The Look for Less - Stained Glass

It wasn't until she gave me the box of vellum paper that I realized how she made these clear vases blue. I'm referring to a recent friend of mine who got married and had these blue mystery vases at her reception.

The reason it was a mystery is because three brides pitched in and shared three different vase heights, and this wedding was last. Suddenly, they were blue! I assumed she purchased blue vases in addition to the clear ones, but that just didn't make sense!

The other day she gave me a box of leftover blue vellum to do as I please with, and that's when it dawned on me-she covered the vases! So well that nobody noticed, I might add.

What you need:

Sciossors
Glue or tape
Clear glass vases
Vellum paper in your choice of color or colors

You can make your vases appear to be stained glass in a variety of ways. You can get different colors and cut your vellum in different shapes and paste them to the jar, or you can simply wrap and tape or glue as you so choose.

If you are interested in the stained glass technique for cardmaking, there is a great tutorial here.

More Affordable Gifts - TallisTreasures

While on the subject of gifts, photography from Talli's Treasures on Etsy is a beautiful and affordable gift, for both the happy couple OR a thank you gift to your attendants and wedding helpers.

Here are some favorites:

Mum's Heart - Matte 5x5 photographic print. $10.

Summer Dreams - 5x5 Matte photographic print. $10.

Limited Edition Acer Print - 8x12 Photographic print. $25.

Talli is based out of the UK and offers very affordable items and worldwide shipping. Be sure to stop by and check out the shop for ACEOs, more photos, and other great items! Please note that the watermarks do NOT appear on the photos when shipped. Enjoy!

Gifts for Program Passers

When I was a middle-school gal and a teenager, I always got picked to pass out programs at weddings. Secretly jealous, I longed to be a bridesmaid or a flower girl, or SOMETHING that required pretty stuff.

Here are some gift suggestions for someone just like that - the teenaged program passer outer:

Shameless self-promotion! My brand new Chalkboard Necklace! It comes with chalk and everything. $22 at relishdress.

This crafty kit from AnnieHowes is a fun and affordable gift, and will get the recipient's creative mind going! Contains enough materials to make 6 pendants. $16 at AnnieHowes.

This one is great for the guys and gals - a Boom Box Ghetto Blaster Weekend Bag! I always wanted a real "boom box" when I was a kid. You can find this bag at Perpetual Kid for $48.99.

Journey isn't the only record bowl you will find at chicalookate. These record bowls are recycled from old records (only ones that aren't playable anymore) and make great conversation pieces in addition to being a fun piece of decor. $8 for one bowl.

*Quick note*- I finally have a new computer and will be able to continue regular updates to this blog! I just got my new computer today!

Something Blue

If you are a traditionalist, you might be on the lookout for something blue. Or maybe you are just trying to find something blue for a bride that you know!

At Artful Beginnings on Etsy, you can find this beautiful custom wedding handkercheif. It is made of habotai silk and will be personalized just for you. You can customize the entire design of the handkercheif, including the font and color if you don't want blue.

Habotai is a Chinese silk. Silk was originally developed in China in 6000 BC, and was known to be a luxurious fabric that was high in demand.

The Dark Bride Earrings

Just listed these new earrings! These could serve as your something blue, or would be a great pair for a bridesmaid. I just love the color! Only $12 at relishdress.

Easy-Peasy Party Favor

Awhile back I talked about my inspiration journal, the place I keep cutouts and ideas of stuff that I like, or just photos that inspire me creatively. I want to share something from the poorly scanned image above, That being the peppermint stripe tube at the top of the page.

This little project is a great party favor, eco-chic and easy to make! Technically called "party poppers", this idea requires little money or effort.

What You Need:

Empty toilet paper tubes

Colored tissue paper

Ribbon or bakery twine

How to Make:

Cut a 90 degree slit halfway through each tube. Insert candy, fortunes, or other favors inside of the tube. Wrap the tube with tissue paper and tie the ends with bakery twine or ribbon.

Isn't that easy? Even a self-proclaimed NON crafter can do this craft! Great for receptions, showers, and other wedding type parties.

Want to be even more thrifty? Skip the tissue paper and use newspaper or handmade paper out of recycled magazines.

Centerpiece Idea: Biodegradable Seed Starters

Another great centerpiece idea is to make a biodegradable seed starter out of recycled newspapers. I've never had much luck growing plants with a peat pot, and this is a great way to put your old newspapers to use! Or, gather newspapers from friends and family if you don't get them on a daily basis. If that isn't possible, check out local gas stations and bookstores for day-old extras.

What you need:
Newspapers
Seeds -A wildflower mix is always affordable, sometimes you can even find these at the dollar store. Or, customize your seeds to match the flowers at your wedding!
A glass -Used to mold the newspaper
Soil

There are many ways to create your pot. Some people wet the newspaper or even blend it beforehand, and then shape it into a small pot. This is great for a more organic look.

Another way to do it is to follow these instructions from ehow.com. There is a video that accompanies the written instructions as well.

Worried about the look of your newspaper? Ribbon is an easy accent, tied around in a simple manner, or accented by a bow. Maybe even attach some kind of poem to a tag on the ribbon. There are many great ways to make your newspaper seed starter look pretty. Plus, your guests can take them home to enjoy for years to come!

Bridal Head Gear on Etsy

Sometimes a veil just won't cut it, right? And with all of the overpriced veils out there, it is hard to decide just how much to spend to complete your bridal look.

If you're a lover of all things retro, this shop on Etsy might be your last destination when it comes to wedding head gear. First up, this beautiful birdcage veil. If you're not a fan of the ivory, it can be made in white, or custom ordered with other colors as well. $45.

If you're looking for something simple and not quite as dramatic, check out this satin Hawaiian Wedding Clip from seaCreative. Made in a simple off-white color, it is fixed upon an easy to use bobby pin and will not lose shape after wear, like so many bobby pins do. $7.25.

If whimsy, romantic sonnets, and Shakespeare is your thing, this Evening Dew hairpiece is perfect for you, made by MidSummersDream. $20. This shop has a variety of other headpieces for weddings that are incredible as well, including one made with a real sand dollar for beachy weddings.

Green (in more ways than one) Centerpieces

Looking for an elegant AND affordable centerpiece idea for your reception? Try building your own terrarium! It is relatively easy to make, and can be quite affordable if you use recycled materials. Plus, the guests can take them home after the wedding and have a great keepsake that will last.

Supply List (amount depends on how many you want to make):

Glass jar
Dirt
Moss, assorted plants, or lichen
Gravel

There is a great tutorial on ehow.com on making terrariums, and it even includes a video! It gives great advice on what plants do well, and some important information on caring for them afterwards.

A quick crash course: Layer gravel in the bottom of your clean jar, then layer the dirt, and then it's time to plant!

These of course don't have to be used for only centerpieces- they can also be used for wedding party gifts, or even a gift for the bride and groom. Use recycled jars from juice, pickles, or other condiments to save money and resources. You can decorate the jars with ribbons or keep them just as they are. Your guests (or wedding party) will be amazed and delighted with something so unique!

Make sure that when collecting your plants, you are on your own property, purchasing them from a local greenhouse, and not disturbing their natural environment.