Recycled Art - Fun, Easy, and (almost) Free :-)

This is such a simple idea I’m crushed I didn’t think of it - but it’s so cool I have to share :-)

I discovered this idea over at Domestically Speaking Blog - there’s bunches of useful info and fun ideas over there and you really ought to check it out.

And this idea is lovely - fun - easy!

Painted Bottles - Pic 1
Painted Bottles - Do It Yourself :-)

More Ideas for Painted Bottles

She shares how she made them and it’s worth reading the tips she offers - but basically? You take clean empty bottles, drop in several drops of acrylic paint, put the lid back on the bottle, and shake! Much prettier than painting the outside of the bottle because you get not only the color - you get the shine and gloss of the glass.

Check out her blog - and then add a terrific punch of color to your house with recycled bottles. :-)

PS Once again, this could be great for brides. Use silver or white paint on the inside of the bottles, and add real or silk flowers, as centerpieces for your reception tables. Or make a big grouping of the bottles, in your wedding colors of course, to add drama to any table. You’ll think of more ideas than I have - and you’ll be adding a personal (thrifty) touch to your wedding!

DIY Wall Art and yes this one IS recycled paper

So I’m back on track, yes. I’ve found a SUPER do-it-yourself project that is (1) recycled, (2) easy to do, (3) goodlooking, and (4) will fit anywhere you need art!

And it’s practically FREE.

I found this on a fun blog, Homemade Mamas Blog and they not only invented the project, they share how they did it! I’ll bet a nickel you are going to love this as much as I do:

Recycled Wall Art invented by Homemade Mamas (dot net)
Recycled Wall Art invented by Homemade Mamas (dot net)

Just to give you a hint: this is what the project starts with:
Recycled paper tubes to start with
Recycled paper towel and toilet paper cardboard tubes


Now, you see what I mean? This really handsome, sculptural wall art - is made entirely with recycled paper tubes you just throw away anyway! Well, and a little paint, and some paper clips (you can reuse those, too).

This is an idea I am definitely going to steal!

PS I added this to my “bridal and weddingj” category, because think how you could adapt this for some beautiful wedding decorations. Make floral wall art in your wedding colors. Paint the tube(lets) and scatter them on your reception tables. Spell out the names of the bride and groom! I know you can think of more ideas. And you can make them at the bridal shower!

Free Earrings Giveaway and there’s a catch :-)

It’s not really a catch though - it’s a question. I’m having my first Free Earrings Giveaway at Paper Jewels. All you have to do to enter the Giveaway is send me an email telling me what pair of earrings you’d like to win AND (this is the “catch”) tell me one thing you’d change :-)

You want those earrings - but in another color? Or, you’d make them in silver, not gold? Or you wish they were smaller (or bigger)? Or - well, you tell me. :-)

You could win these pretty paper earrings:


Japanese Kanji Onna, or Woman, Lacquered Paper Earrings or these: Lacquered Paper Pansy Earrings with Amethyst and Swarovski Crystals

Or, well, you pick your pair! Just tell me the one thing you’d change :-) Hint: these CAN be made to match your bridal gown / wedding party. Or you can choose your honey’s favorite color - and use these for the perfect First Anniversary Gift or Mother’s Day earrings :-)

The Giveaway runs until April 15, 2010 - so we have something nice to look forward to on Tax Day.

Good luck!

Vintage Plus Size Wedding Gowns - Thrifty and Gorgeous

Of course I always think vintage is a great idea - it’s usually thrifty (or downright cheap) - which always helps. And so often, you’ll find clothes made better than new ones. And there are so many beautiful finds!

As, for example, these wonderful wedding gowns I found today at Pink Ribbon Bridal on Etsy:


Plus Size Bridal Gown Pic 2
Vintage Alfred Angelo White Lace Wedding Dress Bridal Gown Plus size 20W BNWT

and
Plus Size Bridal Gown Pic 1
Vintage Moonlight Plus Size 28 Wedding Dress

I know it’s sometimes hard to find terrific plus size garments when you’re searching vintage - for that matter, it’s always a crapshoot to find any particular size. That’s part of the hunt! So when there are wonderful choices like these, I think they need to be found :-)

Now I will say, I’m not sure if these fit the definition of “true vintage” because they’re from the 1990s I think. But if I was looking for a wedding gown in those particular sizes, would that bother me? Oh no. I’d be thrilled to find them!

These gowns were purchased from a breast cancer charity - read more about it on her Etsy page so this is just a win-win all the way around.

Of course the most important thing is that you are finding the PERFECT wedding gown for your most special day. At a great price. Talk about a win-win!

Falling in Love with Color - Do It Yourself Jewelry :-)

There’ve been tons of studies on how color affects us, and I’m no expert on any of them. What I do know is that color makes us happy, gives us a smile, and is a great way to add a little boost to our spirits (especially right now when it’s still so cold!)

So I’m specially happy to be able to offer some lovely vintage jewels in yummy colors in my Artfire jewelry supplies shop and also in my Etsy shop. Like these pretty jewels:

Vintage Lilac Amethyst Oval Jewels
and
Golden Topaz Vintage Glass Octagon Jewels in Patina Brass Settings

They feel like Spring to me - and that’s of the good :-)

First Year Anniversary Gifts (yes, the Paper Anniversary)

So, the first year anniversary is traditionally considered the “paper anniversary” - well, except in Great Britain where, I’m told, the paper anniversary is the second anniversary. Not sure why the diff there. (And, “modern tradition” as opposed to “traditional tradition” says the first year present can be clocks. …Clocks??)

So I’m thinking most people go with the “paper anniversary” tradition. And all you first-year-marrieds out there? Have I got a gift suggestion for you :-)

Guys - this is the perfect answer for your “what do I get for her, she loves jewelry, she loves flowers, yeah, and I’m supposed to do that paper thing” anniversary-present-that-I-need-to-order-TODAY problem.

Paper Jewels, of course. Even more specifically (if you’re not sure what to get) - these gorgeous paper earrings:

Lacquered Paper Pink Rose and Swarovski Crystal Earrings or Amethyst, Crystal, and Lacquered Paper Pansy Earrings.

These flower earrings are very pretty, they’re comfortable (I promise!), they’re feminine and affordable and yeah, they’re made with paper. So. You’re getting her artist handmade paper earrings, that also feature Swarovski crystals (the finest in the world) and gold (okay, gold-filled earwires). She’s going to love them.

And you, of course.

Fascinator - Now this is what “Handmade” is about

This is beautiful!

This style is known as a “fascinator” and you can see why :-) This one is meant for a bride - but fascinators are wonderful for many occasions. If you can carry them off. If you can hold your head high and feel confident and powerful and womanly.

All that is attitude - and attitude is what fascinators are all about, I think.

Bridal Fascinator

This lovely handmade work is available from Brenda’s Bridal Veils on Etsy.

Go look - her work will seduce you!

Paper Flowers - for your house, or your Wedding :-)

I found a wonderful artist on Etsy who does lovely paper work - check these out!
Paper Flowers - DIY or ready made for your wedding :-)

You can buy these in kit form and assemble them yourself, or have a custom bouquet made for your wedding. They’ll never wilt, they’ll always be beautiful, and they are artisan made. Gorgeous!