DIY Custom Monogram

A couple of months ago I had the pleasure of developing a Monograms and Mimosas Bridal Shower. I wanted the Bride-to-be new Monogram to hang over the dessert table, but I had to stay within the Hostesses Budget. So ordering one was not an option. On to the DIY. 

So here is what you need:

• Hot Glue Gun
• Mod Podge
• Foam Paint Brush
• Glitter(how many colors depends on the look you want). I used 5 (very colorful shower) colors for a ombre look
• White paint(any craft paint for wood)
• Wooden/Cardboard letters (Small Purchased at Hobby Lobby Large Purchased at Michael's)
• Fishing wire for hanging
• 3M Hanging Solution 

1. I started first with the letters that I got from Hobby Lobby. I wanted to make sure that the glitter showed very well, so I painted them white. As you can see, one coat was not enough so two coats did the job.

 I did all three letters separately.  If I had to do it again, I would have hot glued the letters together first in order to make sure the ombre look was cohesive between all three. It worked out in the end, but would have been so much easier (trail and error)!

2. Spread Mod Podge on with your foam paint brush approximately 3-4 inches Stripe (because I had more colors).
3.  Began Glittering. I went from the bottom up Starting with the Darkest color first.  It was easier for me that way. Some began from the top down beginning with the lightest color first. Whichever way works for you.
4. Repeat Step 2 and 3( Paint another 3-4 inches stripe above your darkest color and sprinkle on a mixture of your next color and the one prior).

 After you have finish Glittering. Let dry for 24 hours. 

My letters came with hooks so the hanging was pretty simple. Just attach the fishing wire and hang with  the Command 3m hanging system. This is a very heavy structure, so be sure it is secure. 

Paintball Party Invitation

Just finished my nephews Paintball Party Invitation. I think this is such a cute party. I started a Pin board on Pinterest to put some idea's together for when my son is ready to have this party. Check it out here.

Orange and Grey Swap Party

We had a fantastic time at this party. Everyone wants to do it again. Since several of the women have develop a great new healthy lifestyle and we all needed a wardrobe overload, this was perfect way to get it done without spending any money.

I had a hard time going through the pictures choosing which ones to post because each picture reminded me of the great night we had and I want to continue to re-live that.

So, get ready for a lot of pictures!

Welcome Sign

Food and Beverage Display

Of course orange Jones soda's and glass orange water bottles(homegoods) brought the party colors to our drinks.

Cute little charms with grey ribbon were added to the wine glasses

I brought the orange and grey colors to the food display. Thank you to Amber of Chocolate and Mangos and Keisha of Cupcake Whishes and Birthday Dreams for giving me such great idea's on how I should use the orange and grey paper.

This was my first time wrapping cupcakes. I had wrappers on some and put flags on the other.

Can't have a party without party cones. These were petite cones. I'm not sure how much you can tell that via the picture.

Emesha had a great selection of food. Spinach and croissant puffs, crab balls, sandwich wraps, and salmon with a Jamaican pineapple glaze. Her mother made this amazing pound cake with an alcohol infused whipped cream. Everyone went crazy over it.

Swapping Stations

I got the idea for the bags from Christi at P is for Party. I thought this was a great inexpensive idea. I ordered the bags from Papermart.com. They have an endless supply of shopping bags in every color you can imagine.

Favors

Emesha wanted to give each lady her signature Orange Martini. What more festive way to do this than in Shop til you drop Martini glasses. I found these at Homegoods. Each lady received one as part of their take home gifts.

They also received a clothes sachet, which smelled amazing. Found these at Homegoods also. They were in a box of 12 which made for an inexpensive favor.

We really had a great time and we all walked out with smiles on our faces and several bags. The rest of the left over clothes found a great home at the Owings Mills Goodwill.

Orange and Grey Swap Party

First use of the wonderful paper. The party is next week and I have done nothing. So not like me. I guess I'm still on vaction in Vegas(By the way I had a blast!)

Today I decided to use the paper that I found and bag up some orange M&M's I thought this was very cute. If you have any other thoughts on how I can use the paper, please share. I'm always looking for new ideas.

Swap/Women's Group Party

Our next women's group is coming up in November. As I posted a couple of weeks ago, I am assisting my friend with hosting this group. The colors are orange and grey. I think these colors are so chic. We also decided to do a clothes/accessories swap party at the group. I was in love with the swap party put on by Christi at P is for Party and knew right away that this was the next party I was doing. I was so inspired by her design and color choices.

Below is the invitation that I developed with the help of Microsoft Word. I also found the most perfect paper. I can't wait to use it everywhere at the party. Stay Tuned!

Orange and Grey

Since the women's group was such a success, we have decided to have it every other month at each ladies home. My friend has hired me to help her with the women's group for November. They all claim that I have set the standards too high.(go figure) Below I have put together an inspirations board. She wanted to use the color orange and I thought that grey with slight touches of red would pair up perfectly. I'm so excited to help her out.

Cupcake Flags:Michelle at Little Paper Dog ( You can download the cupcakes flags)

Dress: Ella Moss(no longer available)

Suit & Tie: Knot Wedding

Orange & Grey Room: Domino magazine(no longer in production)
Orange and grey pumps: Moschino

Orange Centerpiece: Brides.comWhite Chair With Orange and grey rug:Unknown

Flowers: Knot.com

Weddings

Well since it's wedding season, why not look at some great inspiration for weddings. Personally, I think the best wedding season is in the fall when I was married. But to each its own. My roommate from college has found her perfect mate and is getting married in May. I am so excited for her! If your in the mood for a true love story, check out her wedding site.

Last year I completed a great wedding for Iazia and Chris. I made everything from the menus to the program to double as fans. The pictures are posted below.

Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen celebrations are all the rage. Ever since MTV came into our homes with fabulous parties, teenagers everywhere have gone over the top. But sweet sixteens are not just for teenagers, the young at heart have caught on as well. Check out the Sweet Sixteen X 2 party that I did for a fantastic client. It was an upscale 70's theme complete with pink and silver disco balls. Now it wouldn't be a party without a cake and cake designers are catching on this this trend as well. Check out a Sweet Sixteen the Sequel created by one of my favorite cake designers, Pink cake box.