How to Make Photo Centerpieces with Candles

Inspired from the DIY master Martha Stewart, we had to try these super cute do it yourself photo centerpieces for ourselves (with our own wedding twist of course).  Read on to learn how to make these glowing photo masterpieces.  So simple and inexpensive, one centerpiece cost us just around $4.  View Martha's original tutorial here.

We think these lantern centerpieces are particularly great because they are easy to make and are great conversation starters.  They work for any type of setting from wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners to anniversary parties and birthdays.

With just a home printer and a few household items, you can create this stunning focal point for your wedding and truly let your own personality shine through. (pun intended.  heehee)

What you'll need:

3-4 same size picture frames (makes one centerpiece)

Translucent vellum paper in white or ecru (or 24lb paper stock substitute)

A few of your favorite photos

Home printer

Glass enclosed votive candles (or LED substitute)

Cloth Tape

Scissors
Windex

Step 1 - Get all your supplies ready for assembly.  We recommend grabbing a few friends to help and create a bit of an assembly line.  Begin to disassemble your frames, removing and discarding the backing completely.  Keep the front of your frames and the glass inserts.  Paint or stain the fronts of your frames if desired letting them dry completely.

Step 2 - With photo editing software like Photoshop or PhotoFiltre, convert your photos to black and white or sepia.   Resize your photos to fit the frames you've purchased.  Print your photos onto the vellum paper you purchased.

Step 3 - Cut out all your photos trimming and discarding the excess vellum paper.  Set aside your cut-out photos to be inserted into your frames.

Step 4 - After cleaning your glass inserts with Windex, place the glass back into your frames.  Once dry, insert your photos into your frames face down.  Keeping the glass fronts in your frames will help protect your photos and make your centerpieces a bit sturdier.  Fold your picture frame tabs in place to hold your picture.  If your frame does not have tabs, simply add some tape to the edges of your photo to hold it in place.

Step 5 - Line up each of your frames side by side making sure they fit snugly together.  Place a line of cloth tape down the seam where your frames meet and press firmly on the tape to secure.  Continue repeating this until you come to the last frame.  Place a strip of tape so that half of the tape hangs of the edge of your frame.  Stand your frame upright and connect your exposed sides together to finish off your centerpiece.  Place your photo centerpieces around a glass enclosed votive candle to ensure your lantern does not catch fire.  You can also substitute your candle for an LED votive for added fire safety.

We created cube shaped centerpieces by using four 5 x 7 frames.  You can also opt for triangle shaped centerpieces by using three frames instead of four.  For added visual interest, choose frames that are different heights.  Make one centerpiece using 5 x 7 inch frames and another using 4 x 6 inch frames.  Set each completed centerpiece next to each other and surround with additional votive candles and flowers for a show stopping wedding table setting.

One of a Kind Unique Wedding Bands for Your Man

So you think you're the only one in the relationship who wants a fancy ring? Think again! Guys have their own unique style and personality, so should their wedding band! And you thought it was only the groom who had the pressure of picking out a perfect ring. With the extensive selection of wedding band styles and designs for men available these days, a girl can get a little confused. So here is a run-down of the finest and most fun ideas for unique wedding bands for your man!

Nature Inspired

Is your guy a nature fanatic or a fan of the outdoors? He may appreciate a natural, organic feel to his ring. Wedding bands with nature designs range from wheat patterned to wood grained! A textured pebble look creates a peaceful appearance as well. Nature inspired wedding bands aren't flashy and bright, they are understated and tasteful. If this sounds like your man check out the above ring designs from Rings Unique.

Tree Design

Tree design wedding bands are as unique as they come! Showcasing a design that is deep rooted with much meaning, the Tree of Life Designs featured above are everlasting symbols of love and family over the generations. The strong symbol embodies the virtues of strength and faith that are necessary in marriage. Rings Unique offers tree design wedding bands in both men's and women's styles.

Contemporary

If your groom is a modern man who appreciates clean style and industrial design, then a contemporary wedding band is right up his ally. Contemporary wedding bands can be  smooth and polished or rough and rugged. This style of ring can have diamond settings or unique detailing. This is the type of ring for a real man's-man! The above rings are available through Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry.

Unique

If your fiancé is not the average guy than he shouldn't be wearing just the average ring. For those men out there that appreciate a more quirky style, consider a super unique wedding band that is suited to his personality. The unique options for wedding bands out there are endless! Consider a ring crafted from the remains of a four billion year old iron-ore meteorite (the first ring pictured above)! The next ring shown above features bands of titanium surrounding a strip of exotic Koa wood from Hawaii. Choose a wedding band with distinctive coloring or structural design. Rings constructed of super unique materials will become a topic of conversation for your man. He will love to tell others about the extra special wedding band that his wife picked out for him.

The 1st, 3rd, 4th and 6th rings can be found at Rings Unique. The 2nd Ring is from Hawaiian Koa Wood Rings. The 5th ring is from George Sawyer.

If you are unsure of which route to go regarding your groom-to-be's wedding band, go ahead and ask him! There is no reason why he shouldn't have a say in the matter. He will have to look at the ring every day of his life so it is best if he is fond of it! If you are already sure of your special one's style, go ahead and surprise him with a ring you picked out yourself!

DIY Fabric Rosette Accessories

We have fallen in love with the fabric rosette! These sweet and simple fabric flowers are easy to make with the most rudimentary of sewing (or hot glue gun) skills. You have probably seen these little beauties on headbands and hair clips, but they can be used to dress up everything from flower girl dresses to bridal sashes. You can even create matching bouquets and boutonnieres featuring these lovely little faux blossoms. In honor of this trendy look, we've put together an inspiration board with our favorite ways to incorporate fabric rosettes into your wedding. Be sure to check out the link to the tutorial below and learn how to make your own fabric rosettes. Once you get the basic concept, the possibilities are endless!

The above images and products were all found on Etsy, in the following shops: Boutonieres from Bella Sorella Couture, Bridal Belt from Percy Handmade, Garters from Seventh Studio, Hair Pieces from Bella Sorella Couture, Bouquets from Ljubezen Brew.

Want to learn how to make your own fabric rosettes? Check out these tutorials!

This tutorial from Craftaholics Anonymous offers step by step instructions with photo examples.

If you prefer a video tutorial, there are several on internet but this one was the one we found to be the most helpful. It shows you how to upcycle fabric you already have to create your rosettes.

Margarita and Bellflower Wedding Inspiration Board

Create a breath taking wedding with a couple tips from the pantone 2012 fashion report. Margarita green and bellflower purple create a beautiful color combination and are two of the trendier color options to choose from. Look to the inspiration of the color name for color inspiration in your wedding. Serve margaritas and use bellflowers in your wedding bouquet. Dress your bridal party in bellflower and add margarita touches, like a sash or boutonniere.

Remember when you are selecting your wedding colors and inspiration; that colors that are the opposite of each other on the color wheel, such as purple and green complement each other very well. Whether you look to the newest trends, the color wheel or your favorite colors for your wedding, create a look that inspires you. Good Luck!

Photo Credits: Bellflower dress (weddingbee.com), Wedding table setting (Carolyn Roehn Style), Lavender seating cards (Martha Stewart Wedding), Macarons (Tartelette) and Men's Suit (Brides.com)

Delectable Dessert Displays and Sweet Treats – An Inspiration Board

A growing trend in weddings this year is to offer your guests a sweet treat in the form of a stunning dessert display at your wedding.  Cupcake displays were big last year, but dessert displays will be the big treat for guests this year, focusing more on cookies, specialty desserts, and of course a wedding cake or two!  With so many different tasty options out there, it may be hard to decide what to offer for your guests’ indulgence.  We recommend sticking with you and your soon-to-be hubby’s favorite desserts, whether they include a family recipe for fresh-baked cookies or gourmet goodies.  Plan on three to four miniature desserts per person if no cake is being offered.

 

Brides will be going all-out on decorations for their dessert displays this year, and paying attention to even the tiniest detail.  There are so many different options for decorating your dessert display, including a lot of great DIY projects for the crafty bride.  Consider using a cabinet, dresser, or bookshelf for a unique look.  Streamers, pennant bunting, and backdrops are all things that can be crafted at home, or purchased if you are not the do-it-yourself type.  Greenery or balloons are both great options to change the feel of your display.  With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your dessert display into the talk of the evening!

Image Credits: Polka Dot Backdrop, Pastel Streamers and Desk, Pinwheel Backdrop, Wine Barrels, White Balloons and Dresser, Donut Stand, Cabinet Display, Chandelier, Bunting, Branch Cupcake Stand, Greenery, Pink Streamers and Bookshelf, Macaroons, Oversize Balloon Backdrop