Bridal Shower String Art

Straight out of the “that was easy” DIY vault comes another piece of string art. This one was made for my sister in law Julie’s bridal shower that we held last Sunday.

This project was altogether cost effective; in fact it was free. I had all of the supplies around the house: the wood and ceiling paint were left over from our kitchen renovation, the string from our wedding, and the nails courtesy of Ben’s tool box. The total assembly was about an hour aside from the time it took for the paint to dry (I left it over night).

This project would work well with any graphic shape, monogram, or number for a birthday or shower. As a large-scale piece it adds a fun pop of colour and could also be used to hold escort or gift cards.

I used the heart on the welcome table to greet guests in the front entrance. 

More details from Julie’s shower to come!

Under Construction...

Please excuse me while I shake the dust out of my hair. For the last three months our home has been flipped upside down and we have had limited access to and use of our kitchen. All in the name of renovations!

Since moving in (almost 4 years ago), B and I have discussed taking on a kitchen renovation but it's always been a pain point for us. Unfortunately, this isn't our "forever" home; as a result we've been hesitant to gut and remodel the space and have made due with minor aesthetic updates. Due to the nature of our awkwardly small and poorly designed cooking space we finally decided that enough was enough. A renovation would be required prior to us selling this house; we might as well complete it now so we can spend as much time as possible enjoying it.

The kitchen will be completely finished today (hallelujah). This weekend I will be reorganizing drawers, shelves, and cupboards to maximize functionality, which satisfies my inner Monika Gellar. Once everything is back to as close a state of normalcy it may ever get around here, I will post a full before and after tour. I am so happy with how everything turned out and I can't wait to share every detail with you.

It would be remiss of me not to officially acknowledge our contractors and everyone who helped us along the way (thanks, dad). The best projects are always group collaborations, aren't they?

Happy Weekending, friends.

C.

White Faux Taxidermy

There is something about this golden skull that I can't get enough of. He's the perfect addition to seasonal Halloween decor but I'd also love to use him year-round as an unexpected addition to a bookshelf. On that note, this guy is on my wish list as well for the living room.

Visit White Faux Taxidermy's shop for more unique pieces (they do custom colour orders)!



(image courtesy of White Faux Taxidermy).

Rifle 2013 Cities Calendar

As a long-time fan of Anna Bond's paintings at Rifle Paper Co., the recently released cities 2013 calendar makes me very happy. Considering the fact that B and I are planning a 2013 Euro-trip, I'm quite certain this baby belongs on a wall in our kitchen. Bonus: the hand painted maps would make great prints (to keep or gift) once the month passed.


(images courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.)

Showered with Love - the details

I haven't experienced the overwhelming sense of love that I felt at my shower in a very long time. It is difficult to express how special this group of women is to me. I was absolutely touched by the efforts that were made to make my day special. I am grateful and blessed to call each and every one in attendance family. thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Now, onto a few of the many details from this Sunday afternoon fete. Many thanks to my sister/ MOH Jenn and beautiful friend Angie for snapping these photos; what a treat to have the day documented.

{Lyla, Sarah, and the Congratulations bunting made by my bridesmaid Angie}

{helium balloons dangled photographs documenting my fashion highs & lows}

{a vintage sterling silver tea set & an eclectic collection of vintage tea cups - pinky's up!}

{tissue flowers made by Angela & cupcake liner garland made by my sister/ MOH Jenn} 

{everyone played bridal shower bingo, even Lyla!}

{the desserts, the drinks, and the food... yes, I requested jalapeno poppers at my high tea. I'm bad ass like that.}

{the happy, happy, bride.}

Votive Design

I am so into this votive installation by Joy Thigpen (captured by Jose Villa).  It is such a unique, beautiful, and cost-effective way to incorporate depth and design to transform a space from 'every day' to 'special event.'  Visit Joy Thigpen's blog and Once Wed (here + here) for more photos from this gorgeous wedding.

(Photos by Jose Villa via Once Wed).

DIY Terrarium

I've been fond of terrariums for some time now; however, I've never worked up the courage to create one myself. Last year I attempted to have a small pot of succulents in my kitchen and I somehow managed to kill every last one (cause of death is believed to be a water overdose). It was tragic.

I was delighted to find the step-by-step guide compiled by Nicole Balch and featured on West Elm's blog Front & Main. Her tips and the details provided make me feel like this is a project I could complete successfully. Visit Nicole's blog Making it Lovely for more DIY projects and ideas.

Wouldn't this make a nice gift?



(Image and DIY courtesy of Making it Lovely).

DIY Ombre

I'm in love with ombre. I love it in home decor, fashion, and weddings. Although I'm still brainstorming ways of incorporating it into our wedding, here are some of my favourite DIY-friendly ideas.

Invitations: I love the idea for watercolour ombre and incorporating it into wedding stationary. Jordan Ferney's 2010 Holiday Cards were the inspiration for Jen & Matt's escort card format. This technique works wonderfully with any colour.

Backdrops: Perfect for photo booths, head tables, and alters, backdrops are very exciting aspect of wedding decor these days. There are many, many creative ways of styling a backdrop, one of them being ribbons or fabric strips arranged by colour gradient. The DIY guide by Katie of Green Wedding Shoes is fantastic and proves this type of backdrop doesn't need to chew up a lot of your decor budget.

Treats: Well-styled food - especially sweets - are one of my favourite elements of event planning (& if you need an example of what I'm referring to, visit Amy Adams' website). Ombre has been creatively introduced to the world of food. Don't you think these meringue parfaits would be lovely for a shower or party?

Napkins: As I mentioned before, napkins are a great way to incorporate a pop of colour or pattern to an otherwise neutral tablescape; alternatively, they can be a playful way of layering colour, pattern, and texture on a vibrant tablescape. I'm a huge fan of dip-dyed items, whether it be tote bags, table clothes, t-shits, or napkins, this is a fun project. Visit Bright Bazaar or Oh Happy Day for a dip-dye technique that could translate to any fabric or visit Kim Seybert's website if you prefer to purchase a set of ombre dyed napkins.

Bridesmaids: Mismatched yet coordinated: that is the style mantra of my bridesmaids. Although not officially "ombre" (my ladies are wearing similar tones in several neutral colours), it's the subtle variation of the same idea that I love; this wedding party (shot by the amazing Jill Thomas) pulls it off perfectly.

Paper Chandelier: Albeit not every bride's style, this paint chip chandelier was just too cool not to include in this rundown. I love the idea of repurposing paint chips: wouldn't it also look amazing with a random connection of colours? Again, this would work well for shower decor or in a baby's room although I think it would be pretty awesome in an office space, as well.

Flowers: I have been ga-ga over this centerpiece since I saw it in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine a while ago. As Martha & co aptly point out this example is in one long, low container; however, it would be equally as beautiful in a cluster of small vases.

Are you on the ombre train? How have you incorporated it into your event design/ fashion/ hair colour/ home?





(photos, clockwise from top left: Oh Happy Day, Katherine Elizabeth Photography for Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Chicks, Jill Thomas, Jenna McKenzie Photography for Hello Gorgeous, and Martha Stewart Weddings).

Our Wedding: DIY Projects

As a control freak hands-on bride, my goal is to ensure as many elements of our wedding as possible embody Ben's and my vision. I've had a few people look at the ideas I've presented and say "that's so you" or "that's so you & Ben"; it's one of the coolest things to hear and it makes me even more excited for our big day...

One of the ways we're hoping to accomplish this sense of personalization is through homemade, DIY, elements. I have a penchant for DIY projects and I quite often find myself taking on more projects than I can finish. For this reason, I keep reminding myself that there is an impending timeline and that I must be selective.

At this point, the projects on my list are as follows:

1. Napkins. I've ordered a batch of fabric in a delicious pattern to be turned into napkins for our reception. Although napkins are typically one of the last things a bride thinks about, I saw them as an opportunity to inject an element of pattern and boldness to our otherwise neutral tablescapes. Additionally, they are sustainable in that they will be used again (and - once washed - gifted to my helper bees).

2. Table Runners. I'm on the hunt for the perfect jute or canvas to embody the burlap look we're going for (minus the horrid smell). To add a little glamour to the rustic table runners, I'll be affixing vintage style lace to the edges (a la these beauties). I'm excited for these to be used again in our home and the homes of our friends and family.

3. String Globes. This was the first project that made it to my 'list.' I am in love with the look of these globes both hung separately and in clusters, like this example. At this point it's still a 50/50 toss up between white or hemp string; however, white might be pulling ahead. This project is going to be messy; therefore, I'll require a lot of plastic balls and willful hands of my wedding party and craftiest friends. (I will primarily be using this tutorial).

4. Boutonnieres. I fell in love with a style that's a little bit eclectic, a little bit whimsy, and altogether unique. It also happens to be a style that doesn't use any fresh flowers. For this reason, I have the ability to assemble the bouts beforehand. I will post status updates once I start this project (I'm hoping it proves to be as simple as I imagine).

5. Centerpiece Vases. I have officially started the collection of mismatched vases that will be used as our centerpieces. I'm working with our florist to determine the overall look; however, the plan for the vases is set and the eclectic collection of thrift store vases will receive a happy makeover shortly. Again, progress report to come.

6. Menu Board. One of my two crafty Uncle Dean's is assisting on this one and has acquired a pile of old vintage barn wood (swoon) that will be assembled, stained, and painted on to recreate this menu board. We'll be propping it up on an easel at the end of our buffet.

So. That's it. Gulp.

I have a few surprises up my sleeves; however, these are the projects you can expect progress reports on. As one of my 2012 goals, I intended to complete one project per month between January and August. To date, January and February have been filled will establishing this list and acquiring the supplies and help required to accomplish these goals, a feat in and of itself. From here on in, these ideas will become reality and I'm thrilled to share the process with you.

. . .

Side note: in poetic fashion, my dress arrived on Valentine's day. It is everything I dreamed of and looks great hanging in my closet.

Vintage Wedding Love

If you haven't already seen (& swooned over) the photos from James & Aubrey's November wedding (captured perfectly by Brooke Schwab) I ask that you do so now as you will not be disappointed.

Although I don't know Ms. James personally - I've never spoken with her, let alone emailed her - I've followed her blog for quite some time. She pulls of vintage the way vintage is meant to be pulled off and her wedding embodies everything I imagined it would. And more. She looked stunning and her family, utterly adorable.

The full set of photos can be seen on James' blog Bleubird Vintage (part 1 + part 2) and also 100 Layer Cake (part 1 + part 2).



(Photo by Brooke Schwab via Bleubird Vintage).

Our Wedding: the decor

Welcome to the first instalment of Ben + Courtney Get Hitched, a new feature to chronicle our planning process in the months leading up to our September wedding. I'm going to be honest and candid in these posts, sharing both the ups and the downs of our experience. Won't you join me in my adventures as a party-planner-turned-bride-planning-her-own-wedding?


part one: the decor.


A few of the first things we decided upon were our colour palette and several key elements of our decor. We're getting married on Okanagan Lake in the heart of BC's wine country. It is important to us that our end-of-summer wedding be a celebration where every guest feels welcomed and comfortable. When I asked Ben how he envisioned the decor and style of the wedding he responded with "functional" and "simple" (he's such a boy); I've incorporated his interpretation with my vision of "classic" and "rustic." What we've come up with is something that I think fits in with the Okanagan landscape perfectly.

{key decor elements}

1. paper lanterns. we will be hanging these throughout the venue for a laid back, summer patio party feel.
2. birch. not 100% on how we're going to incorporate it yet but it will be present.
3. arbour. we'll be married under one on a beach front patio.
4. jute + burlap. runners for the aisle and/or tables.
5. menu board. the only thing I don't like about buffet dinners is the fact that it's impossible to know everything that's being served. solution: menu board.
6. sparklers. duh.
7. neutrals. we'll be using pattern and colour sparingly to ensure it packs a punch against the neutral colour palette.
8. bunting. again, I'm not sure where this is going to be incorporated. but it will be incorporated.
9. vintage + rustic elements. in the spirit of DIY, personalized details, I'm on the lookout for clever and tasteful ways of incorporating vintage pieces into the decor.

So there you have it: the first sneak peak at our planning process. Much, much, more to come...


(Photos courtesy of 1. save on crafts 2. photo by Armor & Martel via Elizabeth Anne Designs 3. photo by Michael and Anna Costa via Style Me Pretty4. photo by Jonas Peterson via Once Wed 5. design by Lesley Weiner via Good Design Makes me Happy 6. photo by Pam Cooley Photography via Style Me Pretty 7. photo by Kristyn Hogan via Elizabeth Anne Designs 8. toast via this is glamorous 9. photo by Eleise Theuer Photography via the knot).

DIY Christmas Carol Garland

Isn't this garland just perfect? This DIY project is creeping its way up my ever-growing Christmas-craft-to-do list; I would like to hang one in our hallway.

Visit the sweetest occasion for the DIY tutorial and template.


{update} here is one of my completed garlands:





(top photo by lovely indeed for the sweetest occasion; bottom photo taken on my iPhone and processed via Instagram).

Deck the Halls

Happy Monday! While our neighbours to the South prepare for Thanksgiving (and the disturbing phenomenon "Black Friday") Canadians are in full-Christmas-holiday-mode. Today, B and I are both off (woot!) so we're tacking a lengthy to do list. Hopefully we'll get to lugging out our Christmas decor and start decking the halls.

Have you decorated yet? When do you 'allow' yourself to embrace Christmas/ decorate/ start Christmas shopping?

As always, I am inspired by West Elm's Holiday line. These three are my favourites.




(Images courtesy of West Elm: feather wreath, felt garland, + papier-mâché reindeer).

no-carve pumpkins.

Even though carved pumpkins go with Halloween like pine trees go with Christmas, let's face it: they typically have an expiry date of 24 hours. In the days leading up to Halloween, why not have fun with the pumpkins on your door steps and tables without carving them...

I love the look of painted pumpkins. Having experimented last weekend, I can confirm that spray paint works well for even coverage and these Martha Stewart paints from Michaels (my new favourite product) come in beautiful colours and sparkly shades. (Suggestion: if you don't want the orange of the pumpkin to come through, use the Martha glitter paint as a top coat over spray paint or a satin paint).

Another option: thumb tacks. Simply put, I wish I came up with this idea. How brilliantly quick & simple.

Do you have a pumpkin yet? Have you done anything to it? Where is it in your house?



(Photos courtesy of Real Simple [1 and 2] + Style at Home).

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

I can't believe it's already October and that thanksgiving is this coming weekend. In an attempt to fall-ify our home, I've compiled a selection of simple, cost effective, decorating techniques in traditional and monochromatic palettes.

First up: the "traditional" thanksgiving tablescape. You can't get more thanksgiving than a palette of red, yellow, orange, and gold. That being said, when I think about these colours I am immediately taken back to elementary school crafts and fake craft store leaves. Enter: Pinterest and its plethora of DIY ideas. Dried, real, leaves in bud vases or shot glasses? A pumpkin as a vase? A table full of Mason jar candle holders? Yes, please.


I love white pumpkins. Since discovering them several years ago, I eagerly await fall so I can adorn my house with them. Who needs to wait for Halloween, I say; let your white pumpkins celebrate thanksgiving, too!



If you're still looking for some inspiration, visit the HG TV website, Martha, and Hostess with the Mostess.

How do you decorate for thanksgiving?



photo credits:

Traditional Colour Palate: 1, 2, 3, & 4.
Neutral Colour Palate: 1 (via), 2, 3, & 4.

Kate gets married.

Regardless of your opinion of her, it's hard to deny the sheer loveliness of Kate Moss & Kills' guitarist Jamie Hince’s English wedding. I found the event refreshingly understated and personal, full of soft, thoughtful details. I also enjoy how they incorporated classic details into a bohemian ambiance; the result was a brilliant countryside fusion.

Visit Vogue.com or – better yet – pick up the annual September issue (on news stands now) for the full story and photo spread.

I would much rather be invited to this wedding than to any Kardashian circus, wouldn’t you? Tepees for the children to play in has to be one of the most awesome ideas I've heard of in a while...




(Story by Hamish Bowles, Photos by Mario Testino for Vogue).