoxo, Kasey and The Bliss Girls

Home and Garden Show: Deck your Holiday Parties!

We are working a little behind, but a few weekends ago we had the pleasure of doing some demonstrations at the home and garden show! We did a few really easy and simple centerpieces.

 The lime topiary was done with a foam cone that you can buy at any craft store and about 40 to 50 limes depending on the size of the cone. To attach the limes you can use wooden skewers. Cut the skewers at an angle and put the skewer into the lime at an angle so it won't fall off. Then you can throw in a few little flowers! We used button mums that you can buy at your local grocery store. So simple and easy peasy! Just add a little ribbon to the top and your are done.

 The lime and blueberry centerpiece you will need a 4" square and 6" square. You will need to cut up the limes or any fruit of choice into thin slices and then slide them in between the two vases. You could add things like blueberries or cranberries (for more of a holiday feel). Then water goes in the smaller vase and whatever flowers you would like!


 Wishing you the happiest of late september!

 


xoxo Kasey & The Bliss Girls

Fingerprint Hearts

Annette and Dan, as featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, made these adorable wedding favors by incorporating Dan's love for music and their fingerprints. Fingerprint hearts are an unique way to personalize any wedding detail. Apply them to your own favors, invitations, or even use your guests' prints to make an adorable guest book. Any way you use them, fingerprints are a personal touch that will add sentimental value to the wedding for both the bride and broom and their guests.

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo from Bleudetoi's shop on Etsy

Timeless Paper Touches

Timeless Paper creates unique paper touches that are sure to add another dimension to any event.



Integrate these cutout creations as event place cards, table numbers, menu cards, programs, or napkin ring.



No matter the season, Timeless Paper has a design that will fit in perfectly with your event. From Snowflakes, to butterflies, starfish, autumn leaves, or a custom design, the choice is yours!


All images from Timeless Paper website

Passport Holders

Prepare for your honeymoon travel plans and future travels as a couple with these passport holders. Find one that perfectly matches your personality or share with fellow travelers your recent marriage with these adorable Mr. & Mrs. holders.


Image from Honey Bunnie Paperie on Etsy


Keep your passport protected in style by finding the one that fits you best on Etsy.




Images from The Spotted Barn on Etsy

Fabulous Wrappings

Take a look at these fabulous new ways to wrap anything from evelopes to takeout boxes! Fabwrap was created by Gloria and Jackie, founders of Lily B Inc as a "packaging highway of imagination." Their products have been used at such events as, Elton John's AIDS foundation Oscar Party and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and by companies like, Lexus and Aria resort and casino in Los Vegas, among many others!

"Passion, creativity, and vision led to Fabwrap products representing individuality, lifestyle, and design" of envelopes, wrapping paper, stationary, folios, takout boxes, and gift boxes. Incorporate any of these great products into your wedding or event plans and it is sure to stand out!

Spice up the presentation of your event invitations with these elaborate envelops by turning a simple invite into a work of art.



Illuminate your dinner table with luminaries from Fabwrap. Also, add height and color to your centerpieces by taking advantage of the 3 different sizes and the 13 available color shades.


The uses for these adorable takeout boxes at your event are endless! Use as guest gift boxes, small cocktail centerpieces, or even incorporate them into your place settings. With numerous designs and boundless creativity, Frabwrap is sure to have a style that matches your event and your personality.

All photos from Fabwrap's website

Can't find a design that quite matches? Implement your own design, monogram, or company logo by taking advantage of Fabwrap's custom design option.

No matter how you decide to use them, Frabwrap products are sure to make your event, well, fabulous!

Taking Invitations to the Third Dimension

Check out these 3D invitations that are sure to set the right mood for your event from the beginning. egba originals creates exclusive, custom-made invitations and announcements for their clients. Each is made entirely from scratch and no design is ever repeated. egba has taken over Hollywood with their designs, making these customized blocks for celebrity couple Kendra and Hank Baskett to announce the birth of their new baby boy, Hank Baskett IV.





egda puts some additional unique 3 dimensional twists on the invitation with their partypuzzles and individualized designs.








Photos from egba originals website

Other available designs include, custom comic books and train invitations.

Check out all these and more on the egba originals website and get your guests excited about your event with your own unique 3 dimensional design from egba originals!

Unveiling Wedding Hair Accessories

Traditions may suggest that brides should wear veils on their wedding day, but perhaps brides should consider their options. Whether you are trying to make a statement, add some color, or just keep your hair back off of your face, these adorable hair accessories can do all that and more.

You can make a statement with this headband showcasing vibrant feathers and a brooch embellishment, or add a punch color and style to your wedding attire with this over sized flower clip.

Subtle and charming, these feathery hair pieces can also add a unique touch to your wedding day ensemble by showing off your playful side, or blending in with your white dress.

Consider keeping those pesky bangs and strays out of your eyes on your big day with this french beaded flower or accessorize by adding a practical hint of her personality with these beaded bobby pins.


Photo and pieces by Originals by Lynnette, MorninGlorias', Sweet Grass Mill, Hair Sew Vintage, and LovMely

Should you decide to stick with the veil, why not consider these unique touches for your brides maids or flower girl? No matter your school of thought, with any of these accessories it's sure to be a good wedding hair day!

Making Your Wedding Day: The Bouquet

Make the wedding bouquet all your own with a brooch bouquet. Amanda Heer of San Jaun Capistrano California has been putting together these unique bouquet arrangements for over 10 years. Heer’s out of the box concept presents an opportunity for the bride to really make the bouquet hers.



Incorporate family heirlooms, favorite jewelry pieces, or create new memories with your fiancé by searching for brooches together. A green alternative to a real flower bouquet, this bouquet is a one of a kind arrangement that will last forever. Flowers are nice, but it’s brooches that could help make your day yours.


Photos from Amanda Heer's blog

Custom Dresses

On your wedding day, everything is personalized to the bride and groom, so why not have the dresses personalized as well?

There is a great website that allows you to chose the bodice style, skirt length & shape, and the color of the dress. Not only can you customize all that, but you can also select detail for your dress and choose the color and fabric for that added touch. Once you complete those steps, just choose the size and you are good to go! See if you like what Olivia Luca has to offer and start designing the dress of your dreams today!

A Rockin' 100!

Wow! I can't believe this is my 100th post already. I feel like I just started this and I've had so much to say! I thought this would be a good time to share a few pictures from a rockin' bar mitzvah I had the privilege of planning this past summer for Matt.

He's love his Gibson guitars, so we made his three favorites into tables for his guests. At the end of the evening we took the giant guitars and rolled them up and he now has them hanging in his room at home. How fun! The adult guests sat in the main ballroom at very elegant black, ivory and gold table settings. All of the guests signed his Gibson guitar which he'll keep at home.

Rock on!

Photos courtesy of Amy at C Studios

Drink Up: 1.21 Gigawatts

For all you Back To the Future fans out there this one is for you! I thought this sounded so yummy and brought back a few good memories of one of hte best movies ever!

1.21 Gigawatts

1/2 shot Hpnotiq
1/2 shot Vodka, raspberry
1 splash Grenadine
5 oz. Red Bull

Pour raspberry vodka and Hpnotiq into shot glass. Now pour a splash of Grenadine into the shot glass. The grenadine will sink, layering the drink. Pour Red Bull into a pint glass (about 1/2 full) and drop the shot glass into the Red Bull.

Enjoy!

Drink Up - The White Comso

Nothing says "wedding" like a white cocktail.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz vodka

1/2 oz Cointreau

1/4 oz white cranberry juice

Garnish: lime or edible orchid

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Post contributor Kelsey Reckless, Bliss Weddings & Events

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Drink Up - The Black Velvet

Black Velvet Cocktail is one of the most unique cocktails I've ever seen. It's very simple and easy to make. You'll need - Guinness Stout and champagne, and a champagne flute.

The classic recipe for a Black Velvet is to half fill the glass with Guinness or another stout beer, and tilt the glass to the side to add the champagne. You'll want to pour the champagne in gently, trying to create as little foaming as possible. If the 50/50 blend is a more beer than you'd like, feel free to do more of a 40/60 split with the Guinness and champagne. Also, depending on who you ask, it's also okay to pour the champagne first then add the stout.

I was surprised when I learned of this drink that it has such a history. The Black Velvet is nearly 150 years old. It was ‘invented’ at the Brook's Club, London in 1861 and was served as the nation mourned the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's Prince Consort.

Interesting stuff! I personall have not tried this drink but would love to hear if you have.

Bottoms up!

Drink Up!

Creating a signature drink for your wedding day can add a personal touch to your perfect event. Providing a signature drink may seem like an extravagance but it can be very affordable depending on the ingredients you choose – not to mention when you offer a signature drink you can limit the choices your guests have resulting in saving you money! Try to have a non-alcoholic version of your drink on hand as well for your non-alcoholic drinking guests. Still having trouble coming up with that perfect drink? Professional Mixologists are available to help you along the way.

According to self-acclaimed “Cocktail Guru”, Jonathan Pogash, there are a few things to keep in mind when concocting your creation:

Theme – The theme of your wedding plays an important role when choosing your drink. A complementary drink for a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme would be the classic Mimosa. The hardier James Bond Martini works well with a debonair hors‘d oeuvres reception.
Color – matching or complementing your drink color with your wedding color scheme makes every detail feel balanced.
Liquor – Deciding which liquor to use can be a daunting task with all of the different options available. Start with your favorites as basics (vodka, gin, rum, scotch, etc) and add from there.
Garnish – When planning your wedding day, you leave no detail to chance. Your signature drink should be no different. The garnish should enhance the flavors in the drink, not clash with them. An assortment of fruits and edible flowers make perfect garnishes; but don’t be afraid to think outside the box too. Add flower petals or tea leaves to your ice cubes for a fun detail. Custom swizzle sticks are also on the market to add another personal touch. Save money by having these unique swizzle sticks do double duty as your favors for guests to take with them.
Season – choosing ingredients that are in season can enhance the ambiance of your party through your cocktails. For fall these include: pomegranates, apples, pears, cranberries and maple syrup – yum!

Here's one of our favorites to start - The Golden Groom & Blushing Bride

Golden Groom
2 oz tequila
¼ cup pineapple juice
½ cup orange juice
Splash pomegranate juice
Garnish with an orange peel

Blushing Bride
2 oz vodka
½ cup pulp-free pink lemonade
Garnish glass with a sugar rim for extra sparkle

Post contributor Kelsey Reckless, Bliss Weddings & Events

Cocktail recipe from Martha Stewart

Bold and Beautiful

I had to share this beautiful invitation with you. It's for Kim & Derek's upcoming wedding this September. Kim and Derek and a unique couple with a great sense of style. It was no surprise when they selected this Pockets Invitation in mocha, ivory and gold. I can't wait to see how the rest of the wedding comes together using this rich color scheme!

One of My Favorite Things

These candles are one of my most favorite things! 

 Paul Robinett has70 fabulous scents in his little shop at 7 Buttles in the Short North.  My favorite scent is his original "7 Buttles in a Bottle".   

We used these recently in May to create a more personal, cozy  feel at the wedding reception for Erin & Justin. We lit them right after dinner when the sun was starting to set.  After a short while, the wonderful scent filled the pavillion and tent.  Everyone was asking what is that candle?  At the end of the night everyone was fighting over them!  These could also be used as favors if your budget permits.  The jars can be customized with a personal monogram or image of your choice.  You'll see in the picture below, there is a simple monogram K on the jar.

TearDrop Weddings - A Contest!

My friend Holly over at TearDrop Weddings is holding a really fun contest I just had to share with my readers!

Holly is a very talented artists an creates custom stationary, wedding invitations, ect. She's based out of Canada , so don't worry that someone else around town will have the same invitation as you. It's totally unique just for you!

Here's a message from Holly about the contest:

I am constantly blogging about where I get my inspiration from and that you can be inspired by the most obscure thing. Well, my best source of inspiration comes from my brides and the blog of brides. So, I have a new and exciting contest for all you stylish and unique brides!


I am looking for 20 brides to inspire me. I want you to tell me your story about how you met your fiance, how you fell in love, your creative ideas and details for your wedding. I will choose the 20 brides that inspire me the most and design an invitation around that story. And in return, you will receive a custom designed invitation, but for the price of a design that you would choose out of our ready made collection!

So email me your stories ladies and good luck!
holly@teardropweddings.com

Good Luck and I hope to you as one of Holly's luck winners!

xo
Kasey

A Banner Day

Last week my latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings arrived.  There was one article in particular that grabbed my attention.  There are several downloadable templates online now that you can use to make customizable banners for the wedding.  I absolutely love the templates for creating a banner that can be used in a number of locations.  My first thought was a new twist on the Just Married sign on the getaway car.  Whether you are spelling out Just Married or your monogram and date this can be a unique and very personal way to add to your wedding decor.   Another idea is to create a banner that can be hung somewhere in the wedding - Welcoming your guests or saything 'Thank You' at the end of the night.