pretty shoe d.i.y.

jen over at green wedding shoes posted this great d.i.y. tutorial last week to dress up a pair of plain jane heels.  perfect for the bride (or, lets face it, anyone) on a budget.  i am all over it!  love!  check out more details and step-by-step instructions here.

image via green wedding shoes

d.i.y. "mixed tape" favors

Remember those cute "mixed CD" favors I made for the bridal shower last weekend?  Well, today, I thought I'd share how I made them!  These were such a hit and would be a perfect favor for a wedding, bridal shower or party without breaking the bank.

Here's what you'll need:
* Scrapbook paper (I used an Amy Butler 12x12 scrap pack from Michael's)
* Ruler and X-acto blade (or paper cutter)
* Colored thread
* 1" circle punch (mine is a Martha Stewart one also available at Michael's)
* Blank, writable CDs (CD-R or CD-RW)
* Twine or thread
* Cute tag (optional)
* Sewing machine

First, cut out two equal pieces of paper from your larger piece of patterned paper.  I made my pieces 6-1/2" x 6-1/2".

Align your pieces of paper so that they are laying right on top of one another.  Using your sewing machine, thread your colored thread and pick your style of stitch.  I chose a zig-zag stitch.  Sew three sides of your paper, about 1/4" in from the edge.  Make sure to back stitch when you begin and end for extra strength.

Using your paper punch, line the punch up so that the paper is halfway inside the punch (like a half moon) and punch out your shape on the edge of the sleeve that is not stitched.

Burn a CD of your and your husband-to-be's favorite songs.  Insert the CD into the sleeve.  Tie the whole thing with twine and attach a tag thanking guests for coming and instructing them to take some tunes for the ride home.  You could also forgo the tag and put them all in a cute basket with a handmade sign in front with the same instructions.

Extra credit:  Print out labels for your cd's with graphics from your wedding or event along with all the track names on the CDs.  Stick them onto the CD before inserting into the sleeve.

Oh, that Anna Bond

She's done it again!  And this time for the folks over at Martha Stewart.  Check out this fun d.i.y. invitation for a summer cocktail party she put together right here.

 

photos by anna bond

DIY Projects on Forget Me Knot Weddings!

Megan over at Forget Me Knot Weddings was kind enough to ask me to write a guest post while she is away this week.  Head on over to check out three little DIY projects I came up with using the mini bunting that is available in the shop.

New item in the shop!

Forgot to buy a card for that gift you're giving in an hour? Never fear! This digital stationery set is the perfect thing to keep you right on schedule. Just print, cut, and run out the door.

Download once and then print these as many times as you'd like!  You can find these in lots of colors over in my Etsy shop.

D.I.Y. Wedding Projects!

I have a couple projects posted over on Ruffled today courtesy of the lovely Amanda.  These were entries into the Found Tucked Away and Used Today contest that I had mentioned a little while back.  Head over to Ruffled and check them out in all their goodness (click here and here)!

Ruffled: Found Tucked Away and Used Today

Amanda over at Ruffled is hosting a DIY contest for vintage inspired minds.  Now, there's nothing I like more than a little DIY action (some days I wish I could stay home and craft all day.  Sadly, that wish is up there with finding a pot of gold),  so I'm definitely going to enter this one!  First prize is a $500 to ANY STORE!  And second place is a gift certificate to Wendy Mink Jewelry.  I ADORE Wendy Mink.  If you haven't checked out her shop, check out some of her drool-worthy jewelry below and definitely click here to see more.  If I won, I might just have to use the $500 at Wendy Mink anyway.

  

 

 

Last minute Valentines DIY

Here's an easy DIY Valentines project for those who need a little last minute inspiration.  This would actually be a really cute project for any time of year, just change up the design of the cd cover, print, and voila!  Good to go.  I think I might make up one of these for J as he is always craving new music to listen to in the truck.  Check out this project in all of it's crafty goodness (including downloadable templates!) on the Chronicle Books blog.

Candy Orchard CD Packaging Kit by Ayako Akazawa of Chronicle Books via Twig and Thistle

♥ DIY

Saw this Captain's mirror posted yesterday on Design*Sponge.  I've been drooling over these mirrors for years, so I am DYING to make this.  I might even wrangle J. and see if he'll help me (heh, he'll love that).  Check out all the DIY goodness on the Design*Sponge blog.

 

  

 

Simple Trimmings

I took a few cues from the Grey Likes Weddings feature on Style Me Pretty and had some fun with the gift wrap this year.  Included in the materials were recycled newsprint, yarn, old sweaters rescued from Goodwill, Trader Joe grocery bags, and lots of paper scraps.  Below are some of the results.