Hey guys!
I know I've been the worst blogger on the face of the planet and haven't blogged in a while. I promise to make that all up to you with a whole new format. I'm currently updating the blog and will have it up and running with more posts on more goodies ASAP. I will be adding Dating Tips/Single Life, Recipes, Travel, and DIY projects for the home as well as Wedding Tips. I hope you like all the changes and if you don't let me know!
Much love:
EvokeLove
Friday, January 27, 2012
Saturday, August 6, 2011
$20 DIY Birdcage Veil
I ran across this lovely little find at Project Wedding! I thought I'd share it with all you other vintage/DIY/budget brides.
Materials Needed:
2 feet of Russian Veiling (9", 12" or 18"- see what different sizes mean down below), Hair comb, Thread and needle, Ruler, Scissors
Starting at point A (at the left lower corner) start sewing in and out of the diamond shapes to gather the fabric. You'll continue sewing in and out on all sides until you get to point B.
Sew it onto a hair clip or a fascinator. You can sew it onto a plain hair clip and add embellishments, to make it more personal.
The netting is usually Russian veiling, which you can find in a millenary store or online. It comes in three different sizes: 9", 12", and 18". If you want a little cover over your hair, use the 9". If you want it to cover your eyes, you'll want 12" and if you want it to cover your nose or chin you'll want the 18" veiling (cut it down to 16" to cover the nose.)
The veiling also comes in different colors and embellishments to add that really unique flair to your veil and wedding.
Materials Needed:
2 feet of Russian Veiling (9", 12" or 18"- see what different sizes mean down below), Hair comb, Thread and needle, Ruler, Scissors
Sew it onto a hair clip or a fascinator. You can sew it onto a plain hair clip and add embellishments, to make it more personal.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Differences Are What Makes Life Interesting, Right?
There are always those moments in a relationship when you look at the person you're with and think....really? That's what you think about XYZ? You freaked out over THAT tiny, insignificant thing? When you first start dating, you may let it go in the interest of the honeymoon phase. You also might react in just the way that will hurt or offend the other person, not really knowing the right way to react.
When you've been dating for a while, those little things start to irk you, even when you know they shouldn't. They have a funny way of sneaking right under your skin and pressing every nerve that's linked to irritability all at the same time. Logically, you know that everyone has their flaws and how boring it would be with to be with someone who's exactly like you. To be perfectly honest, I don't think I could handle another me- I'm much too complex.
F has been babied all his life, he's been extremely lucky to have lived quite a sheltered existence in suburbia as far away from any awareness that there's another world out there that's not as lucky and shiny as his own. In his defense, he had an emotional hardship, a betrayal, one of which I'm not going to say here- it's far too personal but, I will say that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But, that's it. He's always been able to plan and direct his life to exactly where he wants and it usually works out for him. When it doesn't, he has a tendency to overreact (in my opinion) and obsess over every possible what if out there.
I grew up in suburbia like F but, I've always been made aware of exactly how lucky I was- from trips to the soup kitchen and mission for as long as I can remember to volunteering to build houses in Mexico where before they were built out of sewn together sheets and stapled cardboard boxes. I've also lived on my own pretty much since I was 18 and have made enough difficult choices in life to know that it doesn't always work out how you plan.
So, when F hurts himself, it's a HUGE ordeal and takes up hours of time and energy. Meanwhile, I always tend to feel myself get a bit frustrated with his immaturity, his ability to slip so effortlessly into the role of a helpless child. I don't let this on....anymore. I learned quite a long time ago in our relationship that we have different coping mechanisms, in fact, mine is one of the things he admires in me. So, when I feel frustrated or irritated, I just take a deep breath and try to repeat what I would tell myself, hoping that after a while it will help. I try to put a positive spin on it. I let him know that I'm there for him, etc. It usually doesn't do the trick and he just repeats the same obsession over and over and over again until he's built himself into a near panic and me to the nearest glass of wine. This, in turn, exacerbates my already rising frustration and irritation and then, I feel guilty.
I start asking myself- am I a bitch? Are we just too different? What is his DEAL? Why am I so insensitive to his needs when he's going through things like this? Well, I know a couple of those answers. I can be a bitch sometimes and when things seem to be serious to me, I always look for the silver lining for perspective. If it's something that's hard to deal with, I detach myself to look at it logically so that I may come to a conclusion as to what I should do next. We are different but, like I said before, thank WHOEVER for that! We agree on the important things in life and are different in life experiences and personalities. I have no clue, just a bunch of theories based on how he was raised vs how I was raised. And, I don't know why. But, I do know that it's worth it to just try to be patient, realize this is what it is and try to be as supportive as possible because whatever he's experiencing, it's probably for the first time ever and it's scary. That's what being married is all about.
When you've been dating for a while, those little things start to irk you, even when you know they shouldn't. They have a funny way of sneaking right under your skin and pressing every nerve that's linked to irritability all at the same time. Logically, you know that everyone has their flaws and how boring it would be with to be with someone who's exactly like you. To be perfectly honest, I don't think I could handle another me- I'm much too complex.
F has been babied all his life, he's been extremely lucky to have lived quite a sheltered existence in suburbia as far away from any awareness that there's another world out there that's not as lucky and shiny as his own. In his defense, he had an emotional hardship, a betrayal, one of which I'm not going to say here- it's far too personal but, I will say that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But, that's it. He's always been able to plan and direct his life to exactly where he wants and it usually works out for him. When it doesn't, he has a tendency to overreact (in my opinion) and obsess over every possible what if out there.
I grew up in suburbia like F but, I've always been made aware of exactly how lucky I was- from trips to the soup kitchen and mission for as long as I can remember to volunteering to build houses in Mexico where before they were built out of sewn together sheets and stapled cardboard boxes. I've also lived on my own pretty much since I was 18 and have made enough difficult choices in life to know that it doesn't always work out how you plan.
So, when F hurts himself, it's a HUGE ordeal and takes up hours of time and energy. Meanwhile, I always tend to feel myself get a bit frustrated with his immaturity, his ability to slip so effortlessly into the role of a helpless child. I don't let this on....anymore. I learned quite a long time ago in our relationship that we have different coping mechanisms, in fact, mine is one of the things he admires in me. So, when I feel frustrated or irritated, I just take a deep breath and try to repeat what I would tell myself, hoping that after a while it will help. I try to put a positive spin on it. I let him know that I'm there for him, etc. It usually doesn't do the trick and he just repeats the same obsession over and over and over again until he's built himself into a near panic and me to the nearest glass of wine. This, in turn, exacerbates my already rising frustration and irritation and then, I feel guilty.
I start asking myself- am I a bitch? Are we just too different? What is his DEAL? Why am I so insensitive to his needs when he's going through things like this? Well, I know a couple of those answers. I can be a bitch sometimes and when things seem to be serious to me, I always look for the silver lining for perspective. If it's something that's hard to deal with, I detach myself to look at it logically so that I may come to a conclusion as to what I should do next. We are different but, like I said before, thank WHOEVER for that! We agree on the important things in life and are different in life experiences and personalities. I have no clue, just a bunch of theories based on how he was raised vs how I was raised. And, I don't know why. But, I do know that it's worth it to just try to be patient, realize this is what it is and try to be as supportive as possible because whatever he's experiencing, it's probably for the first time ever and it's scary. That's what being married is all about.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wedding Dress Shopping Won't Kill You!
As the day for my wedding dress appointment got closer and closer, I felt more and more nervous. Usually I'm a T-shirt and jeans kinda gal and for some reason on the morning of the appointment, I felt like my stomach was in knots. As we pulled into the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell, California, I thought I was going to throw up all over my mom's car. What if I didn't find it? What if I couldn't afford it once I found it? How many of these things will I have to try on before it's wine time?
As we stepped into the salon- mom, maid of honor and 10 year old iPod-toting niece in tow- we were greeted warmly by THE Trudy. I was a little surprised since this is a chain that the actual Trudy was there in all her glory behind the counter, ringing up orders and greeting everyone that came through the door with a warm handshake. She welcomed us to have some water and cookies and that it'll only be a moment. The shop was stocked full of dresses and there were little stages for the brides to parade their dresses on with 3-way mirrors and seats for their judging panel- lots of moms and BFFs and oohs and ahhhs.
My consultant, Terry, came and I filled out some paperwork about my wedding. I had brought some photos of what I wanted but, let her know that I wasn't interested AT ALL in A-line traditional bridesy gowns and foofoo princess dresses with tiaras. I was getting married on a beach and thought it best to be as simplistic as possible. In my head, I had an idea that I didn't want long trains and strapless gowns at all but, also promised my entourage that I'd try on everything brought to me.
Terry disappeared and pulled out numerous dresses for me to try on based on my pictures. The first one, spoiler alert: ended up being the winner, was GORGEOUS, a La Sposa strapless mermaid with a long train and tiny ruging (I know, I know...never rule anything out). Now the oohs and ahhs were being directed at me, but I didn't feel that feeling that I've been told about. I didn't cry, I didn't automatically envision myself walking down the aisle and F's eyes lighting up, I didn't hypervenilate with excitement- none of that.
Terry was patient with me as I tried on every other dress, just to come back to the first. Then, the bomb dropped and I found out the price. My MOH talked me down and said, I know how you feel but, trust me, on your wedding day, it won't matter.
So, we paid the deposit and there was Trudy raving how I had been the first "small girl" to try it on and that I looked verrrrry European. I'm not quite sure what that meant but, she meant it as a compliment. Terry came out and gave me a hug and said that she'd have the dress, in my size, in a few weeks.
That was it?!? It was sooo easy, I couldn't believe it, and I actually kinda enjoyed myself. Trudy's is the best- they're warm, patient, knowledgeable, professional and, most importantly, will talk you off the ledge enough to find you THE dress. My only lesson to you is to be sure to mention your budget first, in any wedding dress shopping extravaganza- that way you're not shown a bunch of dresses you can't afford.
As we stepped into the salon- mom, maid of honor and 10 year old iPod-toting niece in tow- we were greeted warmly by THE Trudy. I was a little surprised since this is a chain that the actual Trudy was there in all her glory behind the counter, ringing up orders and greeting everyone that came through the door with a warm handshake. She welcomed us to have some water and cookies and that it'll only be a moment. The shop was stocked full of dresses and there were little stages for the brides to parade their dresses on with 3-way mirrors and seats for their judging panel- lots of moms and BFFs and oohs and ahhhs.
My consultant, Terry, came and I filled out some paperwork about my wedding. I had brought some photos of what I wanted but, let her know that I wasn't interested AT ALL in A-line traditional bridesy gowns and foofoo princess dresses with tiaras. I was getting married on a beach and thought it best to be as simplistic as possible. In my head, I had an idea that I didn't want long trains and strapless gowns at all but, also promised my entourage that I'd try on everything brought to me.
Terry disappeared and pulled out numerous dresses for me to try on based on my pictures. The first one, spoiler alert: ended up being the winner, was GORGEOUS, a La Sposa strapless mermaid with a long train and tiny ruging (I know, I know...never rule anything out). Now the oohs and ahhs were being directed at me, but I didn't feel that feeling that I've been told about. I didn't cry, I didn't automatically envision myself walking down the aisle and F's eyes lighting up, I didn't hypervenilate with excitement- none of that.
Terry was patient with me as I tried on every other dress, just to come back to the first. Then, the bomb dropped and I found out the price. My MOH talked me down and said, I know how you feel but, trust me, on your wedding day, it won't matter.
So, we paid the deposit and there was Trudy raving how I had been the first "small girl" to try it on and that I looked verrrrry European. I'm not quite sure what that meant but, she meant it as a compliment. Terry came out and gave me a hug and said that she'd have the dress, in my size, in a few weeks.
That was it?!? It was sooo easy, I couldn't believe it, and I actually kinda enjoyed myself. Trudy's is the best- they're warm, patient, knowledgeable, professional and, most importantly, will talk you off the ledge enough to find you THE dress. My only lesson to you is to be sure to mention your budget first, in any wedding dress shopping extravaganza- that way you're not shown a bunch of dresses you can't afford.
Friday, September 17, 2010
And so it begins....
You know when you first get engaged and you're SO EXCITED (!!!!!) and you want to join every wedding planning website out there and sign up for the countdown? Well, when it starts getting close- you don't get one email to freak out to, you get seven. I got my 8 months...what are you doing sitting there and doing nothing for your wedding, loser? email and a fire was lit under my ass. WOW! I need to get my dress, send out the STDs, block hotel rooms....OK, no problem- this is why I had a long engagement (thank God- since I'm a procrastinator and have school and work!) so that I wouldn't need to cram everything into one month.
The dress journey, I've let you know before and I'll let you know more after Sunday- the big day! I finally got F to get off his butt and assign a best man and get addresses, so the STDs are looking good but, I'll have to let you know when I figure out what I'm doing for it. I just spent the better part searching the Santa Barbara coast for all accomodation options to make sure that no one's offended or put out and that everyone's price point is respected. Yes, really! I included info for vacation rentals, a hostel and campgrounds LOL. I've been doing that for the better part of the day and I can't look at another hotel.
I realize that's how I get with most of the wedding planning bidness....I overdo it on one aspect of the day and then, get overwhelmed and slightly frustrated. Yes, I know the answer here is to break it up so it's much more fun- what a load of shit. Even if you break it up, it's still tedious and in no way shape fun. I think I'll start having fun when I get to the DIY portion of it and I've had a blast putting together the playlist but, the neverending details that you have to tend to to make sure some far off distant relative of your future hubby's that he never knew existed isn't inconvenienced is just a little much at times. I envy those who elope and LOLed when my BFF/MOH told me....ELOPE! In fact, every single bride/groom that's been in the throes of wedding planning has told me that. Now, I get it....
The dress journey, I've let you know before and I'll let you know more after Sunday- the big day! I finally got F to get off his butt and assign a best man and get addresses, so the STDs are looking good but, I'll have to let you know when I figure out what I'm doing for it. I just spent the better part searching the Santa Barbara coast for all accomodation options to make sure that no one's offended or put out and that everyone's price point is respected. Yes, really! I included info for vacation rentals, a hostel and campgrounds LOL. I've been doing that for the better part of the day and I can't look at another hotel.
I realize that's how I get with most of the wedding planning bidness....I overdo it on one aspect of the day and then, get overwhelmed and slightly frustrated. Yes, I know the answer here is to break it up so it's much more fun- what a load of shit. Even if you break it up, it's still tedious and in no way shape fun. I think I'll start having fun when I get to the DIY portion of it and I've had a blast putting together the playlist but, the neverending details that you have to tend to to make sure some far off distant relative of your future hubby's that he never knew existed isn't inconvenienced is just a little much at times. I envy those who elope and LOLed when my BFF/MOH told me....ELOPE! In fact, every single bride/groom that's been in the throes of wedding planning has told me that. Now, I get it....
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Still Learning About Being in a Relationship...
I love my mother and she taught me a lot about being an independently strong, self-sufficient woman, repeating the mantra "Never settle" which I mistook in my early 20s to be never settle into a relationship. Big mistake....huge. Since she really meant, never settle for someone or something less than what you want and what you deserve. She may have taught me that "try to control me boy you get dismissed" lesson a little too well.
Now, I find myself in a relationship (duh!) and starting from scratch. I'm never been the relationship girl and whenever I had to deal with any kind of bullshit drama, I'd leave. That doesn't exactly work when you fall in love and then, subsequently promise to spend the rest of your life with someone. The thought sometimes freaks me out.
A few days ago, I made a stupid decision. I had agreed to let these two femcees (for those of you not into hip-hop, that means female rappers aka female emcees) that are acquaintances of mine from LA crash at our house in San Jose without running it by F first. I don't know what I was thinking and I had originally thought that they were coming up with a friend of ours and that didn't end up being the case. But, what was done was done. So, today....yes, today, I'm apparently a little slow when it comes to learning my faults, I realized how incredibly stupid and selfish that was of me. I mean, I didn't even consult him or see how he thought of the situation which proved to bite me in the ass. As the time approached for their arrival, I found myself dreading it, I'm exhausted and it's been one of those days.
I called F and apologized for not thinking of how this would impact him and for being selfish. Then, he blew up on me and I got frustrated. Then, it was an evening of that...he started freaking out about the fact that the rent check hadn't cleared, even though he has a receipt, so I told him to call the landlord. Then, he kept freaking out about it and I kept on trying to solve it. Yes, I know that he probably just wanted to freak out about it but, after a while, it's friggin' annoying. I told him to email the landlord 5 times, and no, I'm not over-exaggerating. Then, I tried to find alternative answers- well, at least you have a paper trail, why don't you call your bank?, etc. But, none of those worked. At the end of the night, he brought it up AGAIN and I listened and then, he looked at me for an answer. So, I told him- I don't know what you want me to say....I've given you all sorts of answers and you don't want to listen. To which he answered, "oh, you don't care! Good night!" I said to myself, come on! It's the only thing that he has to deal with and he can hardly do that. Do NOT give in and baby him out of this. Because my mother taught me to be independent but, his mother, unbeknownst to her, taught him to be co-dependent and therein, lies our problems. Freud would be so proud of me, blaming the mother!
I'm on this up-and-down constantly. Yesterday, he started going nuts about some 19-year-old waiter and I let him know that I thought it was ridiculous that he lets people ruin his day. I mean, who cares about a 19-year-old kid? Then, we got into a conversation about how I never side with him. For the first time, I actually listened and he said, when I vent, he always listens but, when he vents, I always jump down his throat. You know what? He's right.
So, this is another lesson learned. I'm sure they'll be, exhaustingly, plenty more. Sometimes I learn and sometimes he does, and that's what saves us in the end.
Now, I find myself in a relationship (duh!) and starting from scratch. I'm never been the relationship girl and whenever I had to deal with any kind of bullshit drama, I'd leave. That doesn't exactly work when you fall in love and then, subsequently promise to spend the rest of your life with someone. The thought sometimes freaks me out.
A few days ago, I made a stupid decision. I had agreed to let these two femcees (for those of you not into hip-hop, that means female rappers aka female emcees) that are acquaintances of mine from LA crash at our house in San Jose without running it by F first. I don't know what I was thinking and I had originally thought that they were coming up with a friend of ours and that didn't end up being the case. But, what was done was done. So, today....yes, today, I'm apparently a little slow when it comes to learning my faults, I realized how incredibly stupid and selfish that was of me. I mean, I didn't even consult him or see how he thought of the situation which proved to bite me in the ass. As the time approached for their arrival, I found myself dreading it, I'm exhausted and it's been one of those days.
I called F and apologized for not thinking of how this would impact him and for being selfish. Then, he blew up on me and I got frustrated. Then, it was an evening of that...he started freaking out about the fact that the rent check hadn't cleared, even though he has a receipt, so I told him to call the landlord. Then, he kept freaking out about it and I kept on trying to solve it. Yes, I know that he probably just wanted to freak out about it but, after a while, it's friggin' annoying. I told him to email the landlord 5 times, and no, I'm not over-exaggerating. Then, I tried to find alternative answers- well, at least you have a paper trail, why don't you call your bank?, etc. But, none of those worked. At the end of the night, he brought it up AGAIN and I listened and then, he looked at me for an answer. So, I told him- I don't know what you want me to say....I've given you all sorts of answers and you don't want to listen. To which he answered, "oh, you don't care! Good night!" I said to myself, come on! It's the only thing that he has to deal with and he can hardly do that. Do NOT give in and baby him out of this. Because my mother taught me to be independent but, his mother, unbeknownst to her, taught him to be co-dependent and therein, lies our problems. Freud would be so proud of me, blaming the mother!
I'm on this up-and-down constantly. Yesterday, he started going nuts about some 19-year-old waiter and I let him know that I thought it was ridiculous that he lets people ruin his day. I mean, who cares about a 19-year-old kid? Then, we got into a conversation about how I never side with him. For the first time, I actually listened and he said, when I vent, he always listens but, when he vents, I always jump down his throat. You know what? He's right.
So, this is another lesson learned. I'm sure they'll be, exhaustingly, plenty more. Sometimes I learn and sometimes he does, and that's what saves us in the end.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A Few of My Fave Dresses....
Ah, the wedding dress. For some of us, there have been endless dreams over each detail ever since we were seven and marrying off our Barbies. For others, we were building forts for Barbie to live and war with our brother's GI Joes in an endless battle against He-Man's Skeletor. OK, maybe I'm alone in the latter category but, you get what I'm saying, right? I was never one of those girls that "OMG! I've always dreamed of my wedding and have every detail planned...I JUST NEED A HUSBAND!!!!!" There's nothing wrong with dreaming of your perfect day, I just always figured I'd want to figure all that out when I found someone that could deal with my complexity enough to want to spend the rest of their lives with me or trying to figure me out.
So, it goes without saying that I don't have a perfect vision of my perfect dress. I know what looks good on me, the style I'm after, and what F wants me to wear (mermaid or trumpet, anything that hugs my body lol). Here are some of the dresses that I've found that I LOVE...online; we'll have to see how it fares under the dressing room funny mirrors with glaring fluorescent lights.
All of these gowns are found on www.davidsbridal.com. So what do you think guys? It's a beach ceremony and I want to wear a birdcage veil. Also, my mom's paying for it, so I'd love to keep the budget around $500.
So, it goes without saying that I don't have a perfect vision of my perfect dress. I know what looks good on me, the style I'm after, and what F wants me to wear (mermaid or trumpet, anything that hugs my body lol). Here are some of the dresses that I've found that I LOVE...online; we'll have to see how it fares under the dressing room funny mirrors with glaring fluorescent lights.
Friday, August 13, 2010
My Favorite Ceremony DIY Projects of the Week!
Like everyone else in the world, I'm on a budget. But, us wedded-to-be have the extra stress of throwing the party of our lives on a limited dime. Thankfully, we live in a technological age where we can just browse the Internet to make our dream weddings on a budget, not only a dream, but completely doable. We're having a pretty non-traditional wedding and most of it will be DIY. So, I thought I'd share what I'm LOVING this week in the DIY Wedding world!
Aisle Runner:
From Do-It-Yourself Weddings.com
1) Purchase white muslin that measures 45" wide. I used a bolt, but purchases as many yards to create the length you want.
2) Layout the muslin and iron flat the section you wish to stencil your logo. I placed mine toward the bottom of the aisle runner. I purchased the stencil from Hobby Lobby. Arrange the stencil so that you will be able to fit two of them angled where the ends almost touch.
3) Complete the circle by rotating the stencil around four times.
4) For the initials, create your layout on the computer and print it. Place the paper under the fabric centered in the circle. You will be able to see the initials through the fabric. Trace the initials with paint. I used acrylic craft paint. Do the same thing for the date.
5) The edges of the muslin are already serged all you have to do is serge or hem the top and bottom of the muslin.
After our wedding, I cut the logo from the wedding aisle runner to create a wall hanging. I left enough room at the top and bottom to create a 2" hem. Leave the ends open so that you can stick a curtain rod through.
Flower Aisle:
The first, with a moderate amount of petals lining only the rows of chairs in light pink and purple petals, would require 2 cups per square foot.
The second aisle, covered entirely in white, orange and yellow petals on the sand, would require 8 cups per square foot so that you densely cover the path.
The third uses about 4 cups, so you can see the green blades of grass peeking through.
The fourth option shows a light scattering of petals and greenery down the aisle, where 1 cup should be enough.
Paper Petal Cones for the Ceremony:
From DIY Network
First, gather your supplies. You'll need:
- Golf pencils, pre-drilled with 1/4" holes
- Popsicle sticks, also pre-drilled
- Scissors
- Needle with a large eye
- Corner rounder punch
- Double stick tape
- Thin ribbon
- Cards pre-printed with program info (I used A2 sized)
Cut a piece of ribbon that when halved is long enough to reach from the end of the posicle stick to the end of the pencil, while still allowing enough slack to write. My scientific measurement was about an arm's length.
Thread the halved ribbon through the hole your husband-to-be very nicely drilled in a skajillion popsicle sticks.
Use a lark's head knot to secure.
Thread the other end through a golf pencil.
Knot the ends to secure, then trim.
Here's the back of a finished program. Word search, anyone?
Aisle Runner:
1) Purchase white muslin that measures 45" wide. I used a bolt, but purchases as many yards to create the length you want.
2) Layout the muslin and iron flat the section you wish to stencil your logo. I placed mine toward the bottom of the aisle runner. I purchased the stencil from Hobby Lobby. Arrange the stencil so that you will be able to fit two of them angled where the ends almost touch.
3) Complete the circle by rotating the stencil around four times.
4) For the initials, create your layout on the computer and print it. Place the paper under the fabric centered in the circle. You will be able to see the initials through the fabric. Trace the initials with paint. I used acrylic craft paint. Do the same thing for the date.
5) The edges of the muslin are already serged all you have to do is serge or hem the top and bottom of the muslin.
After our wedding, I cut the logo from the wedding aisle runner to create a wall hanging. I left enough room at the top and bottom to create a 2" hem. Leave the ends open so that you can stick a curtain rod through.
Flower Aisle:
From My DIY Wedding Day
You can buy freeze dried petals (which work best for the outdoors, since they are naturally biodegradable), Petalgarden.com sells freeze dried petals in a variety of colors and their expert advice suggests the amount of cups per square foot you'll need for the looks below. The second one is my favorite and I think it's perfect for a beach wedding to reflect the sunset that won't happen until later.
The second aisle, covered entirely in white, orange and yellow petals on the sand, would require 8 cups per square foot so that you densely cover the path.
The third uses about 4 cups, so you can see the green blades of grass peeking through.
The fourth option shows a light scattering of petals and greenery down the aisle, where 1 cup should be enough.
Paper Petal Cones for the Ceremony:
Materials and Tools:
Self-healing cutting mat
Stylus
Scissors
¼" wide satin ribbon
Ruler
1/8" diameter single hole punch
Anna Griffin decorative paper (12" x 12")
Double-sided adhesive tape
Sticker paper
Craft knife
Clear rubber stamp
Gold stamping ink
Laser printer
Petal fillings – rose petals, lavender, candy-covered almonds
Self-healing cutting mat
Stylus
Scissors
¼" wide satin ribbon
Ruler
1/8" diameter single hole punch
Anna Griffin decorative paper (12" x 12")
Double-sided adhesive tape
Sticker paper
Craft knife
Clear rubber stamp
Gold stamping ink
Laser printer
Petal fillings – rose petals, lavender, candy-covered almonds
- Print petal cone template onto blank side of decorate 12" x 12" paper; alternately, 8-1/2" x 11" paper can be used.
- Cut along solid lines of template using a craft knife or scissors. Next, use stylus to score the dotted lines. Use a ruler as a guide.
- Use 1/8" single hole punch to punch two holes as indicated on pattern. Thread ribbon through holes and knot both ends on the plain side of paper.
- Apply double-sided adhesive tape on dotted lines, then fold the 90-degree corner of the paper towards the dotted line. Do not crease folded edge of paper.
- Roll the paper twice until the roll meets the vertical dotted line.
- Fold remaining flap of paper around the cone and press lightly to seal the adhesive.
- Print the gold circle template onto sticker paper. Ink personalized monogrammed rubber stamp with gold stamping ink and press into the center of the circles.
- Peel stamped sticker from paper and adhere to the cone. Fill cone with your choice of rose petals, lavender or candy-covered almonds. Fold the top flaps over to seal.
- Hang the cones on the back of each guest's chair.
From The Everyday Bride
I LOVE handmade wooden signs that are cute, budget-friendly and purposeful! Although, I don't expect it to be too difficult to find your way to my ceremony and reception since they're across the street from each other. However, you never can be too careful. All you need is some wood, a paint brush, your wedding colors in acrylic paint and voila- your 85-year-old aunt can find her way to the ceremony, the ladies room, and the reception all in time for the important parts of your special day!
Program Fan w/Games for Guests by Amanda @Della Style:
I wasn't really thinking of doing programs- they seemed expensive and unnecessary. Do you really need to know everyone involved? Couldn't you just introduce yourself at the reception and figure it out? BUT, I did want to have fans. It will be outside in the sun, yes at 4:30p, but 4:30p can be hot on the beach in Santa Barbara. If nothing else, there will be sun and that can be blinding, so you can use it to block that sun and keep you cool.
But, when I came across this adorable fan/program from Amanda @Della Style, I fell in love. Word search, MadLib (I may be saving that for my guestbook idea), and Fill-in-the-Blanks to keep people having a good time with some conversation starters and to keep them cool = win, win, win!
First, gather your supplies. You'll need:- Golf pencils, pre-drilled with 1/4" holes
- Popsicle sticks, also pre-drilled
- Scissors
- Needle with a large eye
- Corner rounder punch
- Double stick tape
- Thin ribbon
- Cards pre-printed with program info (I used A2 sized)
First, open up a card and put double stick tape on three sides.
Then put double stick tape on both sides of a popsicle stick, covering about half of the stick. Center on the card and press in place.
Close the card, pressing to seal the edges.
Using the corner rounder punch, carefully round all four corners.
Cut a piece of ribbon that when halved is long enough to reach from the end of the posicle stick to the end of the pencil, while still allowing enough slack to write. My scientific measurement was about an arm's length.
Thread the halved ribbon through the hole your husband-to-be very nicely drilled in a skajillion popsicle sticks.
Use a lark's head knot to secure.
Thread the other end through a golf pencil.
Knot the ends to secure, then trim.
Here's the back of a finished program. Word search, anyone?
I don't know about you, but when I uncover these DIY projects I get just that much more excited for the big day. It's definitely doable- it will definitely be "us" and as everyone loves to remind us, "it's going to be the best party of our lives." I hope these projects that I've shared help you to feel the same way!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Have You Ever Lied to Your Fiance to Get Alone Time?
Over this last weekend, we got into a fight and it was one of those fights where it's just abundantly clear that this person that you're about to spend the rest of your life with, is completely different than you. Long story short: I had decided to drive up Highway 1 since we weren't in any hurry to get back home and I haven't driven it in forever. I thought it'd be fun if we would explore all the little towns up the coast to Santa Cruz, grab a beer at Clint Eastwood's place in Carmel (Hog's Breath Inn), get saltwater taffy in Monterrey, eat lunch in Big Sur, and cruise on up to Santa Cruz. Doesn't this look nice? It's The Nepenthe Restaurant.
Anyhow, he started getting motion sickness so suffice to say, we didn't stop anywhere but, I would've wanted to if I was feeling motion sickness. Anyhow- he kept bitching about it which is understandable so I offered what I could- fresh air and to stop whenever he wanted so he can get out. It wasn't just this..it was bitching the entire time we were away. I just wanted to enjoy our rare day away from home together and he was being a brat. By the time we got to Santa Cruz, I just wanted to sit at an outdoor cafe and eat and chill. We were at our all-time frustration level and I was about to cry which is what I do when I get frustrated and don't release it. Finally, I told him how I felt and we fought. He tried apologizing afterwards but, there's only so many times you can hear sorry about the same thing, you know?
I just remember thinking....God, I need some time to myself. I need more than an evening, more than a night away. I need a good couple of days of "me" time. I need to separate. I need to miss him. I need to remember why we're getting married.
F had been planning a trip to LA to visit family and friends and I saw my opportunity. He wanted me to go with him but, I told him that I couldn't afford to go since I'd be up in the redwoods the weekend before celebrating my brother's dirty 30. I have a lot of stuff that I need to get done in LA and I told him that I couldn't in good consciousness go down there without accomplishing any of it, that if I couldn't be productive than, I couldn't go. Now, these aren't necessarily lies...in fact they're all true. I don't have any interest in going to LA if I can't take care of the personal business that I need to because that would be a waste of a trip. I don't think it's even financially smart to go out of town two weekends in a row.
I guess I just feel guilty but, don't we all when we want something for ourselves? Am I alone in this? I think it's healthy to want time for ourselves when we're in a relationship. I think it's even necessary to be your own person and spend time by yourself from time to time. What do you guys think?
I just remember thinking....God, I need some time to myself. I need more than an evening, more than a night away. I need a good couple of days of "me" time. I need to separate. I need to miss him. I need to remember why we're getting married.
F had been planning a trip to LA to visit family and friends and I saw my opportunity. He wanted me to go with him but, I told him that I couldn't afford to go since I'd be up in the redwoods the weekend before celebrating my brother's dirty 30. I have a lot of stuff that I need to get done in LA and I told him that I couldn't in good consciousness go down there without accomplishing any of it, that if I couldn't be productive than, I couldn't go. Now, these aren't necessarily lies...in fact they're all true. I don't have any interest in going to LA if I can't take care of the personal business that I need to because that would be a waste of a trip. I don't think it's even financially smart to go out of town two weekends in a row.
I guess I just feel guilty but, don't we all when we want something for ourselves? Am I alone in this? I think it's healthy to want time for ourselves when we're in a relationship. I think it's even necessary to be your own person and spend time by yourself from time to time. What do you guys think?
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