Stunning and Simple Boxwood Place Cards

It sometimes amazes me how the simplest of ideas and projects can put on the most amazing of performances. This is definitely the case with these place cards. They are simple, inexpensive, and very quickly put together yet they are also refined and lovely.

If you are preparing for your wedding and it appears that your budget is beginning to get tight, this may be a great place to help reign it back in. Or, you simply may want to use these place cards because of the stunning and polished look they contribute. Either way, you can't go wrong.

 Time to gather your materials. For this project you will need:

Cardstock (I used a light brown from Hobby Lobby)

1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Hole Punch

Boxwood Clippings

Access to Microsoft Word or any other application you are familiar with

Scissors

 

 

Begin by entering your guest list onto a word document. Enter the names so that each line has 2 names. You will be cutting your paper at 5.5" (down the center) make sure your names line up so that the name has at least 2" of open space in front of it for your boxwood sprig. This will vary depending on the length of the name.

Choose a nice font (my font is Palace Script MT and is 72pt.)

Once your documents are printed use a paper cutter to cut each place card. Mine were 4.75" x 1".

Punch a hole in the top center portion of the place card for your ribbon to weave through.

Cut your ribbon in 11" strips and tie together on the ends.

Gently insert the looped portion of your ribbon through the hole of the place card (begin on the top side of card, pulling to the bottom). Once you have the loop through, take the tied portion of the ribbon and weave through the loop. Gently pull the tied portion so that the loop makes a close bond to the place card. Be careful and don't pull to tightly otherwise you will rip your paper...I know from experience.

Next, take some boxwood clippings (I would not do this step any sooner than 2 days prior to your event, as the boxwood will begin losing color and start to brown). Trim each clipping down to 2-3" and gently weave under the loop made on your card with the ribbon.

That's it, you're done.

I hope you are pleased with the way your cards turn out and are able to use the money you saved doing this DIY project yourself on something that you absolutely would love to have.

Blessings,

Angie

Paper Leaf Wreath

This year in planning out my fall decor I thought it would be fun to do something non-traditional and go with neutrals rather than the usual yellows & oranges. After searching through my fall decorations I realized this was going to be a near impossible task unless I came up with some inexpensive options or made something myself.

So after a little gathering, and work, this paper wreath was made.

 This wreath is extremely versatile and can easily be changed up by simply choosing a different color of paper.

Materials Needed:

metal wreath form

floral or scotch tape

ribbon

paper

silhouette machine or large maple leaf punch (I found this one online or you could even buy some precut from this Etsy seller)

The first step is to cut all of the leaves. Make sure to use a large leaf pattern, the leaves I used were sized to 4"x4", I used my silhouette machine to do this. If you do not have a silhouette or cameo machine check out the links I listed above for some options.  You will need 50-75 leaves (depending on their size) to make the wreath look full and to hide all open spots.

Attach the stem to the wreath form with floral or scotch tape (I found the Scotch tape to cooperate well and was more durable).

 

Continue to attach the leaves as you work your way around the form.  Fill in any holes once you have made your way around the entire circle.

 

Attach the ribbon to the wreath with a fun bow. I attached the ribbon to the top center of the wreath because I planned to hang it from an old door with the ribbon hanging from the top. It would also look adorable hanging off of the bottom center.

Hang up in your favorite location, and you're done!

It was really fun to see this wreath come to life out of something as simple as an old book. It added just the look I wanted for my fall decor and cost less than $7.00.

If you decide to try your hand at this simple DIY I would love to hear how it went and to see your finished project.

Blessings,
Angie

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!