DIY Cork Picture Frame

We wanted to show a few pictures of he happy couple and I decided to figure something out using only things I had around the house.  This is the result!

How to make

• Step 1: Frame a cork sheet with ribbon using a glue gun
• Step 2: Prop up with a stand that sticks to the back of the cork
• Step 3: Pin the pictures (be careful b/c they will stick out the back

Entertaining Under the Big Top

There was no way we were going to be able to fit 100 people inside the house so we decided to set up outside.  We started with a boring white tent and transformed it into a mini-banquet ... and it was super easy and cheap!  We just used some tissue pom-poms and tulle.  Check it out!

Before the guests arrived:

During the party:

Some more pics:

Grab a Mimosa

My cousins bridal shower was a few weeks ago and I was in charge of the decorations and the mimosa bar.  SOO here is how the mimosa bar turned out.

Some close ups:

Pumpkin Patch

It's wedding season again and that means bridal showers.  This summer, I am helping out with decorations for my cousin's shower.  She met her fiance at U of I and they are having a fall wedding so she wants to incorporate pumpkins.  We decided to do a Cinderella/U of I theme.  So phase one is making U of I pumpkins for the centerpieces.  More decorations to come!

Step 1: Pick up some pumpkins.  They just got them in stock at Michael's.  PHEW b/c I was having a hard time tracking them down.

Step 2:  Spray paint them a solid color for consistency

Step 3: Decorate!

Arts N Spirits

Last week my friends and I went to a fun painting class at Arts N Spirits in Bucktown.  I think this is something that EVERYONE should do!   The instructor walks you through the steps and you are free to do your own thing as well (which of course I did)  Oh and did I mention that it is BYOB.  This is a great place for birthday parties, dates or even alone.  Check out the upcoming classes at http://www.artsnspirits.com/.

A real Picasso

My masterpiece!

Drink Up!

Just kidding ... don't do that!  But do finish up your favorite cold ones and turn the bottles into fun candles!
   

Here is how you do it:

1. Clean the bottle 
2. Cut the top off.  There are a ton of methods to do this but I bought this thing - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZRV3AU/ref=pe_175190_21431760_cs_sce_dp_1.  It is not perfect but after some practice I got it down
3. Glue the wick to the bottom of the glass and let dry 
4. Melt wax (I used remains from old candles around the house but you can buy it at the craft store too)
5. Pour in wax and let dry
6. Enjoy! 

Next up, I am going to make a few more of these and also try to paint some and get them up on Etsy.  I will keep you posted!

Claire Bear

My cousin Peggy saw some of the letters I had made for other things and asked me if I could do her daughter Claire's name for her room.  I was SOO excited and got started on them right away.  She sent me a few pics from her room and I used them to get the colors and patterns.  Here is what I made!  I really hope she likes it!