Instructions:
Step 1. Choose a font to use, write out the desired message (or the couple’s names) and print out in a large size font. If you want to place in an 8 x 10 frame, be sure that the letters fill up a good portion of the printed page.

Step 2. Cut out the names with a small pair of scissors, then use tape to tape them down in the desired location on the foam core board.

Step 3. Begin pinning around the outside of the paper words (it’s okay to pin through the tape as needed) until everything is outlined in pins. Don’t forget to pin the inside of the letters as well as the outline. Handy Tip: This is easiest if you work from left to right (or right to left if you are left handed) so you don’t have to worry about knocking out any pins you’ve already placed.

Step 4. Once the words are completely pinned, remove the paper from the inside of the pins as well as any tape. Handy Tip: If the tape is stuck under the pin, a pair of tweezers will easily pull it up without messing up any of the carefully placed pins.

Step 5. Tie a small, loos knot in the first thread color you’d like to begin with, and loop it around the top of a pin. Tighten the knot until it’s firm, and then begin wrapping all of the little pins with the thread to fill in the gaps between the pins. Handy Tips: Always make sure to outline the words along the perimeter as well as criss cross back and forth between the gaps to make the word easy to read. Also, if your thread keeps popping up and won’t stay in place, periodically wrap the thread 360 degrees around the pin you’re working on. This technique keeps the string anchored and secure.

Step 6. When you reach the end of one color (or decide you want to switch to another color), instead of trying to tie another tiny knot, it’s easiest to use a small dot of clear hot glue to affix the end of the string to the pin. Then use the scissors to snip off the excess thread and keep it looking clean. Begin with the next color by creating a loose knot again and tightening it around the pin where you left off with the previous color.

Step 7. Once all of the letters are wrapped, I used a ruler to measure out the width of an 8 x 10 frame and cut the excess foam core with an exact-o knife. Then, simply pop the finished sign into the frame (be sure to remove the glass front first so the pins can stick out), et voila! You have a lovely three dimensional sign for your event.

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1. DIY Chalkboard Sign Ideas
2. New Year’s Eve Party
3. DIY Zip Tie Chandelier

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 5 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects Cinco de Mayo, DIY, graphic design, string, Stylish Soiree

DIY no sew table runner:

Step 1: Measure the width of your stitch witchery (about 1/2″ — you can find stitch witchery here). This will be your “seam” allowance.
Step 2: Iron the edge to mark where the stitch witchery will go. This gives a straighter edge. Then iron on the stitch witchery.
Step 3: Repeat the same on the other sides. Stitch Witchery is also washable, so you can use them again at home!

We created a mini round up with some of our fabrics that would make great runners. Better yet, they are mostly under $12/yard! Since most fabrics are about 54″ wide, you can make 2-3 runners.

1. black and white stripes, 2. Dwell Studio 3. Giraffe print 4. Chipper Ikat dots

1. Aqua square pattern, 2. Chipper Pink (as seen on this wedding we featured), 3. Robert Allen Yellow and Gray “Modernista” Fabric , 4. Amy Butler Love Sandalwood

1. Kimono Snorkel, 2. Navy polka dots, 3. Greek Key pattern, 4. Dwell Studio Bella Porte

Last, but not least… Burlap. It’s the darling of textiles in weddings, and we love the idea of stenciling the ends of a table runner like we’ve seen in our past real weddings:

Image above on the left from this Illinois wedding shot by Jennica Jo; right photo from this rustic wedding shot by Vitalic Photo

Image above from this wedding we featured shot by Our Labor of Love

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1. DIY Photo Table Runner
2. DIY Polka Dot Envelopes
3. Streamers, 3 Different Ways II

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 3 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects blue, DIY, nautical, pink, table runner

You will need:

• chicken wire
• 1×2 wood strips (at home improvement stores such as Home Depot, they can cut to desired size for you)
• chain
• small nails
• 4 small hooks (to attach the chain onto each end of the wooden frame)
• lamp kits
• L brackets
• liquid nails (or other wood glue for the frame)

Mount wood frame to desired size and secure the inner joints with L brackets. Stain or paint your frame if you’d like. Layer chicken wire over the top of your frame, and secure it with nails. This will help you divvy up the space between each lightbulb. Drill a hole on each end of the frame to attach the hooks, where the chain will mounted. From the bottom of your frame, thread your lamp kits through the wire mesh.

Be sure to check out the Film and Lace shoot captured bby Krista Mason in full right here!

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1. DIY Hanging Paint Chips Tutorial
2. DIY Birch Bark Lamps
3. DIY Film Roll Place Cards

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 6 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects chandeliers, Chic Celebrations, DIY, Krista Mason, lightbulbs

This can be done with old and new film canisters. If you like the vintage look, check out a local flea market. They are full of great finds and I spot these all the time! You can also buy reloadable blank film roll shells here for 89 cents each. On a strip of paper (not too thick, as it needs to have some flex to it), write out the table number and guest names. Measure your paper strips so they are not quite as wide as the film that was in the canister, ours was 1 1/4”. We chose black since it mimicked the film, but used white for the place cards.

Gently push the paper into the canisters slit, where the film would usually be coming out of. Use the corner of your paper to start off and then straighten out. You will feel the paper bend around the spool on the inside.

Roll the paper until the table number is completely inside, but the guests name is still out. How fun for guests to be surprised at their table assignment. This idea can be taken so far too – invitations, menus, even a little thank you note.

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1. Lace and Film Wedding Ideas
2. Lace and Film Love Shoot
3. DIY Sunprint Place Cards

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 8 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects Chic Celebrations, DIY, film, inspiration, Krista Mason

From Gianna: This is such a fun way to display photos at a wedding or event, and also a fabulous conversation starter. You’ll need a strip of fabric (muslin can be bought at craft stores like Michaels), cut the length you would like your runner to be, but the width of it should be a little thinner than you want (we did ours floor length to add drama to the table) and copies of the photos you’d like to use. Old family wedding photos, engagement photos and childhood photos are perfect for this (if you don’t want to use original photos, you can print copies for a few cents each at cost effective photo printing places like Costco – or simply print them with your printer using photo paper). Our runner was about 9’ long and took about 160 photos (we used 60 photos and duplicated them).

Starting at one end, use a hot glue gun to secure the pictures to the fabric. One small dot goes a long way. Overlap pictures and let them hang off the edges, don’t be afraid of covering up parts of the photos since you can put one of its duplicates elsewhere on the runner.

When you are about halfway through, go to the other end and start over. This way you meet nicely in the middle. And when you’re all done, wouldn’t they make a cool wall hanging in your home?

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1. Lace and Film Wedding Ideas
2. Lace and Film Love Shoot
3. DIY Ruffled Wreath

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 6 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects DIY, film, Krista Mason Photography

We wanted to share the perfect DIY project for the artsy bride! This centerpiece was inspired by the Melbourne Wedding Suite, an invitation design from the new Wedding Collection from Julia’s Poppies set to launch this spring.

The table design is made from found, recycled, and paper goods. It’s an easy-to-do, budget-friendly project. This installation can be used for reception tables or even hung on a wall to make a statement.

For this project, you will need:
-Roll of Chicken Wire
-Box of Powdered Dye
-Coffee Filters (Beached and Unbleached)
-Florist Wire
-Washi Tape or Floral Tape

Instructions:
1. Follow the box instructions to mix the dye in a bowl.

2. Fold the coffee filters in half a couple times. You can stack multiple filters before folding to give more dimension and to form larger blooms.

3. Dip the ends in the bowl of dye, letting the dye slowly bleed up the filter for an ombre effect. You can also simply submerge the filters for a higher concentration of color.

4. Unroll your chicken wire on a table and mold to a mountainess shape, as high as you desire. Place the filters in the chicken wire to dry. This will allow the filters to take shape.

*Note: If you’re using multiple colors, do not let the different colors touch while drying.

5. After the coffee filters have dried, arrange throughout the chicken wire. You can attach floral wire with washi tape to several blooms to give height to your installation. Be creative and there are no rules for the asymmetric design.

We also made a handful of other paper flowers from crepe paper, tissue paper, and scrap cardstock based on tutorials available on my Pinterest (which includes these flower DIYs) and experimenting! The specialty paper can easily get expensive (and time consuming), so we recommend using the more intricate paper flowers strategically throughout the installation.

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1. DIY Zip Tie Chandelier
2. DIY Valentine’s Day Ideas
3. Speakeasy Wedding Tablescape + Downloads!

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 8 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects, Wedding Design centerpieces, DIY, Julia's Poppies, orange, paper flowers, pink, teal

For the tablescape we made table runners from striped fabric that we tore into table runner sized strips, then simply folded over the sides neatly, added some fabric glue and ironed over to fix the seams.

The centerpieces are made of old, rusty tins brushes lightly with gold paint, golden spray-painted vases and an old cigar box. We went for the classical dark red floral theme, using big, velvety roses, dark calla lilies and carnations as filler flowers. You could also add some smaller feathers or other classical flowers. Use some cigars for the table decor, lay out ostrich feathers or display them in high vases.

The place setting is simple: a neatly folded cloth napkin and a themed menu card. The name card attached to a mini bottle of sparkling wine or champagne serves as place card and favor tag at the same time.

To edit and print the set, first download these free fonts: Santana and Andes

Then open the pdf in Adobe Reader (download it for free from the Adobe page, if you don’t have it installed already), click the texts and fill in your own. Now just print on white card stock and cut out along the lines.

Download the editable Menu and place card templates

Please note…these downloads are for personal use only. They are not intended for commercial use, distribution or alteration.

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© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 2 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects, Wedding Templates black, gold, Hey Look, Old Hollywood Glamour, retro, speakeasy, table runner, tablescapes

For this project, you will need:
-thick embroidery string
-paint chips in assorted shapes and sizes
-scissors
-glue

Instructions:
1. To begin, match two paint chips of equal shape and size up with each other. For this project, we made sure to use contrasting colors on the front and back for variety.

2. If desired, cut the paint chips down to size.

3. Place glue on the back of each paint chip, lay the embroidery string atop the reverse of one paint chip, and affix the second paint chip to the back.

4. Feel free to cut all different shapes and sizes — the more variety, the better the visual effect!

5. After the glue has dried, clean up the edges by trimming away any white space or overlap.

6. Continue laying down paint chips until you have a long garland of endless glued chips!

7. Depending on your space, cut the string to the appropriate length. We cut each string at a different length for variety, and hung them from the ceiling at varying distances and widths apart. The chips can also be displayed as a more uniform backdrop by affixing the strings to a railing or arch for a funky altar, photoshoot, or cake table backdrop!

All images courtesy of Jenna Trapasso of Red White and Green Photography.

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© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 4 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects backdrops, DIY, Jenna Trapasso, mid century, Red White and Green Photography

What you’ll need:

- Sunprint Kits (here)
- Your favorite font (here shown in calligraphy font Vermandois)
- 8.5″ x 11″ printable transparency film
- Inkjet or laser printer
- Sunprint Template (MS Word or PDF)
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Water
- Sunlight

Instructions:

First, open the template in MS Word, Open Office, or another writing/publishing program. Select your favorite font and type a guest’s name in the center of each 4″ square. Print each completed page onto a sheet of transparency paper. When your prints are dry, cut along the inside of the black lines with a pair of scissors. Make sure not to leave any border behind, or it may show up on the final sunprint.

In a dim indoor room, carefully open your Sunprint packet and remove the plexiglass square that is included in each kit, along with one Sunprint sheet. Lay an unexposed Sunprint sheet and your trimmed place card on top of a piece of cardboard. You can also layer interesting objects on top of your place card – small flowers, feathers and string can make interesting shapes. When you are happy with your arrangement, place the plexiglass sheet on top to flatten and hold your items to the Sunprint paper. The blue molecules embedded in the paper are sensitive to ultra-violet light, so be sure to prepare your print in a place where the sun’s light cannot reach the paper.

Take your Sunprint outside and expose it to direct sunlight for 3 – 5 minutes. You will see the paper fading from blue to white. If no direct sunlight is available, don’t worry – just expose your print a little longer and wait for the same fading effect. Under cloud cover, you can expect the process to take approximately 5 to 20 minutes.

When your print looks “bleached”, take the paper inside and place it into a tray of cool water for 1 to 5 minutes, or rinse it completely in running water for 2 to 3 minutes. As you wash, the paper will change before your eyes – white becomes a pretty robin’s egg teal and blue becomes white! Dry your prints on a paper towel and blot as necessary to absorb any excess. If you like, you can place a few paper towels and a heavy book on top of your prints, and let the whole shebang dry overnight. When all of the water has evaporated from your prints (about 12 hours later) your place cards will be a vivid dark blue and the names will appear bright white. Pretty pretty!

And if you have a large guest list, don’t fret! You can expose multiple place cards at the same time by swapping the plexiglass tile for a larger sheet size. Your local home improvement store sells them in larger sheets.

Download MS Word template
Download PDF template

Please note…these downloads are for personal use only. They are not intended for commercial use or distribution or alteration.

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1. DIY Geometric Favor Boxes
2. Paper Protea DIY Tutorial
3. New Year’s Eve Party

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 5 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects blue, DIY, escort cards, Magpie Paper Works, place cards

For this project, thanks to The Lettered Cottage, you will need:
-2 packages of standard shims
-sanding block
-primer spray paint (easier)
-protected surface work area
-a 12″ or 14″ floral ring
-a 4″ or 6″ floral ring
-a circular mirror- we used a 10″
-wood glue
-hot glue gun
-paintbrushes
-paint: a 2 oz. custom mixed sample in white and another color (we used teal) was plenty
-disposable spoons
-containers to mix the paint (4 containers)

1. Begin by laying out all your shims. I gave each one a light sanding then sprayed 2 layers of primer on one side only. I did not bother with the other side because it would not be visible. NOTE: I found later that if you prime the shims first and then sand, that the shims actually looked better. Because the wood is rather soft, it had a tendency to still splinter and not look great even after I sanded the non-primed shims

2. Lay out your first layer of shims over the 2 floral rings on a work surface. The smaller ring will fit into the larger one. Lay the shims so that the thin tip is towards the center. Place the shims in a sunburst pattern around the entire form. The tips towards the middle will overlap a little. The edge of the tips inside should meet the inside edge of the smallest ring.

Lay your second layer over the first. Try to lay the shims to that they lay over the gaps in the first layer.

3. Mix all your paint colors. To make the ombre mirror, you will paint one section white, and the opposite side your coordinating color. Starting on the white end, you will paint the areas on either side of the white the same shade, and the next area on each side the same shade, etc.- ending with your coordinating color. For the sake of explanation, White will be color 1 and your coordinating color (teal for us) is color 7.

The easiest way to mix the paint is to use a spoon and dish out equal parts into containers to obtain the right shades. To obtain color 2, I used 5 spoonfuls of white and a half of teal. NOTE: The darker color will always dominate the white. It is easier to add more of the darker color bit by bit, but it is really difficult to add white to get to the color you want if you over-saturate! To obtain color 3, I used 5 spoonfuls of white and a full spoonful of teal. Color 4 is equal parts white and teal (about). Color 5 is 4 spoonfuls of teal and 2 of white (about). Color 6 is 5 spoonfuls of teal and 1 of white. You can play with the ratios to obtain the right colors!

4. Now to divide the shims on the mirror. We used straws so you could see in the picture, but do this however you would like. Divide a “pie slice” on opposite ends of the form for your white and coordinating color. In one half, divide the area into 5 sections. Repeat this on the other side. Lightly write on each of the shims the color number in pencil (1-7).

5. You can take each of your numbered shims and put them into piles by number. We purposely made sure not to have the exact same number of shims in each number section. We wanted the ombre effect to be more natural, and transition well.

6. Paint each of the shims in the appropriate number color and let dry. Don’t forget the sides!

7. Once dry, place your shims back down on your form. Some areas of the first layer had 3 shims for us, some had 2 and some had 4. We made sure that the transition looked great, and that we had enough shims for the second layer. We then glued this layer down when we were happy. We used wood glue, backed with hot glue in some spots.

8. The second layer is where you will achieve the ombre effect if done correctly. We placed the colors in their appropriate locations, but we made sure to overlap a color over the top of the next color section. This allowed the colors to blend together. Glue this round down when you are satisfied!

9. Finally, glue your mirror into the middle of the form. We used a book to weigh the mirror down for maximum adhesion.

10. You can attach a wire piece to the back (available at a home improvement store) to hang easily on a wall.

Related posts:

1. DIY Straw Wreath Tutorial
2. DIY Dip-Dye Ribbons
3. DIY Ruffled Wreath

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 4 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects blue, DIY, Honeydew Events LLC, mirror, ombre, teal