DIY Wedding : Making your own programs

 

I am down to crunch time so in an effort to save time I went onto Etsy to try to find some premade printable programs. Some that I liked were $80, others as low as $15. After noting some of the dimensions to see how many print on one page I realized that a lot of them are 2 per page, cutting the 8.5x11 down to 4.25x11. So I resorted back to my standard thought any time I see pretty much anything…. “I could make that”… It only took me about an hour to get everything done.

I started out by editing the size of the paper down to the 4.25x11 but then realized when it came time to print that it wouldn’t print multiples per page the right way… so I changed it, and it is EVEN EASIER. I swear. I hope all those DIY brides read this and realize they can do it themselves!

I used a banner from a free digital kit I found on Persnickety Prints. I also used a glitter heart from Design Editor (follow her blog, you won’t regret it) I have a massive amount of digital scrapbooking supplies, all free. If you are looking for some elements to use I suggest starting at Quality DigiScrap blog. You can find just about anything for your wedding theme. Don’t forget about clip art and using google images or even engagement photos.

Now… Onto the tutorial…

Open Microsoft Word. Let’s setup the document to make 2 programs per page. The layout should automatically be portrait for Word, if for any reason it isn’t please make that change. Next you will setup the Margins to be “narrow” and then the Columns to be “two”. The beauty of using Word is that it is so user friendly. The setup will automatically make sure the the columns are the same size and there is a margin btwn them. So no worrying about things bleeding over.

Next it’s time to start putting in the digital scrapbooking elements or even clip art or the photo.

There are some tricks to using photo files in word. Word will try to keep them in line with text and in the body of the document unless you select the picture and make a few quick changes. These changes will make it where you can more freely move and resize the photo file. But do keep in mind that word will now not recognize that in the body of the text, that means when you start typing your text might overlap the photo. Just enter down a few lines until you are clear of the photo.

Now we can start editing the text needed for your program. What I saw on most was “the wedding of NAME & NAME” followed by the order of the ceremony events. On my “second” page which will be the back I have the Wedding Partys names and roles. A lot of them also listed a thank you to the guests or a map to the reception venue, as my reception is in the same place and my list got a little long I just kept it to the wedding party names.

I formatted the text to be centered in each column for my preference but that is up to you and how you want yours to look. You can add as many digital elements you like, and you can also use which ever fonts you like. I will show you how mine turned out and some extra tips for formatting the text for better placement.

Fonts Used: Titles – Branboll, Names – Dead Hardy, names and details – Yummy Cupcakes

A few extra settings to help with the spacing btwn lines. If you notice in word when you hit enter to go down to the next line the spacing might be more than you want, like where it says bride’s entrance and then lists the song I wanted those right next to each other. Also where it says the wedding party title and then the names listed.

Make the spacing 1.0 and it will probably say “remove space after paragraph” and you will want to click that to remove that space. If you want to add it for spacing btwn the different parts of the wedding party like btwn the groomsmen and the bridesmaids just add that space back in in lieu of adding and extra “enter” space.

Printing: Since this is the front and back of your program on one side, all you need to do is insert the paper once printed into your printer the other way around and the program will print the front on the back of the back and the back on to the back of the front… (confused?) I would suggest printing these on cardstock.

Cutting: If you have a paper cutter just line the edge up with 4.25” and cut away, if you print these at Staples they will charge $2.00 to use their big paper cutter to cut multiples at once. I would suggest this to save you a headache of cutting them over and over and over. DO NOT FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY TRY TO CUT THESE WITH SCISSORS. Please… just… don’t.

Cost breakdown: I made a call to Staples for pricing and was told for full color front and back it was $1.98 a page and then the additional $2.00 for the full order to cut. I have used Office Depot a lot and have sweet talked them into only charging full color for front and black and white for the back since technically the back is black and white, which will save almost half the cost. For cardstock they typically upcharge you anywhere from $0.07 – $0.25 depending on the paper you choose. If you are printing at home make sure when you print in your printer settings that you have it on either “high quality” or “photo” settings so that you won’t get any streaky lines in your clip art items. (also note that a lot of printers now a days will not feed cardstock from the bottom tray, if you have a feed tray from the back it works, the cardstock will not curl around the rollers on the inside. If you want to print at home but yours doesn’t have a back feed tray then look into “resume” paper, its thicker and has a nice texture to it and will feed through printers.)

I hope all the other DIY brides out there find this tutorial helpful in making there day exactly what they want. I am so glad we are DIYing a lot of our stuff, cuz even if I wanted to find some of the things I want, it just isn’t out there. Our Wedding is not traditional. And I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Much Love,

Tamara

Making your own ephemera for art journals

I’m not sure I’m using the right word here… ephemera… Essentially I'm going to show you how to make your own art or additions or elements for scrapbooking or art journaling. ((someone want to help me out with the word I’m looking for here?))

I wanted to make a small journal for all the quotes I love and have been pinning on my Pinterest that I wanted to have to display. I thought about making a small clip board and changing it everyday and then I remembered I have 12 empty half size spiral notebooks. And that would work perfectly for making a quote coffee table book.

I printed them all off into small sizes. I was trying to figure out a quick way to do this, after attempting to put them all into a PowerPoint and arrange them I realized that I just had too many. Then {LIGHT BULB} it hit me! Windows is smarter than I remember. And I’m going to show you how I made these:

First I went through all my quotes pinned and saved the photo files of my favorites. Check what type of quality they are, some of them I saved straight from Pinterest and others I clicked through to the website and saved from there. I saved them all in one separate folder to make this process faster.

Then you select all, right click on any photo, the third selection down is print:

Windows will pop up a photo print wizard. Select the printer you will be using (I tested as a pdf to see how the photos would look). Then scroll on the right hand side the size you want. I selected 3.5x5 to give me four per page. You can play around with all different sizes.

Notice how the preview shows the one in the lower left slightly cropped? That can be fixed by unchecking the box next to “fit picture to frame.”

That looks much better, doesn’t it? Then all you have to do is load up paper in your printer and print away. I used Cardstock for this but you could use anything you wanted.

Here is an example of how one page turned out for me. Then I got out my paper trimmer and set to work.

You could use this for your own journaling digital elements, photos in smaller formats for mini-albums, or for quotes in wallet size to keep with you at all times!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the artwork shown, for links to who does please see my Pinterest board. I am making no money from this tutorial or the finished album I am making.

 

Hope this helps you make some custom elements for your scrapbooks!

 

Much Love,

Tamara

Should I DIY my wedding dress?

As little girls we have imaginations. And we let them wander. All throughout childhood and teen angst and heartache in college we still have daydreams… little wanders in the realm of fairy tales. I got my nerd in shining armor… but I was a little surprised at how expensive things are when it comes to the wedding dress. Admittedly my ideas on a wedding dress suited to me has changed as I became older. It changed as I changed.

As a little girl it was the big poofy white dress and the ride off into the sunset. As a teen I had a fascination with medieval  garb: the big train, the embroidery, the big sleeves, and corset base. Then in college (after prom with my massive dress that I couldn’t dance in) I went a bit more toward the rockabilly style with the shorter dress. Now, I know that shorter dresses don’t look good on me, that I can’t dance very well in big poofy dresses, and that medieval style is just a dash over the top.

When Jexica got engaged and we went shopping for her dress I got a dash of hope… I realized that wedding dresses aren’t $7,000 like on “Say Yes to the Dress”… but it came with a dash of reality… Jexica has a much bigger budget than I will. More than double. And I just can’t spend a lot of money on a dress I’m going to wear once. I’d rather spend that money else where.

I was inspired by Corinne’s DIY Wedding Dress and then I went on Crafster and saw that there were other brides that had made their own wedding dress. I had been looking a lot online and found some overseas websites where they make knock off dresses but I couldn’t try the dress on to make sure it was flattering first. And then I found several dresses I like that aren’t carried by any store around me… (one in Australia the other I’d have to drive down to Dallas)

I really like this dress: (this is the Australian one)

I live in the USofA and can’t fly on down to Australia to try this baby on. And they don’t list a price so I don’t even know what it costs. But I love the silhouette, the details, the sash, and the fact that is has STRAPS.

But I’m not a big lace person, I think it’s beautiful but I don’t wear it much. But I do love the shimmer tulle on this dress:

(the one in Dallas, the Cinderella dress… literally… from the Disney collections)

But the shimmer of the tulle is so me. OOOOOH shiny!

So last night while I lay awake in agony with allergies I started to peruse the patterns of the major companies… And I came across this:

(Vogue 2979, they were having a sale on their patterns too!)

It has the bottom that I would have a hard time making from scratch but the top is not right. But I do not believe that making the top would be difficult nor would finding a pattern if it came down to it.

Next hurdle? Fabrics… there is a severe lack of good fabrics here in Arkansas. We have a bit of a selection at Joanne’s but other than that it’s Hancocks (mostly cottons) and Hobby Lobby (also mostly cottons)… I don’t know where to get good fabrics or even what fabrics to use. Most commercial wedding dresses are polyester or other various cheap fabrics… yet they are hundreds/thousands of dollars. I am thinking since I want to do a sparkle tulle overlay (or polka dot?) that I might be able to get away with costume satin for the skirt. And I might try going around some thrift store and see if I can pick up a lace dress/top that I could overly the top with. Corinne gave a good tip on the dress she made since hers was a corset top there is a special fabric that goes as the lining of the corset that has NO stretch to help give structure, I might pick up a yard of that for my top just so it holds ‘the girls’ up.

But I definitely need more ideas from people who have done this before. Or even people who have made dresses more.

I’ve made a couple but not much. I got a year to get good! I think I might try to do something similar in black and red for a Halloween costume. I have a nice black mask. It’ll let me work with the fabric and figure out tricks and tips for helping make it a smoother process.

 

First things first… time to make a home made dress form… I’m gonna need backup!

 

~Tamara

Summer Crafts Inspiration

I seriously want to do these crafts this summer. This is my list.

(Click on the image for the link to the Pin)

Tshirt bangles – How fun would these be for all those random scraps of fabric.

 

Men’s button up cuff pockets. These would be great for organizing my purse.

 

Braided fabric necklaces. I have such pretty fabric for this!

 

Bow paper clips. I need some cute bookmarks.

 

Wish Bracelets. I miss friendship bracelets and anklets.

 

OOOOO Buttons! These are so adorable.

 

Flip flop update. Ruffles and comfy flip flops? I’m sold

 

Beaded bracelet with button closure. LOVE.

 

Braided belts. I need some new belts.

 

Simple Button Bobby Pins. For when I pin back braids.

 

Updated chain bracelet. I wonder if I could do something like this with the watch bands…

 

Quote scarf. I need to bust out the Sharpie Stained markers!

 

Flip flop update. Another version!!

 

Look for more craft inspirations posts.

-Baby gift inspirations

-DIY Clothes inspirations

-Smashbook inspirations

 

Or you can check me out on Pinterest!

Easy homemade wine cork keychain tutorial

You can make these fast and cheap!

Need:
Wine corks- so many have beautiful designs
Eye screws- I got mine from Home Depot. #214 package of 8 for only $0.98
Split keyrings- package of 6 was $1.47 at Hobby Lobby. (use coupons!) Or you could put them on necklaces!
Glue of choice- I used Aleene's fabric glue because it dries fairly quickly.

Instructions:
1. Dip eye screw into glue, just a little bit goes a long way.
2. Screw into cork, keep design in mind when choosing a side.
3. Clean up glue with qtip or paper towel.
4. Once dry put keychain on eye screw.

Done! Like I said, easy! ! !

~ Tamara

Inspiration station

I happened upon this on Pinterest via Nina Garcia. It is a vintage dress but the first thing I thought was how gorgeous it would be as a wrap skirt.
I'm almost considering making something like this. I'll have to try out a plain wrap skirt, shorter in the front and longer in the back. Then test out my scallop skills.
I love the color but I picture it on my head in an ivory... Or champagne color.

~ Tamara

Pinterest

I have seen this done several times on Pinterest so I decided to try it. Just take yogurt and dot it on some wax paper and freeze. It is supposed to be better than Dots.
Review on it later when they are frozen!

Edit: they were frozen enough to try before I left to go back to work. YUMMY.

Quick bracelet diy

I made myself a quick bracelet today with some elastic ribbon and a button. It matched my outfit perfectly!

Shopping for Jexica's wedding

This week I took of the days to help my friend Jexica do prep work for her wedding. And I tried on  probably 14 dresses (probably 40 between all five of us) for options for the bridesmaids. I personally love the dress she picked (it has pockets). Then watched her try on a good 40 dresses. Including every lace dress that David's bridal had. Then we went to The Bridal Cottage and she tried on five dresses and then we all cried.
But it has to be altered and the sales woman said the first thing the seamstress its going to ask is if she has her shoes. And since poor Jex its trying to plan this during her spring break that meant we were on a shoe mission! Cut to six stores later... Really, nobody has blue shoes? So the next day we hit up five more and low and behold, DSW to the rescue! Not only did they have several shoes in blue but we also found bridesmaids shoes! Which I also love!

I was worn out! But I think she got so much done. And as evidenced by the crowd at dinner Wednesday night, she has plenty of help!
~ Tamara
Ps. The dress in the picture is not THE dress, I can't ruin the surprise.

Arr Mateys!

One of the very first things I pinned on Pinterest was some sailor inspired nails. Then a few dresses. Then a few outfits... I love the crisp clean patriotic colors and the whimsy that comes with Sailor Pin Up girls. I rounded up a few of my favorite items.

 (all images from Google image search)

 

1.       Polka dot mary jane heels?! OMG I want a pair!  

2.       I love the rope and knot work on these wedges. Wedges are just so much easier for me to walk in.  

3.       This shirt could be an awesome DIY. Start with a blue shirt – add some trim and buttons in white! 

4.       This slightly high waist and then the buttons are just sexy.

5.       I have a blue and white striped shirt, who wouldn’t love a red skirt with a bow to go with it?  

6.       These dresses look so cute. I wonder if I could get my friends to throw me a sailor themed birthday party? Everyone dress up? 

7.       I love baby doll dresses and this simple detailing on this one speaks to me. 

8.       Polyvore is awesome, I’ve tried using it but I just get so overwhelmed by the options, but with pinterest it’s become easier. This blue and white striped dress has so much movement. Love.

9.       This is an outfit I could wear everyday. I may try to make that bracelet. (Stay Tuned)

10.   Seersucker in blue and white stripes on a wrap dress? Classy! 

1.       Inspiration bracelet cuffs partially dyed. 

2.       Friendship bracelets, I love the chevron pattern. Make it Nautical using red, white, and 

black or use a natural color for an earthier look.  

3.       I love this simple loop bracelet and the anchor clasp detailing! 

4.       Layer leather, rope, and chain and braid it up. Hoist the sails!

5.       This looks so easy to do, would be great for an activity to do on a boat or at the lake/beach. 

6.       This is how to braid leather but what about some vinyl? Sparkly Red vinyl to match the boat seats?!

7.       This headband is so adorable! Make it bigger and use it as a belt over a flowy summer dress. 

8.       Double up on the rope and do the simple loop. Do what they did and sparkle it up using metallic rope. 

1.       Anchors Aweigh! I like the little dot of gold, makes it look like buckles.

2.       Stripes with a little heart!  

3.       Fishtale braid seems so appropriate for a day at the beach. /

4.       Or you could have perfectly curled beach hair. http://pinterest.com/pin/140174607121695652/

5.       Or a cute braid to keep it off your neck in the breeze. http://pinterest.com/pin/140174607121578613/

6.       This rope placemat would be awesome with a book and a drink sitting on top of it.

7.       Upcycle those old flip flops and make braided sandals. So many ideas!

8.       This necklace could be easily made with some stripes and a design of an anchor in the beads.

9.       Sequin trim and some glue give so many options! 

Hope you are as inspired as I was! ~Tamara

My Valentine

I bombarded Scott with all these pictures yesterday. All the things about us that I love. The best part is that I made them on my phone! I have 3 apps that I used. Photo editor that came on my phone, for crops. Color touch, free app that adds text. And camera zoom, not free but cheap, for color and distress and frames.