Wedding Wednesday: DIY "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?' Cards . . .(the cutest!)

Back when I was looking to ask my bridesmaids to be in my wedding, I remember trying to think of a unique and fun way to pop the question, as the simple old phone call just didn't seem to cut it for me!  So when my little sister sent over this oh-so-cute handmade Bridesmaid card idea from Once Wed, I just about squealed with joy!!

HANDMADE BRIDESMAID CARDS:

Supplies You Will Need:

~ Paper stock, patterned or solid (for dresses, hair, & accessories-don't forget something sparkly!)
~ Paper for bodies
~ Envelopes
~ Ruler
~Scissors
~ Pencil with eraser
~ Glue stick

Directions (from Anna of Rifle Design):

1.) First, be sure that your chain will fit in the envelope you chose. I decided to make my chain about 6 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide to fit in an A7 envelope. Draw tick marks every 3.5 inches (or whatever width you chose) on the top and bottom of the paper for how many people you want to cut out (this sample is for 6).

2.) Cut out your rectangle and score the paper vertically between each set of tick marks. This will make folding easier and more accurate. Then, fold the paper accordion style.

3.) On the top of the stack draw the shape of your person. Be sure to draw the arms and legs to the edge of the paper so that they will be attached into a chain after you cut it out.

4.) Next, cut out the person shape and open up your masterpiece chain! Decorate your ladies with dresses of your choice and different hairstyles to personalize them. I also drew faces and painted their names on each one.

5.) To complete the set I wrapped a band of paper around the chain and information card and wrote the name of the person I was to be sending it to.

Aren't those just the sweetest?  And I love the kraft paper envelope too, not to mention the fact that you can customize the girl's dresses in any way you want-think of all of the fun you could have playing dress-up with your little paper dolls!  Not feeling crafty?  Just watch the Juneberry Lane shop for our own custom line of printable Bridesmaid cards, coming soon!

Tutorial Tuesday: Pretty & Petite Paper Envelopes . . .

(photo courtesy of Moncy3 on Etsy)

 If you know anything about me at all then you know two things; one, I can never pass up a pretty paper project and two, I absolutely cannot resist a good bargain!  That's why these gorgeous little handmade envelopes just make me smile from ear to ear.  

You can use them in so many creative ways, and what's more, you can pick out the most stunning paper tailored to match whatever style fits your fancy!  From guest books, to favors, to escort cards the possibilities are endless!  Stay tuned for a bit of inspiration below, but first, here's how you make them . . .

Tiny Envelope Tutorial

Supplies You Will Need:

~ decorative scrapbook or origami paper

~ sample envelope in the size you would like

~ bowl of lukewarm water

~ cardboard (to use as template)

~ pen

~ glue stick or glue tape roller

~ scissors

1. Choose an envelope you already have that you like the size and shape of

2. Soak it in a bowl of water (lukewarm is best) for about one minute, or until the glue releases from the paper easily. It will not take as long as you think!

3. Pat the now unfolded envelope dry - it doesn't have to be completely dry, just not drippy - and trace it onto a thin piece of cardboard - chipboard works well, as would something like a cereal box. Try to be accurate at this stage and trace neatly.

4. Cut the template out with a pair of scissors, and you may want to label it so that in the future you (or whoever you live with) won't say "what is this strange piece of cardboard?" and toss it out!

5. Use your new wonderful template to trace out an envelope design on any and all types of paper! Think gift wrap, maps, magazines, old calenders, stamped cardstock - you name it! I like to trace using pencil on the side that will be the inside so the marks won't show.

6. Carefully cut out your envelope with scissors and fold it up - I like to do the sides first, then use the folded sides as a guide on where to fold the top and bottom. Use the handle of your scissors or a bone folder for really crisp edges.

7. Use a glue tape roller  to stick your envelope together, or glue stick but I find glue stick gets brittle after just a few months, go ahead and get a glue tape roller, they're like $5 and you can find them in the adhesive section of an office supply store or craft store.

8. *Bonus Points* if you've ever wanted to be able to lick and stick your envelope flaps, check out this Lick & Stick glue!

Tutorial Courtesy of Poppytalk

And in case you are in need of a bit more motivation, how about a guest book?

Or even escort cards . . .

Favors would be nice . . .

Perhaps you have a talent for watercolor . . .

Or would like to get your confetti primed for tossing . . .

Make a map of it . . .

Save-the-Dates!

And a Bridesmaid Instruction Manual . . .

And I just love the thought of a budget friendly favor to send your guests home with; honor a loved one who is no longer with you by sharing a special recipe!  

You can even make them 'top secret' to make everyone feel super special . . .

More pretties . . .

And a few from Kumosgreetings on Etsy

Aha, I knew you'd spot that chevron I snuck in there!  And if you haven't been feeling quite bold enough, mini-envelopes are the perfect place to add a splash of color or print to your big day without going overboard!  Best yet, all you need is some pretty paper & glue, so you can add a thoughtful little touch of personality without even breaking the bank!!