Handcrafted: The Cure For The Common Wedding

Totally Smitten

I love this shop so much that I had to go through my archives to make sure I haven't written about it before. I'm still trying to figure out how I could have gone on so long without posting about Smitten. I was actually looking for a foral brooch but this is much better. I had a hard time deciding which piece I was going to feature, so I went with the custom listing. This shop will custom make flower/feather accessories for you, your bridesmaids, and even your groomsmen. Their pages actually has this list:

Smitten offers:
-Fabric matching and custom dye
-Use of your own materials
-Design assistance and creation
-Bridal party flower discounts
-Budget assistance and flexibility in pricing
-If we don't have it, we'll find it!

What more could you ask for?

Easy Bake

Okay, so this is kind of random and not very handcrafted, but I got this month's email from Wilton's and I saw this brownie pan. It makes 24 bite sized brownies. You don't have to cut them apart, and they all have that wonderful crispy edge on all sides.

There were also these cute brownie envelopes. I'd love to see a handcrafter run with this idea. Please tell me if you see one. You just lay them flat, layer in a doily, fold it shut, and you have a cute little favor box. There are a ton of ways to take this idea and run with it. I wish I had the time.

All in the family

I was going to do another red carpet post about the SAG dresses, but I was generally underwhelmed by the fashion. Even the few I did like would not really translate for a wedding for the general person. So, instead I thought I'd post about my favorite SIL and her handcrafted company. Today is her birthday. Out of sisterly love I won't mention what number she is turning. Since we can't be together to celebrate :*(  I thought I'd throw her a quick plug. Redot Designs is a must see for any bride.

Every piece from this shop is made when it is ordered. This means if you want to change the color, the length, or even the type of clasp, you can, and often with no additional charge. There is jewelry here for every member of your bridal party including yourself.

Be sure to stop by the Bridal Gallery and see just a few of the brides who have worn Redot on their wedding day. The main thing I want to point out, and what makes this shop truly special, is the affordability without sacrificing quality. This is the reason Rebecca started the shop and why I never hesitate to recommend it. You can get earrings and necklaces for each of your bridesmaids and stay under $50 per girl easily. The best thing I can tell you is even 6 years after I was Rebecca's bridesmaid, I am still wearing the jewelry she made for us.

Happy Birthday Becca!

Watch This

Several years ago I was looking for some cuff links for my husband. He was wearing his tux a lot for concerts (he plays the trumpet) and I was working in a jewelry store. Sadly, the pair I like the most looked like the inner workings of a watch and were absurdly expensive. It's too bad I didn't haveEtsy back then. I could have gotten him a pair from Steampunk Cellar. These would make an excellent gift to your groom and/or groomsmen. It is a slightly funky style, and yet not one that is likely to go out of style. This is a great way to re-purpose watch parts and keep your groom looking cool.

I know you

I was watching The Mentalist (great show, by the way) and I got all excited because I saw someone I knew, or more accurately, something. One of the actresses in that episode was wearing a bubble necklace. I don't know for sure that it is the same one I featured here almost a year ago, but it sure did look like the blowing bubbles design from the handcrafting company de jarnette new orleans.

This shop is still one of my favorites for it's use of found objects and fabulous vintage inspired pieces. It is certainly not your typical bridal jewelry shop, in fact there is no bridal section at all. There are several pieces that would work well for bridesmaids especially if you are looking for an uncommon metal.

Don't forget to look for yourself. The series of bubble type pieces might be just the thing for your dress. Plus, you will be needing something for that fabulous RD dress you are planning on wearing.

Butterflies

I was at the grocery store this week and while checking out I began checking out the magazines. I couldn't help but notice the Martha Stewart Weddings sitting in the rack. There was a really simple cake covered in butterflies in a wide array of colors. I think the colors were the focus of the article, but it was the butterflies that caught my eye. I set out to find something butterfly related for my Indie Star. I found Clear Cut Crafts. They have a WIDE selection of butterflies, and even a few dragonflies. I know they are pretty and there are a million ways to use them, but try not to go overboard. One too many butterflies and you could go from slightly whimsical to really cheesy.

FOUND!

I am so happy to report that the missing teen I posted about just yesterday has been found! Right now I am short on details. I just know she was found safe and ready to return home.  Thanks go out to all of you that helped pass the word along.

Missing Teens

I have been debating on whether or not to post about this. I usually keep my blogging life and my regular life separate. So much so that many of my friends and neighbors have never been to my site or read my blog. When you think of it, it's not that weird. How often to you go to your neighbor's office just to check out what they do? Anyway, I've decided that this is much too important not to bring to the blog.

A family friend has a missing daughter in the North Georgia area. Her name is Kristen Gardner and she is 16. She has been missing since January 3rd. At this time the family  believes she is still in the area and with a boy named Kevin Black, whose whereabouts are unknown. Law enforcement agencies from Forsyth, Dawson, and Lumpkin counties have been notified and are actively searching for Kristen and Kevin. A warrant has been issued for Kevin in Lumpkin County. If you know anyone in this area, please pass along this information to them. The more we spread the word the more likely Kristen is to be found. If anyone has information about these two they should call the Forsyth Sheriff's Office at 770-781-2222. If you see one or both of these teens you should call 911 immediately. Below is a picture of the two. Thank you for your help!

From Golden to Bridal

As I write this the Golden Globes are being handed out. To be honest, I'm not watching them. I am watching 24, but I did see the real show which is the parade down the red carpet. I have purposely stayed away from fashion commentary because I didn't want it to influence what I'm about to say. It's a risk because I could pick a dress that ends up on the worst dress, but I'm not really looking at fashion the way others do. I am looking for the dresses that will best translate into wedding style. My number 1 top pick is...

Ann Hathaway

I love the skirt on this and can easily see it in a candlelight white, or even with some subtle color in the bodice. It does remind me of a peacock, but in a really good elegant way. Close runner ups are ...

Debra Messing and Jennifer Morrison

 

I really like the way the fabric is gathered on both these dresses. Although I'm not 100% sold on the ruffles at the bottom of Messing's for real world application, I think on the right woman (like her) they are fabulous. I was surprised at how many dresses I saw with belts. I don't usually think of formal wear and belts, but many of them were a welcomed accessory.

So, who was your favorite to go from red carpet to wedding aisle?

photo credit

Burn Clean and Green

There are two great reasons to use soy candles instead of wax. First, they burn longer and prettier (much less soot), and second, they burn clean and green. The Toasty Candle Company has some simple and affordable candles that would add a lot to your tables.

 

All the candles are made from carbon neutral all natural soy. The containers can be easily reused or recyled. The scents are created using essential oils. You know my favorite part is the "design your own" option. You pick the size, color, smell, and shape.

There are also tea lights which always come in handy and candles in tins which are just the right size to be favors or to slip into welcome baskets. For a limited time to help grow the business they are offering a free sample when you subscribe to their mailing list. Just follow this link to sign up.