I'm a Mrs!

Finally!

Look! It's a finished invite! Yes, they have been sent and I'm happily receiving RSVPs.

This invitation was surprisingly easy to make once the dimensions were figured out. First, it had to be a standard size for the envelopes. It also had to hold the 4x6 postcard RSVP I planned to use. A pocketfold seemed like a nice formal solution to hold everything together, but they can get expensive when you order online (which is the only place I could find them). This one was made using a single sheet of 12x12 cardstock that I got on sale when it was 16 cents. 

I was originally planning on wrapping the invitation closed with a ribbon tied in a beautiful knot, but had to find an alternative. To be sure there was going to be no extra postage, I went to the post office when I had a complete sample invitation to be measured and weighed. The worker there asked if I had everything inside I had planned on - that's when I told her about my plans for the ribbon. The first thing she said was, "Don't" and explained to me that if I did that it would add extra thickness and make a need for extra postage. That's when I wrapped the ribbon and sealed it with this black and white sticker. It turned out even better than I had originally planned.

Each invitation cost less than a dollar to make including the envelope. Most of the investment really was in the time to design the inside of the invitation and the RSVP and then putting everything together. I had a lot of fun doing it and absolutely love the outcome.

Embroidery Project

I started this dandy project at the end of March. The thought process went something like "Oh, yes, a nice simple flower. This will be a breeze and great for me to practice my fill stitching." It may be a simple drawing of a tulip (which I was actually proud to draw - I am no artist), but it was not simple or quick. After several days and several hours I was almost halfway through the petals. That's when I had enough of it for the time being and it was cast aside. Here we are now in May and this beauty was wrapped up a couple days ago. The end of this project has coincided with the tulips blooming and Tulip Time nearby. Perfect timing.

Busy, busy, busy

This picture pretty well describes my life right now. Friday the moving process began and it is likely not to end anytime soon. There are two previous residences to gather stuff from, several boxes that haven't been opened for two years to go though, dishes from said boxes that need washing, and the rest of life to maintain.

You're probably wondering about the gift bags. The night moving started was my first bridal shower. I am so thankful to my family and friends who could come and have fully outfitted my bathroom, got a great jump on my bedroom, and have filled some holes in my kitchen. Life is busy, but most definitely good.

Working on Invitations

Yesterday I spent most my day working on wedding invitations. Believe it or not, it has taken a long time to get to this point. For starters, the program I used to design my invitations is at my fiance's place, but the printer is at mine. That means simple edits took days to make. Once the design was done everything was printed on scrap paper purchased for $2 from a local print shop. The biggest chunk of time was trimming all of that paper. Luckily I'm only making about 50 invites.

Half the pocketfolds are waiting to be folded and all of them need to be taped (to make the pocket) then all the components are ready to be put together! All of this with the goal to have invitations sent out by the end of the week.

The Countdown is On

This past week the wedding countdown has dwindled into the double digits. 96 days left to be exact. Now that most the necessities are in order I feel the fun stuff coming on. I'm talking invitations, centerpieces, decor, layout, and handmade goodness.

 Here's what I'm planning on making

• Stationary
• Invitation Set
• Guest Book alternative
• Placecards & Display
• Centerpiece Components
• Fabric Squares
• Table Numbers
• Decor
• Cake Pedestal
• Table Runner 
• Card Box
• Welcome Sign
• Favors

I know my fabulous Maid of Honor will be by my side as my sounding board, carpenter, and overall helper. I'm just hoping I have the sense to let her help me!

All Around the World

Last night I was lucky enough to have my calendar make it to the front page of Etsy. Naturally when I saw it I sat anxiously watching. Now I've taken the time to go into my Google Analytics and am just amazed by not only the numbers, but just where my visitors are from. While I got a lot of views from the US and Canada, this 12am treasury brought in traffic from around the world!

There were visits from Australia, China, Japan and Russia

Can you name these other countries I had visits from?

Butterflies at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Each year Frederik Meijer Gardens hosts the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit in their tropical conservatory. This year it is from March 1 to April 30, but the butterflies are certainly there now. After a meeting there earlier this week I was able to walk around the gardens and check it out. With only a handful of other visitors in the conservatory it was a great experience. Quiet and serene - I can only imagine what it is like during the official exhibit. For the first time I wanted a camera more than my little point-and-shoot, but I still think I got some great shots.

A Peek Into My Favorites: Wedding Guest Books

Wood Wedding Puzzle Guestbook by BellaPuzzelsToo

Some of you may be aware that I'm currently planning my wedding for the end of June. June 24th to be exact. I've been searching through Etsy lately to find a guest book alternative. There are so many options - I'm having a hard time making any kind of decision.

This puzzle is absolutely fabulous! The guests each sign a piece and in the end you have a beautiful piece of work. A great touch would be to have your "special letters" created in your wedding color for a nice pop.

Personalized Poster Thumb Prints Wedding Tree by FancyPrints

This poster is the epitome of personalization. Of course you get to have your names on it, your date, and your colors, but you get fingerprints! There is nothing more personalized than that. Guests sign the poster with a fingerprint and their name. After the big day it can be taken in right away to be matted and framed for the happy couple's home.

Custom Wedding Guestbook Box by ColettePaperie

This may be my favorite option so far. The couple is able to leave the traditional information but can also add a special message for the couple. It comes with everything but the pen! You'll have all the sheets you need, the beautiful wood box, and a sign.