happy new year!

Happy New Year! 

  

This is my favorite room in my house. It gives me a calming peace. I have shown you this room before, but it has evolved the past year with more texture, shades of creams, and beiges.  2011 was a whirlwind year, with lots of changes, and Christmas brought home all of our children which in itself fills my heart with love and peace.  



Right now, this is my favorite item in the room. These wreaths are a hot item. with people selling them everywhere (online). I made mine. Glued the paper rolls to a foamcore wreath and added a little modge podge to the inside of the cylinders to give it a little visual weight and light gloss, (notice the shine).  The paper angel is an item I received in a swap from http://www.pamelajanes.blogspot.com

The wreath is attached to an old florist basket, filled with vintage ornaments and adorned with silver birds.   

Joy, Peace on Earth, and imagine.....the possibilities. What more could a girl wish for at Christmas and for 2012. These birds are real silver, so their aging patina is a nice compliment to the vintage jewels I added to their tail feathers. 

   

 

I'm excited about 2012, and I hope you are too! 

Wedding Reception Part 2

The bride and groom went on a Caribbean honeymoon, so my huge collection of seashells found their way into large glass vases. I am fascinated by the array of whites, creams, and blush colors of seashells, not to mention the textures.

 At the wedding, the beautiful bride wore an elegant gown of lace  with sparkles, so added to the seashells was a little vintage ba-da bling from my jewelry box. It's the "use what you have" decorating style. 

Adding real white roses to the arrangements provided for an elegant and cohesive feel. I didn't want a bright pop of color that would take away from the seashells, and picture displays. The roses were tucked inside small vase, placed in the larger vase. Yes, a vase in a vase.

Silver candleabras and mercury glass candle holders were added to some of the tables, another touch of elegance. Every table did not look exactly the same. For me, it adds interest, and again....use what you have.

Have a blessed week,
Ele

Reception Decor

My Mission: Decorate an outdoor wedding reception
Style/Color: Elegant, shades of purple, and pink
Specs: Bride and groom were married a month earlier at an outdoor venue in the bride's hometown. This reception will allow the groom's friends and family an opportunity to celebrate with the couple.

I wanted to incorporate photos of the wedding day into the table design, so guests could view the beautiful event. A couple of years ago, I purchased  a large stack of silver trays at a thrift store. It was time for these silver beauties to shine, well, partially shine. The silver trays received several coats of black chalkboard paint, as black is always an elegant backdrop. It also toned down the glare of the trays from the sun, just a little. Remember, it's an outdoor recepton. 

Magnets were made out of clay roses, (yes the inspiration was the brides head piece), and bits and bobs of bling.

Monogram medallions were added to the trays. A mix of paper, a pop of color, and a glittered letter(s) adds a personalized touch to the reception decor. Paper is not a budget buster, and all you need is a scissors, and a couple of punch out tools.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the reception decor. Next week I will post more! 

*Clay roses are made by Lorena of Rose Chic Friends

The Birthday Boy

Fall has arrived! Frost covered the car windows this morning, and it just doesn't seem right. Our summer was really short, especially because of the devestsion in our area. Later this month, I will recap some of the decorating events I have been involved with this past Spring and Summer, so keep in touch, I promise I will deliver. 

First of all, I want to share with you my niece's blog. She is the mother to my favorite little boy in the whole world. Click on the link below and you will see how this fabulous mother decorated her son's first birthday party. Keep in mind that their home was lost in the flood, and are living with relatives. They are waiting to move into their Fema trailer. Still, this pretty mama managed to create decor for a wonderful party in the park. She did it totally on her own, well....with her handsome husband (my nephew), and little man by her side. The guest of honor's aunt and uncle made the super cute rocket ship in the last picture. ENJOY!
http://domesticdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-love-you-to-moon-and-back.html

Destination: Holy Matrimony

When my pretty niece married her handsome pilot, the ceremony flew to new heights. Where am I going with this? To destination Holy Matrimony, of course. 

This airplane themed vintage wedding had everything from flight attendants to lip smackingly delicious retro soda. (most of the picture credits go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/ashley.duchsherer)

Flight attendants gave pre-wedding instructions as wedding guests enjoyed peanuts and orange juice.  

After arriving  at "I Do," guests were treated to a reception that was a feast for the senses.  

milk and cookie buffet

Placemats could be folded into paper airplanes. 

Flags could be raised if more food was desired.  

An airplane themed wouldn't have been complete without a fly by!

Unfortunatly for my niece and her husband, and many other Minot residents, the flood of 2011 hit the week after this wonderful wedding. Their "new" home, as well as thousands of others, has been ravaged by flood waters. Upon return of their honeymoon (which included a stop at American Pickers), they found 5' of flood water on the main floor of their house and mold beyond belief. Needless to say, their honeymoon cottage has become a disaster zone. One day at a time, and the sweet smiles that their "oh so wonderfully fun" wedding bring to those of us who attended, will help everyone survive this flood disaster. Prayers for everyone bearing this burden.