Shhh...Can you keep a secret?

As I previously mentioned, I used latex flowers....and I am SOOOO very happy that I did! The results were beautiful, as you can see below. Plus, they were stress free: my family and I arranged all them one afternoon; we delivered them to the reception venue a few days before the wedding and on the day of the wedding, my family simply poured some water in the vases and set some candles around.....VIOLA!!

What do you think???

RELATED POSTS:

http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/11/holy-sticker-shock.html

The Inartistic Invitations: Part 2

I've finally finished covering the Bloom Envelopes with the Chartreuse Silk Shantung ribbon.....it was a lot of work. I am so glad I chose the bow-tie that I did because it could have been much worse.

I decided to use a modified Martha Stewart Winged Bow. It's pretty easy, but time consuming, the tricky part is getting everything symmetrical and straightening out the knot.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut a bunch of ribbon, I used approximately 18 inches.

2. Center the ribbon under the envelope.

3. Cross left tail over right one.

4. Knot ribbon by threading left tail behind right one, under, and up through the hole; make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched.

5. Pull evenly on tails until ribbon has tightened into a clean, smooth knot.

6. Repeat Step 4 & Step 5

7. Fold ends of ribbon under twice and trim if necessary to ensure the bow is symmetrical.

The Inartistic Bride's Etsy Store

I've got big....no, HUGE news! Due the popularity of the Crystal Beaded Toothpicks featured on this blog, I have decided to sell them on Etsy.com!

Please check out my shop! I will be taking requests for colors, styles, etc.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6751003

RELATED:
http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/10/crystal-beaded-toothpicks.html

The Inartistic Invitations: Part 1

The invitations are in and I have been working diligently to get them assembled...which explains the lack of posting.

But, sorry excuses aside, here they are for your review!

Since the invitations are such a big project, I'm going to cover these in a series of posts.

The first step was putting together the RSVP cards. I had to put the stamps on the envelopes and place the cards under the envelope flap. These steps were easy; the most difficult part was placing the stamp on straight. I am using the Forever Stamps, I know they are not the prettiest things, but with a few months before I even mail out the invites, I didn't want to risk postage prices increasing and having to add 1cent stamps at the last minute.

Next, I had to place the invitations on the terra green backer cards. This was slightly difficult and time consuming. I used the Michael's brand glue stick and rolled it over the the edges to create a square and then diagonally across the invitation. It was kinda hard to center the invitation perfectly on the backer card, but after the first few it got easier. Luckily, the glue stick doesn't dry immediately so you can re-adjust the invitation.

I also had to place the RSVP cards and invitations into the bloom envelope and fold the envelope closed. I placed the RSVP card under the invitation and then folded the bloom envelope closed like you would fold a box closed, i.e., one side of each flap on the bottom and one side on the top. I was a little worried about putting the RSVP card under the invitation...would people see it? But I really wanted people to see the invitation upon opening the bloom envelope, so I put it on top and hoped that people would find it.

Next up....the Ribbons!

OVERALL REVIEW

COST: As I mentioned before, these invitations were well-priced.

TIME: So far, it's been a lot of work! The steps I mentioned above took several nights.

DIFFICULTY: These steps were very simple, just time-consuming.

RELATED POSTS:

http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/12/design-it-yourself-and-have-someone.html

http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/11/bloom-envelopes.html

Link Love: DIY Bride

You've probably seen the book, but did you know there was a fabulous blog to go along with it?

Check out http://www.diybride.com/ for inspiration, how-to's and great wedding advice.

Here's an excerpt from a post from several months ago that for some reason really stuck with me:

http://www.diybride.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&Itemid=1&p=330

As the recipient of many, many, many wedding and shower favors, I feel the need to speak up about the bad ones. Don’t get me wrong here - I’m not being ungrateful for the sentiment of thanks that a favor represents. What I’m talking about is when the favor is poorly executed or that feels so much like an afterthought that it’s offensive (i.e. “Thanks for coming. Here’s an after dinner mint for your trouble.”). Some favors are just way overdone. Some have dubious legal origins. Some are just destined to end up in the garbage.
My Top 10:
1. Jordan almonds (especially wrapped in tulle). I know these have long been traditional wedding favors because of the bitter-sweet symbolism. I can dig that. However, the truth about Jordan almonds is they’re horrible. I have never, ever in my life heard of anyone saying “Oh man, I just got the worst craving for Jordan almonds.” The teeth-shattering pastel-colored coating isn’t tasty. The almonds are merely “eh”. Why bother when there are 10 million other sweet treats that are far more yummy? Plus, lots of people are allergic to tree nuts.
2. CD favors. I get the appeal. You have the music. They’re easy DIY projects. You wanna share your favorite looooove songs. Rock on. However, the legal foo surrounding unauthorized distribution of music is troublesome. But what really bugs me is crappy song selection. Sure, you love these songs but it’s unlikely that your 100+ guests will share your exact taste in music. Of the 6+ wedding favor CDs I’ve received, I’ve only kept 1. The others got a one-way pass to Garbage Can City, baby. That’s a lot of work, money and materials to just be thrown away.
3. Spoons with chocolate. There are two types of these. The first is spoons dipped in melted chocolate. The other, is a Hershey’s kiss placed in the bowl of the spoon, wrapped in tulle with a cutesy poem. About the dipped spoons: I guess they’re ok for the guests that drink coffee and want chocolate in it. For the rest of us, sucking on plastic spoons to get some chocolate isn’t all that interesting or appetizing. About the Kiss spoons: Just give me the candy. Don’t put more unused plastic products into the universe and, pleasefortheloveofjeebus, stop it with the cutesy poems!
4. Bubbles. They’re waaaaaay overdone, messy, and not all that fun. Can you think of any better way to thank your guests? No? Just skip the favors, then.
5. Seeds and plants. I want to love these. Truly, I do. For green or garden weddings, I think they’d be awesome. Why don’t I ever want to see them again? Like many guests, I will never plant the seeds and I will likely kill the plants. You just wasted a couple of dollars and perfectly good seeds/plants.
6. Framed pictures of the bride and groom. I’m not sure what to think of couples that do this. Narcissistic? Overbought on their engagement shot package and trying to find ways to get rid of the extras? For guests that know you REALLY well (re: your immediate circle of friends and family), this is probably ok. For the rest of us, what the heck are we supposed to do with your picture because it’s sure not going to be displayed in our home or office?
7. Scented candles. I loves me some candle-y goodness (Illumination$ is my friend in a big way) but, like most people, I’m pretty particular about the scents I like. (Lavender, I kid you not, makes me hostile.) Sitting in a reception hall with 150+ highly scented candles (of any flavor) is nauseating and I’m not all that sensitive to that kind of stuff. If you’re gonna do candles, go unscented. Gracias.
8. Bath salts/bath bombs/handmade soaps. Completely inappropriate for a wedding favor and kind of offensive. (Not to mention the scent-factor.) Toiletries are best suited as personal gifts or as shower favors unless your wedding guests are particularly stinky and need a really big hint to wash themselves.
9. Lottery tickets. Ugh! A waste of paper and your hard-earned dollars.
10. Edibles of poor quality. I adore edible favors. They’re one of the best favors you can give - if the quality is good. If you’re going to make edibles, please use ingredients that are at least of passable quality. If you’re giving pre-made goodies, give stuff that’s actually tasty. Your local supermarket likely has fresh, quality ingredients and goodies if you can’t afford artisanal products. Always check expiration dates. And, please, be sure to taste your favors before you decide to give them away. In recent years I’ve received waxy, bland chocolate truffles, cookies that were sickeningly salty and infused olive oil that was rancid. Ewwwww! A little quality control goes a long way.

Design-It-Yourself (and have someone else do the dirty work)

That's right, I designed our invitations and response card using Microsoft Word and then printed locally in black thermography for an amazing $115 for 200 invitations and $100 for 200 response cards. The invitations will be printed on 100lb white linen cardstock in a 5x7 inches size with a 5 1/8 x 7 1/8 inches 80lb Astrobrights terra green backer layer. The response card will be 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 printed on the white linen cardstock as well.

This is definitely my easiest DIY to date, all you have to do is determine your wording, sizing, font (I used Century Gothic and Feel Script) and start typing!

REVIEW

COST: Super cheap! I saved over 50%!!

TIME: Varies, my design was basic and it took less than an hour

DIFFICULTY: Low, but it depends on your design

Has anyone else partially DIY-ed their invitation suite? Was it cost-effective for you?

As always, if you want my template or need help with yours, leave a comment.

The Inartistic Save The Dates

I can breath a sigh of relief....my STD's are gone (come on...you know you're laughing).

That's right, I mailed them all yesterday! Our photographer created these great Save The Date cards using one of our engagement pictures. I was originally going to create my own STD, but these were just so inexpensive(about $2.00 a piece with envelopes)! I couldn't have bought the paper and had them printed for that amount, so this was a no-brainer.

Anyways, I'm super thrilled with them and would love to post them, but there are copyright rules and Mr. Inartistic likes his privacy. They really are great, they have a gorgeous sheen, almost like glitter, to them. Plus, I'm still loving the fact that these are my Christmas cards too.

For the envelopes, I used the wrap-around labels and sealed them with a silver Martha Stewart snowflake sticker from Michael's.

Is anyone else doing photo STDs?

The Inartistic Ready and Labeled

I've completed another DIY project, this time the previously mentioned wrap-around labels from Martha. All in all, it was kinda simple, but slightly expensive.

The first step is to design your labels (I used Microsoft Publisher). For the return address the font is Feel Script by Veer and the address font is Arial. I chose these because I love Feel Script and I thought the simplicity of Arial looked good next to the Christmas Tree picture. I found the Christmas Tree picture on google images (can't remember where it's from). It was originally black, but I changed it to white.


The measurements of the label are 2 inches by 6.5 inches (it's for a 4x6 envelope). You can set the size of the label by going to File, Page Setup and Layout. Then selecting Custom and entering your dimensions. You can also select the number of labels to print on each page, I did four.

The next step is to do a mail merge. Simply go to Tools, Mail and Merge Catalog Wizard and follow the instructions.

Now, you're ready to print. I used the Avery 5353 labels from Staples. They are pricey at $34.99 for 100 sheets. It is basically an 8 1/2 x 11 sticker, so you design your label and then print it on the sheet and cut it out yourself. I was very happy with these labels, they even have the perforated back to make peeling easier.

I don't have a nice printer, so I took mine to a local print shop and had them do the dirty work (which explains my lack of photos--I didn't want them to think I was crazy!). They printed all 100 labels and even cut them out for me for only $16. I know, I'm lazy, but after completing another cost-time-laziness analysis, I decided it was worth it. Plus, since the professionals were doing all the grunt work, every single label was perfect!

Here's a DI-Don't for you:
Don't buy these labels. I bought these online because they were the right dimensions and cheaper, but I didn't completely read the description. Since they were designed to be used with a postage meter machine, Avery does not provide a template. Also, they are not on a standard size piece of paper which makes printing nearly impossible.

REVIEW

COST: Slightly expensive for the labels

TIME: Medium, the main time is spent designing the labels

DIFFICULTY: Medium, you gotta have some computer skills for this one

Has anyone else tried this Good Things? Or have you found another creative way to use labels?

P.S. If you want my template or want me to help you (for free), leave a comment!

Good Things: Ready and Labeled

I've been in love with this Good Things for quite awhile. It's a perfectly beautiful alternative to the ultra expensive calligraphy.

Here's the info:

One sure way to address for success? Create sleek, wrap-around labels. If calligraphy is too costly or your penmanship isn't perfect, this is a handsome, appropriate option that's easy to do.

Folded Label How-ToUsing our

template, type return addresses on left side of document and addresses on right; print. Run page through a sticker machine. With a bone folder, crease where indicated; cut out using a utility knife and ruler. Trim short edges with pinking shears. Adhere labels to envelopes, positioning folds so return addresses are on back.

How to Use This Editable PDF: General Tips

1. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader software to open this PDF file. You can download it

here.
2. You will not be able to save a version of the file that contains your changes. You can, however, save a copy of the template itself, which will let you open and modify it again so you can do your work in several sessions.
3. Because you cannot save a copy of what you've typed, proofread carefully on screen before printing it out.
4. To change the words, highlight the entire line of text, and then retype. You will notice that the type shifts position on your screen when you do this, but don't worry -- it will print out in the proper position.

The Return Address

1. When you change the topmost return address, the software will automatically change all the others on the page.
2. Use all lower case when typing the return address.
3. Spell out the state name.
4. Place a space between each number of the ZIP Code.

The Recipient's Address

1. Use an ampersand for the word "and."
2. Press the "Caps Lock" key when you type the street address, and the city and state.
3. Spell out the state name.
4. Type a space between each number of the ZIP Code.

I want MORE candy!

Here is a follow-up to my earlier post about bags for the candy bar.....

First, I realize that I left some product information out.

I used Color Box pigment ink pad in black ($3), Stamp n Stuff embossing powder in clear ($4) and a Marvy Heat embossing tool ($19.99-I think), all products came from Michael's.

Additionally, I just learned from exploring at Michael's that there are pigment ink pens! This is SO much easier than the tiny paintbrush I mentioned earlier. Plus, the Micron .45mm black pen was reasonably priced at $2.99!

Lastly, after looking way too much at these bags, I decided they were missing something. So, I added a lime green ribbon looped through two holes to each bag. This will allow guests to tie the bag closed and it adds a pop of color!

For this, I used some chartreuse thin ribbon (50 cents for 10 yards) and a McGill 1/4 inch round hole punch ($5.99) from Michael's. It was very simple, I just punched two holes about 3/4 inch apart on the center of bag about 1/2 inch from the top of the bag and then threaded the ribbon through leaving the loose ends on the front of the bag.

Do you constantly add to your DIY to-do list too?

I want Candy!

We are having a candy bar at our wedding because my fiance is a huge candy freak, specifically m&m's. I ordered some bags from http://www.papermart.com/ (read review here) and they definitely needed to be beautified. The above picture is the end result--and I am so proud, I'm becoming crafty!!



INSTRUCTIONS

SUPPLIES

• Paper Bags
• Paper Cutter
• Border Punch
• Stamp Pigment Ink
• Embossing Powder
• Embossing Tool
  Tiny paintbrush (only required if you're a OCD perfectionist)

1. I cut off about an inch from the top of the bag to get rid of the ugly number 2, using the paper cutter.
2. Next, I used a border punch to add some interest to edge of the bags. I used the border punch pictured below by Fiskars from Michael's. I hate, hate, hate this thing! It broke very shortly after using and I had to reassemble it myself multiple times (it's missing a piece in the pic above). On the positive side, it is easy to line the paper up and get straight cuts.
3. Next up is stamping. I used my logo stamp and black pigment ink. It's important to make sure you use pigment ink because dye-based ink dries too quickly for embossing. I had a really difficult time getting the stamp perfectly even and accurate throughout the logo, so I ended up using a tiny paintbrush dipped in the ink to perfect the stamped design. But as you can see below, many of the bags were beyond repair.
4. Pour embossing powder on the stamped bag. I used clear powder, because even if a few sprinkles are left on the bag no one will know because they dry clear. Be sure to pour a lot of powder, think heaping mounds like the picture below. TIP: let the powder sit for a few minutes before dusting off the excess.
5. Pour the remaining/excess powder onto the next bag or back into the container.
6. Using your embossing tool, heat and melt the powder on the bag. It's really easy to tell when it's finished, the design will be shiny and raised.

That's it! You've embossed some gorgeous candy bar bags!

REVIEW

Cost: Ultra cheap!

Difficulty: Medium, there is definitely a learning curve

Time: a lot, but not as much as you think! I averaged about 15 minutes for 10 bags. My advice is to break it up into groups of 10 and do a little at a time.

Have you used embossing for any of you wedding techniques? What sort of bag/container are you using for your candy bar?

Holy Sticker Shock!

After I posted about my centerpiece ideas yesterday, I got excited and started to do some pricing research on the green cymbidium orchids I envisioned using. Well, I was shocked…shocked, I tell you.

At about $15-$25 a stem, they were too pricy for me. According to the pictures I posted yesterday, I would need at least 2 stems per centerpiece (each stem has 6 blooms) depending on the size of the vase.

19 tables x $15 a stem x 2 stems per table = $570 = too much for me.

I was really disappointed because I spent over a year searching ruthlessly for centerpieces. I looked at candles, but that made Mr. Inartistic very nervous—he had visions of the entire reception venue going up in flames. I even considered using these fabulous feather centerpieces. But it didn’t feel right. I knew I wanted these crystal wedding trees on my tall boy tables and even though I’m not a flower person, some flowers at the reception are necessary. So I decided on the submerged cymbidium orchids idea.

Not wanting to give up on my ideal centerpiece and months of research, I went searching for alternatives.

I remembered that my fiancé’s dad’s best friend sells very high end silk and latex flowers to florists, gift shops and interior designers. I gave him a call and much to my delight he had green latex cymbidium orchids available for wholesale B2B costs!

I was extremely concerned about the tacky/cheap factor; so I had my mother’s friend, a retired florist, come with me to examine the flowers. We were extremely pleased with the quality. They are latex and the perfect color and size. Plus, every single bloom on the stem will be perfectly full and beautiful.

The price for one stem is about $17, and it includes several blooms (I forgot to count and take pictures….I know…bad blogger!). So, for about $700 I was able to get 42 stems. I know, I know…this is more than the aforementioned cost to have real cymbidium orchids. But here are the reasons I decided to go with the latex flowers:

• These can be assembled early. My mother’s friend generously offered to arrange them in the vases for me.
• They will look good throughout the day, from what I understand real orchids are very fragile.
• One word: ebay! I am hoping to resell them after the wedding and recoup some of the costs.
• No one will know they aren’t real because they will be submerged—i.e., they can’t be touched!

Plus, I did actually order several extras, so I can use them for other potential DIY/decor projects.

I won’t receive them until January 2009, so I’ll post a review and more information then.

Has anyone else considered using faux flowers?

Bloom Envelopes

I'm in lust with these bloom envelopes from My Gatsby. They are definitely going to be a part of my invitation suite.

I seriously considered making my own, but after a cost/time/laziness analysis it just wasn't meant to be. The paper would cost about 50 cents a sheet and the time involved would be staggering, plus my lazy side would be very unhappy. The cost for 100 bloom envelopes is $72.00. It would take all of 5 minutes to order them and my lazy side loves this method.

Needless to say, I decided to order the bloom envelopes. They have so many color choices; I chose Black Linen and I can't wait for them to arrive!

Have you ever done a cost/time/laziness analysis and what did you decide?

Logo Follow Up

As I've mentioned before, I don't have a fancy design program. Yet, I was still able to create a logo/monogram for our wedding.

Inspired by Miss Sea Breeze over at Weddingbee, I have decided to talk more about the creation of our logos. I used Microsoft Publisher, it's a basic program that you should have and may not even know it. It's great at creating shapes, allowing you to play with fonts and alignments. You can even save your image as a picture by simply right-clicking.

Did you design your logo using a "basic" program?

P.S. Leave a comment if you need assistance using Publisher, I'd love to help!

A New Twist

Source

I love this Good Things from Martha (of course). The only problem is the colors available at For Your Party don't really match our theme (and I'm a ruthless color/theme snob).

After months and months of scouring the internet and following dead end leads, I may have found someone to who can provide them in either black or white. It's a nice man in Taiwan and it will take over a month to produce them and get them to me in the Deep South.

I'll let you know how it goes and provide contact information at that time.

Has anyone done this project or something similar?

Envelope Guest Book

When I saw this Good Things several months ago, I knew immediately that I had to do it! I like this idea for several reasons:

1. It's different
2. It will give the guests the opportunity to write something besides their names if they choose
3. It will hopefully speed up the guest book line by allowing more than one guest to sign their name at the same time.
4. I'm already looking forward to opening all the envelopes after the honeymoon

SUPPLIES

• Scrapbook
• 12 x 12 card stock
• Glue Stick
• Scissors
• Die-Cutter (not necessary, but makes it easier)
• Envelope Die Cut
• Square Die Cut

I got my black fabric scrapbook from Michael's for $12. I originally wanted a black silk dupioni album with our monogram, but the $90 price tag was too much for me.

I used all the Die Cut supplies mentioned in my previous post.

I bought all my card stock from Michael's. I am using the black and white linen 12x12 sheets for everything. The official names are Solar White and Charcoal Black. TIP: Figure out how much you need before you go! I went 4 times for all the card stock!

I used two different types of glue. First, I used the Michael's brand glue stick for glue the envelopes closed and Elmer's Memory Book Glue Pen for pasting the envelopes to the backer sheet.

If you're using the same die cuts, here are some helpful size tips: 6 envelopes can be made per 12x12 page; 21-23 square envelope inserts per 12x12 page and 9 envelopes displayed per 12x12 page.

I choose to use the same size envelope throughout the book because I like uniformity and it was easier. I used alternating colors with black envelopes and inserts on white backer sheets and vice versa to spice it up some. I am alternating black and white pages throughout the book. I also plan to make some stickers to seal the envelope in our accent color, lime green to add some color.

Here are some pics....

OVERALL REVIEW
Difficulty: Really low

Labor: Medium

Price: Low, pretty much just paper and glue.