I have a dilemma with my wishing stuff!

So on my hunt for my mazanita trees and supplies in my coastal city I hit a standing point. I found trees but I found trees at HUGE prices.. Like cmon.. with my budget I am not going to pay 60 bucks for one or nor did I want one covered in glitter.

So me being and Ideas girl came up with a new idea of using board instead of a tree. (err hem how original of me?) I headed down to our local hardware store, I picked up an MDF for 8 dollars and painted the board red without thinking things through "I was like how am i going to fit the wooden pegs in" .. ba bing IDEA.. get FHs drill and go nuts! so I did even tho i had already painted the board. If you decide to do this, I suggest you drill the holes first and not paint first?

Step 2: Drilled holes suitable for my wooden pegs.

My cute little "mini dolly pegs" I picked up from the local craft store for two dollars!

I stencilled out our surname and painted that in in a cute orange that has been used on a few projects. (took about 1hr because I did several coats)

inserted the pegs! (you may notice a small blotch to the left that's lighter than the rest, its since been fixed!)

Added twine and used these cute little clothes line pegs (same price as the other ones.. 2 dollars)

and to attach our wish tags which I had made earlier..

Gives us our end product so far:

Anyway I have had a few dilemmas. So I'm going to fire off the questions here!

One: Should I paint the pegs to match(the pegs are fitted into the wooden board)? or leave it as it is? Or if I do paint it, what color?

Instead of the twine how bout using colored rope? then what color?

Also FH and I wanted to freehand our names on top of the surname in a lighter color (we would get my mum to do the next step as she is an excellent drawer and I am not a Picasso painter..) . But I'm thinking I might just leave as is? or should I still go ahead with the writing?

What would you do? Feedback would be appreciated!

Coastal City Bride- Charis xx

Omgoodness I forgot to update you on venue!

I was flicking through the blog and I just seriously forgot to mention that WE FOUND A VENUE and ITS BOOKED!!! EOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

This happened last week, and I updated everyone everywhere else but not here! How could I be so stupid!

So with excitement I give to you our venue: Dog Rock Convention Centre(going by the title, not very appealing!) But inside is a different story than the title... :)

The Entrance

The Bar

The Bar Area done up for a sit down wedding (even tho ours is cocktail)

If you spin around this what you will be facing in the bar area.

Down the other end of the building (can you see the bar way up the back?)

Its a really good deal to hire the venue under 1k inclusive of bar staff, dance floor and PA system and we can access the venue from 5am - Midnight the day of the wedding :)

Stoked that its booked!


Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Favors are on its way! round of poker anyone?

Today I ordered our favors all 180 of them. We are having Mini Playing cards!

Excitement plus plus! It feels really good to have it sorted, but I have to wait a month before they are here :(

I got them from a local warehouse for $1.25 each however I am getting a ten percent discount on top of that so total cost is $202.50 cents. :)

I originally wanted toffee apples but that turned into such a disaster, and now decided we want something guests can keep, without breaking the bank. And if some people forget to take them, that's okay too cause I could always use playing cards!

I haven't decided yet to customize the packet with our own label. Or gift wrap them in majorly cute orange wrapping paper, what you think?
what would you do?

p.s we don't have anything like the dollar tree so I was really proud I could get them that cheap. Anyway... why doesn't the dollar tree ship to Australia? would make life easier and cheaper!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Best invitation freebie site ever.. I promise!

So tonight.. I stumbled in the Internet world on this absolutely friggen awesome website called Non Pareil Mag:
I am about to give you the link to what I think are some of the coolest DIY invitation sets out there.. I'm talking about invitation, envelope liner, escort cards, table number cards, RSVP cards out there today... So on today's showcase...


If you like any of these, or just love a new website click http://www.nonpareilmag.com/category/downloads/ to start downloading :)

Enjoy!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Program - Step 1 complete

Just a small update: So the other day I posted how I was going to be creating the card stock for the back of our programs - it a had a message of thank you on.
Well progress report. Those are done :)

If your confused as to what Im creating please look 2 posts down on my blog.

Now next to cut the belly bands... and then find card stock for the actual program. I am really stoked how it turned out. I think there cute!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Stressful Week- dress and work!

So this week, I'm not handling things too well. I'm tired from work and staying up late. I had a bit of a rough start with a disaster with my dress...

My dress! what an issue! So Ive posted before that I really wasn't in love with my dress because it hadn't been altered and it wasn't feeling right... but I thought I will just wait till its altered and I know I will like it better then.

To dampen my spirits, FH has a very honest opinion and he found a pic of my dress on Friday (the one Ive posted before on here) and said he didn't like it.. His comment was 'it makes you look wider than what you actually are' - 'well gee thanks hun!' His comment left me seriously devastated and bawling my eyes out and very fragile. He realised I was very upset and that he said the wrong thing, but he tried his best to comfort me with no luck!

While he went to work on Saturday morning, I went to our one and only bridal store and tried on a few dresses one by www.bridesbymancini.com 'Alison' in the ivory and I was just seriously confused as in what to go for since FH didn't like my dress.. well does my style suck? or what was it about it that he didn't like? the color? the style? I left the bridal store feeling worse than before.

When I got home FH was there and said 'look can I see you in your dress?' I just replied 'yeah sure' because I thought whats the point hes just going to hate it. Well I was wrong he loved it, he said it looks nothing like what it did in the photo. (I had my hair down and makeup on, so maybe that made a difference - who knows!) and said that I shouldn't go get another dress because this ones great and once I explained what I was having alterations to he was even more happier.

So after 1 day and a half of feeling like someone died (that's the best likeness I could come up with) I felt alot better, well a 100 times better! My weekend perked up...had a good time at a 21st birthday party and a relaxing Sunday. I still feel tho emotionally drained and that episode has left me tired for the rest of the week.

I seriously hope I will feel better by the time the weekend come round and that I wont fall asleep at my desk at work. Cause I could do with some zzzz's!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

My latest DIY - button balls!

I started a button ball the other night my latest DIY project with this one as a mock up.. and I couldn't wait till it was all completed i.e on a stand, before sharing. They look really good in person, so I hope the photos do it justice. I finished the mock up tonight :D

We are using these button balls to decorate the reception venue as we are not allowed to have candles according to the venue contract and I think we will only be making 8. (4 orange and 4 red) to sit in between our twig centrepieces. I think it would be best if they sat on vases. Its mainly just to add color to the reception place.

I haven't covered it in gloss yet, like I was planning to do.. but that can wait till tomorrow.

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Wedding Programs - oh so cute and trendy!

So my goal.. is to have these programs like the one pictured, I found off the DIY section of Weddingbee.com and I was lucky that when I fell in love with them that the poster had a template for them! I really love it when people include the template in the post. Here is the original link;

http://diy.weddingbee.com/topic/diy-program-that-hung-on-each-chair

Ive started off today by creating the card stock which we have on the back our thank you (this wasn't in the original design but I thought why not!)

Today we begin the rest of our life
Together forever as husband and wife.
Our dreams came true, with love and more—
Adventures to have and the world to explore.

Thank you for celebrating our wedding day.
As we share our vows, we just want to say:
These wedding memories will become a treasure,
And seeing you here is part of the pleasure.

Charis & Sheridan
August 14th 2010

I had other stuff that said thank you in a little less corny fashion but this the one FH liked best. So I designed and printed those today

My next step is to create the program itself, but I wont do that for the next few weeks as FH is unsure of one member of the bridal party. He has had a few issues so until that's sorted I wont print it out. Just thought I would get ahead and create as much as I could. And I will do the belly band I think next week.

But its good to have at least the template! and know what direction we are heading.

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

More inspiration for decor!

Just a few piccies, that I loveeeee the colors too and style. Hope you like too!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Wedding Decor- Now thats a good looking tree!

So the orange maybe a little bright, but I like the stand giving it a bit of height.
I'm giving this an approval for the inspiration.

I'm on a bit of a twig, tree theme for reception decor. So excuse the tree posts that may just keep coming!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Flowers.. Pretty!

Im just posting this up here for future reference. Just so it doesnt get lost on my computer. So sorry if this post bores you!

Im kinda thinking these tones for a bridal bouquet. It should look ok with light gold? maybe?

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Thank You Cards. Im on to it like donkey kong!

So tonight... Not only am I sending out our save the dates tomorrow. EXCITEMENT!

I finished the design for our thank you cards, keeping it fairly simple.

All 160 printed and cut tonight! I know your thinking why has she done it this early? well I'm thinking.. I do not want to do this after the wedding sitting designing and creating. Id rather it be done with and me just start writing and sending!

It even comes with its own DIY jazzed up envelope I created. :) I know its not spectacular but its on the KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle.

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Bridesmaid Tote bags.. Instructions aye?

Right.
How to make bridesmaid tote bags. There are no pictures in this post as I have done the DIY tutorial after Ive actually made it. My apologies!!! If you have any queries, please post in comments section and I will do the best I can!

Equipment:
Colored ribbon
Paint
scissors
Canvas tote bag
Design printed on A4 sheets.
Sowing needle and thread.
Cigarette Lighter for your ribbon.

Step 1. Have several drinks to get you amped up. (CCB only promotes moderate drinking here *cough* just enough to improve your coordination and to be able to handle the task at hand. I know that I needed it since my love of painting was minimal, but you could use stencils or iron on to prevent thefrom having to paint!)

Step 2. Purchase canvas tote bag from local craft store. $4.99 per bag.

Step 3. Purchase paint. (preferably waterproof, so the bag can be washed). I purchased Jo Sonja's Artist Colors - Matte Fluid. Cadmium Orange Series 3, Burgundy Series 1. Juane Brilliant Series 1.

Step 4. Select your design. There are some interesting designs in google for bridesmaid tote bags. Lots of cute one liners and stuff. I decided to use their names instead of 'bridesmaid' so they can use it again.

Step 5. Print design. I printed my design on A4 paper and inserted this in between the canvas, I only decorated one side.

Step 6. Start Painting. I painted over my design, using a fine brush. The better quality brush the better the line i found.

Step 7. Have a drink. While waiting for paint to dry, as you don't want to lean on your bag while attaching ribbon.

Step 8. The ribbon. Measure your ribbon across the tote bag and leave a little bit more than the the length of your tote bag and cut.

Step 9. On the end of the ribbon which you about to start sowing on to the bag burn the end of your ribbon to stop the fraying.

Step 10. Hand stitch or machine stitch your ribbon to the tote bag on both sides of the ribbon. Cut off the excess ribbon and burn the end were you cut the excess to stop the fraying.

Step 11. Creating the bow. Cut 10Cm's of ribbon (or depending how big you want your bow.) simply fold ribbon inwards crossing the ribbon over one each other and sow the middle of the bow with a few stitches so it stays together by itself.

Step 12. Hand stitch the bow to the bag in whatever position.

You should by then, have yourself a bridesmaids tote bag.

Step 13. Have yourself a celebratory drink and a pat on the back.

Mission complete :D


Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Bridesmaids tote bag.. I loathed this project.

I would like to say first and foremost that I dislike painting... Ive always hated it.. Never liked finger painting when I was little to get my hands dirty. So believe it or not when I broke out the paint to do this job. FH looked at me weirdly... and went back to his video.

So with perseverance in hand and 5 tote bags, one for the draft, one if i stuff up and 3 actual bridesmaid bags to hopefully give to them, paint spot free. I started... buggered up the draft.


And here's the final product:

Excuse the picture quality, my study thinks the world is green and darker than usual!!!



Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Cardbox Round 2!

So after posting my question on wedding bee, one of the girls showed an inspiration pic which gave me the idea to just add ribbon!

So here's my final product. Super happy with it now :D ( I'm grinning from ear to ear!!) Easier than what I thought it would be. Will post tutorial soon!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Card Box Round 1

So this afternoon I started and I finished my card box.. YAY!! However I am satisfied with the outcome but I'm not sure if needs something a bit more?? I hate double guessing myself!

What do you think?

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Envelopes - SO BORING!

So Ive got shiny envelopes for my wedding invitations and boring plain white envelopes for thank you cards.. well.. because they were cheap! $2.00 for 40 envelopes.

I took my 4 packs home and ran them though the printer.
I know its not exactly wow material, and they still look average. But I think they tie in a lot better than before.

Simple DIY improvement and inexpensive. It took me half an hour to run 160 through the printer :)

Before

After

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

My cupcake toppers - I LOVE THEM!!!

So yesterday I created and cut my cupcake toppers (see yesterdays post) and tonight well I hot glued the toothpick to the card. (exciting stuff aye?)

Well there all done, here's the end product. I am sooo pleased how they turned out!

and here is my stockpile...

I really do like them and cant wait to see them on the cupcakes.

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Rolling out the DIY projects tonight! woo baby!

I'm in a show and tell mood.. I feel as tho I was on a roll today. :)

My Reserved Seating signs. Designed, printed and cut today. (12 of these)

My new DJ request cards, because my mum thought the other one was tacky to be put on different card... but oh well, happy with the outcome either way. Printed and cut these up today !

(100 of these)

The mazanita tree guest cards... all cut up today (200 of these too!)

The cards to my cake toppers to go on toothpicks and sit in cupcakes :) have to add the toothpicks soon! (200 of these also) these are 5 x 5cm.

and the poem to go with the wishing tree and framed :) (just one of this! thank goodness)

Here are the words for the poem!

These cards will be
for our wedding book
a modern twist
on the standard look.

As we begin our Journey
A brand new Mr. and Mrs.
We could surely use
Your Advice and good Wishes.
Jot down a Memory,
A reminder of the day.
Draw a scribble or picture
If you are not sure what to say.

Share with us your Wisdom
About Marriage, Love, and Life,
The secret to being a good Husband
Or a thoughtful, loving Wife.

Please don't forget
It would be such a shame
to hang your card on the tree
Without signing your Name.

Give us words of love or fun
Write or draw your own design.
Hang it on the wishing tree once you’re done!

Sheridan & Charis

Si that's 4hrs of DIY since Ive got home from work, but glad I knocked a few projects off. I feel alot better :) I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't have all these projects done in time!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

Wishing Cards.. hot off the press!

So tonight's project was to print out the wish cards. Its too late for me to cut them tonight. But I was so stoked to have them finally printed.

These are what we are using for guests to write well wishes and advice for us and then hang them on the tree... I haven't made the tree but I figure Ill get the paper product side out the way first.

Now just to punch holes and attach ribbon and of course cut!

The close up turned out a little grainy... I don't know why!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx

My bargain.. now what to do with it?

I found pebbles.. lots of pebbles.. but they were only $1.50 a container and well I just couldn't resist! (seriously, I walked past the bargain bin three times thinking, what would I use them for.. couldnt come up with a reason but still bought them anyway! part from what it says on the label!) need to figure that out soon! I'm sure they will come in handy sometime..... well I hope so!

Coastal City Bride - Charis xx