Ain't No Party Like A Strong Party...DIY Personalized Entourage Gifts

Groomsmen Gifts:

I have always loved the idea of the "In Case of Cold Feet" socks.  I've seen them plenty of times on wedding blogs, and I just knew I wanted to incorporate that into the groomsmen gifts. 

Courtesy of The Knot

I designed the entire thing on Microsoft Publisher and saved it as a pdf file. I was able to print two on a 8.5 x 11 heavy weight linen paper.  The exact size of the wrap around label is 9 x 3.  I brought the file to the print shop that did my invites, and they printed and cut it for me.  Then all you need is permanent double sided tape...and socks of course!



We purchased purple and black argyle socks from Express.  I left the original wrap around Express tag on.

I stuck double sided tape to the back of the "In Case of Cold Feet" wrap around label and around the original Express label, and there you have an affordable personalized gift!

Here's an up close picture of the label...

Bridesmaid Gifts:

I also wanted to do an additional personalized gift besides the painted wine glasses.  I figured my future initials would be V.S. which so happens to be the same initials for Victoria Secret.  So I decided to do a Victoria Secret inspired gift =)  I started by creating a label on Microsoft Publisher and saved it as a pdf.  I chose a font that closely resembled the Victoria Secret font.  I was able to print two on a 8.5 x 11 piece of paper.  The actual size of the label was 4.25 x 4.  I also had it printed and cut at the print shop, and I used the heavy weight linen paper as well.  Here's a pic of an original Victoria Secret logo, and then my Victoria Secret inspired logo...

Then, you simply buy medium treat bags (you can find them at Hobby Lobby in the baking/cake decorating section).  You then stuff the bag with lip gloss, lotions, and other girly stuff.  Then, you fold down the bag and staple it shut (one staple in the middle is fine). 

Then you fold the label, and you then staple it to the bag like so...

Here's the finished product...



Toast to the Good Life...DIY Personalized Bridesmaid Wine Glasses

I really wanted to incorporate my Domesticated Diva touch to at least one of my bridesmaid's gifts.  I decided personalized wine glasses would be both beautiful and functional =)

I bought 6 wine glasses, and ensured I washed and dried the glasses very well prior to starting my crafting project.  Washing the wine glasses, ensures all finger prints, oils, dirt and dust are removed.  I bought craft paint specially made for glass, and I bought paints that match our wedding colors =)  This is the paint I bought...

I then printed my bridesmaid's names out to use it as a guide.  I used a font that would be fairly easy to use and thick enough to see. 

I cut the names to a manageable size, and taped it to the inside of the wine glass...

I then began painting their names.  If you happen to mess up, you can wipe it off with a wet paper towel and it should be fine.  I bought a fairly thick paint brush, if I had to do it again I would purchase a thin brush instead.  I painted their names once, and let it dry for about 30 minutes.  Then, I applied a second coat of paint, so that their names and purple color appeared clearly.  Here is a pic after I painted the names...

I then decided I would do a poke-a-dot design around the names, since that seemed to be the most easiest.  I also applied two coats to the poke-a-dot design...

Per the instructions on the paint bottles, you must bake the glass to set the paint.  Baking the glass, ensures the paint will not come off after it is used.  Baking it also seems to make the paint appear glossier.  Here's a pic after the wine glasses were baked...

I then washed the glasses again with soapy water.  To finish off the gifts, I decided to tie a ribbon around the stem of the glass like so...

Now, uncork that wine bottle and have yourself a nice glass of vino!

From Drab to Fab...Sprucing up a Ring Bearer Pillow

After deciding on a peacock theme for our wedding, I wanted to incorporate peacock feathers every chance possible.  I found some really beautiful peacock ring bearer pillows, such as this one from Etsy.  But, the $40 price tag immediately turned me away.  One day, me and my now husband were shopping at Arne's Warehouse, which is basically an affordable party and decorating store in Houston.  I found this ring pillow for $3!

 

I know it's ugly, but I made it my mission to jazz this pillow up.  Also, at $3 a pillow, I wouldn't be losing out on much if my crafting project did not go as planned.  All I used to decorate the ring bearer pillow was a decorative button at JoAnn Fabrics, two peacock feathers, and a glue gun.

I began by tearing up and cutting apart the inner bow and heart center the pillow originally came with, and left the thin ribbon that is used to tie the rings together...

Then, I sewed the button to the center of the pillow. 



Then, I hot glued the two peacock feathers on the side of the button...and that was all there was to it!  Here's a "before and after" pic of the ring pillow before the Domesticated Diva transformation...

Cost Per Item:
Ring Bear Pillow: $3
Decorative Button: $2
Peacock Feathers: FREE (used left over ones from the invitations)

TOTAL COST OF PROJECT: $5
TOTAL SAVINGS: at least $35

Please have a seat...DIY Table Numbers and Escort Cards

So, I definitely wanted to use IKEA's Tolsby Frames for our table numbers after seeing so many cute ideas on wedding blogs such as Project Wedding.  I made the trek to IKEA and purchased 20 frames for $20...STEAL! 

I designed the image on Microsoft Publisher and printed it on our home printer.  Here's the final product...

I also designed my escort (seating) cards on Microsoft Publisher.  I wanted to incorporate a peacock feather in my design, and I used the same metallic card stock I used for the invitations.  Then, I got them printed and cut at LP Printing for a pretty decent price!  I think the single green peacock feather brought our theme together well =)

  Here's another picture of the table numbers in action along with the centerpieces and linens...