Monday, August 29, 2011

{DIY} Savannah Rose Bouquet

I went down to River Street in Savannah to find someone to make me this Savannah Rose bouquet. It's not hard to find these craftsmen working with their hands to twist and turn the palm leaves into beautiful flowers. Just outside of Wet Willie's, I found a man who says he's there almost everyday, but Mondays, and he has made almost 50 little roses for one person before! These flowers are not covered in a protection spray which I do recommend to keep them from unraveling or if you would like to keep them for a long time. About 4 years ago I had a very small 3 flower Savannah rose bouquet made and it was sprayed with a clear glaze and I still have those flowers in perfect condition!

For this simple DIY I wanted to try and stay "green" and here is how I did it:
Recycled material: Hemp twine
Reused material: I looked around the house to find anything I could reuse and clean up to make pretty again....this is what I found: iridescent clear floral marbles (found at Micheal's and most craft stores), floating candles left over from Halloween, and a vase left over from a bridal shower
Re-purposed materials: glass jars (jam, pizza sauce, baby food jars, etc)
Use local: Savannah Rose artist

The Savannah rose bouquets can make beautiful bridal bouquets, nice centerpieces, or small accents. 
This set up is super simple, clean, and easy to put together and could be for your guest book sign in table, gift table, welcome table, centerpieces at the reception, or even for bridal showers. 

I have to thank Alicja from Taken Photography for helping me out on this DIY! She was so sweet to come over and take pictures for my blog post! We were covered in mosquitoes bites by the end of it, but it was so worth it! Thank YOU!
 





To finish off the palm leaf theme I suggest these two items from one of my favorite online favor stores: Favors and Flowers. The mini palm leaf favor bags can be filled with what ever you want and can be decorated to match your color scheme. Also if you are having your wedding here in the Savannah area during our hot months, fans are a necessity!! These bamboo fans can be bought in two sizes and you can add a ribbon with your wedding tag on it to dress it up.




If you want to try to make these Savannah rose bouquets here are some instructions:

  http://www.westtampahistory.com/palm_sunday/palm_weaving.htm

Thursday, August 25, 2011

{Bright Idea Thursday} Arists Inspiration

  I was feeling like I needed an artistic inspiration day so I rounded up some of my favorite painters and mixed media artists from around the world to share with you today. The hardest part about this post was trying to decide on which of their artwork I should share. These are my favorite pieces, but make sure you click on their links to see each artist's portfolio of work. Majorly talented and super cute art here! 

There are so many talented artists out there, but I tried to focus on current, contemporary, feminine art that is relate-able to weddings and special events and also show my taste by representing art that I LOVE ~ Enjoy!!


Pam Garrison is a mixed media artist passionate about creating and inspiring others to create


Tiffani Taylor is a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate "Her paintings and pottery are inspired by nature and travel, particularly to Paris and Italy.  They are a portrayal of her deep emotion in moments of beauty: sketching dancing red poppies while growing up in Utah; studying red cardinals outside her window at home in Savannah; viewing the Sistine Chapel; and stumbling upon an explosion of color at flower markets in Rome."


Sarah Ahearn Bellemare "I am a painter from New England. My mixed media paintings are layered with found images, fragments of text from old books, and pieces of outdated maps. These ephemera become the fabric and focus of many of my paintings. I especially like to paint tiny coffee cups, migratory birds and imaginary flowers."


Let Them Eat Cake was a collaboration in Fall 2010 between Paul and Jordan Ferney. Jordan got to choose the subject (and bake all he cakes) and Paul painted them. Each one had a different saying to go along with it. 


Charlotte Hardy Paintings "I work in mixed media, using acrylic paints, inks, oils pastels and collage on handmade or watercolour paper. Eclectic elements are playfully arranged to form a narrative. Interesting and old-fashioned objects in museums, shops, markets, cafes and domestic environments inspire me. The prints are in small editions and individually hand coloured using acrylic paint, inks and Procion dyes."


Dinara is an uzbek girl, who lives her dreams and dreams a lot. She creates beautiful personalized invitations, Cityscape Decorative Packing Tape : http://bit.ly/qQKZ0w, amazingly detailed paper cut outs, and illustrations.


Christy Tomlinson on-line mixed media and scrapbooking workshops are designed to help explore the inner artist in YOU. Her workshops are each taught on their own private websites with full videos, PDF's, communities and more! The classrooms are easy to navigate and are available 24 hours a day! 


Cathy Nichols "I don’t know where my ideas come from exactly. Sometimes they emerge fully-formed while I’m sitting in traffic (Maybe this is why there are so many artists in L.A.!). Other times, I gather all of my favorite materials and begin to weave images together with wax, paint, medium and words until something coalesces."


Kristi's Keep Calm and Carry On Sign are the latest rave and are on my Wish List!! "I LOVE letters. Maybe it's because I taught elementary school. Or, maybe it's because I haven't seen my refrigerator door in four + years because of all those little, colorful magnets. For whatever the reason, I LOVE letters. So, I started my typography signs as a way of getting all those letters out of my system. I enjoy laying out the letters, creating a picture, and telling a story. Have a story that you would like to share? Let me paint a custom sign for you so you can share your story with the world...or at least with your friends that visit your kitchen!"

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

{Organic Wednesday} Wedding Attire - Bowties

  
Laura Plouzek, of XOELLE makes everything with love <3
She loves finding items that are unloved, forgotten, discarded, and sometimes abused, and re-purposing them. All the history and sentiment they retain make the bow ties have character. Her eco-friendly items are made by hand using her own original designs and recycled/repurposed materials. You can tell that Laura loves what she does!! The bow ties cost around $35 plus shipping for men's sizes and pint-sized (recommended for kiddos from newborn through 4. For kiddos older than 4 she recommend the adult size bow). Laura is always finding new materials and happy to help find the perfect color for your needs. To see more of her collection click on the following links:


Bow Ties feature adjustable bands and are freestyle (self-tying), allowing the anything-but-ordinary-man to impress with his bow tying skills. This fresh bow tie is crisp white, moss green, ochre, and chocolate brown plaid. Adjustable slider is white.

100% cotton.
Hand wash or dry clean.
Adjustable neck: 14 to 18 inches.
How to tie a bow tie instructions & protective fabric sleeve included.
  

Here is Laura's booth at the Indie Wed Summer Soiree 2011

http://www.indiewed.com/


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

{DIY} Mason Jar Free Printables

here is a wonderful free mason jar DIY blog post by Cameron Blazer that I came across online. you all know I love mason jars so i had to share the love....go all the way down to the bottom of the post to click on the files to download. Enjoy!


a canning party - free printables from paper crave

Summer is a busy time Chez Industrialist, and so I am so happy to have asked the lovely Kristen Magee of Paper Crave to do a guest post. Like me, she shares a love of cooking, design, and craft. I think her post is the perfect blend of all three. I hope you love it as much as I do. Take it away, Kristen!
© 2010 Kristen Magee // Paper Crave
I have many wonderful memories of the yearly canning parties that my family used to have during the height of the summer harvest. Though I wasn't old enough at the time to actually take part in the jam making and pickling fun, I do remember having a great time picking berries from bushes that grew in the woods behind my godparents' house, which was where the parties were held. I honestly don't know how many of those berries actually made it back to the house, instead of going straight to my tummy!
© 2010 Kristen Magee // Paper CraveThough I now live in the city, with nary a wild berry bush in sight, as I've gotten older I've had a growing interest in “putting food by” - making my own jams, jellies, sauces, and anything else that strikes my fancy. I've only been canning for a couple of years, but it's been such a rewarding thing for me to do, and I'm happy to see that many more people have become interested in canning in recent years.© 2010 Kristen Magee // Paper CraveSo, why not take what can often be a solo activity and turn it into a party? Send out invites to friends and family, asking them to bring their garden bounty (or fruits and veggies from their CSA delivery or a local farm), and include several recipe cards so they can fill them out and share their favorite recipes for jams, pickles, sauces, and more. Be sure to have plenty of extra recipe cards on hand during the party for recipes created on the fly, and have plenty of labels and tags, too, so everyone can label what they made and share with the other guests. What better party favor than jars of tasty canned goods that can be enjoyed year 'round?
There are plenty of resources on the web to help you figure out what supplies you'll need if this is your first time canning. Lots of recipes, too! Here are some of my favorites:
Pick Your Own is a fantastic resource for learning how to can pretty much anything.
Fresh Preserving has step-by-step videos on canning different types of goods, and they have an online shop where you can purchase canning jars and more.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation is another great resource with plenty of safety tips and recipes.
Sunset has a great article that gives you a basic outline for throwing a canning party. Recipes included, too.
Canning Pantry is where I buy most of the supplies that I can't find locally. They have everything you'll need!
© 2010 Kristen Magee // Paper Crave
And here are canning party themed printable invitations with coordinating envelope liners - I sized the liners to fit 4 Bar envelopes from Paper Source. I've also made matching jar tags and labels, as well as recipe cards that you can include when you send the invites.
Free Printables: 

© 2010 Kristen Magee // Paper Crave

Monday, August 22, 2011

Bridal Show at the Richmond Hill City Center


Elegance in the Park Bridal Show is this Sunday, August 28, 2011 from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Richmond Hill City Center Tickets are $5 at the door...come and find me!! I won't be hard to miss! I'll have pictures of my booth after the show.

Richmond Hill City Center is located in the rear of Richmond Hill’s JF Gregory Park
520 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill, Georgia ∙  912-445-0043

This unique event will feature event professionals with specialties in photography, music, dance instruction, flowers, and rental services for furniture, features and equipment.  Guests will see the very latest fashions in wedding attire at the fashion show and experience the culinary delights created by Director and Executive Chef Kermit Griffin and his team.  From planning to presentation; an incredible variety of services will be showcased at the Richmond Hill City Center - the first LEED Certified building in Bryan County and most elegant venue in the Low Country. 

Thank you to Jayne B Photography for taking amazing pictures of my booth!!








 

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Savannah & Hilton Head Unique Wedding Ideas

Lowcountry Lovebirds
A white dove release is such a breathtaking experience that will lift the spirits and be remembered by all in attendance. White doves have long been a symbol of love, fidelity and peace. Their flight represents togetherness and unity as they join in flight and leave together. Doves mate for life and are committed to their mate and family. This is a very environmentally friendly wedding option.

Packages range from 6 doves released from a basket for $300, 12 doves for $375, 18 doves for $450, or as many as 22 doves for $525. They can also be on display in a beautiful decorative cage for $100.

Now my favorite part of the dove releases are that they can be a symbolic gesture for remembrance of a family member who has passed on along with a lovely poem or prayer. Some people actually use the Lowcountry Lovebirds at funerals since they are such a beautiful expressive act. Tear!! As many people know my father was not at our wedding so we said something during the ceremony, and lit a candle with some words of memory at our reception, but having doves at our outdoor wedding would have been AMAZING!

The coolest part that I found out after talking with Tina, was that after their release they are instinctively drawn to go back home to their mates and offspring, they will circle the area, figure out where they are, then head home, and go right back into their cages!! The doves are able to fly home from several hundred miles away!!!

Contact Tina Harris
(912)429-9708
lowcountrylovebirds@comcast.net



Basket Concepts, Inc.
Premier Custom Designed Theme and Gourmet Gift Basket company located in the Low Country on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. All baskets are custom made and priced accordingly. These can be wonderful for welcome baskets when your out of town guest check into their hotel or for your bridal party.
Call today to order your Custom Designed Gift Basket 843-686-4518

90 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926 
basketconceptsinc@yahoo.com 


Thursday, August 18, 2011

{Bright Idea Thursday} Wedding Guest Book Ideas

I love it when friends or clients ask me for unique wedding ideas! Here is a compilation of guest books that are different then the normal pretty book with lines in it. Keep the questions coming since it gives me inspiration to find these great ideas!! Enjoy : )

Rather than a book of autographs likely to be stored away, these non-traditional guestbooks personalize your event and capture guests' memories and heartfelt wishes of your special day.

Each guest at your event will receive their very own guestbook page to fill out and share special messages at their leisure. After your event, simply place the completed pages in one of our many guestbook album designs and enjoy! 



www.guestbookstore.​com

Looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding guest book? Why don't you have your guest's leave their fingerprint on this custom guest book print made to look like you and your fiancé! It becomes a beautiful piece of artwork that you can cherish forever! Also includes a 5" x 7" leave your thumbprint sign to instruct your guests as to how to use your guestbook!

You can customize the head of the bride and groom illustration to look just like you! Just upload a recent photo of you and your fiancé and they will do the rest!



Have your guest sign Jenga pieces that you can play over and over again and remember your special day!
 http://blog.jenniferroper.com

How about a gorgeous box that is the perfect size to display at your wedding. Guest can use one of the cards to fill in their information and leave the couple a loving note. Makes addressing thank you cards very easy.
This wooden address card box has 12 fun dividers and 200 address or blank inserts. The box measures 6 inches by 4 inches and 2.5 inches in height. The dividers measure 3.5X5 and the inserts are a bit smaller. All of the paper is hand cut. A 4x5 coordinating tented sign to provide direction for your guests is included.


 www.cutthecakedesigns.com



Then there is my oh so lovely DIY post card guest book idea with post cards

 http://simplysavannahevents.blogspot.com

The Thumbprint Wedding Tree is a fun and contemporary alternative to the traditional guestbook.  Guests will enjoy leaving their thumbprint and signature on your wedding tree to create the leaves on the tree.   Have it framed to be displayed in your home after the wedding and enjoy it for years to come.  All fonts and colors can be customized to your liking. 



 www.thumbprintguestbooks.com

Another good resource for guest book ideas


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

{Organic Wednesday} Robin's Chocolate Sauce

I am a chocoholic so any chance I can get to eat chocolate I'll take it. If you are planning on having an ice cream sundae bar you should try this delicious sauce. Or maybe you would like to give away an organic globally responsible guest favor.

"Robin’s Spoon Fudge, Original variety, fifty (50) 1.5 oz. jars w/ taster spoon and hang tag. Made with 60% dark chocolate, certified organic. The sturdy hang tag elastic holds the taster spoon in place on the jar. Shown with Sustainable Harvest International hang tag. A custom designed wedding logo hang tag may be used in place of our regular hang tag - please contact us for details. The variety name is shown on the top of each jar. Ingredients: cane sugar*, fresh cream, dark chocolate* (cane sugar*, cocoa liquor*, cocoa butter*, lecithin*, vanilla*), butter, cocoa liquor*, vanilla*, lecithin*, salt. *Certified organic ingredients. Contains Milk and Soy.  Pre-cut satin ribbon w/ cello bags may be purchased separately in the Ribbons section of our store."


Robin’s Chocolate Sauce is more than a delicious dessert topping. It’s a resource for the education, awareness and advocacy of the issues concerning communities and the environment both locally and globally. We hope that with every spoonful of our sauce, you’ll know that together we’re making a difference.

We proudly support Sustainable Harvest International, a non-profit organization helping family farmers in developing countries overcome poverty while preserving tropical forests for future generations.







“Best Bangor Brownies”

Makes about 16 squares.
1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square or 11-by-7 inch baking pan with butter.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate in a heavy, medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until both are almost melted. Remove from the heat and stir until melting is complete.
3. Whisk the eggs with the sugar, vanilla, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well-blended but not foamy. Gradually whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. Stir in the nuts, if desired. Sprinkle the flour over the top and whisk gently just until no white specks remain. Pour into the prepared pan, leveling the top.
4. Bake until a tester inserted about two-thirds of the way to the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Cut into 16 or more squares and cool completely before serving. Store in the refrigerator for a day or so, or freeze for up to 2 weeks.
Microwave Robin’s Raspberry Chocolate Sauce to desired consistency and serve with these delicious brownies and a scoop of ice cream.
Recipe excerpted from “Dishing Up Maine” by Brooke Dojny
Copyright (c) 2006 by Brooke Dojny
Used with permission by Storey Publishing LLC
www.storey.com
Available for purchase from Amazon.com.
For more information go to their website: http://www.robinschocolate.com