Photo Credit: Design Sponge

Box up a bottle of wine, small glasses, sweet treats, tea lights and tissue paper flowers… and you have yourself a wonderful little kit for a romantic night with your valentine!

Photo Credit: Design Sponge

Click Here to see all the details on Design Sponge

Another fun DIY Valentine project from Design Sponge is the Valentine Lightbulb!

Photo Credit: Design Sponge

Find the tutorial HERE.

For a more personal touch, create a collage for your valentine!

Photo Credit: Design Sponge

Click here for the tutorial!

For More DIY Valentine ideas (that you can get done over the weekend if you’re honey isn’t home!), check out this list of 101 Handmade Valentine’s Day Ideas from Everything Etsy!

Photo Credit: EverythingEtsy.com

Photo Credit: Whipperberry.com

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this is the perfect occasion to set aside a little time to celebrate your love! Today I thought I’d share a sweet little DIY Valentine from Heather over at Whipperberry.com. This is an adorable project that can be done on a budget with few supplies.

easy valentine tutorial

Photo Credit: Whipperberry.com

For this project you melt crayon bits into little heart-shaped molds and tie them to paper heart cards that read – you color my world. A simple and sweet valentine! Jump over to Whipperberry for the full tutorial! Thanks Heather!

Photo Credit: Whipperberry.com

Photo Credit: Whipperberry.com

(PS… these would also make super cute wedding favors!)

DIY Candles - Feeling Crafty?  Why not make your own candles for your wedding day.  Use them in your ceremony, as reception decor or give them away as favors!  Here are some tutorials for making your own candles…

Custom Word Candles

Photo Credit: CensationalGirl.com

Stamped Word Candles

Photo Credit: Suzanna March Photography

Mini Candle Wedding Favors

Photo Credit: Do-it-yourself-weddings.com

Tea Cup Candles

Photo Credit: Georgica Pond

Cookie Cutter Candles

Photo Credit: MarthaStewart.com

Epsom Salt “Shimmer” Candles

Photo Credit: Red Heads Craft More Fun

Shell Candles

Photo Credit: MarthaStewart.com

Scented Candles

Photo Credit: Ruffledblog.com

DIY Candle Holders – Prefer to avoid getting waxy?  Buy your candles and use your creative energy to make beautiful holders for them!

Lace Candle Holders

Photo Credit: BethHelmstetterblog.com

Glitter Jar Votive Holders

Photo Credit: DelicateConstruction.com

Epsom Salt Votive Holders

Photo Credit: Crafts by Amanda

Twig Candle Holder

Photo Credit: Blog.fossil.com

Moroccan Inspired Candle Holders

Photo Credit: Matsutakeblog

Drift Wood Tea Light Holder

Photo Credit: bringrestoration.blogspot.com

DIY Stump Candle Holder

Photo Credit: ReadyMade.com

Wine Cork Candle Holder

Photo Credit: TwoTwenty-one.com

Just like the DIY Garland tutorials I shared with you last week, the projects below could be easily incorporated into your wedding plans. Simply click on the images to get to the tutorials…

Burlap “Love” Banner

Photo Credit: Mrs. Apple Cider on WeddingBee.com

Round Linen, Burlap & Cardstock Bunting Banner

Photo Credit: Post Road Vintage

Doily Bunting

Photo Credit: A Law Student's Journey

Tissue Paper Bunting

Photo Credit: ProjectWedding.com

Printable DIY Compliment Bunting (free download)

Photo Credit: HowAboutOrange.blogspot.com

DIY Bunting Flag Stamp

Photo Credit: CutandPaste-lab.blogspot.com

Bunting Flag Cake Topper (with free flag download)

Photo Credit: APairOfPears.com

Anthropologie Inspired DIY Bunting Flag Necklace

Photo Credit: MrsPriss.com

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

As a florist, fresh flowers are of course my favorite thing to work with–but lately I also am loving fabric, lace and ribbon flowers–especially when mixed in with real blooms! I also love seeing them worked into necklaces, wrist corsages, ring pillows and fascinators. They have a much more unique, one-of-a-kind look than silk flowers, they hold together better than dried flowers, they are fancier than paper flowers and they last way longer than fresh flowers–so what’s not to love?! I have collected some of my favorite fabric flower looks below. There are some made of satin, organza, felt, lace, ribbon and other miscellaneous fabric materials–but the one thing they have in common is they are all awesome!!!

Did I mention I have included some DIY projects below on how to make them? Well–I did, so ENJOY!

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Krumpets Designs on ETSY

Photo Credit: SolBjou on ETSY

Photo Credit: Autumn and Grace Bridal on ETSY

Photo Credit: Likron on ETSY

Photo Credit: Petite Peanut on ETSY

Photo Credit: RiRiFisch on ETSY

Photo Credit: SolBjou on ETSY

As promised some Do-it-Yourself Projects…(click on the images to jump to the tutorials)
DIY felt flowers:

Photo Credit: Craftiness is not optional

DIY ribbon flowers:

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

And just some more eye candy made by yours truly…:)

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

Striking the perfect balance between rustic and elegant, this DIY Twine Embellished Invitation is ideal for an outdoor or country wedding. The ensemble consists of heavyweight cream colored card stock, bold European flap envelopes, and silk screened Japanese pearlized paper, all wrapped up like a present in natural hemp twine.

In the tutorial below, you will find all the tools you need to create this invitation, or to inspire you to create a unique design of  your own. Let’s get started!

Materials Used for Twine Embellished Invitation Suite
European Flap Invitation & Response Envelopes – Color Perla Matte
5 1/4 x 7 1/4 (A7) Invitation Envelope
3 5/8 x 5 1/8 (A4) Response Envelope
Pre-Cut Cards – Perla Matte 111lb Card Stock
5 1/8 x 7 (A7) Invitation Card
4 1/4 x 5 1/2 (A2) Reception & Direction Cards
3 1/2 x 4 7/8 (A4)  Response Card
Japanese Pearlized Paper 8 1/2 x 11 – Pattern Ginko Green
Hemp Twine – Color Natural

Additional Tools
Paper Trimmer
Microsoft Word
Printer

All materials for this invitation ensemble are available at lcipaper.com.

1. Download Printing Templates
Start by downloading the printing templates file below, which includes properly sized Microsoft Word templates and printing instructions.
Download Printing Templates

2. Customize Printing Templates
Next, customize templates by changing wording, fonts, and colors.

Note: The fonts on the featured invitation are Tangerine (script) & Cambria (small caps style).

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

3. Print Cards & Envelopes
After customizing, print cards and envelopes using your home printer.

Printing trouble? Check out these tips on printing custom card and paper sizes.

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

4. Cut Decorative Layers from 8 1/2 x 11 Sheet
Cut two 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch decorative layers from one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. For straight, accurate cuts, a paper trimmer with built in measurement works best.

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

5. Arrange Cards to be Tied
Next, arrange the cards in your invitation ensemble as shown below. From bottom to top:

• Invitation Card
• Decorative Layer
• Reception Card
• Directions Card
• Response Card & Envelope

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

6. Tie Twine Around Ensemble
After arranging your cards, secure them with twine.

• Cut approximately 40 inches (3 1/4 feet) of twine
• Center the twine over the invitation so that there is the same amount on each side
• Wrap the twine tightly around the middle of the 5 1/8″ side of the ensemble and bring around to back
• In the back, cross the twine and twist 90 degrees so that it is parallel to the 7 inch side; bring to front
• Secure in the center of the front of the ensemble using a square knot. Tying a standard knot or bow will not keep the twine tightly in place.

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

Questions?
If you have any questions about this design, please leave a comment below.

1. Origami Bow Garland

Photo Credit: pdxpursuit.wordpress.com

2. Polaroid Photo Garland

Photo Credit: OriginateandRenovate.blogspot.com

3. Pine Cone Garland – natural or spray painted

Photo Credit: TwigandThistle.com

Photo Credit: CakeEventsBlog.com

4. Pom Pom Garland

Photo Credit: Momtastic.com

5. Cork Garland

Photo Credit: TheKnottyBride.com

6. Paper Circle Garland

Photo Credit: Carly on go.TipJunkie.com

7. Fabric Scraps Garland

Photo Credit: HartsDesire.wordpress.com

8. Ruffled Fabric Garland

Photo Credit: TheSweetestOccasion.com

9. Ornament Garland

Photo Credit: DesignSponge.com

10. Cupcake Liner Garland

Photo Credit: Nicole Hill, OneCharmingParty.com

11. Paper Pinwheel Garland

Photo Credit: ProjectWedding.com

12. Paper Strip Garland

Photo Credit: MinieCo.co.uk

13. Driftwood Garland

Photo Credit: KojoDesigns.blogspot.com

14. Felt Flower Garland

Photo Credit: ScoutieGirl.com

15. Tissue Paper Tassel Garland

Photo Credit: TheSweetestOccasion.com

To add to this wonderful list of hanging DIY decor, next week I have some lovely inspiration for DIY bunting flags!

Photo Credit: Photojojo.com

Personalized coloring books would be a great way to keep your guest (both children and adults) entertained at your wedding reception! You could use your engagement photos, old photos of you and your love while you were dating or when you were kids. You could even include pictures of your wedding guests in the book! Pair your DIY coloring book with a mini set of crayons and you have yourself a wonderful, personalized wedding favor!

Photo Credit: Photojojo.com

This tutorial shows you how to turn your photo into a coloring page in 4 easy steps.  CLICK HERE to jump to the full tutorial and get started on your personalized coloring books!  Thanks Photojojo!

1. Map Kissing Ball Ornament – This would be a great favor to go along with a map themed wedding. Or you could use maps of a specific location or different places that are significant to you as a couple. Like many of the following ornament favors, this is a great one because it can be used as a favor year round.  It’s not specifically a holiday ornament.

Photo Credit: MaryJanesAndGaloshes.com

2. Felt Polaroid Ornament – These felt polaroid ornaments are a great idea for those wanting to really personalize their favors. You can use engagement photos or pictures of your wedding guests! Even if you don’t like to sew, similar ornaments can be made easily with paper cut-outs. If you have photos of all of your guests, these could double as favors AND escort cards!  Simply write the names and table numbers below the pictures!

Photo Credit: Katie Cupcake

3. Fabric Fortune Cookie Ornament – These ornaments are easy and cute!  Tie them into your wedding by choosing fabric in your wedding colors.

Photo Credit: 24-7-365

4. String Ornaments – String ornaments are very easy to make.  You can choose to use white or use string in your wedding colors.  These string balls can also be used as decor at your wedding. They can be hung alone, combined and used as garland or you could even string lights through them for a playful glow throughout your event!

Photo Credit: News.Holidash.com

5. Yarn Wreath Ornaments – I know, these look like holiday ornaments… but picture them made with yarn in your wedding colors. They could be a sweet little favor to send home with guests.  Add a small tag to thank your guests for sharing in your wedding celebration! You could even add small embellishments like mini handmade flowers to the yarn wreaths for some extra appeal.

Photo Credit: Chrisopher and Tia

6. Mini Lantern Ornaments – How cute are these mini lanterns? They would be an adorable favor for a backyard wedding. Especially if you had large scale lanterns as hanging decor at your reception. Your guests could take a little piece of the party home with them to remember the wedding!

Photo Credit: The Crafty Crow

7. Photo Strip Heart Ornament – These photo strip ornaments would make a great wedding favor!  They are easy to DIY and are lots of fun to make!  Just grab your love and start posing for some cute and fun photos… Who doesn’t have fun getting silly with photo booth pictures? This could even be the start to an adorable tradition.  Make a photo strip ornament each year on your wedding anniversary.

Photo Credit: Scrapper Girl

8. Felt Heart (or any shape) Ornaments – Felt is a wonderful material! Unlike most other fabrics, felt doesn’t fray and it’s very easy to work with. These felt shape ornaments are easy to make… even for beginner sewers!

Photo Credit: BugsandFishes.blogspot.com

9. Cupcake Ornaments – Planning a wedding with a cupcake or sweets theme? These cupcake ornaments would be a great favor to tie in with the wedding theme!

Photo Credit: Goldiloks.blogspot.com

10. Print Covered Ornaments – Ok, there isn’t a tutorial for these ornaments but they are very simple to make.  Buy some cheap Christmas bulb ornaments and use decoupage to cover them with old book pages, newspaper or even your own printed messages. Add a little bit of glitter and you’re all done! These would be great favors for a wedding with a book theme or book page details & decorations!

Photo Credit: Jeanne Oliver from The Barn

11. Peace Sign Ornaments – Everyone wants peace on their wedding day. Why not give out glittery peace sign ornaments?

Photo Credit: CrapI'veMade.com

Photo Credit: ByStephanieLynn.com

Check out this fabulous DIY ornament project that doesn’t require a lot of time, materials, or even skill.  Now, that’s MY kind of project!

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com

Getting Started -

1.  Simply cut an invitation into quarter inch (1/4″) strips. Make sure you capture the key details (dates/names) when you cut your strips.

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com

2. Next, you will roll your 1/4 inch strips around a pen (printed side facing out).  If you are working with a heavier card stock, you may need to roll each strip around the pen a few times.

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com

3. Take the top of a standard glass ornament off and insert all of your 1/4″ rolled strips into the ornament.

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com

4. If you want to add a little embellishment, you could add a wine charm and/or ribbon to the ornament.  You’re done!  Now you have a unique, personalized gift for that special someone on your holiday list.  Don’t forget to make one for yourself too…if you’re soon to be married!

Photo credit: christyrobbins.blogspot.com