Today’s blog is all about doing it yourself. We are all looking for a better, cheaper, easier and prettier way to do things, especially when it comes to our weddings, our parties, and our events. We see those beautiful, creative, one of a kind decorations and ideas and think, ‘man, they must have spent a fortune on that or, humph, I could never make something look that good.’ Well I’m here to tell you that is no longer the case. With just a touch of skill, a little effort and some determination you can transform any event into an amazing DIY extravaganza.
The following DIY ideas can be used interchangeably at any one of your next big events whether it’s a wedding, a bridal or baby shower, a birthday party, or just a fancy get together with friends. They are some of my favorites because of their low cost, funkiness, and versatility. So take a look, pick a fave, and DO IT YOURSELF!
Wedding:
One of my all time favorite decorations- Pom Poms
They are so cute, so funky, and can be done in any color you like. They add such a romantic and light-hearted feel to any space/event-not to mention they are incredibly cheap!
Here’s how to make your own:
Step 1: Gather 8-10 20x30 inch sheets of tissue paper. Begin folding the tissue stack in 1 ½ inch wide accordion folds, making sure to crease each fold.
Step 2: Fold and 18-20 Inch piece of floral wire in half and place it around your folded stack. Twist of the end to secure and the cut off the ends of your stack, rounding the edges.
Step 3: Start separating your layers by pulling each accordion fold away from the center, one at a time.
Step 4: Bend the wire into a loop to fit around your hanging/securing device and secure at the end.
Viola! Beautiful, fun, inexpensive DIY paper pom poms! Too easy!
Wedding: (invites)
When planning a wedding, obviously you’re looking for ways to cut costs. Making your own personalized invites or save the dates is one way to pinch those valuable pennies.
Depending on your theme (or style, or color scheme) you can decide what you want to send out. Some of the cutest things I’ve seen are the most simple, and the least expensive.
You can go to any store that sells stationary in bulk, you can even go to target and get construction paper, or card stock. You can pick your color and design, or go plain and let the words or image speak for itself.
I personally love the look of a plain, understated cardboard, or burlap, or eco friendly paper. The natural look is so beautiful and gives your special day a very organic, natural, easy going feel.
Whether it’s a picture of the two of you, a collage made into the shape of a heart, your favorite colors into dates, or your fingerprints like the one below. Do whatever your heart desires, pick a font, add in something personal and go for it.
Party:
Who doesn’t love a good margarita?! These little guys are almost too cute to drink.
Mini Patron bottles with Margaritas inside:
All you need is a bunch of mini patron bottles, limes margarita mix, and straws.
Empty out the patron from the mini bottles and put into a pitcher. Use the patron and store bought or homemade margarita mix to make your delicious concoction. Keep the patron bottles in an ice bucket to give them a nice little frost. If the corks are soft, just push your straw through the top and take out the extra cork part. If not, drill a hole through the middle of your cork just big enough for your straw to fit. Pour your margaritas into to mini bottles, cork the bottles and add your straw. Serve with lime or lemon wedges on the side and watch your guests swoon over the cutest margaritas they’ll ever gulp down!
**Even cheaper option-serve your margaritas (or just shots) straight out of a lime. Cut the limes in half, cut/scoop out the inside leaving a perfectly shaped bowl. Salt the rim, and fill with your beverage! So cute!
Party: (treats)
Making your own desserts is obviously a money saver when throwing a party. I don’t need to tell you how to bake a cake or make tasty treats, but I can show you some killer ideas for the most unique, dazzling desserts to serve at your next event.
Sprinkles.
Never thought sprinkles would be my most favorite food accessory, but when you see how cute they look on cake and cookies you’ll understand.
Rainbow Pinwheel cookies:
Ingredients:
Sugar cookie dough recipe (store bought or homemade)
Liquid food coloring in whatever colors your heart desires
Steps:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Divide all of your dough evenly into five bowls and color each bowl a different color
Roll each colored dough into grape sized balls and roll one color of each into a big ball.
Roll the large ball in between your hands and the counter until you have a long cylinder.
Start from one end and roll the cylinder into a coil, twisting as you go.
Roll small/medium coils for each cookie then roll the edges of each coil into sprinkles.
Bake for 10-11 minutes or until done.
Serve and enjoy!
Sprinkles Cake: This needs even less of an explanation. Bake or buy cake of your choice. If cake is already frosted but not going to hold sprinkles--Make a sugar/water mixture and get a medium size brush. Coat outside of cake with mixture—cover every inch in sprinkles. Pat them in to make them stick and keep coating your cake until its totally covered.
Add bows as a cute garnish/decoration, serve and WOW the crowd!
Gift:
If you’re at all like me, I love things that are homemade. They have such a special feel and the fact that nothing is one in the same is so special and very appealing. I love giving homemade gifts and I love receiving them. I came across this little DIY bracelet on Pinterest and couldn’t resist sharing-it’s easy, cute, and totally modifiable for whoever you want to give it to.
http://www.saifou.com/entry/11141.html
Bonus: Anytime Decoration:
Chalk Board Platter: (good for parties/showers or small wedding receptions)
Easy peasy: chalkboard paint, plates/platters of your choice, brush, chalk.
Clean and dry your plate, paint with chalkboard paint, let dry, label/design/draw, serve food and dazzle your guests.
Get creative and add your own flair to any of these DIY ideas. Making them your own will make the whole experience much more fun. Enlist some friends and have a great DIY time!!