Nautical Table Number DIY

In keeping with the nautical theme, I thought it would be fun to do a DIY project that you could add to your nautical inspired wedding. This sail boat is sure to make any table setting look great.

Let's gather some materials! You will need:

• Boat - you can find these in the wooden crafts at your local hobby store
• Paint - I used Americana in Navy Blue and Snow White
• Dowel Rod
• Metal Eye Hooks
• White piece of scrap fabric
• Jute twine (not pictured)
• Paint Brushes

First you will want to paint the main hull of the boat and the dowel rod. My boat had some legs attached so that it can stand, I painted those white as well.

Next paint any trim portions of your boat that you would like to be the contrasting color.

 Now it is time to add the eye hooks. This portion was a little hard on my fingers and was probably the hardest part of this project.  You may want to try holding the eye hook with a set of pliers, your fingers will thank you.

 I added 3 eye hooks to the dowel rod and 3 to the boat (one is behind the dowel rod and unable to be seen in this picture). You can position the eye hooks differently depending on where you want your sails positioned and what shape you would like them to have.

Finally you are ready to add your sails. Just take some simple dimensions from eye hook to eye hook and then cut out 2 sails to match those dimensions. Paint in the table number on one of the sails and then attach the sails to the boat. I attached my sails to a piece of jute rope with my sewing machine. If you do not like to sew, that is perfectly fine, you can attach them to the back of the sail with some small dabs of hot glue. Then tie the remaining jute around the eye hooks.

Didn't it turn out completely adorable?  I am sure yours would turn out just as pretty.  If you like the paper roses I used in these pictures you can find the template and instructions on elli.com.

Blessings,

Angie

Paper Flower Pomander DIY

For girls, the dream of a beautiful wedding day begins long before we are an appropriate age to marry.  It starts when we are very young.  When a little girl has the honor of being a flower girl it becomes a highlight of her life, a day she feels important, pretty, and valued.

Here is a simple DIY project you can do for the special little girl you have invited to be a part of your big day.  The fun thing about this paper flower pomander - it is something she can take home with her and play with over and over again.  Just think of the fun she will have as she pretends to walk down the aisle.

To make this project you will need the following supplies:

• 5" Styrofoam Ball
• 7 Sheets of cardstock (I got mine from Hobby Lobby and used 3 Pastel Pink Vellum, 2 Cream Vellum, 2 Fireweed Metallic) 
• 3 packages of 144 count pearl topped corsage pins
• Ribbon (I used pink and ivory from my shop) 

 

Step 1: Cut out your flower shapes.  I downloaded a simple floral pattern onto my silhouette and let it do the cutting for me.  If you do not have a silhouette you can do it yourself by using a paper punch.  I like this Martha Stewart Punch from WalMart.  You will need around 300 flowers.

Step 2: Gently curl the tops of the flower edges.  You can use the edge of a butter knife or a pencil.  Now you have a pretty bowl of petals and all of your materials.  

Step 3: Begin attaching petals to the styrofoam ball. I gently folded mine for some added dimension before attaching.

 

 

Step 4: Attach Ribbon.  Once you have attached 3/4 of the petals it is time to add ribbon.  Take 1 yard of ribbon and fold it in the center.  Measure 6-8 inches from the center loop and attach it to the ball with 2-3 corsage pins.  This will leave you with a 6-8" loop for holding the pomander and 2 streamers with which to make your bow.  After making your bow you will continue adding petals until you have completed the entire ball.

And you are finished!

Now you are able to present it to the special little girl you chose to be a part of your big day.  I am sure it will be a joy to behold as she delights in the special gift you made just for her!

Tin Can Vase Project

Today I'm going to walk you through a DIY project that is sure to add beauty to any wedding, shower, or party.  This is a simple project that is equally inexpensive but adds a lot of charm.

Step 1: Gather Materials

Tin Cans (any size will do, you can even mix and match sizes)

Water Based Acrylic Paint (I used Americana in Sea Glass)

Paint Brush

Ribbons, Doilies, Burlap, or any other trim you would like to use

Masking Tape

Flowers (I used Baby's Breath)

Step 2: Paint the Tin Cans

I found that it was easier to paint them if I put my hand inside the can (be sure that the tin cans have been opened with a can opener that does not leave jagged edges, you don't want to get cut).  With my hand in the can I was able to freely turn it as I painted.  

Step 3: Allow each can to dry completely.

You will want to do at least 2 coats of paint to ensure that the can is evenly covered, I did 3 coats.

Step 4: Embellish the Can

This is the fun part!  There are so many ways you can "decorate" your cans.  I used burlap, linen, doilies, and some ribbon I had from my shop.

 Step 5: Create a grid for your flowers.

This is a great way to make your flowers look full and keeps them from falling over, leaving a bare spot in the center. Just make a grid with masking tape.  Be sure to make the strip of tape long enough to stay but not so long that it runs down the side of the can. 

Fill the can with water.

Step 6: Arrange your flowers and Enjoy!