DIY Bride

Get thee to Michael’s craft stores, dear DIYers. Ms. Martha Stewart is releasing her own line of paper crafting goodies (through EK Success) this weekend and many stores are already stocked.

I had the opportunity to see about 30% of the line yesterday and it is beautiful. I found all sorts of lovelies such as:

1. Papers and cardstock in 12″x12″ and 18″x18″ sizes. Those 18″ are going to be AWESOME for DIY pocketfolds, y’all. The colors and patterns are very Martha but will have broad appeal. (Caution: those 18″ patterned papers were $1.99 each.)

2. Paper punches

3. Rubber and clear acrylic stamps

4. Ink pads

5. Really neat paper cutters that can be used with or without a handle. I picked up a scalloped-edge one.

6. Die cut favor and gift boxes plus a lovely selection of wrapping paper, labels, and stickers.

7. Super cute cupcake papers.

8. Glitter!!!!

9. Markers/pens.

10. Scrapbooks and scrapbook tools.

11. Lots of embellishments (ribbon, patterned tape, stickers…)

I picked up a few things but will definitely go back this weekend to check out the full line.

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“You’re engaged? How wonderful! What are your colors?”

Have you heard this ad naseum yet? I remember everyone wanting to know what our colors were going to be when I was planning my wedding. (We really didn’t have a set palette but ended up using a lot of green and purple.)

If you’re in need of some color inspiration, head on over to ColorSchemer. The Color Schemer tool allows you to input a color value and it’ll generate a palette for you. They also have a lovely gallery of themes submitted by users.
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I admit it: I’ve not been a big fan of glycerine soaps. Most are a little too cutesy for me and the others just didn’t catch my fancy. Until now.

SoapyLove has completely converted me into a glyercine soap fan. Debbie’s designs are hip, modern, and downright fun. Her soaps would be PERFECT for shower favors, wouldn’t they? And they could easily be presented as favors to your wedding guests, too.

SoapyLove’s Petite Soap favors can be customized with shape, color, scent, and packaging so you’ll be able to match nearly any theme.

An exampe of the adorable Petite Soap Favor:

My fave SoapyLove soap is the Mod Squares bar:

SoapyLove can be found online at SoapyLove.Com.
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Hiya Brides,

I picked up the first issue of CRAFT Magazine yesterday. It’s awesome! They feature a fun, eclectic mix of projects. While there’s nothing specifically for weddings in this issue, they have a great tutorial on screen printing. For anyone considering DIY invites, screen printing opens up a whole new level of crafty goodness. You can print nearly any color of ink on any color of paper. I’ve been learning this on my own and can say their tutorial is really, really good.

Check out Craft’s website or pick up a copy of the magazine at newsstands now.
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Inexpensive, easy, and beautiful DIY centerpieces are hard to come by. (How many floating candles in bowls can you stand?) When something clever and on the cheap comes by my desk, I get giddy.

While flowers in a vase certainly aren’t new, the BlumeBox container is. What is it, exactly? It’s a recyclable vase for fresh (or silk if you’re so inclined) blooms that comes in a rainbow of colors and can be dressed up to fit your decor. The BlumeBox is available in 2 sizes. The tall retails for $4.99 and the short for a mere $3.99 each.

Check out the BlumeBox gallery for some lovely ideas and inspiration.

{found via Witty Whimsy}
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I just returned from a short trip to NYC to shoot the first half of the projects for the upcoming DIY Bride book. NYC rocks my little crafty world, y’all.

For anyone planning a wedding in/around NYC, you are in the mecca for all-things-DIY. Some highlights I can share with you:

The Flower District: On 28th and 6th. 28th Street houses a row of wholesale flower shops. Though I understand the local merchants are being pushed out to accommodate posh hotels and residences, there are still some great vendors doing business in the area. The prices were excellent and the shop owners were helpful and fun. While you’re *supposed* to have a business license/wholesale account to do business with these guys, I was never asked for my creditentials in the several trips I made to the market. (I happen to have a state reseller’s license, so I would’ve been ok. Your mileage may vary.)

One retail spot I recommend for anything garden-y is Jamali Garden Supplies at 149 W. 28th St.

Paper Presentation: If you’re doing your own invites, get thee to PP on 23 West 18th St between 5th & 6th. They have a fabulous selection of pocketfolds, cardstock, and all sorts of papery goodness. You’ll find lots of tools, a fair selection of ribbon (do not cut it yourself!), and a ton of interesting and fun embellishments.

Trims, Rhinestones, Ribbons can be found at an abundance of shops around W. 38th and W. 39th Streets in the Garment District between 7th and 8th. Ask at each shop if they have minimums (wholesale-only establishments usually require a $300 minimum… best to find out before you hit the registers). I recommend retailer M & J Trimming at 1008 6th Avenue. Helpful service with a nice selection of goods.

Tinsel Trading was closed when I stopped by. I reaaaaally wanted to shop there. Be a doll and stop in for me, ok? 64 W. 38th St.

For fabrics, go to Mood (where the Project Runway contestants get their fabrics) at 226 W 37th, 3rd Floor.

Cake Decorating Supplies can be found at New York Cake Supplies. 56 West 22nd St.
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Finding a fun, fabulous gift for your maids can be a challenge. Most of us buy matching items for our wedding party (no jealousy = path to nuptual nirvana) but finding something everyone will love is tough. Enter My Favorite Mirror.

Give your glam squad a custom-designed pocket mirror for those who need to primp in style. My Favorite Mirror offers fun and pretty stock designs but also has a custom design service. They’ll put your design on one of their mirrors. Cool! Prices start at $6.50 (where else are you gonna find an original BM gift for under $10.00?) and discounts are given for bulk purchases.

My Favorite Mirros is offering DIYBride readers 15% off any DIY or Favor Order. If you spend over $50, US customers get FREE ground shipping (USPS), too. Use code: diybride
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Today’s Swell Product find is a neat alternative to the tiara: Crystal Hair Pins by tobyDESIGN. Priced affordably at $20.00 for a set of 4, these pins feature 4 crystals wrapped with silver wire. Perfect for the bride or a bridesmaid, these can be customized with different colors of crystal or pearls.

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Finding an inexpensive, fun, and unique gift for your maids can be a challenge. As I’ve scoured the internets, I’ve found a few awesome products and will be bringing those to you in the coming weeks.

Today I kick off the Swell Products with:

Bridal Charmer Clips by A Planet 4 Creation

Bridal Charmer Clips are silver clips adorned with Swarovski crystals and your choice of 6 adorable pewter charms. You can further customize them with your choice of crystal colors. AP4C offers 30 colors. Use them as cell phone charms, handbag adornments, attach them to the maids’ bouquets, or present them as-is.

Priced at $15.00 this is a swell gift you can give that won’t break your budget.

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Searching for unique sweets to lavish on your guests? The Cocoa Room has beautiful (and reasonably priced) dragees that’d be perfect in your favor boxes and candy buffets.

Check out these beauties:

…and…

(sunflower seeds!)
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