Author: natasha
DIY Paper Flowers
At first glance you would not be able to tell that these flowers are made of paper. They are absolutely beautiful. Inspired by the work of Martha Stewart the folks over at Dozi made these paper flowers as part of a beautiful table design. Now this is one centerpiece that will never wilt. Well, as long as you keep it away from water! Just think of the possibilities… You could make a whole bouquet out of paper flowers and you could keep your bouquet forever. Just a thought. No mater what you plan on making with the flowers one thing is for sure, they are beautiful.
How To
Step 1: Draw a spiral on a 4×4″ square sheet of paper
Step 2: Cut out spiral along lines you have drawn
Step 3: Begin rolling up the spiral from the outside
Step 4: Keep on rolling until there’s no more left to roll
Step 5: You’re done!
Notes From Dozi
“I used a slightly heavier weight paper for this one, but you can use normal paper as well. You can use squares of various sizes to have different sized flowers. Besides sticking them on branches, they would be great scattered on the table as well. Heck, you can even make a little bouquet of them. Have fun!”
“You may use a bit of glue or double-stick tape to keep the flower from unrolling and loosening up with time. I didn’t glue the ends for these specific flowers and they held up alright.”
Margarita Popsicles~Yummy!
These popsicles are not for the kidos! Nope, these are strictly for the adults. This recipe from Bon Appétit is a fun twist on the beloved drink–the Margarita. I did not think you could get much better than a Margarita on a hot summers day, but I think these popsicles are a fun and unique twist. These would perfect to cool down your wedding guests on a hot summer’s day!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup coarse kosher salt
- 6 frozen lime-flavored ice pops or fruit bars, unwrapped
Prep
Mix tequila and lime juice in 1-cup measuring cup. Place coarse salt in small bowl. Place all ice pops, sticks up, in deep bowl, or place 1 pop in each of 6 glasses. Pour tequila mixture over ice pops. Lightly dip 1 edge of each ice pop into coarse salt and serve.
Persian Love Cake
How perfect is this little cake for a bridal shower or luncheon? The name is very fitting as well, Persian Love Cake. I told you it was perfect! This is a This chiffon cake filled with rose-scented whipped cream and topped with candied rose petals.
Ingredients
Candied rose petals
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Petals from 2 organic roses
Cake
- 1 cup cake flour
- 14 tablespoons baker’s sugar or superfine sugar, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cardamom seeds (removed from about 5 green cardamom pods)
Frosting
- 2 1/2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream, divided
- Pinch of saffron threads
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 2 tablespoons natural unsalted pistachios
Preparation
For candied rose petals:
Whisk egg whites in small bowl until foamy. Using pastry brush, brush rose petals on both sides with egg whites; sprinkle on both sides with sugar. Dry on nonstick rack at least 6 hours or overnight.
For cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter two 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line pan bottoms with parchment paper; butter parchment. Sift flour, 7 tablespoons baker’s sugar, baking powder, and salt into large bowl. Whisk yolks and next 4 ingredients in small bowl until smooth. Add yolk mixture to dry ingredients; whisk until smooth. Beat egg whites in medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 7 tablespoons baker’s sugar; beat until whites resemble thick marshmallow fluff. Fold whites into batter in 3 additions. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake until cakes are golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in pans on racks 15 minutes. Turn out onto racks, peel off parchment, and cool completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap and store at room temperature.)
For frosting:
Combine 1/2 cup cream and saffron in small saucepan. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat; let steep 20 minutes. Chill until cold.
Beat remaining 2 cups cream, powdered sugar, and rose water in large bowl until soft peaks form; strain in saffron cream. Beat until peaks form.
Place 1 cake layer, flat side up, on platter. Spread 1 cup frosting over. Top with second cake layer, flat side down. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours. Garnish cake with rose petals and pistachios.
Aqua and Red Wedding Two
Aqua and Red weddings are beautiful, the colors contrast in such a way that it simply takes your breath away. I love the impact that the colors have. I think my favorite part of this inspiration board is the shoes. I am a sucker for colored shoes with wedding dresses. It is such a great surprise during the garter toss! lol I also love the favors from Rebecca Thuss. Those favors are what made me create this board. LOVE THEM!
Favors by Rebecca Thuss, Bridesmaid Dresses by Jenny Kim Couture, Programs from The Knot Gallery,Shoes pic from The Knot, Table Setting and Program Pockets from Martha Stewart
DIY: Tree Pedestal Cake Stand
Here is a beautiful DIY project from Once Wed. This cake stand reminds me of a woodland themed wedding. I can just imagine an outside ceremony in the spring with cherry blossom trees surrounding the venue, and a sweet little cottage in the background. The bride in a beautiful flowing dress and loose curls following around her shoulders. It sounds beautiful doesn’t it? I love the relaxed and simple elegance of a woodland inspired wedding. I think this cake stand would be perfect for that dream wedding. For step-by-step instruction, check out Once Wed.
Free Dinner Menu Template
Here is a free Dinner Menu template that I designed. It is in 5×7 format and should be easy to print as is. Also, you can copy and paste the image to word and print it from there. Enjoy!
Pretty DIY Parasols
Okay, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE these parasols! They are simply adorable. The posy on top of the parasol is beautiful. Plus, this is such a great alternative to flower petals. Many venues are not allowing petals anymore, or make you clean them after the wedding. This idea allows your little attendants to become the blooms themselves. Another great thing is that they can take these home as favors after the wedding. To get the step by step instructions simply visit Martha Stewart.com.
DIY~Cake Table Decor
For my wedding I was looking for something to dress up the cake cable. I did not want to send a ton of money on a flower arrangement, so I opted for flower petals and a this sign. I liked the play on words with the Love is Sweet. All I did was printed this image on 8×10 card stock and framed it in a black frame. The image is already 8×10 in size so it should easily print on your computer. You can also copy and paste the numbers into Microsoft Word and print from there. Hope you guys like it. Enjoy!
Download template here…love-is-sweet1.jpg
DIY Pom-Pom Decorations and Napkin Rings
Oh, the many uses of tissue paper! Tissue paper can take on a sophisticated look when made into pom-poms. Use the pom-poms as decorations to add interest to the ceiling or to adorn napkin rings. The joyous bursts of color hanging from the ceiling will add interest to any rehearsal dinner or bridal shower decor. The matching napkin rings carry on the theme of beautiful colors. For step by step pictures and source check out Martha Stewart.com.
How to Make the Pom-Poms
You’ll need tissue paper and 24-gauge white cloth-covered floral wire.
Hanging Pom-Poms
1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inchwide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.
2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.
3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.
4. Tie a length of monofilament to floral wire for hanging.
Napkin Rings
With just a few changes, these follow the same steps as the hanging pom-poms.
1. Stack four sheets of tissue. Cut a 10-by-5-inch rectangle, going through all layers. Make 3/8-inch-wide accordion folds.
2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, slip over center of tissue, and twist to secure. Trim ends of tissue.
3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.
4. Bend wire into a loop to fit around napkin, and twist end around loop to secure.