Diy Project: Chalkboard Signs!

This last week I worked on a DIY project for my own upcoming wedding. I wanted a chalkboard menu and two smaller ones to place on the bar so guests could easily choose their beverage. Looking online I saw so many choices! Ultimately, I decided I could make these myself, save money, AND be able to recycle them after the wedding to use in our home. Here's how I did it!

First, I bought chalk (just the regular Crayola brand), a chalkboard pen (Brides was the brand I believe, bought it at Michael's), and Krylon chalkboard spray paint.

I also bought two 8"x10" pretty frames from TJ Maxx (my fave store!) for about $8 each. I used these to make my frames for the bar/beverage signs. For my menu sign ($50 at TJ Maxx), I bought a large wood framed mirror that I knew we could use after the wedding. It's gorgeous!

For the next part, I asked my dad to help as I'm not exactly handy! We bought a piece of 1/8" MDF panel from Home Depot (under $4 for 3'x4' sheet). I removed the glass from the picture frames and used that to figure the size of the board we'd need. Then we measured the inside of the mirror frame, so the board can just sit on top of the mirror. My dad marked out the measurements and cut the pieces out (the blue painter's tape helps the board not to splinter when cutting.)

After cutting the pieces out, we took them outside and laid them on a large painter's tarp. *Note- make sure that it's not a windy and pollen filled day! I didn't think of that when we did mine and the pollen stuck to the paint!* We followed the directions on the can and sprayed first horizontal then vertical, just one layer of each. I let them dry for a couple of hours and the board seemed to be soaking up a lot of paint so I did another coat (at least two coats are required to make the chalkboard effect work). They recomend letting the board dry for at least 24 hours before testing with chalk.

To "break in" the chalk board effect, you use a piece of chalk and rub it sideways over the entire board, then erase. It didn't quite have the effect, which means it might have needed another coat still.
I might also recomend buying a higher quality wood board or using a primer of some sort since the MDF panel seemed to soak up a lot of paint. Even so, my boards looked great in the frames!

I decided to give my chalkboard pen a try on one of the boards. I liked it much more than the regular chalk! Plus it stays put until you want to erase it with water. I did find it difficult to remove, but given I was making these for a one time use it worked just fine for me. Again, if I had done another coat of paint, I think it would have worked better. You get the idea though! :)

Now we have chalkboard menus for our wedding and two beautiful frames and a mirror for our home after!

Interview with Sara of Buttons N' Blossoms!

Accessories are such a great way to bring some individuality to your wedding day look. Sara Harris of Buttons N' Blossoms is a friend of a friend of mine who makes amazing one of a kind pieces. I happened to see some of her work on my girlfriend's facebook page and absolutely loved it! I know you'll feel the same. I'm so glad she agreed to share a little about herself and her business with us today!

Tell me a little about yourself-

Hi, I'm Sara Harris!

I was born in Seattle, raised in Portland, and now I'm living in Bend, Oregon. So I guess you could say I'm a northwest kinda girl! I got married last year to my best friend in the whole world. Jon Harris. He is seriously the greatest and you're pretty lucky if you know him!

oh. and we both like Jesus. a lot. So, we have that going for us!

When I'm not working as an executive assistant for a real estate firm, out on a run, or baking my 3rd batch of cookies for the week, I find time to design blossoms for happy days, weddings, and special events!

When and why was Buttons N' Blossoms created?

If you've ever been to Central Oregon before, you would recognize the

simplicity of life that everyone adapts too while living here. There

aren't a lot of boutiques or large department stores. I love and hate this

at the same time.

When I was getting married last year, the details and embellishment that I

love so much was hard to find unless I drove across the mountain to the

big city. I became exasperated searching for the perfect veil when so few

existed. It finally got to the point when I just decided I would make a

hairpiece myself. I had so much fun doing this; I created blossoms for my

bridesmaids and flower girls as well!

After the wedding I realized how much I would miss the process. All the

planning, creating, and embellishing each little detail- I didn't want

this process to be over. That's when my girlfriends helped me realize it

didn't have to be! After much encouragement from my husband, friends, and

family, Buttons n' Blossoms was officially born in February of 2011.

It has become the creative outlet I so desperately needed. I wanted to

share my love for the little extras and pretty details that make any day

special. To my delight, others seem to like my handmade blossoms as well!

So, I keep having fun making them! In the process, I learn so much about

new techniques, designs, and styles unique to each individual person,

which I really love a lot!

What types of accessories do you make?

It really depends on the needs of the client. Originally, I started out creating just blossoms from old fabric and petals just for hair. It evolved when I couldn't find the colors and shapes of petals I desired and I began using vintage milliner's iron in order to shape my own petals with the fabrics I wanted. I learned a stiffening and cutting process before they are finally shaped, in order to get the final desired effect. This really helped me expand what I could do. I started making flowers to clip on handbags, belts, and even shoes!

Adding feathers, lace, elastic, and French netting was the next hoop to jump through.

After this, I began designing intricately hand beaded pieces with French netting and ribbons. This allows for a more elegant bridal look inspired from the 1920s era.

I am now delving into wedding garters and full bridal party bouquets and
boutonnieres completely designed with fabric flowers (the bouquets are a work in progress).

I really like doing custom orders for bridal parties. One of my favorite tasks is designing the bride's hair adornment, wedding garter, and then

having coordinating blossoms for all the bridesmaids, flower girls, and even boutonnières for the groomsmen. This way the whole wedding party comes together in a really wonderful way.

What inspires your creations?

I have been blessed with constant inspiration around me through the
flowing streams, majestic mountains, & colorful landscapes. I have a great
appreciation for textures, colors, and making ordinary things beautiful.

Often times, when I see the dress that will be worn with the piece, or I
can picture the setting it will be worn in, my head begins to fill with
tons of different routes we could take with numerous pieces that would
work.

I love looking in antiques shops and finding inspiration in the little
knickknacks that adds a dash of whimsy and vintage to the piece. The 1920s
was one of my favorite looks. I love the lace, creativity, and handmade
items that were made at the time. Lots of times, I find my inspiration
through old photos and styles from this age.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Oh there are so many wonderful parts, it's hard to narrow it to just one
thing!

Believe it or not, my degree was in communications and marketing- not art.
I love the artistic aspect, but one of my favorite parts of my job is
creating my branding for the company. I love putting together displays in
shops that really reflects the nature of Buttons n' Blossoms. The people I
get into contact with because of my work being noticed, has helped me get
in touch with some really fascinating and creative individuals!

I would also say I love working with brides. I love sharing in their
excitement and being apart of making their day as unique as they are. Part
of why I like this aspect so much, is because I remember how much I loved
the creative design for my wedding and I love being able to do some of
that again. It brings me a lot of joy when I find the perfect button,
piece of lace, or bead that will fit their vision perfectly! I find a lot
of fulfillment in that.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have made?

Probably the one I made for Nicole Neu. Nicole was the Display Coordinator at Anthropologie in LA. She designed all the window displays and themes throughout the Anthropologie boutique stores. Nicole is SO artistic, SO creative, and really knew the feel she was shooting for! When she contacted me to help with her wedding, I was more than thrilled to help out, but a little intimidated! I knew the piece she had in mind would be

unique, different, and a new challenge! It took me quite a while to finish
everything, but well worth the result.

 

I also really like Harmony, Margo, and Autumn. They are just my personal style!

 

Do you have any advice for other aspiring small business owners?

To small business owners, I would say it is well worth the journey! It may
be hard at first and everything has its ups and downs, but the fulfillment
you feel in doing what you really love is so worth it.

I feel the Lord has blessed me with certain talents and abilities and when
I can use my gifts and give it my all, I feel I am doing what I am called
to do and this brings me so much joy. It doesn't matter how much time I
end up putting in, because in the end it feels more like play than work,
and I love the process!

Sara, thank you so much for sharing about Buttons N' Blossoms! 

You can find Sara's creations on her website www.buttonsnblossoms.com/

and on her Etsy store! www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonsnBlossoms

Looking to propose to your girlfriend? Contact me!

I'm very excited about a new service I'll be offering, in partnership with Katie Campbell Photography. We are looking for someone who wants to propose to their girlfriend in the next few months. So please contact me if you are interested! :) alex@dream-day-events.com

New website is up!

For a couple of weeks now, I have been working on a new website. And it's finally up! Take a look and let me know what you think.

New Dream Day Events Website

Considering assigned seating at your wedding?

While I was at JoAnn's Fabrics last week, I noticed these very cute wine bottle labels by Martha Stewart. I thought they would be a great way to incorporate table numbers. You could even substitute sparkling cider or champagne to be used for the wedding toasts. Not doing assigned seating? Make a personalized label and still place a bottle or two on each table for toasts. The labels are blank and completely customizable!

Photo from marthastewartweddings.com

 

Rococo Inspired Shoot featured on Style Unveiled!

In May, I was priveledged to take part in an inspirational wedding photo shoot. And today it was featured on Style Unveiled! I'm so happy to share the images with you- Erica of Erica Ann Photography & Fine Art is an incredibly talented photographer. It turned out absolutely amazing! The models, Megan and Tyler, are even a real life couple :) Hope you enjoy!

 



The following vendors contributed to the shoot:

Venue: Bella Via

Photography: Erica Ann Photography & Fine Art

Flowers: Floral Designs by Alicia

Event Design: Leia of Girly by Nature

Event Rentals: Barclay Event Rentals

Vintage Items: Sherwood Antique Mall

Hair/Makeup: Jodi Vaughn of The National Beauty

Dress: AniA Collection

Hair Pieces: Jade Rose Designs

Jewelery: Mandelena

Invitation: 1st Comes Love

Cake & Desserts: Le Cookie Monkey

Memories to last a lifetime...

I've always loved photography and even took a few classes when I was in high school. I really appreciate each photographer's unique style. It's a beautiful art that can capture a split second of emotion- happiness, laughter, sadness, excitement, anticipation...

Photography is, in my opinion, one of the most important parts of your wedding day and an area that I think should never be skimped on. This is a day you want to be able to look back on and remember. Often, the day goes by too quickly and the bride and groom miss out on the little details of this important day. What a disappointment it would be to miss a sweet moment between the flower girl and ring bearer or a father of the groom looking at his son with pride. Photographs are a way of documenting this incredibly special day. A way to remember each moment, even the ones you may have missed!

Choosing the right photographer for you is so important. Each photographer has their own styling. Choose the one that best fits YOUR style. Look at their websites and set up a couple of consultations with your favorites. Below are a couple of photographers that I love! Each with their own unique style of capturing your day...

Katie Campbell Photography

















Erica Ann, Photography and Fine Art

Venue: Jenkin's Estate     Flowers: Flowers by Mary Beth Bartel

Think your dream honeymoon is out of reach? Think again!

In the United States,  the average age for getting married falls somewhere between 26 and 28 years old. For most, this usually means you have probably lived on your own for a number of years and have accumulated most of the houseware items you might typically register for when you are getting married. It's also becoming more and more common for brides and grooms to pay for their own wedding, rather than relying on their parents. This may leave little to no funds for a honeymoon.

In my opinion, I think the honeymoon is one of the most important aspects to a wedding! You've just spent months planning, getting opinions, making appointments, choosing colors, and flowers, and food, and attire and....the list goes on! It so important that the bride and groom get to spend some quality quiet time together after such a hectic process. But what do you do if you can't afford it after paying for all those wedding plans?

I love the idea of a honeymoon registry. You can plan out your dream trip including everything from airfare to room service, even a massage or a facial if you'd like! If they choose, your guests can contribute to your honeymoon in lieu of that fourth toaster you so desperately need. ;)

Even if you choose something like a weekend getaway to the beach or somewhere like Bend (if you live here in Oregon), it would be a great investment and a pleasant start to your new marriage. There are honeymoon registry websites online (they usually charge a very small fee) or you can contact your local travel agent to inquire about making a registry through them. Many travel agencies can help you plan out your trip and find you great deals on hotels and airfare as well. That dream trip to Hawaii or the Bahamas might not be as expensive after all!

Happy planning! Here are a couple honeymoon registry sites to take a look at...

Traveler's Joy
The Honey Fund

New wedding venue in Sherwood!

Last night, Katie Campbell and I went to go check out a new venue for the Portland area.

Bella Via is located in historic Old Town Sherwood. This venue space can accommodate up to 275 guests, when using their beautiful outdoor patio area. The moment you walk in the door, Bella Via is filled with character and charm! The building was built in 1912, originally a church, but it has been used for various purposes throughout the years. Beautiful chandeliers hang in the main ballroom and a dark wood bar is located in the upper level of the building.

It really is a beautiful wedding and event venue! You can find photos and additional information on their website and facebook page.

Bella Via's website
Bella Via's facebook page

P.S. Katie and I tried some AMAZING cupcakes while at the open house! Bella Cupcake, located in Gresham. Definitely worth a try! Or two. Or three. ;)

"Flowers cost how much?!"

Sometimes, wedding expenses can be overwhelming. Flowers can be one of those when used in everything from your bouquets to table arrangements. Recently, a bride told me she had met with a local florist for a consultation and had given them a budget. The florist quoted her over twice this amount!

As soon as I heard this, I knew she needed to shop around! The florist my friend used last summer for her wedding was amazing! I contacted them and made an appointment.

A Floral Affair, recently relocated to Oregon City, was a breath of fresh air! Angel listened and understood that both style AND budget were important to this bride. She made suggestions on ways to save, but still have stylish and beautiful floral arrangements. She was able to provide everything within the bride's budget.

Always be sure to shop multiple vendors and ask questions! If you are trying stay within a certain budget, good vendors will have suggestions for you on ways you can save.

Stop by A Floral Affair and check out their website!

Hi, my name is Alex and I'm addicted...

...to TJ Maxx! It is rare that I step inside that store and walk out without a shopping bag full of amazing deals. Ok, or at least just one good deal! ;)  Lately I find myself stopping in at least once a week, just to see what's new.

Today I stopped in and took a look at their housewares section to see what I could use for an upcoming project. Brides, if you are doing DIY centerpieces but still want to wow your guests, this is the place to go! They had vases of every shape and size! And at VERY affordable prices! We are talking $4.99 to $12.99. I picked up a few for my project, each about eight inches wide; the shortest around 12 inches and the tallest about 2.5 feet. I can't wait to show you all how I'm going to use them for my upcoming project :)

So if you find yourself looking for a way to save on your upcoming wedding decor, TJ Maxx is definitely on my list!

Interview on katiecampbellphoto.com

This last Wednesday I was featured in an interview on Katie Campbell Photography's blog! Please stop by and check it out. Make sure to look at Katie's site as well; she's an amazing photographer and would be a great fit for your wedding!

Thanks Katie!

Interview with Katie Campbell