Burlap and Lace Candle

A little rustic, a little elegant, this burlap and lace wrapped candle makes a charming addition to your decor or party decorations.

Things you’ll need:
Pillar candle
Burlap
Lace
Scissors
Measuring tape

Things to do:
1. Measure around the candle and cut a rectangle of burlap and a piece of lace slightly longer than that dimension.

2. Pull out a long strand of string from the edge of the burlap.
3. Wrap first the burlap and then the lace around the candle. Tie in place with the string and finish with a bow.

DIY Seashell Candles

Just the thing to set the mood for a summer picnic, these seashell candles are simple to make and oh so pretty. Once the candle wax melts away you can easily refill these with more wax and a new wick.

Things you’ll need:
Candle wax
Seashells
Wicks
Double boiler
Scissors

Things to do:
1. Gently melt the wax in a double boiler.

2. Place shells on a covered surface so that they are steady, A bowl of rice can help keep the shells from shifting.
3. Dip the wicks into the wax and press into the bottom of the shell. Allow the wax to set up for a moment or two.
4. Pour the melted wax carefully into the shells.

5. Allow the wax to cool and harden and then trim the wicks to ¼ inch.

DIY Lace Wrapped Mason Jars

Mason jars are one of those uber-versatile items that I can’t live without. From drinking cups to marble jars to vases, I have them everywhere in my house. These lace wrapped jars are simple yet elegant, just right for a romantic dinner. Go gently with the glue, you don’t need much to hold the lace in place.

Things you’ll need:
Mason Jars
2 inch wide lace
Craft glue
Scissors

Things to do:
1. Wrap the lace around the jar and pull gently for a snug fit. Trim the lace with a ¼ inch overlap.


2. Lay the jar on it’s side and wrap the lace around, dabbing a small amount of glue at one end of the lace and smooth along the edge with your finger. Press the other end down and hold it for a minute to help the glue set.

Bride and Groom Peg People

These sweet little bride and groom peg dolls are a cute gift for kiddos in a wedding, make great decorations for showers or rehearsal dinners or fun, rustic cake toppers.

Things you’ll need:
Peg Man
Peg Woman
Craft paints – white, black, hair colors and accessory colors (personalize for your wedding colors!)
Paintbrush
Masking tape
Scissors
Wooden bead (optional)
Glue
Polyurethane (optional)

Things to do:
1. Start with the white paint. Cut a small triangle for the dress front and smooth it down on the bride. Paint the rest of her dress white and a rough V at the neck of the groom.



2. Once the white is dry, cut another triangle, this time for the opening of the jacket, and smooth it over the white on the groom. Paint the rest of his body black.


3. Glue the wooden bead, if desired, onto the bride’s head to create a bun. Once dry, paint the hair on both the bride and groom.
4. Peel off the tape from both Bride and Groom
5. Add a tie for the groom and a matching flower in the brides hair and allow the paint to dry. Coat with polyurethane if desired to seal.

Lace Wedding Cake Card

Wedding season is upon us and if you are like me, you’ll have plenty of congratulatory cards to send out in the coming months to new couples and brides and grooms to be. This pretty lace card is quick to make and perfect for the occasion, so be sure to make a few and stock up for all those upcoming wedding bells.

Things you’ll need:
Lace ribbon
White cardstock
Patterned cardstock
Craft Glue
Scissors
Ruler

Things to do:
1. Cut your lace into three pieces for each “cake” one 3-inch, one 2-inch, one 1-inch.

2. Layer the pieces of the “cake” onto the cardstock, slightly overlapping the edges, and glue in place with a thin bead of glue on the top and bottom edge of each piece of lace. Allow the glue to dry.

3. Fold the patterned cardstock into a card.
4. Cut the “cake” out with its cardstock backing and mount with a thin bead of glue all around onto the front of the patterned cardstock card. Allow the glue to dry.

Twine Wrapped Bouquet

This simple but elegant wrapping is the perfect way to display a bouquet of flowers. Ideal for spring bunches or rustic bouquets twine shows off the beauty of the buds without overpowering them with fancy ribbons or ties.

Things you’ll need:
Bunch of flowers
Hemp twine
Scissors

Things to do:
1. Pull out a twelve-inch length of twine from the ball and run it so that the raw end is up with the blossoms. Determine how much of the stems you want wrapped before you begin.

2. Begin to wrap the stems, keeping the twine tight enough to stay put but not so tight that they strangle the flowers. Wrap over the long tail as you go.

3. When you have wrapped half the amount you want to, flip the tail down so that the free end is hanging away from the blossoms. Continue wrapping all the way up.

4. Tie off and trim, tucking the end into the wrapping. Use the free tail, which should be at the halfway point of the wrapping and use to tie a bow at the front.

DIY Cake Buckles

I developed this buckle for a wedding in June of 2007 for a bride that wanted a little glitz, but was on a tight budget, as most of them are. She was very pleased with them! I used clear or diamond like rhinestones and silver glitter, but you could us colored on both if you prefer.

I was looking for this shape in chip boards but could not find it is why I used the slides, lightweight also. The picture slides in case some of you don’t know are what they put the negative in to see a picture through a projector. It opens up and is connected in the center by perforations, which then will be a rectangle. They have glue on the inside, so that once you put the negative in, can be sealed shut to hold it there. You could use chipboard or light wood in other shapes, like hearts, diamonds, etc. that have the center cut out to achieve this in those shapes. I got the slides in a camera shop.

Things you need:
Rhinestones
Toothpicks
Glitter
Tacky glue
Ribbon
Empty picture slides

Things to do:
1. I took a toothpick broke off to fit to the size of the slide, lay inside on the sticky in the center of your opening and close the slide casing and seal.
2. Lay your rhinestones on it to see what pattern you want. You can either use all one size or various sizes.
3. Cover front of slide with glue (I used Tacky glue), take the rhinestones that you want to use and place them on the glued side. Now you may notice there are gaps where your stones aren’t covering, that is ok.
4. Take your glitter of choice and sprinkle all over it to cover up gaps and/or you could even use tiny tiny seed beads.
5. Let dry thoroughly.
6. Now you are ready to run your ribbon or what have you thru the buckle over the toothpick (my ribbon was the size of the opening so toothpick would not show).
7. Now I used them on a cake. We took toothpicks on the top inside corners of the buckles to hold them on the cake. (Did not show at all)

Guest blogger:
Sandy Collier
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Chalkboard Paint Basket Table Numbers

These make sweet, and reusable centerpieces or place settings for weddings, parties or holiday dinners. Mark the baskets with table numbers or names and fill with seasonal flowers.

Things you’ll need:
Small metal baskets
Chalkboard paint
Foam brush
Chalk
Flowers

Things to do:
1. Coat the outside and handle of each basket in three coats of paint, allowing each to dry before adding the next.


2. Allow the paint to cure for 2 days and then fill with flowers and add table numbers or names.

Chalkboard Paint ‘Back to School’ Baskets

These cute back to school treats are the perfect little gifts for students heading off to school for their first day or teachers getting back to the classroom this fall. Coated in Chalkboard paint, the basket becomes a handy container for school supplies later and can be relabeled with a quick wipe! Fill the basket with school supplies or treats to start the year off right!

Things you’ll need:
Chalkboard paint
Wooden baskets
Foam brush
School supplies
Chalk

Things to do:
1. Cover your work surface with newspaper. Paint a thin layer of paint on the inside and then the outside of the basket. Allow the paint to dry.

2. Repeat the process two more times until the basket is well coated and totally black.
3. Once dry, pack with school supplies or treats and write a good luck message or child’s name on the outside and send your student off to a great new year!

Make Your Own Beautiful and Inexpensive Centerpieces

The centerpieces on the tables at your reception are an excellent chance to show everyone just what personality and creativity you possess. It’s easy to contract with a florist and just let them decide for you, but if you are more interested in creating your own, then here are a few ideas for you.

First of all, you want to keep in mind the size of your wedding reception hall. If you are planning a small and intimate space, then tall centerpieces should be a big no-no. Taller centerpieces will overwhelm your space, and they might actually annoy the people sitting at each table because they obstruct the views and hinder the conversation. If you are planning to hold the reception in an outdoor venue or a vast room, then the tall centerpieces could find a friendlier welcome.

There are hundreds of great ideas for tall centerpieces. If you are holding your reception during your winter months, then you might find some branches with distinct shapes, apply some glitter paint, and place them in vases with colorful stones. By spreading a few colorful flowers, such as roses or orchids, among the austere branches, you can really present a startling and beautiful centerpiece that is unique.

Many people may choose to employ centerpieces without flowers at all. Candles have been known to make gorgeous focal points, especially if presented in a well-cut or interesting candleholder. A collection of candles that vary in size, paired with sand or colorful glass pieces can make a dazzling display while providing light for the occupants of the table. Better yet, candles are often much more affordable than flowers, which means that you can save some cash on your centerpieces. The candleholders and bowls can also be used again for other special occasions, so the savings never end.

Many couples like to use photographs in their centerpieces. After all, the focus of the day is on you, so there is nothing wrong with having duplicates made of your favorite memories together. You can put together a small frame, along with a candle and some flowers, or you can choose a chic vase that has an insert for photographs. These are extremely inexpensive, and some of your guests may actually enjoy taking them home as a party favor to place on their coffee table.

You can also use fruit in your centerpieces for another functional idea. They smell beautiful, for one thing, but your guests can also enjoy them before the buffet is ready. There are dozens of arrangements that you can create that will employ both whole fruits or cut pieces. A quick visit to any kitchen supply store will provide molds and cutting devices that will allow you to shape the fruits for an even more beautiful appearance. This is a great idea for receptions that will start while you and your wedding party are being photographed, because the guests will be occupied with something to eat. Best of all, the clean up is a breeze because there will be nothing left.