Search results (tags) for: "engagement"

Handmade Weddings: Personalized Wedding Gifts From Fashion Illustrator Brooke Hagel

2009-10-15T10:15:00-05:00

I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Fashion Design. Illustrating was always my favorite part of the design process, but I was told repeatedly that there was no longer any demand for fashion illustrators.

I’m now at the age where many of my friends are getting married, so I had to figure out the perfect custom gift to give them. I started drawing bridal illustrations of my friends for their wedding gifts. They’d hang in their homes, friends and neighbors would see them and want one for themselves, and before I knew it I had a fledgling illustration business with brides and grooms being my core clientele.

Whether it’s a baby shower, engagement party, birthday or wedding, I pride myself on giving a gift that is so fabulous, personal, and creative that it nearly brings the recipient to tears. I’m an artist, always have been. That being the case, gifts that really leave an impression usually involved me personally creating something or adding that special artistic touch to customize a store bought item.

Here are some of my favorite Etsy picks that would make perfect custom gifts — gifts that stand out from the crowd and have that personal touch.

If you're interested in giving one of my custom drawings as a gift, feel free to Convo me. I have some custom listings in my shop with more details too.
For the engagement party (or as a congratulatory engagement gift), this adorable customized vase with your newly engaged friends' initials on it would be ideal. After all, a newly engaged and excited couple is reminiscent of young love. And what symbolizes that more than carving you and your sweetheart’s initials in a tree or doodling your names in your notebook? By LittleRetreats, $40.
As a bridal shower gift, one idea is to order monogrammed or custom stationery. Brides get a lot of help along the way in planning a wedding, so some nice custom letter pressed stationery would really come in handy, especially before the invitations and thank you cards are ordered. It’s also her last few months of having her maiden name so why not feature it! By simplesongdesigns, $27.
There are also many gifts to help the bride personalize the wedding day. One of my closest friends made charms and lockets that she incorporated by hanging from her bouquet. Each one had a memory or photo of her grandparents who had passed away, so they were there with her on her special day. These custom silhouette charms would be great to remember those who couldn’t be there. By luckymebeads, $88.50.
Another unique and sentimental gift for the actual wedding day is this custom ribbon label that can easily be sewn into the dress. Have it embroidered with her new initials or new name and the wedding date. She will now have her something blue! EmbroiderybyLinda, $10.
For the “big” wedding gift there are tons of options available to make it something special and truly unique to the couple. These custom hair portraits would be ideal for the artsy modern couple. And the couple portrait option would be great if you have a fantastic photo from their wedding. You do have up to a year to send your wedding gift, so it’s perfectly fine to wait until after the wedding to have their gift made, especially if you're using wedding photos and making the gift all the more special. By MissCrowland, $41.
Their new last name captured in architectural photography is another distinctive custom gift option. By kelsyhenke, $100.

Further Resources:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/gifts

http://www.rustdesigns.com/

http://toastandtables.blogspot.com/

http://bklynbrideonline.com/category/gift-ideas/

http://www.polkadotbride.com/wp/index.php/category/gifts/

http://etsywedding.blogspot.com/

http://designyourown.jonathanadler.com/

Handmade Weddings | Wedding Gift Ideas

Handmade Weddings: The Clueless Bride

2009-08-20T10:47:00-05:00

Etsy's very own lawyer, SarahSays, is the biggest anti-bride I've ever met. She resisted getting swept up in the whole wedding hullabulloo. Arjay, her husband, took over most of the planning, while Sarah calmly shrugged and told us she just wasn't that into it. On the other hand, I know she loves Etsy, so I was very intrigued to see how handmade and custom items fit into her unplanned wedding planning.

I was never the girl with the vision of her wedding, so when we got engaged, I was overwhelmed and had no idea where to start. So many choices! Thank goodness for Etsy. Etsy makes it easy for even a clueless bride to find unique handmade touches that reflect the couple. In the end, everything came together and our Rochester, New York wedding was fantastic.

Our ceremony was held in a planetarium followed by cocktail hour in the Science Center’s dinosaur exhibit and then the reception took place in a beautiful event room.

We set the scene early: this was not going to be a cookie cutter wedding.

Our poster invitations (which arrived in tubes!) were custom made by unlesssomeonelikeyou. invitedink makes these beautiful letterpress invitations that we also had our eye on.

Wedding Invitation/Reception Poster

By unlesssomeonelikeyou, $75.

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Wedding Invitations Scroll of Love - 100 sets

By invitedink, $695.

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We all know a bride needs a dress. The lovely Yvonne of Kimera Design in Brooklyn made me a gorgeous raw silk gown customized with pockets. Yes, pockets!

I also love this one by lizarietz and this one by CustomBridal.

Asymmetrical Tiered Dress

By lizarietz, $315.

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THE SHALE WEDDING DRESS

By CustomBridal, $1800.

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My striking veil is from veiledbeauty. I love the vintage feel. I also adore YJdesign’s wedding fascinators, like this one.

30 Inch Chrysanthemum

By veiledbeauty, $85.

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CUSTOM - Fascinating LYNNA VERA

By YJdesign, $67.50.

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Patrick Irla’s hydrangea designs caught my eye, and I asked him to make me beautiful earrings for our wedding as well as earrings for my mother and my mother-in-law.

Hydrangea Dangle Earrings

By PatrickIrlaJewelry, $215.

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Hydrangea Blossom Cluster Earrings

By PatrickIrlaJewelry, $145.

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As you may recall from this video, Al from beyondtherockz reset my diamond into an elegant engagement ring, which was inspired by Al’s “Cherish” ring. My simple white gold wedding band was also made by beyondtherockz. However, those in attendance never got to see the ring, as at the ceremony my new husband placed a cherry ring-pop on my finger. [Editor's note: Sarah is obsessed with candy.]

Cherish -precious topaz

By beyondtherockz, $1495.

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Cherry Ring Pop Ring

By elishacopeland, $8.50.

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My handsome husband Arjay also wore handmade at our wedding. His toybreaker tie was quite a hit. We are also drawn to the damask print tie by RokGear.

Wind Turbine, windmill screenprinted necktie

By toybreaker, $40.

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groomsmen necktie set damask print

By RokGear, $115.

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The talent on Etsy is so inspiring. After watching sunnyrising’s Handmade Portrait video, which features Allison Settinger’s art and music, I purchased her CD Hold Steady. Our first dance was to “Love of Your Life.”

STEADY HEART CD

By sunnyrising, $15.

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I love the Jewish tradition of breaking a glass at the end of a wedding ceremony. I’m always a proponent for equality and so I wanted us both to do the stomping. I convoed infiniteglassworks about my vision and she made us two breakable glasses. However, her art was too beautiful to destroy, so we broke some old burned out light bulbs instead. Although we didn’t have a wedding cake, we placed our bunnywithatoolbelt cake toppers on some apple pie.

Wisp Vase - Purple

By infiniteglassworks, $75.

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Penguin Bride and Groom Wedding Cake Toppers

By bunnywithatoolbelt, $50.

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Even some guests joined in on the Etsy wedding fun. For example,
our friend Caroline danced the night away in her dress by ouma.

Our guest book by UberArt is now filled to the brim with memories.

Classic Babydoll

By ouma, $168.

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Misty Violet Guest Book

By UberArt, $25.

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You may be wondering, “Sarah, was there anything you insisted upon having at your wedding?” As a matter of fact, I insisted on cotton candy.

Looking for more wedding ideas? Try these links:

Curated Wedding Guides | Handmade Weddings Series | Weddings Category

Handmade Weddings: Four Favorite Weddings from Emily of Once Wed

2009-08-12T10:30:00-05:00

Emily Newman, like many brides, learned a lot from the process of planning a wedding. She put that knowledge to use and launched Once Wed in 2008. At first, it was a free listing service for wedding dresses online. Emily has since grown the site to be far more today: Once Wed is a resource for connecting with incredible vendors, finding creative ideas — and what really sucked us in — sharing the most amazingly inspiring styles through real wedding photos. We know our Handmade Weddings readers are going to drool over this special post! Here's Emily...

I was so happy to receive Vanessa and Alison’s invitation to guest blog on Etsy because so much of Once Wed is about handcrafted art and design. So, to share my passion with you guys and feature some of my favorite real weddings is a special honor.

Ginny & Ed's Roaring Twenties

Images from board by Josh Goleman

Ed and Ginny were married in '20s style under a canopy of 100-year-old oak trees surrounded by close friends and family at a lovely farm called Serenbe. Ginny graduated from SCAD, so naturally many of the elements were handmade by herself and friends. From the adorable bunting banner to her incredible handmade capelet, this wedding definitely sticks out in my mind as one crafted with lots of love.

Antique ivory silk taffeta bolero

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After seeing Ginny’s incredible capelet, I’ve been obsessed with wearing one! I just adore the idea of going with a simple wedding dress, and splurging on a beautiful bolero like this one from englishdept. $185.

Ginny and Ed incorporated a lot of hand-painted wooden signs at their wedding to direct guests to the ceremony and reception, but if you're having an indoor reception, what about a beautifully scripted wooden banner by baumbirdy to place on your cake or maybe even in a centerpiece instead? $15.

Cake Flag Banners

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The Free Wedding

Images from board by Our Labor of Love

The “Free Wedding” ended up being a collaboration between a group of amazing vendors here in Atlanta, GA. Joy, the event stylist, wanted to make sure their day was a reflection of who Sam, Kaitlyn, and Jonah represented as a family. Every time I see these images from Our Labor of Love, I always seem to walk away with the biggest smile on my face.

Fabric Flower Garland (3 yards)

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The whimsical flower garlands hanging from the ceiling were a huge hit with the couple and wedding guests. (People were even trying to take them home after the wedding.) Because Ashley got such a great response for her handmade garlands, she is now selling them from her Etsy shop dolciodille. $64.

So many of the elements form this wedding were handmade, so Etsy was one of the biggest resources Joy used to source materials and decorations. In her search for bridesmaid dresses, she stumbled upon sohomode’s tea dresses, and it was love at first sight. Her selection of colorful, vintage fabrics made everyone’s hearts go pitter patter, and really helped set the tone for the rest of the wedding.

tea dress

See other dresses by sohomode.

Liz & Evan's California Coastal Wedding

Images from board by Tec Petaja

Tec Petaja was the amazing photographer behind Evan and Liz’s hillside wedding. I loved the simple paper goods, white roses, Asian parasols, vintage keys... Really there are so many rich details here. I look at a lot of weddings, and this one strikes me as so original. It’s as I’d imagine a California wedding in the '40s with a view of the coast.

Alphabet Rolling Stamp

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I really loved the look of their escort cards attached to vintage keys. I thought this rolling alphabet stamp from lemontree77 could be a great little budget option for brides who can’t afford to print out escort cards or hire a graphic designer but still want something personal at their wedding. $25.80.

Instead of a traditional wedding program, Liz and Evan decided to hand out programs printed out on paper fans like the ones here by paperjo. They are a bit more expensive than a traditional program, but if you're having your wedding outside in the heat of summer, the added cost of providing relief to your guests might be worth it. $4.

Traci / Custom Wedding Programs

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Ethan & Nancy's Budget Beauty

Images by Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Ethan and Nancy’s wedding was probably one of the most popular weddings ever featured on Once Wed — not necessarily because it had the most amazing details or the biggest budget, but because it was done so beautifully for only $3,000. Yes, you heard me right: $3,000. They splurged on their photographer, and instead of having a catered event, asked each guest to bring a dish for a potluck style dinner afterward in a public park.

100 Large Origami Paper Cranes

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Nancy and Ethan made hundreds of paper cranes to hang from the trees at their wedding in lieu of expensive decorations. If you love this idea, but don’t have the time to make them for your own wedding, Etsy sellers like MadeByJo will make them for you in a variety in colors. $30.

I’m seeing a lot of brides opting for the more affordable option of a variety of smaller cakes rather than a traditional three tier cake. Nancy and Ethan decided to scatter over their cakes a bit of dried lavender, and it is still to this day one of my favorite garnishes I’ve ever seen. Not only are smaller cakes easier on the budget, but after seeing fancy cakes for so long, it’s also a breath of fresh air. If you are not a big fan of lavender, I also found a wide variety of other dried flowers and herbs in layla's shop. $16.

Fragrant Dried English Lavender

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Thank you so much, Emily! If you used handmade or vintage details in your wedding, share your photos in our Flickr pool!

Check out our Handmade Weddings series and Guest Curator archive too.

Handmade Weddings: Wedding Photography Unveiled with Jacqueline Tobin

2009-07-16T13:35:00-05:00

We invited Jacqueline Tobin, author of Wedding Photography Unveiled, to share her knowledge with our readers. Jacqueline is a great resource for insider info for both newly engaged brides-and grooms-to-be, as well as photographers interested in breaking into the wedding business. She'll be live in the Virtual Labs for a follow up discussion. UPDATE: We must postpone this discussion. The new time is July 16 at 4 p.m. ET.

Over the past 23 years, I have watched as wedding photography has evolved into one of the most well-respected and lucrative fields in the industry today. I’ve worked at Photo District News (PDN), a trade magazine for professional photographers, since 1986 and currently work there as deputy editor. While not a wedding photographer myself, I do assign and write many, many articles about wedding photography; I help judge PDN’s Top Knots New School of Wedding Photography Contest every year, and I recently collaborated with the top 20 photographers around the country to write my first book Wedding Photography Unveiled (Amphoto Books/March 2009). It was important for me to write this book because the industry has changed so much over the years, going from staid and stoic poses to purely candid photojournalist shots to a current, and much sought after, mix of photographic styles and approaches, including fashion-forward looks, lifestyle and editorial feels, and fine-art touches. Wedding photography has never looked better!

Portrait photo by © Daryl Lang.

We bounced some frequently asked questions off of Jacqueline. Here are some of the tips she has for couples searching for a great wedding photographer:

I'm engaged! When is a good time to start looking for a photographer?
The sooner you start, the better, since the wedding photography is such an important element of your special day; it’s something you will look back on and cherish forever. Even if you don’t book someone for another year (once a date is set), it still can be helpful to start looking as early as possible to decide the style you want, the price range you can afford, and so on.

© Jose Villa

Where does one look?
These days brides get inspiration for their wedding photography from a variety of sources:

Bridal and fashion magazines (high-fashion looks are a big trend in wedding photography right now)
Photographers’ websites (You can find national, as well as and international, listings for wedding photographers at the Wedding Photojournalist Association, the Perfect Wedding Guide and The Knot.)
Your family’s and friends’ wedding albums

How is it possible to tell the caliber of a photographer? What should I ask to see?
You definitely have to shop around, see what’s out there, check reputable sites (like those above) and just look through lots and lots of images. When you meet with a photographer, ask to see finished albums so you can see what they’ve done for previous clients. Online, you can also put his or her name into a search engine and look for comments (good or bad) from past clients.

Also, ask the photographer to show you more than one wedding album and more than one style. These days photographers are shooting a mix of traditional and candid images, and they need to excel in several different genres: still life (for important details), fashion, lifestyle, and photo journalistic looks (for candid moments).

© Elizabeth Messina

Is it my responsibility to do anything for the photographer while the wedding/reception is taking place?
You should have a conversation with your photographer well ahead of time so you don’t have to be giving directions while the wedding and reception are taking place! This is your day and you don’t want to spend it working out the kinks: that’s what wedding planners and maid of honors are for! Many brides like to supply a shot list to a photographer ahead of time that maps out exactly the photos they want the photographer to get; others hire photographers who shoot purely documentary and candid images and are very “fly on the wall” — you don’t realize they are present, but they are and they are getting every single moment that unfolds.

How long after the wedding does it typically take before I get my photos?
It depends. First you’ll see proofs, which many photographers post online days or weeks after the wedding. Next, you’ll choose the images you want (I recommend going to the photographer’s studio to discuss your choices in person), and then an album can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to sometimes even a year. Ask up front how long it will take before you can expect your albums.

Since Etsy has a lot of great photographers, we figured some of you may be thinking about shooting weddings. We asked Jacqueline for some tips about getting started in the business:

How do I go about breaking into the business?
I recommend taking workshops from professional photographers (pros like Dennis Reggie, Joe Buissink, Bambi Cantrell, Mike Colon, Elizabeth Messina and Jose Villa are the more popular choices), going to trade shows and attending seminars, ordering DVDs on the basics and searching web sites like DigitalWeddingForum.com, WPJA.com and WPPIonline.com to get a sense of what the latest trends and technology in the industry are the moment. Also ask friends who are getting married if you can be a “second shooter” (but stay out of the way of the hired photographer!) and just take as many images as you can to see what the pace is like and what it really takes to be a great wedding photographer. You’re working 8 to 10 to 12 hour days, and after wedding day you are still working on a job for weeks and months — proofing images, doing post-production on the computer, designing the albums, etc.

© Christian Oth

How does wedding photography differ from other kinds of photography?
Today’s wedding photography is not different, just expansive — it includes many different genres (fashion, lifestyle, editorial, fine art), and these days you need to have a basic knowledge of all of them to shoot the day as it unfolds, from capturing the getting ready shots to the ceremony photos to formal and semi formal portraits after the ceremony to the wedding reception.

What are some of the tricks of the trade? Are there any special tools?

During the reception, lots of photographers like to use fast lenses, fast film and high ISOs, because most times these parties take place at night in low light conditions.
Befriending the videographer always helps because you can use their light in a shot. (Try to stay at a 45-degree angle from the videographer’s direct light or try to keep him or her directly behind the wedding couple to use as a backlight during their first dance.)
Never use direct flash. Bounce off the ceiling or tent, or slave a second strobe remotely for depth.
Instead of using a tripod, try to steady yourself by shooting a few images in a burst. With a camera like the Canon 5D, you can shoot with higher ISOs without too much noise and can steady yourself to half-second handheld for images at dusk.
When shooting formal portraits, mix it up a bit and take the couple outside and find interesting locations or settings and to make the shot more memorable.
As for special tools, you can probably start out shooting a wedding with just one camera, like a basic or mid-range SLR, but as you become more and more advanced, you’ll personalize your equipment list. (And it always helps to have a handheld light meter, lots of memory cards and extra batteries on hand.) Later on, you may want to get into post-production on your computer to further enhance your images (many photographers like to use a photo-editing program like Photoshop to adjust skin tones, brighten the sky, or just make an image more dramatic or vivid.)

How can I prepare for the unexpected?
I don’t think you can. That’s the beauty of a wedding. There will be lots of unexpected moments that arise, but fortunately for the photographer, most couples want those images too. You are there to document the day as it unfolds. You can always edit out the bad images later on!

Please mark your calendars and meet Jacqueline in the Virtual Labs for a follow up chat. UPDATE: We must postpone this discussion. The new time is July 16 4 p.m. ET... If you think of questions for her, please post them in the comments below!

Getting ready to say "I do"? Check out the items below; some of the artists featured offer wedding photography services and may be local to your area or willing to travel. You'll find more Etsy wedding photographers in this forum thread.

How-Tuesday: Rustic Wedding Cake Stand from OnceWed

2009-07-07T13:45:00-05:00

Once Wed is the kind of wedding blog that consistently makes me drool. Their featured one-of-a-kind receptions rely heavily on vintage and handmade, from the capelets to the guest books. For this week's How-Tuesday, Once Wed's contributor lalalaurie shares an easy-to-follow cake stand project that would instantly transform a tablescape from generic to woodland-magical.

What You’ll Need:

A Cross-Cut Wood Plaque (round or oval)
A Cross-Section of a Tree Limb (Make sure the top and bottom are parallel)
Titebond Ultimate Wood Glue (or a similar extra strong wood glue)
A Large Wood Clamp

Instructions:
Cross-cut wood plaques can be found in your local craft store or online at Hofcraft. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 5 inches to 12 inches in diameter. They are usually found in the section with the wood-burning kits and other wood crafts. They are clean, sanded and ready to use.

1. Take your tree limb section and wipe the cut surface clean. Put a generous amount of extra strong wood glue on the surface.

2. Place the limb section in the center of the wood plaque's back side and press down firmly. Wipe away any excess glue with a clean, damp cloth.

3. Place the two joined pieces in a wood clamp and let dry for at least one hour. If you don’t have a wood clamp, you can stack a few heavy books on top of your pedestal until it’s dry.

4. Use your pedestals to display cakes and desserts or use as a base for a centerpiece. If you want to place food directly on the wood surface, coat it first with a food-safe wood sealer. If you would like the wood to keep its natural color, place a piece of parchment paper beneath your cake or dessert.

More crafty projects can be found in our How-Tuesday series on the Etsy blog. And did you know that you can buy Supplies on Etsy?

Wedding Decor Gift Guide | More Handmade Weddings Posts | Weddings Category

Etsy Finds: My American Gothic Wedding

2009-07-07T12:00:00-05:00

What do you get when an Etsy addict and an independent artist fall in love? A very unique wedding. I spend all day, every day on Etsy (since I'm an editor of Etsy's blog, The Storque), and my husband Mickey is a cartoonist and designer, so between the two of us, equipped with our crew of crafty friends and family members, we strove to incorporate as many handmade and vintage details as possible.

This post came about because our wedding photographer was submitting his portfolio to blogs and magazines, and much to my surprise, Martha Stewart Wedding's editors chose to feature our wedding online — see their post here. This is all very convenient, since Etsy is doing a wedding contest with Martha Stewart this summer. Most of all, I'm excited because I get to talk up all the creative Etsy sellers with whom we worked and share some insider tips with you. Our wedding was the best day of my life, and I owe so much of that to Etsy sellers.

Clothing

Check out the Wedding Attire Guide for more finds.

Rubypearl Children's Party Dress

My niece Sabina Edwina le Bon Bon Bertozzi was our fabulous flowergirl. She said her dress was "the prettiest dress ever!" By rubypearl, $88. I think so too, but there are so many darling options for flowergirl dresses to explore.

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The cuteness of a colorful tutu, such as this one by tutusbliss, would also elicit "awwws" at your ceremony ($59). Find more tutus.
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Walborg Beaded Clutch

Stash some lipstick, double-stick garment tape, and a couple Advil in a tiny, vintage beaded purse. Trust me on this one. From jodiboutique, $28.

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Checkered rusty freestyle bow tie

It took a bit for me to convince Mickey that we didn't have enough time for him to design and custom print his own fabric and then learn how to make his own bow ties. You can't do everything! There are plenty of handmade and vintage bow ties on Etsy. By xoelle, $36.

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Reversible Party Dress-custom sized

I couldn't decide which color I wanted the bridesmaids' dresses to be, so this reversible design did the trick. And it really did feel like a magic trick when the bridesmaids flipped from the ceremony's yellow cotton to the reception's navy satin — in my parents' barn of all places. By missbrache, $148.

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Cupcake Vintage 1950s Petticoat

The detachable petticoats enhanced the 1950s style of the dresses and gave them that extra poof and versatility. Missbrache made ours, and you can find lots of handmade and vintage ones on Etsy. By LolitaVintage, $59.95.

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Pink Strapless Satin Party Dress Size Large

Here's another beautiful bridesmaid option. It was important for me to pick dresses that our sisters could wear again to all sorts of parties. By erinleighheart, $69. Look for more choices in formal dresses.

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MinnaK, the Brooklyn designer I worked with on my custom dress, is capable of making you look like a movie star. This Valencia dress, one of her unique designs, is $1,200. I also worked with an elderly Ukrainian woman who embroidered the train, a nod to Mickey's heritage. If you're getting a custom dress made, try working in some vintage lace for texture and detail.

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Search the Wedding Category for more wedding dress styles, and try searching for "white dress" in handmade and vintage too.

3 Piece Custom Tuxedo Suit for Your Pet

Hugo, my sister's beloved dog, was our ringbearer. Furkidfever made his custom suit from my sketches, and Hugo looked very dapper trotting down the aisle with the rings tied to a ribbon on his back ($64.99). Etsy has some jaw-droppingly cute pet clothes. Also check out this necktie by dogties, $8.

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Jewelry & Accessories

Paper Goods

Check out the Wedding Invites and Favors Guide for more.

folk LOVE (yellow and green)

I love the folk style of these cards by dutchdoor ($4). These could work as thank you notes — you will be writing many! Often letterpress artists, including dutchdoor, do custom invitations if you ask. You could probably even do a package with invitations and thank you cards. Find more letterpress thank you cards.

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The Seaside Fan Program

Since we expected a hot August day in New England, we decided to have our programs double as fans. Mickey designed the circular fans with Ukrainian inspired, psychedelic patterns. I cut them out and glued them onto tongue depressors. Here's a similar idea by mybluetulipdesign, $3.50.

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Custom Letterpress Wedding Invitations

I like wedding invites that express the personality of the couple. This one is great — old-timey and a little cheeky. By drenculture, $950. Find more custom letterpress invitations.

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Comic-inspired Save-the-Date

As a cartoonist, Mickey gave our invitations his all. We didn't get a chance to send out a paper save-the-date. This one by baumbirdy, $2.50, has that playful, comic book feel.

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Vintage Postcard Wedding Invitation

If you're working with an artist to make a custom design, ask them for examples of their fonts. I love the vintage feel of this design. By goldenrectanglepress, $7.

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Decor

Check out the Wedding Decor Guide for more.

Cobweb Buttons in Mini Bucket

Our flowers were from our friend Els' garden and a local farm. I had been considering potted plants or succulents, such as these by thesporeattic, $10, as centerpieces. I remember harassing our guests at the end of the night to take the cut flowers home and not let them go to waste — maybe potted plants would have been more apt to find a home.

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Vintage Armour lard Tin

Oh, man! I wish I'd found these vintage pure lard tins when I was planning the wedding. Imagine this filled with flowers — that would get your guests in the mood to laugh and joke with their table-mates. From moxiesisters, $19.99.

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Handmade Vintage Soumak Tapestry Rug

As a surprise, my parents bought the rug that we were standing on during the ceremony. It has a "tree of life" design — such a nice symbolic gift that we'll have for the rest of our lives. I've heard of folks doing similar things with custom quilts and wall hangings, which can be used in the home after the big day. From MountainsideTreasure, $750.

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As you can see, our taste is a mix of traditional, classic looks with over-the-top details. We wanted our wedding to be ecstatic — full of life, color, humor — but we didn't want it to end up looking like a circus. What do you think? Comment on the blog.

Choose Three Silkscreened Votives

I knew I wanted a little ambiance on the tables, so I designed a Ukrainian inspired pattern and printed little vellum sleeves for our votives. If I could do it over again, I'd get these votives by maryink, $27. Candlelight came in handy, since the dj's equipment kept blowing the power in the tent!

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Handpainted Wooden
Wedding Reception Table Numbers

If there's one thing my husband knows better than anything else, it's typography. He designed our little yellow and black table numbers. I like these wooden ones by Funkifolkart, $8.

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Wood Type Letterpress Monogram Coasters

These monogram coasters could also work as table letters. (Why does it have to be numbers anyway?) By marquandeditions, $10.

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25 Custom 2.25 Inch Pinback Buttons

My crafty sister-in-law Kim and my coworkers surprised me with a crafting night at Etsy Labs. We made tons of buttons together. You can design your own or have an Etsy seller make them for you. By Buttonhead, $17.75.

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Fantasy Wife Cake Topper

We ended up not coughing up the dough for the cake. But we did have an awesome cake topper by melabo, $40.

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Vintage Photo Album

We put our photos in a vintage photo album. This would also make an excellent guestbook for inscriptions. From LonesomeBrown, $10. Find more vintage photo albums.

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Vintage Souvenir Hanky Niagara Falls

One last tip: vinage hankies for all! From linensandthings, $12.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

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Guest Curator: Right-Hand Rings With The Frisky’s Amelia Parry

2009-06-24T16:35:00-05:00

Amelia McDonell-Parry is the editor of The Frisky, a blog for tha ladies. In particular, she writes all about her love for Ryan Gosling, feminism, "The Bachelorette," cardigan sweaters, and her experiences with dating. She has a lovely dog named Lucca and is planning a much needed vacation to the Amalfi Coast, where she hopes to ride on the back of a cute boy's Vespa. Ever since her engagement ended, she’s been on the hunt for right-hand rings that celebrate her singleness — these are some of her picks. Don’t worry, they work for you soon-to-be-betrothed folks too. After all, it is wedding season!

Beyoncé says that if he likes you, he should put a ring on it. For her, this translates into a $5 million diamond, but for the rest of us without Jay-Zs in our lives, there are still tons of gorgeous, original, and affordable options. Single ladies: silver, bronze molds, and spark plugs are your new best friends. All of these babies will fit your right ring finger just as well.

Gold Love Knot Tree Bark Ring

Organic, naturalist elements with a dash of posh? This tree bark ring will be a quick fave for anyone who doesn’t like their jewels to be too flashy. By bcyrjewelry, $540.

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Original Modern Rock Ring in Silver

This jewel-shaped ring is a trillion times cuter than a gaudy diamond. By metalicious, $65.

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Rockwell ring part III

People will certainly take notice of Macha Karis’ rockless bauble because of its size, as opposed to its flash. Careful! You could put someone’s eye out with this one. By thebeside, $230.

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Sappho, a Diamond , Platinum and 22K Gold Ring

Who says you can’t mix metals? I love the vaguely Art Deco-ness of Jeweler On The Roof’s ring, and the fact that it’s incredibly versatile. $235.

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herkimer diamond ring - sterling silver

Simple, classic, Tiffany’s-inspired, without the hefty price tag. By Onestonenewyork, $145.

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Black Diamond and 14kt Gold Ring

Think regular ol’ diamonds are for Park Avenue Princesses? Black diamonds are about as punk rock as they come and this one from jeweler stamp is no exception. $235.

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Embraced

Conveying love or commitment is expressed in all sorts of ways. Beyondtherockz knows knots are the ties that bind. $70.

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Heart Ring

Mod3rnArt roughed up this sterling silver heart ring, giving it a burnished finish and a sizable bite. $38.

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A shelter for our love RING

The next time I am invited to a super fancy party, I am going to pair senayakin’s badass statement ring with a pretty party frock and confuse the hell out of people. $260.

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Silver ring with Diamond

Wear this AnaNordeste band alone for a dainty look, or layer it with other rings for a funkier style. $170.

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Engagement diamond ring

Architectural lines make this miavanbeek ring appear more rigid than your average engagement bauble, but if Ayn Rand is your hero, you'll likely love it. $1350.

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rose gold heart cigar band

How many movies exist where the poor hero proposes to the heroine with a cigar band because he can’t afford anything better? This sterling silver cigar band takes that sentiment up a serious notch. By lovinganvil, $85.

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Further Resources:
The Frisky
Refinery 29
Better Living Through Design

Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive.

More Ring Posts | Wedding Attire Gift Guide | Jewelry Showcase

Crafting a Handmade Wedding With 100 Layer Cake

2009-06-19T14:00:00-05:00

100 Layer Cake is a creative collaboration between friends and fellow designers Jillian, Amanda, and Kristina. We are a unique resource for creative, crafty, thoughtful, modern women planning their weddings or just their lives. We love projects, photography, details, and of course everything handmade! Supporting independent designers, artisans and vendors borders on obsession for us, and we're super excited to share some of our finds here.

(Credits: left to right, top to bottom: Ffffound, So*Sage, Scott Clark Photo, BusARG.ar, Bella Figura)

One of our very favorite features of our blog is our inspiration binder. We're so into creating color boards based on unexpected palettes and interesting moods and themes. They've become so popular with our readers we thought we'd share a new one here, and then search for things we'd use if we were planning a wedding (or party) based on this board.

We love the bright, vintagey colors of this palette and the modern French sensibility that it evokes.

Carnival Party

First we start with the dress. We love this one by Ouma. Sometimes the bride needs to totally toss tradition and just wear what she wants. If she's the right kind of girl, stripes and tulle would be perfect! Plus she could probably wear it again. Maybe. Which would be nice. $168.

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Happiness Headband

You'd think we'd have tired of the headband craze and this point, but no: we still love them. This one by ciaraobscura (in its aqua and poppy glory) caught our eye. It's probably not for the bride in her black dress, but possibly perfect for a bevy of maids or a pair of flower girls. $36.

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Paris Birdcage Tags in Blush Pink and Black

Perhaps for escort cards? These could be pretty cute hung from a line through a garden. Digitalpaperie has TONS of cute tags and graphics to mix and match. $4.75.

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Coral Fan Pattern - 4 Mini Pillow Boxes

Fieldandsea has a great shop with tons of pretty paper products. Fill these guys with something tasty and decorate your place settings, or even add a handmade label and use them for seating assignments. $5.

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Bianco e Rosso Twine

...Or even tie up the little boxes with red and white twine: pattern on pattern is always fun! We love Etsy for its handmade market, but it's also such a good resource for craft supplies. Angelaliguori has some good stuff. $16.

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Calligraphy Envelope Addressing

We are always in awe of really good calligraphy, and we love that Etsy has become a place for brides to find so many talented artists. You can find every single style in the marketplace, but for this particular theme, we'd go for this classic look form Della Carta Studio. By dellacarta, $4.50.

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VINTAGE Hand Crocheted Trim with Vintage Key

We can't resist posting a few vintage finds as well. There are so many carefully curated shops on Etsy that it's impossible not to find yourself lost among the vases, jars and linens (as well as the supplies). We'd wrap the bride's bouquet in a pretty length of this handmade vintage lace. It almost has an heirloom quality about it — it's so hard to resist. From VintageMarketPlace, $5.

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Paper Garland - 5'

Garlands add a bit of festive whimsy to any party. These paper garlands from artbynaomi would be sweet hung from an arch marking the ceremony space. $6.

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Large Vintage number 9 or 6

Big bold table numbers: pretty much a must. From bluebellbazaar, $48.

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1950s drinking glasses colorful 8 in an original basket

Thoughtful details like interesting cake stands, serving pieces, linens and glassware really make a theme come together beautifully (especially if your party is small). How perfect would a tray of old fashioned cocktails be in these glasses from bendiga? $29.

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HEMP LINEN roll upholstery fabric slipcover 14.76y Curtain RED elegant

Even if you can't bring yourself to buy tablecloths for every table, maybe a few key tables around the party could be dressed with linens made from this antique hemp fabric from grainsack. $297.

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Vintage Aluminum Floral Two Tiered Cake Stand

And then there's dessert: cupcakes, of course, with patterned paper, all stacked perfectly on a vintage cake stand. From jenscloset, $12.50.

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50 Black Striped Cupcake Liners-Vintage Inspired

The perfect cupcake liners! From HeyYoYo, $3.50.

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Thanks so much to 100 Layer Cake!

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From Seedling to Sachet: Growing Your Own Wedding

2009-06-09T16:32:00-05:00

My husband, Alexander, is a librarian and musician. We met at a show that a mutual friend threw for my birthday and had invited his band, Ponies in the Surf, to play. I remember calling my dad that night and saying, "I met the boy I'm going to marry!" Little did he know then he'd be planting the seedlings that would furnish our entire wedding menu.

I am a crafter of recycled woolens at mosey, but I also have a small line of wedding goodies (cake toppers, boutonnieres, simple dresses), so when it came time to start planning my wedding, I knew I would be obsessing over the tiny details. I have been crafting full time for a few years, and I really wanted to make my wedding a handmade event. Almost everything was handmade, handpicked, handsewn and handcrafted. We rounded up a number of friends who were artists and bakers, farmers and gardeners to help make this our perfect day.

Lucky for me, my mom, a.k.a. thecrystalpansy, is a pretty crafty lady herself. She was there with me the whole way — making and baking and putting the finishing touches on everything. We knew every artisan involved, but our cake decorations were Wendy Kromer's "Magical Marzipan Forest Cake Kit & Birds," our big splurge! Our inspiration was drawn from our location: the rocky eastern coastline, the mossy green woods, and the apples growing in the nearby orchard. We really wanted to make everything as local as possible. Alex works summers on a nearby sustainable farm where most of our produce was picked by friends and all of our lovely flowers grew.

Since our wedding took place close to the fall equinox, traditionally the harvest time, we were very inspired by the the natural color palette of fall. Rosy apple reds and Japanese lantern oranges, bittersweet yellows and ruddy root vegetables. Our flowers were picked the morning of the wedding by the ladies in my family. Ranunculus, larkspur, yarrow, eucalyptus, straw flower, snap dragons, Chinese lanterns, and zinnias. We had a wonderful time getting out there in the misty morning and collecting the finds for the day. It was a great time to relax a bit and literally smell the flowers before the big day really started.

Alex and I got married under a very simple Huppah (Jewish wedding canopy) that was fashioned by our friend, Jared. I stitched up the canopy from duponi silk, and my mom decorated it with bittersweet and crab apples from our yard.

We switched up the cocktail hour for "apple hour," where all the treats served were apple inspired. Apple cider, apple tartlettes, and candied apples were served. We had reception at the local restaurant and art gallery, Chase's Daily, where our invitation invited guests to a "feast of locally grown and hand-harvested goodies." The menu used all local produce and cheeses with handmade breads and seasonal salads. We had three types of tiny savory pies all made in my kitchen. Root vegetable, Blackbird pie, and my favorite, The Boleta Tart with wild mushrooms hand-gathered by the groom's family. We also put together an heirloom tomato salad with over 30 pounds of farm tomatoes! Guests were invited to share their handmade favorites and to bring pies, tarts, cakes and the like to add to the bounty.

Our place cards were apples picked from a local orchard with calligraphy leaves. We wanted our tables to really bring home the woodland theme and decorated them with moss, Chinese lanterns, acorns and tiny pumpkins. The favors were knitted sachets of rose hips grown in my parents garden.

I decided to make my own veil using simple tulle, and I added a pearl rosette from my great grandma's wedding dress (something old and blue). My grandmother's pearls were something borrowed, and my dress was something new. Alexander wore a natural linen suit, and all the groomsmen wore orange ties. The flower girls' dresses were simple white cotton embellished with satin and grosgrain ribbon. They each wore crowns of vine and vintage millinery of toadstools and crab apples from my shop. My mom made my crown from bittersweet vine and rosemary from my own tiny backyard garden.

Our rings were one of my favorite details. Fashioned from rose gold with a look similar to tree bark, I just loved how they tied everything together.

We were lucky to have our fantastic photographer Karen, who used both digital and vintage analog cameras. She made sure our day translated so lovingly to print!

At the end of it, all it was so wonderful to sit back and see what the hands of everyone we know and love had crafted for us...and to appreciate what our own hands made too!

Further Resources:

For more gorgeous photos of mosey's wedding, check out the posts on oncewed.
Indie Wedding Guide
Brooklyn Bride
Eco-Chic weddings
Wendy Kromer
Brownmouse Photo

Last year, mosey made a custom wedding dress, and shared the story with The Storque! Pop over to the article here. If you want to share photos of your handmade or vintage wedding, link us up in our flickr pool. For more wedding posts and handpicked items, check out these links:

Handmade Weddings Posts | Weddings Category

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Handmade Weddings: Five Sisters = One Amazing Day

2009-06-02T17:00:00-05:00

Ann Marie Popko, a.k.a. superduper and cocktailparty, lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans and has been designing accessories for almost 20 years. Her professional creative life includes hair accessories and hats, Mardi Gras costumes, nature photography, pecan cookery and newsletter writing. In this installment of Handmade Weddings, Ann Marie and her family share their story of putting their creative brains together for their sister's big day.

There are five sisters in my family. Growing up, our parents always encouraged creativity, and as adults living in the age of Etsy, the Popko family operates seven Etsy shops! When our little sister Crystal announced that she was going to get married, we all pulled out our specialties (and learned a few new ones) to grant her wishes in style.

The Shower

Crystal’s creative mastermind jumped into gear as soon as her boyfriend John proposed. She is incredibly talented; she studied sculpture at her university and has a thriving Etsy shop, popko, where she sells her butterfly wing and fused glass jewelry. It was no surprise that she would design her own wedding, or that she would enlist her uniquely creative family to carry out her vision.

The bride-to-be chose a delicious pink and orange color scheme, so our crafty Mom, a.k.a. sewsoft, whipped up 40 cheerful cotton napkins and cooked all of the food for the shower. I made my Love at First Bite sweet and spicy pecans, put them in white organza bags for all of our guests, and designed custom photo hang tags to make them extra special.

The Ceremony

The August wedding was held in an historic 1820’s building on top of a mountain in western Massachusetts. The stunning panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley was glazed with sun and sparkled all around with bright blue skies. John painted plenty of signs to make sure all of the guests found their way up and down the winding mountain trail.

The ring bearer was our year-old nephew Julian, and his job was to carry token rings up the aisle in a nest created by our sister, April (his mommy and Crystal’s maid-of-honor). She decorated a straw nest with marabou feathers, ivy, birds and miniature eggs.

April also used leather, buttons and embroidered ribbon to create tiny lederhosen suspenders for Julian to wear — a nod to our eastern European heritage.

I designed the bride’s hair accessory, the “Velvet Kiss,” made with peach velvet millinery leaves, antique silver sequins and a tiny spray of ostrich feathers. It was made to highlight the peach details in her sandy-metallic wedding dress. The groom and his groomsmen wore boutonnieres I made to coordinate with Crystal’s hair accessory. The great part about all of these accessories is that they are everlasting mementos of a special day, unlike fresh flowers which usually don’t make it past the conga line!

The wedding bands were designed and created by our sister Monique, a.k.a. gurlygirl, using the lost wax method. She hand-carved the rings out of wax, cast them in white gold and set the stones. (In a nutshell…she’s a professional metalsmith and it’s not as easy as it looks!) Since John spends lots of time around trees as a leader of adventure and sports trips, Monique carved a leaf texture into his ring. Crystal was inspired by a 50-cent thrift shop ring and asked Monique to recreate it as a continuous golden circle of hearts and diamonds.

The Reception

As guests walked into the reception (a rustic red barn a few miles down from the mountain ceremony), they knew right away that this was a handmade wedding. It was my job to grow flower boxes full of wheat grass to use as bases for the seating designations. I had never grown wheat grass before, but when the bride asks, one must deliver! Big sis Monique hand-wrote each guest’s name on a card and attached them to twigs we had gathered from the yard, and then we stuck the twigs in the grass. It was a fresh and lovely welcome to the festivities and it wasn’t very expensive to create.
Guests were asked to write well-wishes and advice for the newlyweds on one of 100 yellow cardstock birds (lovingly hand cut by our mom and sister April), and hang them on a tabletop wish Ttee. Also at the entrance was a wonderful clothesline display of images featuring Crystal and John throughout their six years together leading up to their wedding.

The maid-of-honor designed the cake toppers. She gave Crystal’s lovebird a veil (I guess because the bride didn’t wear one herself!) and she gave John’s a flotation vest and a paddle (he's an avid kayaker). The dinner tables were decorated in the pink and orange color scheme, and we created everything on the tables: hand-etched glass vases with rocks picked from our beach in Cape Cod, leaf-shaped table numbers, menu cards, flower arrangements, centerpiece plates. We were a hardworking and faithful crew!

Crystal and John gave their 100 wedding guests favors from the heart. They made fresh strawberry jam and mango-ginger waffle syrup. (Can you believe that even the fruit colors are on theme?) Middle sister Noel hosted a wrapping party at her house, where we poured some wine and went to town with cellophane, ribbon and hang tags designed by Crystal. (Note the rounded corners on each tag, done by us with a special craft punch.) Making all of these things for our sister’s wedding day was an extra special honor. If we could do it all over again, I think we would…there are still two more single sisters in the family!

(Above Photo: Alan Arsenault)

Weddings and Celebrations Gift Guide | Handmade Weddings on Etsy's Blog

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Handmade Weddings: Vegan Punk Style

2009-05-28T10:38:00-05:00

Our courtship was a string of midnight coffee and donuts, drunken bike rides, and sweaty punk shows. So when Paul and I decided we wanted to have a wedding, we had the daunting task of organizing a DIY vegan punk atheist wedding that wouldn't alienate our parents and extended families.

In order to balance out all the traditional elements missing from our wedding (like mentions of God or "man and wife," rings, or a marriage license), we incorporated as much of our families' heirlooms and tokens of past generations as possible. We decided to use vintage California as our overall theme, and tried to have as classy a wedding as two scruffy punks can manage.

The invitations were letterpress printed by the sweet friends of Paul at Portland's Stumptown Printers. I wanted them to look fancier than the hand-addressed alternative, but didn't have the money for a calligrapher. So I picked up an old 1960s cursive typewriter for cheap and hand-typed them all myself. I thought I was going to lose the use of my fingers after all that typing, but I love how they turned out!

Paul's mom Merry, a.k.a. obi1, also gave us her beautiful collection of vintage California postcards and photochromes to use as response cards. It was Paul's idea to use vintage stamps too. We found some wonderful sheets of old stamps at the local hobby store that cost face value.

My dress was an homage to old Hollywood in a warm off-white, and lucky for us, it was a floor sample that happened to fit like a glove, so we saved a lot. My goodwill wedding dress score that mysteriously disappeared when my mother offered to have it "cleaned" was even cheaper ($5), but, admittedly, not the stunner this one was. My pretty retro birdcage veil was made by somethingboldveils, and I wore my mother's pearls with Merry's pearl earrings.

We had the ceremony up in Tilden Park in the Berkeley Hills in front of a big willow tree. We wrote our own vows, and had our very stately friend Nate act as officiant. (Holding his notes in a Ramones book to look more official, no doubt!) The vows were all about our love for each other, the joining of families and our desire to declare our commitment in front of our community. It was heartfelt and sweet — almost everybody cried.

The reception was held at the Hillside Club, which is a Tudor style hall built in 1906, destroyed in a fire and rebuilt in 1923. It really helped to have two spaces so inherently pretty that we didn't have to worry about decorating much.

Our very favorite vegan chef Antonio serves up all organic, vegan and locally grown fare at his stand, Flaco's, in the farmer's market. We had him whip up some faux chicken tamales, mole drenched soft tacos, pineapple jicama salad, mushroom ceviche, and big glass jars of strawberry agua fresca and horchata! All of the carnivores and veggies alike raved over the food!

To go with the food and theme, we got glass bottles of coca cola made in Mexico and big batches of sangria that my bridesmaid Kristina and I made the morning of the wedding. We took a case of red wine and cut up pounds of oranges, strawberries, nectarines, and berries, and threw them in a bucket to steep. We filled rented pitchers halfway with lemon lime soda with ice and topped it with the fruit infused wine. The result: very pretty and tasty centerpieces!

We cut our raspberry and chocolate vegan wedding cake from Black China Bakery with Paul's grandfather's Masons sword. I kept thinking "I'm actually cutting a vegan cake with a sword!" while laughing.

We got the infamous DJ Lebowitz to play at our reception, doing piano adaptations of a slew of punk songs, from bands like The Ramones, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, and Black Flag. Our families enjoyed it just as much as our friends who were calling out song titles and singing along to their favorites. We danced our first dance to the Ramones version of "Baby, I Love You." That moment summed up everything about our wedding day for me, and I started crying: I was surrounded by my family and friends smiling and having a wonderful time, in the arms of the man I love, and it felt absolutely perfect.

Photos by Andrew Kercher, a great photographer, and mellow dude.

Further Resources:
Simple and easy vegan Mexican recipes.
Starter sangria recipes.

See more photos of this wedding in Ariel's flickr set.

Handmade Wedding Series | Weddings Category

Weddings Showcase | Curated Items for your Wedding

Handmade Weddings: Vintage-Inspired Place Settings with Poppytalk

2009-05-08T10:15:00-05:00

Welcome back to Jan of Poppytalk! We're happy to have her for another installment in the Handmade Weddings series. She's full of good ideas — using vintage postcards as your RSVPs, for instance! Today, she brings us her picks for vintage and retro handmade items to create that lovely old-timey look with your wedding decor.

I recently came across the beautiful work of illustrator Cynthia Warren*, who creates the most authentic vintage-style paper goods. From wedding invitations to party favours, I was instantly smitten and inspired to dream up a vintage-themed wedding article. The marriage of her calligraphy, illustrations and typography create a sense of romance and draw one into another era and time. Ideas of banners or pennants floating about, with table favours such as candy and cake boxes, lace, vintage silverware — you get the idea. And so I set off to find pieces here that would compliment the idea of a vintage-inspired wedding setting.

(*Noteworthy - I found Cynthia Warren via a Canadian blog, Cafe Cartolina)

Ornamental large frames- brights

First stop is the shop of Ormolu who creates these very special ornamental frames. You could use these as frames for the photo booth strips of your guests, or as shown here, banner-style. By ormolu, $5.

Calligraphy Samples

Laura Cooper of LHCalligraphy makes hand drawn custom wedding invitations, menus, maps, placecards and even compasses. Her work is impeccable, and she also offers couture letterpress as well as digital offset designs. By LHCalligraphy, $10.

Vintage Sterling Teaspoon 1898 Glasgow British marked -Ester-

There's nothing more beautiful than a sterling silver table setting. Granted, people don't usually own a place setting for 100, but if it's a small wedding, obviously renting is an alternative. If you're having your wedding in a hotel, silverware usually comes with the banquet. But if you're doing things on a budge,t we found some really reasonable pieces here at Etsy just by searching silverware in the Vintage Category. Look at this beautiful Vintage Sterling Teaspoon circa 1898! One could easily outfit at least the bridal party table with these (and then they become part of your collection afterward). By oldthings, $10.

100 Custom Stamped Initial Wedding Favor Bags

There are so many ideas one can do with wedding favors, like candy bags like these from susanschrock, personalized with an initial. By susanschrock, $35.

Cameo box -set of 4

Wrap some special chocolates or cake in these cameo boxes from thesecretG. By thesecretG, $3.40.

Right On Escutcheon Gift Tags

Or tag some goodies up. By KisforCalligraphy, $5.50.

EMMA TABLE NUMBER

For easy yet romantic ideas for decor, we're looking at these beautiful Table Number Cards which embellishedbytiffany also makes in other font styles and colors. By embellishedbytiffany, $3.

Paris Burlap Banner

And we love the idea of bunting banners draped criss-cross along the ceiling or swooped along the side of a fence or from tree to tree if the wedding is outdoors. funkyshique is offering up some sweet burlap ones. By funkyshique, $12.

Vintage girls, cotton and lace bunting

Or ColetteC has some extra special ones with vintage lace! By ColetteC, $24.

Linen and Lace

I didn't realize Etsy Vintage has all these awesome linens and things! I found this beautiful vintage tablecloth, which would be awesome for the cake table. Or find a few and drape them along the head table. From thevintagethread, $75.

CLAYCRAFT by DECO - Ivory Peony Cake Flowers (set of 3 flowers)
And to top things off, these clay flowered cakes are amazing (and a great keepsake). By dkdesignshawaii, $140.

Have fun exploring Etsy Vintage and try searching for handmade wedding items with vintage elements. Your guests will be transported!

Check Poppytalk's previous wedding post here. Looking for more wedding content? Try these links:

Handmade Weddings | Weddings Category | Weddings Showcase | Curated Items for your Wedding

Etsy Finds: Say I Do to Handmade

2009-05-07T12:17:00-05:00

Getting married or know someone who is starting to plan? I tied the knot last year and wanted as many handmade details as possible. All of the Etsy sellers I worked with were eager to take part in making my wedding special, and I felt so lucky to have them involved in the big day. Here are some of my top wedding Finds (and sellers to work with!).

Black Diamond and 14kt Gold Ring

First things first: get the ring. If you aren't traditional, you'll find amazing options on Etsy. Why not go with a black diamond? By stamp, $235.

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CUSTOM Wedding Cake Topper

I picked the hair color and accessories for my wedding topper, and it looked just like us! By thesmallobject, $135.

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White and Green Elegance

Clay flowers are a wedding memento you can keep forever. By debashri, $150.

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BLISS headpiece white silk dupioni, vintage rhinestones bridal head piece

When I received my custom made headpiece by houseoftelsa I burst into tears. There's something so special about these! $65.

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Boarding Pass Invitation (Download, Print and Send)

Having a destination wedding? These "Save The Date" boarding passes are for you! By WeddingPanacheNY, $35.

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Small Starfish ornaments wedding favors -- dozen

Wedding by the beach? These favors would be a great souvenir for your guests! By naturalhome, $28.

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Custom printed silk bridal hankie - Hearts

Trust me, you're going to cry. Be prepared! By ArtfulBeginnings, $19.

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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries - vegan soap

I sent my out-of-town guests home with custom soaps from LoveLeeSoaps. I also love these strawberries by DirtyAssSoaps, $15.

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Rounded Square Wedding Band

Don't forget your husband's band. Chances are he wants something EXACTLY like this. By ninadinoff, $100.

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Dream- wall art, hanging banner

I had a custom made glittery banner like this above the head table. It was a dream! By InMyBlueRoom, $15.

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Looking for more Wedding Finds? Try these links:

Weddings Category | Handmade Weddings Series | Weddings and Celebrations Gift Ideas

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Handmade Weddings: Affordable Favors, Different Flavors

2009-04-29T10:19:00-05:00

A unique wedding is in the details, isn't it? Many brides are rolling up their sleeves, getting crafty and saving some money. Don't get me wrong, there are tons of how-tos for your DIY wedding, but let's face it ladies: you can't always do everything!

Here are some fresh ideas for adding that special handmade touch — let the talented artists of Etsy help you out! I've arranged these by theme so we can see some different styles and flavors — whichever suits your fancy.

Green Day: Eco and Natural Themed Weddings

This baby kiwi purselet is totally handsewn. Tuck in a handwritten thank you note to your bridesmaids, and have these waiting for them at their hotel rooms. By gSakura, $33.50.

These stemless wine glasses are all handpainted by the artist. Give your guests a favor that they can use again and again after they toast the new couple. These have a fresh look and definitely go with the green theme. By marywibis, $45.

It's fun to sprinkle some items on the tables: It invites conversation and gives fidgety children (and adult guests) something to play with. These natural wood handcrafted magnets would make great mementos for your country-chic wedding. By wookwoodworking, $12.

Artful Blossom: Spring-like Origami Theme

beautiful day - personalized washi

Give your guests "take out" with these personalized fortune cookies in a take-out box. This memorable favor may get some gossip going (which guest is going to meet their future spouse at the wedding, hmmm?). By maoiliosa, $20.

Pretty Chic - votive holders set of 3

These votive holders are simply lovely and would add a subtle glow to an evening wedding. By PinkBlossomBoutique, $14.

Let your guests take part in your blossoming romance. Sprinkle the table tops with these cherry blossom rubber stamp and ink pads. Your white paper table clothes will be blooming in no time and guests can take these home. Who wants to pay $600 for table linens, anyway? By Corrabelle, $7.

White on White: Fresh, Clean and Sugary

The classic party favor: food! Who doesn't like a tasty white collection-themed cookie waiting for them at the hotel room? By cakeboxcookies, $39.95.

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Make sure your guests come to the wedding relaxed and smelling sweet with these bath bombs. You get 50 for $32.50! By PamperMePlease.

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You could put the bath bombs in this sweet natural cotton pouch with handstamped text. Tuck in your thank you note and a sprig of lavender. By palomasnest, $7.

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Elegance: A Classic Affair

Give your favor gift wrapping a touch of class. These favor tags come in a ten pack for $15. By embellishedbytiffany.

I love dual purpose items for weddings. They cut down on waste and excess stuff-you-have-to-worry-about. These elegant name card votives act as table cards, table lighting for a bit of ambiance, and the guests can bring them home as souvenirs. Clever. By MadeForYouJustByMe, $3.

I know you're so sophisticated with your elegant wedding, but throw in a cootie catcher, please! Show your guests that you're a couple that knows how to laugh while looking marvelous. By katskrafts, $1.75.

Cute and Crafty: DIY Aesthetic

These birdies are adorable! Use these custom wedding stickers to seal the deal when you wrap up your favors. By MAUpromos, $22.

This seller will make you custom brooches with your choice of word or name. You can do the bride and groom's names or get ambitious and do each guest's name. Name tag art! By PaperFish, $13.

Last but not least, check out this itty bitty bouquet of roses pincushion. Save money and waste by ditching the cut flowers. Your crafty friends with love this favor, and maybe, if you're lucky, they'll even use this pincushion while making your wedding gift! By ValsArtStudio, $22.

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Handmade Weddings: Decades of Bridal Style

2009-04-15T14:23:00-05:00

Sarai is a designer, vintage lover, and seamstress extraordinaire. Some of you may know from her blog, Sweet Sassafras. She's also launching her own line of beautiful sewing patterns. Sneak a peek at the preview at Colette Patterns.

There are so many gorgeous options when it comes to bringing vintage style to your wedding that it can be difficult to define one specific look. Last year, I brought you some tips and ideas for bringing vintage elements into your wedding attire. But there is such a wealth of inspiration to be gathered from the styles of the past that it can be difficult to pinpoint what you want! Let's look a little more closely at a few styles from past decades that may inspire you.

Deco Bride

Clockwise from top left: Tower Czech Rhinestone Deco Pendants from dibabeads, Vintage Ivory Lace Wedding Dress and Jacket with Satin Slip and Vintage Ivory Satin Lace-up Bridal Shoes from GlorybyJeannieLee.

When you think of the style of the roaring twenties, you probably immediately think of the free spirited flapper. Slim, boyish figures were in and restrictive corsets were out, emphasized with sack dresses and dropped waistlines. Egyptian themes were all the rage, and these influenced the strong geometric lines of Art Deco, which were reflected in clothing and jewelry.

But in spite of the flat chests and bobbed hair, women still wanted some femininity. For weddings, the simple straight cut of the sack dress was balanced with fluid silk fabric, intricate detail, beading, and trim at the hemline. Headpieces drew attention from the body to the face, with many brides choosing to wear a cloche hat or long, trailing veil.

For this look, think of the pixie-ish beauty of Clara Bow, the sultriness of Louise Brooks, or the vivacity of Josephine Baker. Try beaded trims, fringed hemlines, a very long net veil, wreath-like headbands of gilded and beaded leaves.
Photo courtesy of ondiraiduveau on Flickr.

Screen Siren

From left to right: Satin Nightgown from TheBohemianGoddess, Gold Leaf Vintage Barrette with Rhinestones from rosebudcottage, and Two Part Rhinestone Deco Vintage Buckle from ohmymilky.

In the more troubled thirties, many women turned to Hollywood for their dose of glamour. Screen sirens such as Jean Harlow showed off their curves in draped gowns of shimmering silk that covered up yet revealed everything. The 1930s saw a turn to a slightly more feminine, soft aesthetic with waved hair, slinky gowns, and sparkly costume jewelry.

Brides wore long gowns in slim silhouettes, often cut on the bias in silk charmeuse or crepe. The look was glamorous, but streamlined. These modern gowns might be further adorned with rhinestone and silver jewelry, dress clips, or belt clasps.

For this look, a bias-cut gown in a flowing silk is the main event. Dress it up even more with rhinestone dress clips, jewelry, or a clasp at the waist. Add a faux fur wrap for drama. Get soft wavy hair with pin curls or marcel waves.

Photo courtesy of ondiraiduveau on Flickr.

Forties Glamour

Clockwise from top left: Milk Glass and White Rhinestone Bracelet from beth1818, Vintge Tulle Wedding Dress from atouchofvintage, and Vintage Satin Bridal Shoes from WearingHistory.

During the war, styles for women took on more severe, military-inspired lines with broad shoulders and small waists. Hair was often worn in elaborate rolls that suited women's new role in the workforce.

Headpieces for brides suited these hairstyles, with higher, crown-like pieces and attached veils. Shining satin continued to be popular for dresses, though the movement was toward rayon rather than the silk that was needed in the war effort. Wedding dresses were still simple and modern, but with more structure and less drape.

For this look, try a long silk gown with a sweetheart neckline and puffed long sleeves. Hair could be worn in rolls, or for a more subdued look, a simple pageboy style or soft Veronica Lake style waves. A beaded snood or half-crown headpiece would complete the look, and don't forget the peep-toe shoes!

Photo courtesy of ondiraiduveau on Flickr

Fifties Frills

Clockwise from top left: Vintage Rhinestone and Pearl Heart Necklace from theatticshop, Vintage Pink Organza Full Skirt Party Dress Set from blythehopesvintage, and Vintage Champagne Wedding Hat from OhTwoVintage.

Needless to say, the fifties brought in full-force femininity. From Paris, Dior's New Look inspired women to adopt full skirts and ultra-nipped waists aided by some serious foundation garments.

Wedding attire also emphasized the hourglass shape. From simple satin and fluid fabrics, the fifties moved into an abundance of lace, tulle, and frills. The strapless frilly confections you might associate with 1950s evening gowns were popular, though perhaps with an added lace capelet or bolero for modesty during the ceremony. Just look to Grace Kelly's wedding for the epitome of 1950s bridal style.

Photo courtesy of ondiraiduveau on Flickr.

For this look, you could try a strapless dress and bolero, plenty of lace and tulle, short white gloves, a cocktail hat with veil, or a high neckline with a Peter Pan collar.

Camelot Style

Clockwise from top left: Sequined Glamor Felt Pillbox Hat from angrykitty, Sexy Vintage Cream Stretch Lace Dress from atouchofvintage, and Vintage White Day Gloves from overthetopoverstock.

Jackie Kennedy inspired legions of women in the early sixties with her pristine style. Her fitted sheaths, bare arms, and box-cut suits were refined and glamorous, a striking contrast to the hourglass shapes of the fifties.

Wedding dresses in this style might be made in a simple sheath or a-line shape, and done in a heavy fabric that suits the structured look.

For this style, try a structured sheath with matching coat or a boxy silk suit. Accessorize with a pillbox hat, short gloves, a birdcage veil, and kitten heels.

Vintage White Tapestry Brocade 1960s Jackie O Wedding Dress from Retrogirlgypsyarcade.

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Etsy Finds: Crafting an Eco-Friendly Wedding

2009-04-13T10:00:00-05:00

Lately, I've been daydreaming about the challenge of pulling off an entire wedding with an eco twist. With this idea in mind, I turned to Etsy, and I realized it's a breeze to find unique items to craft a memorable event that's also easy on the earth. I think each of the items below would make a great start to pulling off the perfect environmentally friendly wedding all the way from the invitations to the favors. To find more items like these try the search term eco wedding.

14k Diamond Wave Band

Kristin only uses diamonds in her work that are conflict-free and purchased in compliance with the Kimberley Process. The ring above would make a great option for an engagement ring, wedding band, or combination of the two. By kristincoffin, $685.

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Couture Eco-Friendly Wedding Dress

Make a stunning appearance while remaining comfortable in this dress made with the eco-friendly materials bamboo and organic cotton jersey. It also incorporates handmade organic linen flowers and hemp/silk Charmeuse details. By NaturalBridals, $6800.

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Eco-friendly linen invitations - Green, set of 25

Stand out from the crowd and send your wedding invitations in linen. They will not only make an impression, but will last for years to come. By ArtfulBeginnings, $60.

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Violet paisley freestyle bow tie

Dressing your groom and groomsmen just got easier (and a lot more fun) with these rare bow ties made from repurposed vintage neck ties. By xoelle, $36.

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Dear doves cake topper

The top of your wedding cake couldn't look better with one of these nest cake toppers. Mosey incorporates vintage millinery flowers from Germany into her pieces. By mosey, $32.

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vintage LOS ANGELES transit cufflinks

These cufflinks made from vintage 1950's Los Angeles MTA transit tokens would make a great addition to the groom's attire or a great gift in multiples for his groomsmen. By dustDesignCo, $26.

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Ivory and Taupe butterfly bloom, hair clip or brooch

Touch up any dress, clutch, pair of shoes, or hair style with one of these delicate looking flower accessories, assembled with a vintage butterfly brooch and recycled fabrics. By Cultivar, $22.

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PlantableTags Favors Set of 10

Leave your guests with a lasting memory of your celebration when you give these plantable flower tags as your favors! Once your guests get home, they can plant the tag, do something healthy for the earth, and think of you while watching the flowers grow. By GreetingsthatGrow, $5.

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Set of 4 Tumblers made from recycled wine bottles

These clever little tumblers were made using recycled glass from wine bottles and are so versatile. They'd make the perfect toasting glasses, create a unique table setting as your guests' wineglases, or if used as a vase, they'd dress up a table with a cool green glow. By bodhicitta, $35.

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(Hippie) Handmade Weddings: Circa 1972, Baby!

2009-04-10T18:15:00-05:00

Growing up, I always had a flair for the theatrical. I think I inherited this inclination from my awesome hippie parents. You see, my parents’ 1972 Hippie Wedding is a thing of legend in the small town of Alameda, California.

New in town, they posted signs on telephones poles inviting the town-folk to attend their “no-hoopla wedding.” The ceremony was held in a small, tree-shaded park across the street from their apartment. They expected 50-odd guests, but attracted crowds in the hundreds. Some musicians walking by set up on a stage and jammed into the wee hours. My Dad's co-workers surprised him by pulling up in a converted school bus turned hippie love bus filled with libations.

Greeting guests in front of the hippie bus.

Cutting the cake for throngs of hungry children.

I have heard the legend and have admired the terribly groovy photos, but the elements I treasure most from their big day are the handmade ones. My Mom recently brought over my Dad's handmade wedding vest and her vintage bridal shoes, so I could admire their handiwork.

My Dad, the ZZ-Top looking fella', was "just not into suits" and asked if my Mom would make him a "groovy" wedding vest.

"He actually joked that the wedding would be called off if I didn't make him one," my Mom recalls.

"I had just started to crazy quilt at the time and decided to go patchwork for his vest. I handembroidered around each patch, and in the centers of some on the backside, I embroidered your father's initials. We found a pink paisley shirt at the Five & Dime, and I made him a pair of red velvet arm garters to finish off the look."

My Mom and her bridesmaids decided to make their gowns from simple, store-bought patterns.

"We decided to make our gowns because we were on a budget. Back then, you would have to go to a fancy boutique or department store to find a gown. I found them to be very intimidating and impersonal."

"I chose ivory brocade, which was a bit rebellious at the time. In Chinese culture it is traditional to wear a red gown for good luck. I figured since there was nothing traditional about our wedding, I would buck the 'old ways' and wear what I liked. I wore my red dress in our engagement photos instead, which made your grandfather happy..."

Of course, no wedding day would be complete without something old.

"We found my vintage (now antique) bridal shoes at a small mom & pop shop during a road trip to Monterey. They were wrapped in their original packaging materials and were in pristine condition. I really loved the silk embroidery and the bright colors, a lot of work went into them. They were the perfect finishing touch on my perfect 'no-hoopla' wedding ensemble." I would agree.

My parents celebrated their 36th Wedding Anniversary in October.

If you have a soft spot for nostalgia, check out more posts about real weddings and their vintage elements. Not only are Kim's parents fabulous, you should see her hats! Watch this video we made with Kim about her millinery, topsyturvydesign.

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Handmade Weddings: Creating Custom Letterpress Wedding Invitations with Pistachio Press

2009-04-07T17:00:00-05:00

Letterpress printer pistachiopress walks us through the process of getting custom made invitations. Check out some of the other Handmade Wedding posts we've done on invites: Invitation Options with Moontreepress, Pushing the Envelope with Calligraphy, Invitations and Papergoods by Poppytalk.

As a printmaker, I have always loved the tactility of prints on good cotton papers. Naturally, this led me to letterpress printing and eventually to working with brides and grooms on custom wedding invitations. I know that the idea of working with a printer on custom invitations can be a bit overwhelming, but I hope this piece will clarify the process and make the experience a bit less daunting.

[Left: save-the-date booklets, Right: wedding stationery designed by Alexander Cheek and printed by Pistachio Press]

For custom letterpress wedding invitations, I think it’s best to start with a printer whose work you love, even if that work isn’t exclusively wedding stationery. There are a lot of great letterpress printers on Etsy who also make and design wedding invitations. Etsy’s Alchemy feature is another way to find a printer who will work with you on custom designs. My favorite part about Alchemy is the option to send a private request to a seller whose work you already love. (You can also contact a seller by sending her a "convo" message.) I suggest purchasing a sample of the printer’s work to get an idea about the quality of the papers and printing offered.

For most of the history of letterpress printing, the inked type just lightly kissed the page and didn’t create an impression. In contemporary letterpress printing, the tactility of a deep impression on cotton paper is often desired to set the piece apart from other forms of printing. Many printers now use photopolymer plates instead of lead type, which allow more options for typefaces and illustration elements (see more about how this works here). It’s a good idea to talk to the printer if you would like a very specific impression.

[Left: photopolymer plates, Right: detail of machine stitched invitation]

Letterpress printing is generally a bit more expensive than other forms of printing because the labor involved is often much greater. The paper must be fed through the press separately for every color printed, which will be a large factor in your pricing quote. To keep costs down, many couples opt to go with a two-color invitation and one-color response cards, thank you notes, and menus.

[Left: eyelet lace cards, Right: recent invitation and response card]

Depending on the complexity of the illustration you want and how many pieces are being designed, complete custom design work can range from $300-$800 in addition to the cost for printing, which can range from $500-$2000. This generally includes one design direction and about three rounds of revisions. For custom work, it’s especially helpful to have a clear idea of what you would like the finished product to look like because additional revisions can increase your overall price.

Having a solid idea about the kind of wedding you’re planning is key when you start looking for invitations. Are you going to have a large, traditional wedding or a smaller wedding at a park? Your invitations are the first indication your guests will have about the wedding and they help to set the tone. The more information you can give to your designer, the better! I love knowing where a client is getting married or what colors the bridesmaid dresses will be and incorporating these details into the invitations.

[Left: hand-drawn invitation, Right: detail of a response card]

Many letterpress printers have several options available for customizing handmade invitations without having a complete custom design created from scratch. For all of my pre-designed pieces, the couple always has the option of changing ink colors, paper stock, wording, and typefaces. I have a list of available typefaces that I provide to my clients and I often custom-mix the ink colors for the invitations to match a swatch of fabric from a tie or a dress. If the designer already has a card with a design you like, you may want to ask if that specific element can be incorporated into your wedding invitations. This may also cut down on the cost of custom design because the illustration and plate have already been created.

[Left: mixing the perfect shade of green ink, Right: green swirl cards]

The timeframe for custom invitations is generally 4-6 weeks for design work and 4-6 weeks for the printing. The process may be shorter if you know exactly what you want, or longer if you make a lot of changes to the design. I would suggest building in a bit of a cushion in your timeline for addressing the invitations. Many printers will mail you the envelopes early so that you can start the process of addressing or give them to a calligrapher.

[Both images: custom design by Tara Hogan (tarahogan.etsy.com) and printed by Pistachio Press]

If you’re in love with the work of a designer who isn’t also a letterpress printer, you may want to ask the designer and the printer if they would be willing to work with you on the invitations. I have printed for a few clients who either designed their own invitations or worked with another designer and the process was a lot of fun.

Further Resources:
Pistachio Press (www.pistachiopress.com)

Handpicked Wedding Items | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase

Paper Goods Category | Letterpress Wedding Invitations

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Handmade Weddings: Natural Grooming Tips from GreenUnion

2009-03-27T11:37:00-05:00

Whether you're getting married or are simply looking for some beauty tips to make you look and feel great, look no further! From her roots in creating gorgeous, stylish and sustainable celebrations, Rosie Ames founded eco-friendly wedding website GreenUnion. The inspiration for GreenUnion came from her interest in ethical issues and understanding that, while couples are less interested in excessive over-spending and over-consumption, smaller more handmade events are becoming increasingly popular. Stroll through Etsy's Bath and Beauty Category with Rosie.

It's a well known fact that every couple looks radiant on their wedding day, but if you feel you can't rely on your own sheer happiness alone to ensure total radiance, here are some natural, organic, and ethical alternatives to give you a boost on your big day.

We suggest the very first step to all natural beauty is to take care of your overall health and well being in the run up to the big day. This applies to brides and grooms equally.

Munch away at a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, drink lots of water (be green, avoid bottled water and tap into faucet water which is perfectly good for you) and reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Do plenty of exercise like walking or swimming, preferably in the fresh air, and get lots of sleep. This will help keep your body, skin and hair in tip top condition.

If you practice what we preach, then using a natural or organic facial and body lotion on the build up to your big day, feeding your skin precious nutrients and oils, will be all you'll need to radiate that natural beauty to the world.

Look out for organic skincare products that are free from artificial colors, fragrances, parabens, petrochemicals and phthalates. Try Pai Skincare or Spiezia Organics or check out these fantastic products on Etsy from ArtSpot:

Makeup Magic
Make sure you try new products and shades well before the wedding day, especially if you have sensitive skin. Once you've found something that suits you, stick to it and don't make the mistake of trying new products or colours on the day, it could end in tears. Askmemakeup on Youtube has some helpful tips in her series of videos:

Your skin will be extra wonderfully radiant if you don't wear any makeup for a week before the wedding and keep your skin moisturized. On the day, apply makeup to a well moisturized base and keep your colors natural. Have a lip gloss handy for touching up throughout the day. If you're not sure about doing your own makeup, let Orglamic create a beautiful bridal look with natural, organic cosmetics or ask a makeup artist to use your own natural products.

Everyone's asking about mineral makeup — it’s pretty good for you and your skin, but choose wisely and always try them out before committing yourself. Everyone's skin is different and every bride's after a different look: experiment because practice makes perfect. On Etsy you can get samples from Lollibomb:

They say mineral makeup is so natural, you can sleep in it. But if you still want to wash your face and go easy on the environment, you can get reuseable face pads from laksaware on Etsy:

In case you've never used mineral makeup find out how on Youtube:

Here's a handy hint: when getting ready on the day, wear something which buttons all the way up so you don't end up mussing your hair and splotching your makeup when it's time to get into that dress!

Healthy Hair
With a balanced diet and heaps of exercise, your hair will have no choice but to shine out naturally. Having it trimmed regularly (every six weeks, even if you're growing it, or less if it's a crop) will get your hair into peak condition. If you're thinking of coloring it yourself, think again, and have it done professionally at least 3 months before the big event, just in case you hate the result and need to take alternative action!

Whether you're having your hair styled professionally or doing it yourself, it's a great idea to experiment with your style. Try out different accessories like a veil, fascinator (such as the one above from myrakim) or flowers in plenty of time and once you've made your decision, stick to it on the day (see the post in this series about Do-ing it up with Veils and Hair Accessories).

Happy Hands

Your hands will be on show on your wedding day, so a little attention won't go amiss. Lots of moisturizing on the run up to the big day and a pampering manicure always hits the spot. Pictured above is GudonyaToo's all natural hand and nail scrub for a little exfoliation. Here's some cuticle crisis cream from parrotfeathers:

Etsy has some gorgeous manicure sets which would also make great bridesmaid's gifts. This one is from sparetimecrafts:

A good buff will make most hands sparkle, but if you plan to polish, check out a kinder product than those on the average high street (or for the US-readers, convenience store?), like Suncoat's water based nail polish.

Good Grooming
While their brides are pampering themselves for the big day, grooms may feel a bit of pressure to devote a little time and effort getting into shape themselves!

Follow to a good diet and exercise regime, choose products that work for your skin and moisturize regularly and thoroughly. A well groomed head may require a bit of application, but make sure your hair is squeaky clean. Here's some natural shampoo from SoapStore:

You might want to take some time to experiment with some styling products till you find one that suits your hair and then 'stick' to it. Doesn't hurt to have a sibling, friend, or your partner check you out and give you their honest opinions!

On the wedding day, have a good shave, shower and moisturize well, smooth down the bed head.

JoyfulGirlNatural's Organic Aloe Herbal After Shave Gel Natural Man

HeidisHandmades's Shaving Soap Mug & Brush

And don't forget the natural deoderant by SpaTherapy.

Then you should be fit to climb into your outfit looking like a million dollars!

In her spare time Rosie grows flowers in her cutting garden, plants trees, keeps hens in the back yard and walks the Devon moors and windy beaches. This article has been refreshed since its original publication in April of 2008.

Further Resources:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Chemical Safe Skincare
Womens Environmental Network - 'Ending the Cosmetics Cover-up'
American Botanical Council

Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series

Bath and Body Category | Bath and Body Showcase

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Etsy Finds: Love My Way

2009-03-26T10:33:00-05:00

Meeting someone that shares your affinity for Werner Herzog, makes you scrambled eggs, and loves you in spite of your funny quirks (doll collecting!) is a treasure worth holding onto. Make your wedding as special as your relationship with handmade details from Etsy.

Lovely and modern bridal hair piece

By myrakim, $65.

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diamond seed 2pt. stacking ring

By blancamonrosgomez, $115.

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White as Snow Dress

By sarahseven, $455.

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wedding cupcake toppers - FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING

By goosegrease, $40.

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Organza Flower Neckribbon/Headband

By modernromancepdx, $22.

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cosmia

By whichgoose, $25.

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Gilded Rose Earrings

By laralewis, $14.

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Love Birds (cut out card)

By pocketstudio, $5.

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charcoal roses

By allencompanyinc, $105.

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Process: Vintage Lace Wedding Shrugs with Holly Stalder

2009-03-18T17:00:00-05:00

YouTube | MP4 | blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes

(Music by Eric Beug. Animation by JuliaPott)

Holly Stalder is a prolific clothing designer working out of a cozy studio in Portland, Oregon. Her delicate and feminine clothing and accessories have gained wide acclaim in the blogosphere and in magazines such as SOMA, ELLE, Lucky, and W. Her intricate creations are also quite appealing to many brides-to-be.

We recently visited Holly's studio to see how she constructs her beautiful shrugs. The piece that we were lucky enough to catch Holly making is similar to the version showcased in Portland Bride & Groom, as seen below.

A large part of Holly's creative process comes from sourcing vintage material. Finding just the right lace, pearls or tulle gives each shrug or dress that she creates a unique touch.

Some of Holly's pieces are limited editions that vary slightly piece to piece, while others are one-of-a-kind masterpieces. It's truly amazing to watch her elegant sensibilities shine through as she adapts her materials to her patterns.

From Holly's Blog:

Faded velvet ribbons, Edwardian lace, and the beaded applique of a 1920's dress, aurora borealis rhinestone buttons. Holly's designs begin with her favored raw materials: salvaged antique fabrics and trims. Intrigued by the fragility of fabrics and how they age and wear over time, she incorporates these elements into her modern designs.

Holly's hand sewn accessories and formal wear are made with care and customizable to any formal occasion. They're truly that memorable addition that could make your wedding day.

Image courtesy: Holly Stalder

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Etsy Finds: Rings and Things

2009-01-27T08:05:00-05:00

It's the Season of Love, and how better to express your feelings than with a little reminder around her finger? Whether an engagement, promise, or gift of friendship, a handmade ring is sure to be a winner every time. Got a thing for rings? Get caught up in Etsy's ring category with endless possibilities sure to dazzle you.

Loved Ones Rings Set

By annekiel, $124.

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Fun Vintage Dime Store Ring - Big Blingy Diamond in Gold Tone Setting with Deco Style No. 3

By LittleGreenSquirrel, $6.

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Imagine life in peace - Sterling silver integrated 9K rose gold engagement ring inlaid fresh water pearl.

By artisanlook, $148.

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Sweet Rain Stacking Ring Set - 14k Gold and Aquamarines

By BloomStudios, $265.

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Rough Diamond Ring

By seababejewelry, $61.

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Baby Snake Ring in Sterling Silver with Diamonds

By michellechangjewelry, $48.

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Secret Poetry Stackable Ring in Sterling in new lowercase font

By deliasthompson, $19.

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Eleven Orbits - Set of Rings

By Meetalls, $33.

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WILL YOU MARRY ME tiny text bowl proposal - engagement box set

By palomasnest, $32.

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Handmade Weddings: Diamond Setting

2008-07-15T11:15:00-05:00

I love jewelry. I love designing jewelry, making jewelry, wearing jewelry, and looking at jewelry. And as a bride-to-be, I was so excited (and lucky) to have the opportunity to design a ring around the most beautiful diamond I have ever seen.

I was initially drawn to "Cherish – precious topaz" by Al Krafcik aka Beyond the Rockz because of the ring's clean lines and handmade prongs.

I convoed Al and we started working together on a setting for my diamond. Our convos turned into an Alchemy request, which turned into a wax model, which turned into a gorgeous white gold ring. And then Al offered to set the stone in person, so that my fiancé and I could watch him set the diamond. And now you can watch too!

Check out this video of Al setting my diamond in a custom made Beyond the Rockz design. Do you have a stone that you want to set or do you want a one of a kind piece of jewelry? You can create an Alchemy request or request a custom item from one of the many amazing jewelers here on Etsy.

See more posts in the Handmade Wedding Series.

Etsy Finds: Romantic Ceramics

2008-03-24T10:14:00-05:00

Ok, I try not to get overly mushy in public, but I did find this engagement box set to be particularly heart warming and sweet. If I were a girl, and to receive this, I don't see how I could possibly refuse.

In case you aren't planning on popping any questions in the near future, palomasnest has tons of other delightful ceramic bowls with various quotes and sayings impressed on them. Read up!

Note: Please don't mention this article to any of my dude friends lest you ruin my street cred. Thanks!

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Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series

Handmade Weddings: I Do's without the Debt with RaeGun

2008-03-22T10:06:00-05:00

Another real wedding that really kept it real: RaeGun gives Handmade Wedding Series readers a peek at her DIY nuptials!

Marrying a pastor's son meant we would be inviting the whole church to the wedding. Being the type of girl who thinks it's pretty wasteful to spend thousands upon thousands on one day's worth of festivities — but still wanting something memorable and just plain awesome — handmade goodness played a large role in our wedding. It wasn't that I was trying to be cheap, I just didn't want to spend a fortune and I didn't like the cookie cutter look to all the mass-produced wedding gear.

My dress was handmade by a lady who had made my high school banquet (our version of prom) dresses. It was made out of duponi silk and French lace, my version of a designer dress that I had fallen in love with. She only charged me $250 and my mom who lives in Thailand got a great deal on the fabric. Look for people who can sew but aren't necessarily in the bridal industry. They can probably make you anything you want at a fraction of what something labeled as a wedding dress would cost. Plus then you have the benefit of a dress that is uniquely your own. Check on Etsy for sellers that sew and accept Alchemy requests.

We bought some tulle from Walmart, a plastic comb and some fabric glue, and my mom made a lovely veil by gluing remnants of the silk to the tulle and stitching it all to the comb. Have you seen the price of veils?

My mother-in-law and I made the invitations. I scanned an image I liked, filled in the words, bought some cool paper and took it all to Staples. People loved my invitation and they showed our personality. If you're not up to doing the entire invitation yourself, order some invites but print out the address labels and buy a cute return address stamp that you can do yourself.

For the flowers we ordered bulk tulips and roses with some greenery and babies breath. We didn't order arrangements, partially because I was scared of what the cranky old florist lady would give me, but also because it was substantially cheaper. I had my grandmother, who is into flowers, fill vases and make some bunches for the bouquets. Not only did this save money, but it gave my grandmother a real role to play. Involving friends and family in the preparation for the big event can really add an extra level of closeness.

We had a dessert reception. We ordered some pastries from a bakery, cut them in half, and arranged them ourselves on platters. A small cake for cutting was topped with some of the flowers we ordered. We made simple additions like chocolate dipped fortune cookies and strawberries and arranged fruit and cheese around the goodies. Placing platters at different heights and looking at pictures of food arrangements helped to make it all look much more professional.

[My dad, hard at work!]

Chair covers were sewn, favors were family assembled (heart shaped cookie cutters with a recipe), candles were strewn about, programs were printed and tied with ribbon, pictures were taken by aspiring photographer friends, and my husband and the DJ from one of his bands took care of music (hear more here).

It was a lot of hard work, but well worth it. People had a great time and could not stop telling us how fun and beautiful it was for weeks after. As I write this I realize almost my entire wedding was "handmade," but then again we had a lot of guests helping out. Implementing just a few of these ideas can really help cut cost as well as add character.

I got married before I knew about Etsy. If I had to do it over I would definitely look for favors and invitations here. If you don't know anyone good with a sewing machine, Etsy is full of them. No photography friends? See if the Shop Local feature on Etsy turns up any, or contact the art department of your local college or university. Remember that many sellers are more than happy to do custom orders; all you have to do is convo them or see if they have opted into Alchemy. There is a great uniqueness that you get when you incorporate handmade into your wedding. Whether you do it yourself or utilize the many resources Etsy has to offer, you will probably come away with a one- of-a-kind celebration that is a lot easier on you (or your parents') pocketbooks.

Further Resources:
TheKnot.com

Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com

MarthaStewart.com/weddings

Priceless Weddings for under $5,000 by Kathleen Kennedy

If you have DIY ideas for your wedding planning, or would like to share your real wedding on the Storque, comment below!

Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series

Etsy Love Stories: ArtWearbyCaron and MissMeander

2008-02-05T15:57:00-05:00

We at The Storque have recently been canvassing the Etsy community for love stories, be it romantic accounts of meeting a significant other through Etsy, a friendly collaboration between Etsy members or the story of how that one Etsy item made a difference in your relationship with someone else. This is the story of ArtWearbyCaron and MissMeander and the wedding ring that brought their shops, and lives, together. So sweet! Complete with an "unboxing" video.

Caron: The story is really simple. I hadn't made a ring except while learning to be a metalsmith. I started off on Etsy only offering pendants. One day I got a convo from another Etsy shop owner, MissMeander. She asked if I made rings. I said that I would think about it. She nearly scared me off when she said that it would be her wedding ring - but I had NEVER made a ring!

She just kept sending me convos full of encouragement until I agreed to try. I started making rings and she kept sending me convos. After about four months of talking, I made her ring. I took pictures of the process and made her a small scrapbook as a surprise. She surprised me by making a YouTube video of herself opening the box when it came in the mail. What a special gift! When do we ever get to see our buyer open their package? We have kept in touch and I have gone on to make many more rings including two more wedding rings. She really changed my shop and my art. Thanks for the opportunity to tell my story.

Meander: I found Caron while searching for blue topaz items on Etsy. I've wanted a blue topaz wedding ring for so long and I'm always on the lookout for the perfect stone. I mean, I was anyway.

When I saw her pendants, I really fell in love. The settings seemed to float and were often in creative locations. The metal didn't serve as a bland frame for the gemstone, the freeform metalwork was just as important as the stone, and I really appreciated that. I figured if Caron could create those looks for pendants, it was worth asking about rings. So many people on Etsy are so approachable and interested in doing custom work and I've found that asking a person for custom work is often taken as a compliment to them in the first place, so why not give it a try?

Since times can be tough, my husband joined the military to help afford things like college and medical benefits, so because of that we've been moving a lot and he spends a lot of time out to sea. We never seemed to find the right moment or be in close proximity to family to have a ceremony. We had our second wedding anniversary before I finally found Caron's work and I figured since I wasn't seeing a ceremony any time soon in my future, I wanted to have my ideal ring to make up for those memories and wedding photos I didn't have and Caron's art hit the mark.

Caron was so great to work with and she put so much effort into the ring to make it just what I wanted, which was wonderful because a lot of the ring concept had a lot of different meanings to me. I wanted the ring to look free and whimsical and not something that could be forced from a mold. Not only does that have a sort of symbolic meaning, but I believe having another human create something by hand and fire brought so much to the table that couldn't be matched by browsing a glass case in a mall. It seemed so honest and raw and true to the way life should be. The swirls and turns of the silver she created also really call to my aesthetic. In my own art, I love working with spirals and curls to reflect nature. I'm always stunned that something so hard and rough as metal can be converted into something so elegant and fluid. She even put on the specific number of 'dots' I wanted to contain my most lucky number. I was pretty impressed at how lovely her execution of the request turned out.

And of course, you can't forget about the stone. Caron showed me a few topaz stones she'd obtained and they were all so stunning and richly colored. I could tell she wasn't the sort of artist who would skimp on murky stones and poor cuts. They just seemed to glow! I've known all this time that I wanted a trillion cut blue topaz with the point facing downwards as a symbol for water. I'm really emotional and a lot of times, all my husband and I have is phone conversations where we connect with our minds and hearts, rather than physically. That seemed a fitting element. Also, an aspect of water is that although it can come in many forms like rivers and puddles, ice and mist and can be soothing or hugely powerful, it's always still water. That really reminds me of love and marriage. Despite where my husband and I are or what stages of personal and spiritual development we're going through, we can always allow for that and accept one another because love is flowing and changing and developing, but is always still your love.

I'd like to think that one day we'll have a ceremony and I envision it barefoot in the grass surrounded with trees and our very closest associates, but in the mean time I can always look down at my hand and see the most ideal ring I could have imagined. I'm so grateful to Caron just for doing the custom work for me and, just like all the other Etsiers, just for being out there being artists and putting their love and passion into what they do. This is a great place and it's making art possible for, and accessible to, so many people.

Wow. Just...wow! Leave your comments below! Check out our previous Etsy Love Stories here.