…by the kibble with care, with hopes that Santa Paws soon would be there.

Ok, I promise I’m not going off the deep-end, but I did make Ruby a stocking for Christmas. My mom makes beautiful cross-stitch stockings for family and just finished one up for my niece Mahala. I didn’t figure I’d subject my mom to the stress (or yes, insanity) of creating a handmade stocking for our puppy, so I decided to try whipping one up myself.

It was actually fairly easy. After finding some adorable puppy fabric and matching it with some cozy flannel, I sketched out a stocking and got to work. It was my first time using batting, but I’m glad I did because the finished product is much sturdier (which I’m sure Ruby will appreciate when it’s stocked full of presents). If I figure out how, I’ll try to post the pattern at some point :)

Here’s Ruby Ru with her 1st Christmas stocking – hope she’s a good pup so Santa Paws pays her a visit…

• Date: December 21, 2012
• Author: Jo
• Tags: Christmas, gifts, puppies, Ruby, Santa, sewing, stocking, westie
• 0 Comments

I mentioned Pick Your Plum in my post about creating a banner for our wedding reception. I wanted to do a follow-up post to explain just how awesome the site is. Pick Your Plum offers 1 product a day at an AMAZING deal until it sells out. Their motto is “Pick your plum… get it before your neighbor does” because quite literally, if you don’t strike while the iron’s hot, the deal will sell out! (I know, I know, I’m crossing metaphors here, but you get the point)

PYP offers everything from crafting supplies to party must haves. They even sometimes have children’s and women’s clothing. No matter what the item is, you’re guaranteed to be getting it at a steal. I’ve gotten deals on everything from cupcake stands to personalized cutting boards. It’s always a treat to see what the daily item is on PYP. PYP often also includes Pinterest links to give you ideas on how to use their products. Or, you can simply order and then use your imagination once it arrives- that’s what I tend to do :)

PYP has bolstered up my stockpile of crafting supplies making any project I can dream of become a reality.

The best part of ordering on PYP? The Laffy Taffy they include in every order – adorable! So I encourage you to check in on Pick Your Plum regularly, you’ll never know what catches your eye!

• Date: October 18, 2012
• Author: Jo
• Tags: bargain, craft, deal, Pick Your Plum, supplies, website
• 0 Comments

I had mentioned in previous posts that several of our wedding keepsakes have become subtle mementos in our home. One of my first decorating tasks was finding a way to incorporate a few of the meaningful details from the wedding into part of our everyday life and lasting reminders of our day. I achieved this by creating a collage on one of our living room walls. It includes a variety of objects and photos that all carry great significance to us. Per usual, I found my inspiration on Pinterest – check it out here! With hammer in hand (and a bit of wall tape), I brought my vision to life:

I love having the kind words from our guests right where we can see them. What would you include on your memory wall?

• Date: October 16, 2012
• Author: Jo
• Tags: clock, collage, frame, love, monogram, photos, spoon, wall, watch
• 0 Comments

I don’t think I’ve ever formally introduced you to my sister Rachel – she’s my best friend, matron of honor and amazing mama to the cutest 2 year old I know.

She’s also the brains behind the brooch bouquet I used at our rehearsal. I really should have her writing this post, but she’s extremely busy kicking off her school year as a speech pathologist in the Dallas area schools. So, my version is just going to have to suffice for now :)

The brooch bouquet actually got started all the way back in May when my sister requested my bridal shower guests to each bring a brooch for me. I ended up with a beautifully eclectic assortment of bedazzled gems. When Rachel got into town in August, she got to work assembling the baubbles into a bouquet. She started out by using a large styrofoam ball, but we quickly realized that without actually being able to fasten the brooches, it was a recipe for disaster. We headed out to Pamida (the only store in our small town), and wandered around until Rachel found the PERFECT solution. A luffa and a funnel. Seriously. Stay with me here, it’s actually a genius idea. (It also cost approximately $2!)

Rachel fastened the brooches to the luffa’s top half, secured it to the funnel, and wrapped the base in tulle.

Ta-da!

What do you think of Rachel’s resourceful idea? How have you seen brooch bouquet’s assembled? Would you consider carrying an alternative bouquet down the aisle? Let me know your thoughts!

• Date: October 11, 2012
• Author: Jo
• Tags: bouquet, brooch, DIY, Omaha, rehearsal, sister, wedding
• 0 Comments

Even with so many fabulous Pinterest ideas pinned to my wedding board, I was determined not to overcomplicate the day with too many DIY projects. I did however pick out a few special projects to satisfy my crafty side and add a personal touch to the day. One of my favorites was the “happily ever after” banner that stretched across our head table. It tied together our guest book, seating cards and guest favors – not to mention a happily ever after completely captured J and my future together :)

The idea came to me after some wooden pennants arrived in the mail from Pick Your Plum (ps, have I not told you about PYP yet? I’ll save that beauty for another post). Anyways, a wedding banner popped into my head and the rest is history. Here’s how you can make one too:

I’m so pleased with how this project turned out! It was the perfect accent for our fairytale day. And… I’m already thinking of ways to repurpose the pieces for a holiday project! :)

• Date: October 9, 2012
• Author: Jo
• Tags: after, banner, craft, DIY, ever, happily, Omaha, wedding
• 0 Comments