Everyday Celebrating

Amazing! Calligraphy by Jennifer

Calligraphy is one of those things that I truly swoon over.  It's so classic and ornate and awe inspiring to me that someone has that amazing talent!  And more so, the patience to do it! 

Calligraphy is also one of those things that I say I'm going to learn... someday.  LOL

Well, I should have taken the time to learn it in my 20s.  Because now, in my almost 40s, with all the stuff I have going on plus a child, I'm not sure learning is ever going to make it to the top of my list.

And why should it?   Because I know Jennifer, of Calligraphy by Jennifer, and she has learned it amazingly well!

Jennifer, based in Louisville, KY (and I feel I should throw that out there because I'm a KY born girl myself), creates a breathtaking first impression to any invitation.  Let me show you...

 

I love this invitation!

Of course, she also can do place cards and even doilies!

Her prices are amazing and she can do many many different styles of calligraphy.

Don't think she just does invitations. She also handles thank you notes, poems, table numbers, etc.
Will you be having a more formal occasion in the coming months that could use the elegance of calligraphy?  Think: Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, New Year's Eve, a special bridal shower,  your parent's 50th anniversary, etc.  How about something for your children?  Sweet 16, sorority event, etc?

Better get on the books now! 

Pom Pom Vines

Once Wed shows these adorable pom pom vines for a rustic outdoor setting.

Leaves can be cut from green paper or you could use real magnolia or other wide sturdy leaves.

 
 

Whiffle ball bouquet

What do you do with this?

add some spray paint.... and get.....

  

Whiffle ball bouquet!  I love it because it's a bit thicker and more ruffle edged than a pom.  Whiffle balls and coffee filters found at the dollar store! 
  
Find the full tutorial on the whiffle ball bouquet at Me Making Do

Still time to: Welcome your guests with streamers

Even though July 4th is Sunday, there is plenty of time to create an easy way to welcome your guests.

These streamers create gentle movement in the breeze and are made from items found at the Dollar Tree.

The poles are actually bamboo stakes normally used in gardening.  These are  green 5 ft stakes and are $1 for a package of 6 or so.   Spray paint those the color of your choice.  I used white.

Right now, most Dollar Tree stores have rolls of satin ribbon in stock.  I chose red, white and blue.  $1 per roll.  Cut long pieces of each color and hot glue one end to the top of the stake.

These can be placed anywhere... line your driveway, place them at the corners of your patio, stand them up in sand filled pots on your porch, etc.  Use any colors you want for any occasion.  These would be great for a bridal shower, graduation in school colors or child's birthday in primary colors!

Cake talent and edible jewels!

One of the things that blows me away is people who have amazing cake talent.  Some people just have it. They can turn a cake into something amazing.  

Like my friend Lenneke of Cedar City Cakes.  If you're in the Nashville area, you need to know Lenneke.
Click here to "like" her business on Facebook.  Look at this amazing hawaiian shirt cake.  Click on it to see it larger!

or this one.. tinkerbell's house

  
 and many many more you can see on Facebook.  I'm thrilled to have met Lenneke.  She will be making a rather LARGE cake for a university gala I'm working on for next year.  I can't wait!

Anyway, something I love just as much as cake art are cake JEWELS.  Edible cake jewels.  

See these?  EDIBLE!  


Edible jewels to glam up your treats!   Fancy Flours has them in all different colors and sizes.  Perfect for a fancy sweet sixteen or princess party.  Sex and the City cupcakes, etc.  Diamond jewels for New Year's Eve! Endless possibilities!  Check out all the beauties at Fancy Flours.

  

Another easy backdrop (or wall art)

I've talked many times about backdrops.  They are an easy way to tie in your colors and tie in your theme as well as cover up space that may not fit in.  I mean, not everyone has a blank slate to transform for every event they throw, right?

Diane of the blog In My Own Style shows a super easy way to create wall art... or.... backdrops.

Made with canvas, mod podge and tissue paper!  Yep, tissue paper.

A great idea for parties or making great artwork for any room of your home!   

Sidenote:  This is a wonderful inexpensive way to create holiday art.  Make a few large pieces in holiday themes to change out throughout the year?

 

Styrofoam centerpiece

photo credit:  Green Submarine

I love this centerpiece idea!  
 Those white blocks?  Styrofoam with decorative tape attached.  Those "vases"?  

Empty glass Christmas ornaments!   Very creative!  

Spotted drinks!

The easy how to on creating a polka dot drink over at my party file! 

Let's talk backdrops

One of the best ways to create impact and drama at a buffet table or any event table is with a coordinating backdrop.  Remember I mentioned earlier that one of the reasons everyone loves Amy Atlas' designs is because she always has a backdrop that compliments her table.  Luckily, she's usually not up against a crazy clashing wallpapered room.  LOL

I recently ran across some great DIY projects that would make beautiful and interesting backdrops, even if their original use was for home decor wall art.

First, this stream ruffle board by blogger Stephanie Lynn.  Stephanie gives a full tutorial of how she created this board and it included sewing but don't worry.. those of us who don't sew, can still pull this off with glue.  :)   And I love it.  Two of these side by side would make a beautiful backdrop, even with no flower.  Very striking in a two color design.... black/white... hot pink/black... etc.

 
Another amazing and easy way to create a backdrop which was originally posted as wall art...



The amazing thing?  How she created it?  She used a door mat as a stencil!
 


See?  Isn't that great?  It's kinda like damask!
 

   
And finally, this.  I love the ocean wall art!  Great for a nautical or pirate theme!
 

 
At your next get together, think about how you can pull together a total look with a creative backdrop! Even a piece of patterned fabric goes a long way!

Curling ribbon wreath

Christy at Embellished Bayou saw an amazing curling ribbon wreath at a boutique, turned around and made her own for next to nothing!   Makes a great entry for any celebration!   So easy to make!  Just staple curling ribbon onto a wreath form!  Visit her blog to see the tutorial and the original boutique wreath.

These can be made in any color combination for any holiday, etc.  Fourth of July, Halloween, Easter, Christmas, in school colors for graduation, etc.

This wreath also would make a great addition to a centerpiece.  Stick a candle or vase of flowers in the middle!