Posts from September, 2009
Squirrel Tops
September 28th, 2009I like seeing twists to convention. Cake toppers have recently gotten that treatment, and for the better, I say. Take these two wooden squirrels linked with a heart from Etsy seller enormouschampion. No ceramic bride and groom on top! These are fun and definitely quirky. Even better: they’re made in the U.S. from sustainably harvested wood. The heart was painted with a non-toxic, non-VOC (volatile organic compound) water-based paint and the squirrels sport their natural wood coloring. Lily Spruce approves!
DIY: Ruffled Necklaces
September 25th, 2009
I love when you can do things yourself. There’s so much more satisfaction there! Especially when it comes to something fashion-y. Check out this super simple necklace that has loads of customization appeal. I can imagine this for a bride or her bridesmaids (done in the wedding colors), or as gifts for a hip mother of the bride. Big plus: you can wear it after the wedding too! Via Refinery 29 with complete instructions.
Powder Puff
September 16th, 2009
Lulu Organics Hair Powder has saved my ‘do many a time since I got my paws on a wee sample of it at hipster emporium, Urban Outfitters. I initially balked at the $40 price tag for 4.5 ounces but said hello! to the one ounce version for $10 at UO. Now, I can’t imagine a day without it: I use this stuff for those second-day hair days or when I’ve got to reset my helmet-head hair after my morning bike commute. I have it in Lavender/Clary Sage (the only scent for the travel size version), but it’s also available in Patchouli/Amber, Jasmine and Tuberose in the full size. Best part: it’s talc-free, and made with white clay, baking soda, USDA Organic corn starch and rice powder and Oregon Tilth Certified Organic horsetail powder and essential oils. (Fun fact: Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos and is a skin irritant.) I’ve also found it useful for when you’ve overstyled your ‘do with gel or hairspray, allowing you to start with a fresh head. It’s going straight into my Bridal Emergency Kit and will be perfectly suited for pre-ceremony primping! Get your hands on it at Saffron Rouge (you get two free samples of other products with your purchase–score!) or at UO.
Do-It-Yourself: Clothespinned Words
September 15th, 2009
If you haven’t guessed already, I love clothespins. Simple, wooden and handy. I use them everywhere, and yes of course, at events! And yes, at my wedding too (above)!
And then I saw this on Once Wed (my daily source of wedding porn), and just went gaga over how they recycled pretty paper to make this sign. The back story is that the girls who hung this up at their friend’s wedding hang “celebrate” at all their functions. Fun, right?
Taking inspiration, I threw my three beloved co-workers a Rock Band-themed wedding shower and hung “Rock It” above our credenza. I have a great big calendar from Papyrus and used past months’ paper to make the letters. I hand-drew the letters, cut, clipped and hung on twine! Do it yourself here. Simple and E to the Z!
Decal-icious
September 15th, 2009
Vinyl wall decals are everywhere I roam on the Interwebs these days. I have my own feelings about vinyl (its production is polluting), but that aside, I can’t help but admire these decals by Etsy shops TastySuite and ellynelly. Most wedding venues won’t let you hang, nail or paint on their walls, so tacking up these whimsical decals are a solid decorating alternative. It can also compliment a party theme–be it birds, planes or flowers in bold punches of color that really take it up a notch. Inexpensive, reusable, not harmful to most surfaces– it’s a design winner.
Bliss in Orange County
September 5th, 2009I traveled down south to do the rehearsal and day-of for clients Trisha & Larry Labor Day weekend at the Muckenthaler Mansion in Fullerton, Calif. Battling dry heat was one of the biggest challenges as I hung the Chinese red paper lanterns she bought, put out her bamboo fans, set out her seating chart and programs and laid out the cord, coin and veils–part of the Filipino marital customs. Impressive were all the paper products, designed by Trisha, a talented graphic designer who did the couple’s logo as well. Congratulations you two!
