Wedding Invitations: Their Style

I just love that Pinterest site.  It has so many wonderful ideas!  As the overexcited mom of an engaged son, I was on a search for the perfect invitation.  I found several and showed them to my son and my daughter-to-be.  They are both outdoorsy and very, very, simple informal people.  I knew I didn't want to copy someone's invitation nor did I want to buy one either.   But I read one tip on a blog that did it: " Find a free picture on a website that sells or shares stock photos..." or something like that.  Perfect idea!  I downloaded (for free) 5 pictures and created the card around those designs. I used watercolor paper and white card stock to print the cards on.  Snapped a picture and messaged it to her.  Eureka! She loved the first one I sent.  Which means that she also chose my favorite! :) 

When they came over to visit again, I pulled out all my card stock so she (they) could decide on the background color.  Through my former investigating I found very neat pocket folder invitations with templates and directions.
She chose a brown/tan color- kind of like a Kraft paper and I, following the pattern, cut out the pocket folder.  It really worked out! 

Next was a trip to Joann's, Michael's, Staples, and then Wal-mart.  But I couldn't find 12 x 12 Kraft card stock or any solid color card stock besides white and black for that matter.  I also couldn't find any watercolor paper at a reasonable price.  So it was time to re-evaluate.  Back to the internet...  I found a website where I could order a pack of 250 12x12 Kraft sheets for under $50 bucks- Woo Hoo!  Next day I went to Office Max and found this super Stardust card stock- perfect.  It even had envelopes to match.  Super!!

Here they are; my son is cutting out the invitations while she is working on her college assignment. Such a cute couple......
Can't wait to see how this is going to turn out.

And the count down begins....

My son proposed tonight to his love and happily she said yes!  He planned a family and friend cookout for the occasion that she knew nothing about.  Surprise, Surprise....  I was so proud of him to taking care of all the notifications of her friends and family.  Soo sweet... 

Anyway, I decided to do some crafting and baking for it.  I finally got to show off my save-the-date magnets.  Everyone thought they were soooo cute. 

I saw this super looking count down chalkboard sign on "GroupDealz" and decided that I could make that. So I did.  I bought a cheap- I mean- less expensive frame from Big Lots. The frame was plastic and black so my husband scruffed it up some so I could paint it white.  I tried giving it some texture by applying glue along the frame. Then we sprayed the frame white with Krylon paint for plastic.  It looked just perfect.  Then we applied 2 coats of spray on chalkboard paint to the particle board backing.  After the board dried, I measured and cut out the words "days until" with my cricut.  Too cute! and super simple.......

I tried to grow some wheat grass for a table decoration. I saw on pinterest the other day how beautiful the grass was on a decorated table.  But it didn't grow.  So instead I went to Wal-mart and bought some daisy-like flowers, some potting soil, and a plastic flower bowl.  After the flowers were planted, I placed the flowers in a round cheese box/container.  I thought it would be cute to add some pictures of them to the container.  They kind of look like flower seed packets.  I gave her mom one of them and I kept one to put on my fridge.

Doesn't the table look nice?

Repurposing Sweaters

Take a look at Ashley's Make it and Love it hats from old sweaters.  I can't wait to try it myself.  They are so cute, so easy, and so cheap if you've got some old sweaters.  Those with a bottom rim make a great hat brim.  I think I'll go and look right now.

Save-the-Date Magnets

My son is getting married in August to a wonderfully, sweet girl.  I'm so happy for the two of them.  I'm chomping at the bit to get started planning, but it's not my wedding and they haven't hired me to be their wedding planner (yet).  Anyway I wanted to do something.  I spend most of my free time on Pinterest finding all kinds of neat wedding ideas.  I post them as my way of sharing my ideas with them.  Hope it works; at least I'm not putting my ideas out there verbally and being overly annoying.  

I decided to create some Save-the-Date magnets to give out to guests at their engagement party.  It will be a surprise to both of them. If they like them, then I can just make some more. 

I found a tutorial months ago for jewelry pendants with glass tiles and thought they were gorgeous.  So I went back to etsy and found a good deal on large glass tile circles.  When they got here, I got on my computer and created some cute designs.  It took several tries to get the right size to fit the tiles.  I used mod-podge to affix the tag-board paper to the back of the tile.  When that was dry, I turned it over and put several more layers of the glue on it.  When it is all dry, I'll add a strong magnet with E6000.                                  
I even found some flattened marbles large enough to use.  I may not put magnets on those.  They'll fit just nicely in a man's pants pocket. 


I hope they like them as much as I enjoyed making them.

                                          

My special Christmas

Well, it has been a very long time since I took the time to write on this blog.  I got so busy preparing for a craft fair and then for Christmas. I did a lot of crocheting- mostly scarves and caps.  Well when my husband, went to the hospital to have his rotator cuff fixed, I brought my crocheting so I could have something to do while waiting. The simple surgery quickly turned to danger.  Buddy's heart showed an abnormality. After an EKG, the Dr. said he was sending him to the Medical Center for a heart catherization.  Worse went to worst when we discovered all 3 of his main arteries had blockages and open heart surgery would begin in the morning.  I was given his wedding band before he was wheeled down. Pondering the importance and immensity of  this situation, I knew I had to do something to keep me busy.  I did try crocheting on a scarf but I could not concentrate. Feeling his huge ring in my pocket an idea came to mind.  I began crocheting a line of chain stitches until I felt like it was long enough.  Then I got his ring and single crocheted around the ring leaving the top 1/2" open.  I finished up the other side of the necklace and connected the two strands together adding more chains in the form of a bow (extra decoration and security).  I was proud of what I had done.  I could wear his wedding band close to my heart until he could put it back on again.

Some more hats and stuff......

I've been a little busy over the past few weeks.  Too bad I haven't had a model for some of the hats. 

Crochet my week away....

My obsession continues with another week of crocheting.  I hope my obsession continues since I bought a bag full of yarn from Hancock Fabrics.  They had a 30% off sale and I had a $2 off coupon.  And I've got to use those coupons! 
 

                                                                                          I crocheted a lot of cute hats this week.  And thanks to Lyndsey I had a pretty pink to make the green and pink flower top hat.  It is very hard to guess what people will like so if you have any ideas or suggestions for me, please let me know.

I used a tan chunky weight yarn to make this little beanie.  It is really think and will keep your baby's head warm on a chilly morning.

I think I made the tail too long, but I really do love making these long-tailed elf hats.  This time I used a blue bird blue.  I'm thinking I might add some eyes and a beak to make it even cuter.  

I'm trying to throw in a few headbands or ear warmers.  This one is black (duh!) with popcorn stitches that were too hard for the camera to pick up.  Sorry.