Wedding Invitation Ornament

Now that the holidays are here, it's time to decorate the house for Christmas.  This year I'm actually keeping it simple -- Just lights on the porch and our stockings.  Dave is on travel for the entire month of December and we will actually be at his mom's for Christmas morning, so I didn't want to deal with the hassle of a tree on my own.  But that Doesn't mean I can't make ornaments.  I've made different ones in the past -- like printing a picture on transparence paper and putting it in the ornament, acrylic paint ornaments, etc etc.
We got some great ornaments last year at a bridal shower I had -- and I'm hoping to get an "Our First Christmas" ornament this year but I wanted a way to remember our wedding year.  Then one day on Pinterest, it appeared.  An ornament incorporating our wedding invitation!

Here is what I did thanks to another bloggers, From Glitter To Gumdrops.



I started with the invitation and using a paper cutter, cut each line of the invitation into a strip.

 From there, I took each strip and wrapped it around a pen.  I did them different ways -- wrapping it on top of each other (like seen in the photo) or wrapping down the pin to make it spiral more.

I then put the pieces in a clear glass ornament and tied it with a ribbon.

A simple project that's quick and easy to do -- but will always have a meaning to us.

Melted Crayon Art

They are all over Pinterest and they are so easy to make. We're talking about Melted Crayon Art...
Here are some that I was inspired by...

Supplies: you will need a canvas, a hot glue gun & glue stick, a hair dryer, lots of crayons and newspaper. For a 12"x12" canvas, I used one box of 64 crayons.



STEP ONE: 
Pick out the colors you want to use and organize them by colors.
Now some colors will get rejected - Like I kept out all the browns, greys & black. 
Start laying the crayons that you want to use across the board in whatever order you want, lining them up until you run out of space.



STEP TWO: 
Using a glue gun, make a line of glue across the crayons (if you want a certain part showing, like the label, be careful to put the glue on the opposite side). Quickly place onto canvas in a line, as shown below, with tips facing down.



STEP THREE:


You can choose to prop your canvas up against the wall or hold it. I held mine at an angle. I used a blow dryer on Hot & High to start the process. Every few minutes I would stop to let it dry. I would alternate between Medium & Hot. You have to experiment with your dryer to see how fast it melts the wax. 
It sometimes splatters so be sure to cover the floor and surrounding areas with newspaper.

After 3 minutes 

After about 10 Minutes

After 15 Minutes

Oddly, some of the colors melt slower than the others. You can go back and concentrate on certain areas if you like, to get the picture to look how you want it.


And that's it! You now have a colorful piece of art.  There are several different ways to do this so it's impossible to make a duplicate.

The Road To The Aisle

Things are really starting to come together.. I know I just blogged the other day but I've gotten so much done since then.  I think it helps I've only worked 2 of the last 6 days.  (I had a normal weekend off then got back on my regular schedule, so I worked Monday & Tuesday this week, and was off again on Wednesday & Thursday.)  Anyways...

I wanted to share what I've gotten done.  One of the big checks... Dave finished our photo card box.  I wanted to post pictures and instructions on how I did it since so many knotties on The Knot boards have been asking, but I can't find the pictures I took of Dave working on it when here started...So instead here's a link to the blog I followed....The Road To The Aisle We did just about everything the same, but instead of using L Brackets, we used Hing Brackets. I hope this helps if you want to do the project. It's a lot of fun and is a way to get the fiance' involved.

Another thing started and almost done, the wedding invitations!!! Dave's mom did a wonderful job with the calligraphy . She brought them last week and I couldn't wait to get the liners done...so right after they left on Sunday I got started!  She has 20 envelopes she still has to send to me for last minute additions and corrections.  Once I was done with the liners, I couldn't wait.... I went ahead and added in all the invites. 

Then yesterday Dave and I went and had the direction cards printed up. Since we're getting married on a military base, there's some extra steps our guest will have to take to get to the ceremony. That plus the address for the Officer's Club doesn't come up on Google Maps or in my GPS, so we wanted to make sure everyone knew where they were going. After that, we went and got the invitation weighed and purchased stamps for the invites and RSVP postcards... Don't get me started on those stamps.... Let's just say the post card stamp prices are going up during the month of April, right in the middle of my RSVP timeline. So the cards have two stamps..one with a polar bear..the other with a tiffany lamp. Not my dream stamps for my wedding invites. Anyways... I got home and couldn't wait (once again) so I started putting stamps on the RSVP cards and matching the cards with the correct envelopes. We numbered our RSVP cards to match up with our guest list in case someone forgets to put their name.  Now I will finish up the rest next week with one of my awesome bridesmaids, Melissa.  I can't wait to get the invites out in the mail and on top of that, start getting RSVPs back!!

Another project I started and I'm so excited about is our "I Spy" game/cards for the reception.  I just came across this the other day and think it would be fun and super cute. The wonderful Martha Stewart started the trend..
You have cards at all the tables and you just have random things from your reception for people to take pictures of, like "The Photographer Taking a Picture," "The MOH Helping the Bride," " The Newlyweds Talking With Guest," etc etc  I'm excited about it!



I'm so excited the big day is almost here. I can't wait to celebrate let alone go on my awesome honeymoon!




Taking Care of The List:

Need to Do:

  PAY OFF VENDORS
 Meet with Carol for catering 

·            Update flower list with Sandra

·             Download wedding ceremony music  <-- started

·             Meet with DJ – list of “to play” and “not to play” songs

·              Measurements for Guy Tuxs <--Papa & Dave have been measured, other guys have been sent info

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <-- dress is dropped off

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses < -- DONE!

·              Must take picture list < -- started working on

        Send Envelopes to Susanne to be addressed

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial <-- going to see my stylist next week

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup <-- My good friend Brittany has agreed to this, along with doing hair

·              Apply For Marriage License

       Send photographer disc of pics for guest book  <-- going out this weekend

       Water Bottle Labels

P     Put Together Invites

       Mail Out Invites

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box 

        Rhinestone Cake Topper

        Tears Of Joy Packets 

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear

·              Emergency Kit

En    Envelope Liners

        I Spy Game Cards

      

   Need to Buy/Order:

·            Clear Labels for Return Address

·              Postage for invitations

·              Pick out other gifts for Bridal Party

·              Sand/ Sand Ceremony Frame set

·              Dave’s wedding band

·              Garter

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies 

·              Parasols 

·              Flutes & serving set <-- mom is taking care of

·              Solemates – heel covers

Getting Things Done!

Well today is a big milestone in our countdown to Mr. & Mrs. 100 days from now will be the big party and celebration, starting our new lives together! I'm so excited and can't wait.  It seems like only yesterday we were on the cruise ship and he proposed! Where has all the time gone??!!

We'll we've been getting things done... small things but hey they count. Things are starting to come in the mail, so once they arrive, I try to get the project knocked out of the way.  One of the first things done is our awesome custom water bottle labels.  We'll be having buckets out full of water for our guests since the wedding is outside and in Columbia, May can be warm sometimes. So we came up with two designs using our wedding colors and awesome e-pics... I did a case of water myself but then my mom and MOH wanted to help out as well so I shipped them each labels to take care of. So I can check that off my list.
I then needed a new projects (I know, I really don't need more to do) but I'd been chatting with some of the other May 2011 Brides on The Knot and a lot of them were doing "Tears of Joy" packets.. They are little envelopes with some tissue for anyone who thinks they may cry..and knowing my friends and family, there will be tears. I already had everything I needed here to make them, so why not.  I had lots of extra envelopes from the RSVP cards since we turned them into postcards, I had some extra ribbon and labels, and Dave has been sick and we bought two boxes of tissue so why not.  I made 60 of them. I didn't think everyone would need them. I've included a picture of my inspiration.












And finally yesterday I tackled my favorite project -- My cake topper. I finally got my rhinestones. I order them off etsy.com and had no idea the rhinestones were coming from Hong Kong so I was waiting for about 3 weeks for delivery. I'm not gonna post my final picture..but I show you one I took soon after I started. I'm so excited for it!

It's all coming along and I can't wait.  We also had some more people book the cruise... right now, there are about 25 people or so going.  That includes my parents, grandparents, Dave's Mom & Kelly, Ryan & Allison (Dave's cousin and girlfriend), Groomsmen Anthony, Kentrell & Jeff along with each of their ladies, The Knudsen family and a few others! I'm so excited!


Some other news -- I have two bridal showers coming in.  The ladies at the church I grew up in is having one for me in mid-March and my MOH & two other bridesmaids that live in the Charleston-area want to throw me a shower. Date has not been set.. And then Suzanne and I talked this week and decided on a date for my BACHELORETTE PARTY! I can't wait!

Need to Do:

·            Meet with Carol for catering 

·            Update flower list with Sandra

·             Download wedding ceremony music  <-- started

·             Meet with DJ – list of “to play” and “not to play” songs

·              Measurements for Guy Tuxs <--Still waiting for info to be sent, Dave called the guy yesterday

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <-- dress is dropped off

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses <-- 5 have ordered and 4 have received

·              Must take picture list

        Send Envelopes to Susanne to be addressed

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup <-- My good friend Brittany has agreed to this, along with doing hair

·              Apply For Marriage License

       Send photographer disc of pics for guest book 

       Water Bottle Labels

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box <-- just need to buy lazy susan and put together

        Rhinestone Cake Topper

        Tears Of Joy Packets 

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear  <--ended up just buying

·              Emergency Kit

      Envelope Liners  <--cut out, now need to put in addressed envelopes

      

   Need to Buy/Order:

·            Clear Labels for Return Address

·              Postage for invitations

·              Pick out other gifts for Bridal Party

·              Sand/ Sand Ceremony Frame set

·              Dave’s wedding band

·              Garter

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies <--ordered, should be arriving soon

·              Parasols 

·              Flutes & serving set <-- mom is taking care of

·              Solemates – heel covers

Impacts of the First Lady

112 days to go....holy cow! How time is flying. But I do have to say we are getting a lot of things done. (see check list below)

Over the past two weeks, I've gotten a lot of things ordered including stuff for the sand ceremony, the sparklers for our departure and  our awesome wedding cake topper. We ordered the cutout from a guy known as Crafty Eddy (Craftyeddy@gmail.com). He's out of Cumming, Georgia and can make just about anything out of wood. I first contacted him, he sent me a link back telling me what he could do as well as a link to his picture gallery so we could see some of his stuff.  Dave & I really liked the three-in-one so we asked if he had the font we had been using for just about everything and he did, so he sent back a computer mock up. I paid for it and a day later I get this picture showing me our awesome topper. Two business days later, the cake topper was here and now the fun begins of painting it and decorating it with rhinestones!  I highly recommend Crafty Eddy for future uses!

Also this week, I had Dave start making our card photo box for the wedding.  I'll post pictures on that once it's done but so far I love the way it's turning it out.

During my days off this week, I went to Columbia to get some stuff done.  (This is where the title of my blog comes in)  The day before I'm supposed to leave to come up and I get multiple phone calls and emails from my cater at the reception hall (Ft Jackson Officers Club) telling me I needed to call her and reschedule my Thursday meeting.  Well the day she was calling/emailing was a busy day at work so I wasn't able to get back to her til that night.  She told me she was having to reschedule my appointment to either Wednesday or Friday, because they had an unexpected guest coming in and the Club would be closed on Thursday.  I didn't think much about it, but said that's fine.  I'll be there Wednesday.  So Wednesday, I gathered up the troops (my family -- no pun intended) and headed to the club. We arrived and there were MP (military police) everywhere, soldiers standing all around the building, and dozens of black SUVs in the parking lot. That's

The First Lady @ The O Club

when it hit me.  First Lady Michelle Obama was visiting the base on Thursday.  We walked in and there was secret service everywhere you looked.  Our appointment was delayed about 45 minutes because of the chaos, but I found out indeed Mrs. Obama would be having a press conference at the Club the next day so all of her staff & SS were there checking it out. Kinda cool..but boy did all the craziness make for a difficult appointment. The catering manager at the club is pretty crazy already... but to add on this on top, she was spastic! We kept getting interrupted by staff, secret service, and soldiers... but finally after an hour and a half...we got the menu taken care of for the reception as well as discussing set up inside the room.

Here's some other things crossed off our list:

Need to Do:

·            Meet with Carol for catering 

·            Update flower list with Sandra

·             Download wedding ceremony music  <-- started

·             Meet with DJ – list of “to play” and “not to play” songs

·              Measurements for Guy Tuxs <-- Info is being sent to them, Papa is measured

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <-- dress is dropped off

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses <-- 4 have ordered and 3 have received

·              Must take picture list

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup

·              Apply For Marriage License

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box <-- started buying pieces

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear

·              Emergency Kit

      Envelope Liners  <--cut out, now need to put in addressed envelopes

      

   Need to Buy/Order:

·            Clear Labels for Return Address

·              Postage for invitations

·              Pick out other gifts for Bridal Party

·              Sand/ Sand Ceremony Frame set

·              Dave’s wedding band

·              Garter <--looking at a few ideas

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies <--ordered will arrive next week

·              Parasols found them at Hobby Lobby!

·              Beverage Napkins

·              Flutes & serving set

·              Solemates – heel covers

      We're getting there...and I can't wait!

Turning 26 and Getting Things Done

Well for me, a new year brings a new birthday. Last week I turned 26. Wow..where has the time gone? I feel like I was just in high school.  I was worried about going "over the hump" and getting closer to 30 but Dave did such an amazing job! 

My mom came down Wednesday (12th) so we could spend my birthday doing wedding stuff. (more on that later).  Dave fixed dinner that night and told me he wanted to give me his gift.  My mom gave me a card from my grandparents then i had to go in search for Dave's card. I finally found it and inside it said I had to be somewhere that Friday morning. There was a little hint.. I was spending the day at the spa!  He'd booked me a full day spa treatment!!

Thursday, mom and I ran errands and that night Dave said he'd made dinner reservations at this new place for us. I asked if anyone was going and he said it would just be the three of us.  We walked in the restaurant, I told the hostess Non-smoking for 3... she said okay.  Dave then walked around me where I was standing in a hallway door frame and pulled me backwards and spun me around into a private room where a bunch of my friends were waiting! I've never had a surprise party and boy was I surprised! I had no idea.  He's such an amazing fiance to pull this off!  Then on Friday, we had people over to the apartment for a party and played Kinect and other games.  It was a great day!!




Back to wedding stuff..... When mom came into town we got a lot of things done. We started the day at Michaels getting some of the things we needed.  We then dropped my dress off at David's for alterations... Well not really alterations but getting my bustle done. My dress fits perfectly and I don't need any alterations.  So it's just the bustle and fixing the beading.  We then went by the store to order koozies for favors.  We told the graphic designer what Dave and I wanted.  Now I'm just waiting for the design.   We then headed downtown and got my Solemate covers which are supposed to help my heals from digging in the ground.

So we are getting there... 122 Days to go!!


Need to Do:

·            Meet with Carol for catering <--- Set For Jan. 27th

·            Update flower list with Sandra<-- Meeting Jan. 27th

·             Download wedding ceremony music

·             Meet with DJ – list of “to play” and “not to play” songs

·              Measurements for Guy Tuxs <-- Info has been sent to them

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress <-- dress is dropped off

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses <-- 3 have ordered and received

·              Pictures for memory table

·              Must take picture list

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup

·              Apply For Marriage License

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box <-- started buying pieces

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear

·              Sand Ceremony Frame <-- bought frame

·              Emergency Kit

        Envelope Liners  <-- about half way done

      

   Need to Buy/Order:

·              Clear Labels for Return Address

·              Frames For Flip Flop & Map Sign

·              US Travel Map

·              Stick Pins

·              Postage for invitations

·              Pick out other gifts for Bridal Party

·              Sand/ Glasses (sand ceremony)

·              Dave’s wedding band

·              Garter

·              Business card holders for sharing cards

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies

·              Parasols

·              Beverage Napkins

·              Flutes & serving set

·              Solemates – heel covers

My To-Do List

Well Happy 2011! It's my wedding year!  I can't believe it's finally here. I feel like it was only yesterday I was calling vendors and having to repeat myself, "No, not next year. 2011." Now it's here and now I realize what I still have to get done.

I figured I could start posting my "To Do" list and marking off things when they are accomplished.  Note: This is not a complete list of everything I must do or have for the wedding, but a list of what I must complete from here on out.

 Need to Do:

·            Meet with Carol for catering

·            Update flower list with Sandra

·             Download wedding ceremony music

·             Meet with DJ – list of “to play” and “not to play” songs

·              Measurements for Guy Tuxs

        Make Appointment for Alterations

        Have beads fixed on dress

·              Bridesmaid Order Dresses

·              Pictures for memory table

·              Must take picture list

·              Go to post office to weigh invitation

·              Schedule hair trial

·              Figure out who’s doing my makeup

·              Apply For Marriage License

   Need to Make:

·              Card Box

·              Programs

·              “Day Of” wear

·              Sand Ceremony Frame

·              Emergency Kit

      

   Need to Buy/Order:

·              Clear Labels for Return Address

·              Frames For Flip Flop & Map Sign

·              US Travel Map

·              Stick Pins

·              Postage for invitations

·              Pick out other gifts for Bridal Party

·              Sand/ Glasses (sand ceremony)

·              Dave’s wedding band

·              Garter

·              Business card holders for sharing cards

·              Sparklers, Ribbons & Container

·              Pen for guest book

·              Koozies

·              Parasols

·              Beverage Napkins

·              Flutes & serving set

·              Solemates – heel covers

      

          Not  too bad I guess. It could be worse.  I've made the appointment for alterations for next week. My   mom is coming down for my birthday and we'll go to David's, then we'll go by the place I want to order the koozies from, and then try and find a place to order the sparklers locally.   One bridesmaid has ordered and received her dress. Both my matron and maid of honor both went and were fitted this week.  So that one is almost crossed off.   

           And we had a little run in this week with the guy's tuxes.  The original place we were going to rent them from is now going out of business but we have since found another place and they've been such a big help.  They even sent Dave a thank you note today for choosing them and they look forward to working with us.  From my understanding, they just took over the rentals from the store going out of biz, so I believe we are their first rental order.

           We'll make it! One day at a time... Until Next time!

Blinging "I Do"

I've been in the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) mode with lots of wedding things... From the programs (which I just bought all the ribbon and handles for on Black Friday) to designing the invitations and photo share cards.

One other thing I wanted to do was "bling out" my wedding shoes.  The first thing to decide...what shoes to wear. I finally decided on my hot pink pumps I got for our engagement pictures.   They are super cute and the height on them won't make me have to get my dress altered on the bottom... I won't be able to wear these all night.... but I never do at any wedding. I always switch into my flip flops so my wedding will be no different.   So it was time to start blinging!

Below are some step by step instructions (with pictures) on how to do it.

Besides my shoes, I got my invitation samples in the mail this week and I absolutely love them!!! I will be ordering the complete order this week so I'm so excited!  I can't wait for Dave's mom to address them with her beautiful calligraphy. 

Secondly, we booked and planned out rehearsal night.  Rehearsal will be at 5:30 with dinner at 7:00 p.m. at the amazing CALIFORNIA DREAMING next to the USC Campus. It's actually located right across the street from the dorm I lived in when I first met Dave!  We also celebrated my 24th birthday there... which is the first "holiday" we celebrated together as a couple.  The inside is so pretty.. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1984 in a historic railroad depot at Union Station.
On the back side of the bar (which you can see here) is a private dining room, which we have booked.  It's a great set up and I love what they have to offer.  You can select items from the menu to create to your own or have an open men. They also have waiters that will concentrate on our party and not have to worry about other tables in the restaurant.  I can't wait!



Okay so it's time to share my DIY project....

Rhinestones -- I decided to go with clear/silver and blue 5mm rhinestones. 
Then,  I had to decide what I really wanted to put on the bottom.  I thought about our initials & the wedding date, "I Do" and the date...  and that's what I went with. I printed a few of my favorite fonts to test out which one I'd like best. I cut them into little squares and decided on what I liked best...then I printed out different sizes of the chosen font to see what would be the best fit.

Next, I taped the square onto the shoe and used a safety pin to poke holes to trace the letter onto the rubber sole. Once I peeled the paper off, there was a faint outline of the letter.

Then I traced the holes with a permenant marker to make it stand out a little more so I could see it.  I then used Tacky Glue and a thin paint brush to put the glue on the shoe.. then used tweezers to put on the rhinestones.

I love the way they turned out!