Hi everyone!
Sorry for my absence of late... it has been crazy busy in my corner of the world the last few weeks!
I have finally started back at school, studying Midwifery at Curtin University. I am already loving it... and I already have homework!!!
As part of our course requirements, we are required to participate in something called the Continuity of Care program. By participating in the Continuity of Care program women will be helping myself pursue my dream job, while also reaping the benefits of my knowledge and experiences as a mother of two. Furthermore, they will have a familiar face by their side through pregnancy and beyond.
Which brings me to this... I need to ask a big favour!!!... I am currently looking for women who would be interested in sharing their pregnancy, labour and birth with me so that I might learn all there is to know about the best midwife I possibly can!
I would be so incredibly happy to hear from anyone in Perth who may be interested. So if you or someone you know is pregnant, please email me at chloeschmitt86 at hotmail dot com and I'll get back to you with more information.
Ok... back to the books!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
I Am Number Four!
Last Wednesday, as a member of the Contagious Network, I was lucky enough to be invited to watch a special preview screening of the new movie, I Am Number Four.
You can watch the movie trailer here.
I wasn't sure it would be something that I'd like given it's about aliens and the like, but I actually really enjoyed it and would thoroughly recommend you see it. It isn't too heavy on the alien thing, it is action packed which suits the guys, and even has a bit of a love story thrown in there for the girls. There were a couple of gory bits but otherwise very funny and a great storyline.
If you get the chance, go see I Am Number Four at the cinemas this weekend. You're sure to love it as much as I did!
You can watch the movie trailer here.
I wasn't sure it would be something that I'd like given it's about aliens and the like, but I actually really enjoyed it and would thoroughly recommend you see it. It isn't too heavy on the alien thing, it is action packed which suits the guys, and even has a bit of a love story thrown in there for the girls. There were a couple of gory bits but otherwise very funny and a great storyline.
If you get the chance, go see I Am Number Four at the cinemas this weekend. You're sure to love it as much as I did!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Quick Share!
Just a super quick post today to share a card that I created the other day. I have been experimenting with accordian flowers. They are time consuming but look good. I want to try making some with decorative edges next.
Anyway, here's the card;
Flutter By card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Tag - American Crafts, Sticker - Comso Cricket, Button - craft supply, Twine - Paperphine, Embroidery thread - DMC.
I am entering this into the Top Tip Tuesday stitching challenge.
Like I said, super quick! Have a fabulous day!
Anyway, here's the card;
Flutter By card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Tag - American Crafts, Sticker - Comso Cricket, Button - craft supply, Twine - Paperphine, Embroidery thread - DMC.
I am entering this into the Top Tip Tuesday stitching challenge.
Like I said, super quick! Have a fabulous day!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Feeling Festive?
Ok so it might be well over 10 months til Christmas (thank goodness says my poor credit card!) but after having recently snagged a deal on some of The Girl's Paperie Tinsel and Twig collecion I'd been hanging out to use it so I created these cards;
Merry Christmas cards
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - The Girl's Paperie, Flower embellishments - The Girl's Paperie, Rub-ons - Kaiser, Embroidery thread - DMC, Black machine thread - craft supply.
Over the weekend I also managed to complete another layout for week 2 of the Scrapz.University comp. The Horticulture challenge was as follows;
Course Convenor:
Prof. Sheree Forcier
Course Outline:
It's time to venture outdoors into the sunshine and soak in the beauty of nature that surrounds us. We all love to spend time out in the garden whether its to play with the kids, tend to the roses or to just enjoy some peaceful moments on our own under our favourite tree.
Assessment:
For this elective you need to scrap your favourite garden photos. You could choose to feature your favourite plants or flowers, the kids watering the vegie patch, or your favourite spot in the garden to just sit and read a book. The choice is yours!
Credit Points:
10 Points
Bonus Points:
Add at least 6 flowers and a frame to your page. (You will earn 5 points for the flowers, and 5 points for the frame.)
Digging for Spuds layout
Cardstock - Jenni Bowlin/Coordinations, Bazzill, Patterned paper - October Afternoon, Alphas - Pink Paislee, American Crafts, Rub-on - American Crafts, Label stickers - October Afternoon, Bling - Kaiser, Ricrac - Prima, Tin pin - October Afternoon, Cream machine thread - craft supply, Pen - American Crafts.
I scrapped a photo of one harvest from our potato patch when we had it growing late last year. I incorporated a kraft border and a row of tiny green flowers (rub-on beneath the title) for extra credit points.
It's a simple page but I like it. I hope you do too!
Best wishes for a wonderful week ahead!
Merry Christmas cards
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - The Girl's Paperie, Flower embellishments - The Girl's Paperie, Rub-ons - Kaiser, Embroidery thread - DMC, Black machine thread - craft supply.
Over the weekend I also managed to complete another layout for week 2 of the Scrapz.University comp. The Horticulture challenge was as follows;
Course Convenor:
Prof. Sheree Forcier
Course Outline:
It's time to venture outdoors into the sunshine and soak in the beauty of nature that surrounds us. We all love to spend time out in the garden whether its to play with the kids, tend to the roses or to just enjoy some peaceful moments on our own under our favourite tree.
Assessment:
For this elective you need to scrap your favourite garden photos. You could choose to feature your favourite plants or flowers, the kids watering the vegie patch, or your favourite spot in the garden to just sit and read a book. The choice is yours!
Credit Points:
10 Points
Bonus Points:
Add at least 6 flowers and a frame to your page. (You will earn 5 points for the flowers, and 5 points for the frame.)
Digging for Spuds layout
Cardstock - Jenni Bowlin/Coordinations, Bazzill, Patterned paper - October Afternoon, Alphas - Pink Paislee, American Crafts, Rub-on - American Crafts, Label stickers - October Afternoon, Bling - Kaiser, Ricrac - Prima, Tin pin - October Afternoon, Cream machine thread - craft supply, Pen - American Crafts.
I scrapped a photo of one harvest from our potato patch when we had it growing late last year. I incorporated a kraft border and a row of tiny green flowers (rub-on beneath the title) for extra credit points.
It's a simple page but I like it. I hope you do too!
Best wishes for a wonderful week ahead!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
This Time A Card!
Not a layout today, but instead a card;
Remember When card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - October Afternoon, Journal card - October Afternoon, Bird die-cut - Making Memories, Bling - Heidi Swapp, Kaiser, Staples - Making Memories.
I thought this card would make a nice sympathy card. What do you think? Don't have any in my stash right now.
I'm off to Mum's place today to finish off a layout I started earlier this week and to hopefully make a few cards, so I'll be back tomorrow o share my creations.
I hope you get a chance to create this weekend, too!
Remember When card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - October Afternoon, Journal card - October Afternoon, Bird die-cut - Making Memories, Bling - Heidi Swapp, Kaiser, Staples - Making Memories.
I thought this card would make a nice sympathy card. What do you think? Don't have any in my stash right now.
I'm off to Mum's place today to finish off a layout I started earlier this week and to hopefully make a few cards, so I'll be back tomorrow o share my creations.
I hope you get a chance to create this weekend, too!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Could it Be?!!
Have I really scrapped a page a day for 3 days? I think so! Gee... that doesn't happen too often... or maybe even ever! LOL!
My third page this week is again for the Scrapz.University challenge, this time for the subject of Neonatal Science. Here's the details;
Course Convenor:
Professor Georgia Keays
Course Outline:
Neonatal Science deals with babies for the first 28 days of their lives. I'm assuming we all have plenty of layouts of the significant babies in our lives and I like to make my students work so for this elective you are required to do a layout on yourself as a baby!
Assessment:
Scrap a layout which includes information about yourself as a newborn as well as facts, events etc from around the time you were born. If you do not have a photo of yourself as a baby you can use a current self portrait.
Credit Points:
10 points
Bonus Points:
You will get ONE bonus point for each of the following you include on your layout, up to a maximum of TEN points:
about you
1. The date, time and day of the week you were born
2. Your birth weight
3. The name of the doctor who delivered you.
4. The hospital at which you were born.
5. The address you came home from hospital to.
6. Your parents full names (include your Mother's maiden name).
7. Your star sign.
about Australia (or the country where you were born)
8. The Prime Minister
9. The Premier
10. Population
11. The AFL / VFL priemiers
12. The number one song
13. The winner of the Best Picture Oscar
14.The exchange rate to USD
And here's my layout;
Chloe Bree 1986 layout
Cardstock - Bazzill, Paint - Making Memories, Patterned paper - The Girl's Paperie, Alphas - American Crafts, Basic Grey, Labels - Brother, Doily - craft supply, Pearls - Prima, Die-cuts - The Girl's Paperie, Word sticker - The Girl's Paperie, Safety pin - unknown, Buttons - craft supply, Twine - Papertrey Ink, Embroidery thread - DMC.
Please note I have blurred out my personal detais for peace of mind, but rest assured that all the details are there as per the challenge! No cheating here!!!
That's it from me. Don't expect me to me back again tomorrow with another layout - not sure I can keep up this pace! LOL!
Have a great day!
My third page this week is again for the Scrapz.University challenge, this time for the subject of Neonatal Science. Here's the details;
Course Convenor:
Professor Georgia Keays
Course Outline:
Neonatal Science deals with babies for the first 28 days of their lives. I'm assuming we all have plenty of layouts of the significant babies in our lives and I like to make my students work so for this elective you are required to do a layout on yourself as a baby!
Assessment:
Scrap a layout which includes information about yourself as a newborn as well as facts, events etc from around the time you were born. If you do not have a photo of yourself as a baby you can use a current self portrait.
Credit Points:
10 points
Bonus Points:
You will get ONE bonus point for each of the following you include on your layout, up to a maximum of TEN points:
about you
1. The date, time and day of the week you were born
2. Your birth weight
3. The name of the doctor who delivered you.
4. The hospital at which you were born.
5. The address you came home from hospital to.
6. Your parents full names (include your Mother's maiden name).
7. Your star sign.
about Australia (or the country where you were born)
8. The Prime Minister
9. The Premier
10. Population
11. The AFL / VFL priemiers
12. The number one song
13. The winner of the Best Picture Oscar
14.The exchange rate to USD
And here's my layout;
Chloe Bree 1986 layout
Cardstock - Bazzill, Paint - Making Memories, Patterned paper - The Girl's Paperie, Alphas - American Crafts, Basic Grey, Labels - Brother, Doily - craft supply, Pearls - Prima, Die-cuts - The Girl's Paperie, Word sticker - The Girl's Paperie, Safety pin - unknown, Buttons - craft supply, Twine - Papertrey Ink, Embroidery thread - DMC.
Please note I have blurred out my personal detais for peace of mind, but rest assured that all the details are there as per the challenge! No cheating here!!!
That's it from me. Don't expect me to me back again tomorrow with another layout - not sure I can keep up this pace! LOL!
Have a great day!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Better Late Than Never!!!
Last night I finally got around to scrapping with a class kit I bought at the Scrapbook Convention in Brisbane that I went to something like 2 years ago!!! The original layout was done by Zoe Pearn. I slightly adjusted her design and came up with this;
Wonder layout
Patterned paper - MME, Die-cuts - MME, Chipboard - Maya Road, Glitter - unknown, Flowers and leaf - Prima, Ribbons - Prima, unknown, Buttons - craft supply.
Now I'm not particularly into public displays of nakedness so please do not look too closely at my booby (LOL!) but I felt this was the perfect photo to scrap for this particular kit, especially given the title "These are the moments of miracle and wonder". That sentence perfectly sums up the awe, joy, and wonder that I experienced as a breastfeeding mother. It is such a special time and I am so grateful to have had the ability to feed my children that way.
Anyway, enough of my carry on! Lunch needs to be made - Tilly is soooooo hungry!
Back again soon!
Wonder layout
Patterned paper - MME, Die-cuts - MME, Chipboard - Maya Road, Glitter - unknown, Flowers and leaf - Prima, Ribbons - Prima, unknown, Buttons - craft supply.
Now I'm not particularly into public displays of nakedness so please do not look too closely at my booby (LOL!) but I felt this was the perfect photo to scrap for this particular kit, especially given the title "These are the moments of miracle and wonder". That sentence perfectly sums up the awe, joy, and wonder that I experienced as a breastfeeding mother. It is such a special time and I am so grateful to have had the ability to feed my children that way.
Anyway, enough of my carry on! Lunch needs to be made - Tilly is soooooo hungry!
Back again soon!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Genealogy 101!
Currently running at Scrapz.Biz is the 2011 Scrapz.University competition.
One of the first week's subjects was Genealogy. The details for the subject are as follows;
Course Convenor:
Professor Georgia Keays
Course Outline:
In this elective we will be studying the connections between the generations of your family. Each generation of family has something unique to share with the others!
Assessment:
Scrap a layout which includes pictures of three or more generations of your family. The layout can be about times shared together, resemblances between family members or anything you like!
Credit Points:
10 points
Bonus Points:
Get messy with some paint or ink splatters and include some string. (These are worth an extra 5 points each.)
For my take on the challenge I decided to scrap a photo taken around Easter of last year when my Grandfather visited from Thailand. I hadn't seen him since I was about 6 or so, so it was very exciting to see him and introduce him to my kids. We were lucky enough to spend the day with him, visiting various places around Fremantle. It was lots of fun and has become a very treasured memory.
I leave my creations out of a night time for James to see when he gets home from work. He thought I was most clever by making my page base mimic the boardwalk in the photo - grey with a white edge! I was surprised he actually noticed!!!
I passed on the ink splatters but did include string for extra credit. Here's a close up;
It's been a while since I've actually managed to participate in a scrapping challenge, but hopefully I manage to get a couple more done before Uni is in for real. Less than 2 weeks until orientation week! Yay!!! I can't wait to start studying again.
Well, I best be off. Have to get Til ready for kindy (then I might sneak in some more scrapping while Ollie sleeps!)
Have a fabulous Wednesday!
One of the first week's subjects was Genealogy. The details for the subject are as follows;
Course Convenor:
Professor Georgia Keays
Course Outline:
In this elective we will be studying the connections between the generations of your family. Each generation of family has something unique to share with the others!
Assessment:
Scrap a layout which includes pictures of three or more generations of your family. The layout can be about times shared together, resemblances between family members or anything you like!
Credit Points:
10 points
Bonus Points:
Get messy with some paint or ink splatters and include some string. (These are worth an extra 5 points each.)
For my take on the challenge I decided to scrap a photo taken around Easter of last year when my Grandfather visited from Thailand. I hadn't seen him since I was about 6 or so, so it was very exciting to see him and introduce him to my kids. We were lucky enough to spend the day with him, visiting various places around Fremantle. It was lots of fun and has become a very treasured memory.
I leave my creations out of a night time for James to see when he gets home from work. He thought I was most clever by making my page base mimic the boardwalk in the photo - grey with a white edge! I was surprised he actually noticed!!!
I passed on the ink splatters but did include string for extra credit. Here's a close up;
It's been a while since I've actually managed to participate in a scrapping challenge, but hopefully I manage to get a couple more done before Uni is in for real. Less than 2 weeks until orientation week! Yay!!! I can't wait to start studying again.
Well, I best be off. Have to get Til ready for kindy (then I might sneak in some more scrapping while Ollie sleeps!)
Have a fabulous Wednesday!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Enchanted!!!
I've had a very productive 24 hours (mostly due to the fact I couldn't sleep last night!)I have added a set of three cards to my stash and have a 95% complete layout - it just needs some stitching and journalling then sticking together. So, until that's finished I just have the cards to share. They were made using a mix of Dear Lizzy Enchanted products and Cosmo Cricket Pixielcious papers.
Make a Wish card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Alphas - American Crafts, Tag - American Crafts, Rub-ons - American Crafts, Twine - Paperphine (etsy), white machine thread.
Birds of a Feather card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Alphas - American Crafts, Tag - American Crafts, Rub-ons - American Crafts, Twine - Paperphine (etsy), white machine thread.
Smile card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Alphas - American Crafts, Tag - American Crafts, Rub-ons - American Crafts, Twine - Paperphine (etsy), white machine thread.
I've been making a few other cards too but they're maybe for pub so I can't share them right now.
In other news... Tilly has started Kindy! Last Wednesday was her first day. She loved it! Home corner is her favourite thing about Kinday so far. Here she is on her first day;
I'm not sure if I mentioned before, but we got four chickens for Christmas. Their names are Rosie, Edna, Mavis, and Dorothy. They are very good layers! We get an egg from each of them every day. Rosie's eggs are much smaller than the others and they are usually speckled. She's our smallest chicken and the friendliest. We think she is much younger than the others. Anyway, thought I'd share a photo of today's eggs;
Well that's it for today! Have a good one!
Make a Wish card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Alphas - American Crafts, Tag - American Crafts, Rub-ons - American Crafts, Twine - Paperphine (etsy), white machine thread.
Birds of a Feather card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Alphas - American Crafts, Tag - American Crafts, Rub-ons - American Crafts, Twine - Paperphine (etsy), white machine thread.
Smile card
Cardstock - Bazzill, Patterned paper - American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket, Alphas - American Crafts, Tag - American Crafts, Rub-ons - American Crafts, Twine - Paperphine (etsy), white machine thread.
I've been making a few other cards too but they're maybe for pub so I can't share them right now.
In other news... Tilly has started Kindy! Last Wednesday was her first day. She loved it! Home corner is her favourite thing about Kinday so far. Here she is on her first day;
I'm not sure if I mentioned before, but we got four chickens for Christmas. Their names are Rosie, Edna, Mavis, and Dorothy. They are very good layers! We get an egg from each of them every day. Rosie's eggs are much smaller than the others and they are usually speckled. She's our smallest chicken and the friendliest. We think she is much younger than the others. Anyway, thought I'd share a photo of today's eggs;
Well that's it for today! Have a good one!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Rest In Peace
Last night, after a long battle with cancer, our dear friend Dom Pangiarella passed away. He was an incredibly generous, kind, and passionate man. He was a pretty mean cook too! He will be sadly missed.
May you include Dom and his grieving family in your prayers.
May you include Dom and his grieving family in your prayers.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Handmade Wedding!
As promised, I am back today to post a few (or maybe more!) pics of the handmade components of our wedding day. Not everything was handmade by me; some things I purchased from Etsy, the cake was made by James, and even my family got involved. It wouldn't have been my dream wedding without a few handmade touches - it's the little things that really count, and when they're made by you, or especially for you, the little things become the things that are most remembered and most treasured.
So, without further ado, here's everything handmade...
First up is the stuff I made. A lot of the materials I used were bought online from etsy. If you're not familiar with etsy you best change that cos as a scrapbooker you will love it - etsy is your one stop shop for all things craft supplies!!! Knitting, quilting, scrapping, you name it. I found everything I needed from various stores on etsy, with one of the only exceptions being my stationary which I bought from Starfish Lane in Perth. They have an online store too.
Placecards and menus;
I used this same twine for all our stationary from the invite to the favour boxes to the thank you cards. It is actually paper yarn! And it is awesome stuff - you can even knit with it!
Twine from etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperPhine
Favour boxes;
Each guest received one of these small kraft favour boxes at their place setting at the reception. The girls got a pair of handmade pearl earrings and the boys a set of nautical cufflinks.
Plain boxes (and earrings) from http://www.etsy.com/shop/dutchpearl
Centrepiece;
I made this using a vase from Spotlight, white gravel, and a few starfish. Done in minutes!!! I also had votives filled with the same gravel, two fish bowls and a few other bits and pieces.
Bouquet;
I'm no florist but I figured I'd give it a go to save a bit of money. Turns out shipping on the silk flowers was ridiculous but I didn't realise until afterwards so my bouquet probably cost as much as a fresh one. The plus side though is that I can keep my bouquet forever and it will always look the same as it did on my wedding day!
The flowers I used are silk Baby's Breath and dried Billy Buttons (Craspedia).
Dried flowers from esty http://www.etsy.com/shop/EcoLecticEvents
What made my bouquet extra special was that sewn to it was a vintage locket (my something old!) containing photos of my late grandmother and James' pop who passed away a few months ago. It made a few people cry knowing they were there with us on the day. It was very important to James and I that we recognise their presence.
Flower girl confetti;
Though not technically handmade, these were hand-gathered. Took me forever!!! Many trips to the beach, sitting on the sand while everyone else swam, getting sand under my fingernails! LOL! The things you do!
Ring bearer book;
This piece didn't quite eventuate as I had envisaged - I left James in charge of tying the rings to the book once all our guests had written their well wishes into it... but he left the rings in their boxes! LOL! Don't tell him I laughed!!! He'll kill me even knowing I told you all this!
Book from http://www.etsy.com/shop/braggingbags
Drink bottles;
James and his boss collected used juice bottles from the restaurant they work. I then cleaned and sterilised them, painted the lids with enamel paint, then finished them off with paper labels covered in contact to prevent water damage.
I then filled the bottles with handmade juices including Traditional Lemonade, Berry Cordial, Lychee and Pineapple Colada, and Earl Grey Summer Tea. I might share the recipes for those in another post.
Straws from etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/weddesigns?ref=seller_info
Confetti bags;
I filled the confetti bags with Ecofetti given it was being used at the beach. It dissolves almost instantly meaning no harm done to the environment as a result of our festivities!
Kraft bags from etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/mrrabbitsir
Stamps from Stampin' Up!
Car decorations;
I HAD to make one of those can thing-a-ma-jigs for the back of the car. Just used clean ring-pull tins, embellished with ribbon. I also cut letters from white vinyl on the Cricut machine for the 'Just Married' sign on the back window of our car.
James also had a hand in making something for our big day... he made the cake!!! We had a lemon sponge iced with Royal icing. It was yummo! He may have lost his temper once or twice, and cooked the cake three times over, but the end result was gorgeous and tasted fantastic! But the best bit was smashing him in the face with a piece after we cut the cake! LOL!
From early on, I had really wanted a couple of handmade signs to mark the 'entrance' to our wedding ceremony and to signpost where there were drinks available for our guests, but eventually gave up on the idea due to our time running out too fast. Just days before the wedding, my brother-in-law asked James if there was anything that still neeeded doing... he set him to work making the signs!!! They turned out fabulous! It is funny cos my BIL never saw the picture in my scrapbook, yet the signs he made look almost identical!
The rest of the handmade things that were part of our wedding day were purchased from talented crafters on etsy. Each and every item was made to my custom requests and delivered in no time at all. I'd highly recommend any of the following shops;
Burlap table runner from http://www.etsy.com/shop/straightstitch
Clutch (photographed sitting in a basket) from http://www.etsy.com/shop/DavieandChiyo
My something blue was James' idea - a toe ring from http://www.etsy.com/shop/88Links
Bridal headband from http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeSomethingNew
Flowergirl headband from http://www.etsy.com/shop/DavieandChiyo
Baby bowtie from http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeandMatilda
Flowergirl dress from http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetplume
Flowergirl basket from http://www.etsy.com/shop/RomancingJuliet
Dress from http://www.etsy.com/shop/yourfairytalewedding
If you look closely you can see that I wore a starfish/pearl/rhinestone necklace, pearl earrings and a pearl/rhinestone bracelet. All three pieces were stunning and were purchased from http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumbcrazy
A totally uneccessary buy (Seriously who actually needs a feather pen?! LOL!) but one I'm so glad that I made because it felt so luxurious using it to sign our certificate... pen from http://www.etsy.com/shop/JustPens
I don't have photos to share, but I also bought all my bridesmaid's jewellry, my garter, the family union medallions both the kids received following our vows and the exchange of our rings, as well as a couple of other table decorations including a wooden seagull and a sailing ship from etsy.
Mum says I'm addicted to etsy and she's probably right, but my wedding day was better for it! Having the opportunity to hand craft and to have handmade a number of elements for our wedding day made our day extra unique and even more meaningful.
I am so much addicted to etsy that I have decided I'll open my own shop soon! I'll let you know once there are things added to my store.
I hope this HUGE post has inspired you!
Until next time, take care and thanks for dropping by!!!
So, without further ado, here's everything handmade...
First up is the stuff I made. A lot of the materials I used were bought online from etsy. If you're not familiar with etsy you best change that cos as a scrapbooker you will love it - etsy is your one stop shop for all things craft supplies!!! Knitting, quilting, scrapping, you name it. I found everything I needed from various stores on etsy, with one of the only exceptions being my stationary which I bought from Starfish Lane in Perth. They have an online store too.
Placecards and menus;
I used this same twine for all our stationary from the invite to the favour boxes to the thank you cards. It is actually paper yarn! And it is awesome stuff - you can even knit with it!
Twine from etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperPhine
Favour boxes;
Each guest received one of these small kraft favour boxes at their place setting at the reception. The girls got a pair of handmade pearl earrings and the boys a set of nautical cufflinks.
Plain boxes (and earrings) from http://www.etsy.com/shop/dutchpearl
Centrepiece;
I made this using a vase from Spotlight, white gravel, and a few starfish. Done in minutes!!! I also had votives filled with the same gravel, two fish bowls and a few other bits and pieces.
Bouquet;
I'm no florist but I figured I'd give it a go to save a bit of money. Turns out shipping on the silk flowers was ridiculous but I didn't realise until afterwards so my bouquet probably cost as much as a fresh one. The plus side though is that I can keep my bouquet forever and it will always look the same as it did on my wedding day!
The flowers I used are silk Baby's Breath and dried Billy Buttons (Craspedia).
Dried flowers from esty http://www.etsy.com/shop/EcoLecticEvents
What made my bouquet extra special was that sewn to it was a vintage locket (my something old!) containing photos of my late grandmother and James' pop who passed away a few months ago. It made a few people cry knowing they were there with us on the day. It was very important to James and I that we recognise their presence.
Flower girl confetti;
Though not technically handmade, these were hand-gathered. Took me forever!!! Many trips to the beach, sitting on the sand while everyone else swam, getting sand under my fingernails! LOL! The things you do!
Ring bearer book;
This piece didn't quite eventuate as I had envisaged - I left James in charge of tying the rings to the book once all our guests had written their well wishes into it... but he left the rings in their boxes! LOL! Don't tell him I laughed!!! He'll kill me even knowing I told you all this!
Book from http://www.etsy.com/shop/braggingbags
Drink bottles;
James and his boss collected used juice bottles from the restaurant they work. I then cleaned and sterilised them, painted the lids with enamel paint, then finished them off with paper labels covered in contact to prevent water damage.
I then filled the bottles with handmade juices including Traditional Lemonade, Berry Cordial, Lychee and Pineapple Colada, and Earl Grey Summer Tea. I might share the recipes for those in another post.
Straws from etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/weddesigns?ref=seller_info
Confetti bags;
I filled the confetti bags with Ecofetti given it was being used at the beach. It dissolves almost instantly meaning no harm done to the environment as a result of our festivities!
Kraft bags from etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/mrrabbitsir
Stamps from Stampin' Up!
Car decorations;
I HAD to make one of those can thing-a-ma-jigs for the back of the car. Just used clean ring-pull tins, embellished with ribbon. I also cut letters from white vinyl on the Cricut machine for the 'Just Married' sign on the back window of our car.
James also had a hand in making something for our big day... he made the cake!!! We had a lemon sponge iced with Royal icing. It was yummo! He may have lost his temper once or twice, and cooked the cake three times over, but the end result was gorgeous and tasted fantastic! But the best bit was smashing him in the face with a piece after we cut the cake! LOL!
From early on, I had really wanted a couple of handmade signs to mark the 'entrance' to our wedding ceremony and to signpost where there were drinks available for our guests, but eventually gave up on the idea due to our time running out too fast. Just days before the wedding, my brother-in-law asked James if there was anything that still neeeded doing... he set him to work making the signs!!! They turned out fabulous! It is funny cos my BIL never saw the picture in my scrapbook, yet the signs he made look almost identical!
The rest of the handmade things that were part of our wedding day were purchased from talented crafters on etsy. Each and every item was made to my custom requests and delivered in no time at all. I'd highly recommend any of the following shops;
Burlap table runner from http://www.etsy.com/shop/straightstitch
Clutch (photographed sitting in a basket) from http://www.etsy.com/shop/DavieandChiyo
My something blue was James' idea - a toe ring from http://www.etsy.com/shop/88Links
Bridal headband from http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeSomethingNew
Flowergirl headband from http://www.etsy.com/shop/DavieandChiyo
Baby bowtie from http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeandMatilda
Flowergirl dress from http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetplume
Flowergirl basket from http://www.etsy.com/shop/RomancingJuliet
Dress from http://www.etsy.com/shop/yourfairytalewedding
If you look closely you can see that I wore a starfish/pearl/rhinestone necklace, pearl earrings and a pearl/rhinestone bracelet. All three pieces were stunning and were purchased from http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumbcrazy
A totally uneccessary buy (Seriously who actually needs a feather pen?! LOL!) but one I'm so glad that I made because it felt so luxurious using it to sign our certificate... pen from http://www.etsy.com/shop/JustPens
I don't have photos to share, but I also bought all my bridesmaid's jewellry, my garter, the family union medallions both the kids received following our vows and the exchange of our rings, as well as a couple of other table decorations including a wooden seagull and a sailing ship from etsy.
Mum says I'm addicted to etsy and she's probably right, but my wedding day was better for it! Having the opportunity to hand craft and to have handmade a number of elements for our wedding day made our day extra unique and even more meaningful.
I am so much addicted to etsy that I have decided I'll open my own shop soon! I'll let you know once there are things added to my store.
I hope this HUGE post has inspired you!
Until next time, take care and thanks for dropping by!!!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
I Thee Wed!!!
Sunday has been and gone, which means I am officially a married woman!!! Yippee! It is such a crazy feeling and still so bizarre to be calling James my husband! LOL!
Apart from hearing that we had an amazing day, a perfect ceremony and a fun-filled reception, I am sure you're all most eager to see the photos. I won't bore you will all 700 of them but I will warn you... there is still quite a few that I'm about to share! It was pretty hard narrowing it down! Our photographer, Russell Ord, is quite possibly the most awesome photographer ever! He took amazing pictures and had them to us within 24 hours of our wedding ceremony! Not a bad effort, hey?!
Anyway, here's our day in pictures;
>
Apart from hearing that we had an amazing day, a perfect ceremony and a fun-filled reception, I am sure you're all most eager to see the photos. I won't bore you will all 700 of them but I will warn you... there is still quite a few that I'm about to share! It was pretty hard narrowing it down! Our photographer, Russell Ord, is quite possibly the most awesome photographer ever! He took amazing pictures and had them to us within 24 hours of our wedding ceremony! Not a bad effort, hey?!
Anyway, here's our day in pictures;
>
My fave pic has to be the one of us four walking along the beach hand in hand! Aww!!!
I'll pop back cometime in the next few days to share pics of the handmade stuff included in my wedding - there's lots but I'm sure you expected that! LOL!
Oh and before I go, I have some VERY exciting news to share! I have been accepted to study Midwifery at uni this year! I am so excited!!! I'm going to be a midwife!!! This has been the best week EVER!!!
Beack soon xxx
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