Handmade Wedding

Hello all!

Ahh weddings, so happy and joyous!  It is time for the last post in my wedding series.  And I thought I'd stray from the long winded posts, and share lots pictures of great handmade wedding items that I've found.  Also sharing special little idea that my husband's cousin came up with.

Customize your wedding with these lovely Kraft Labels

Kraft Labels by Pigeonpaperie on Etsy

Need a little something special for the new bride and groom to eat with?

Wedding Fork Set by PrettyParis on Etsy

How about an awesome cake topper?  I think this is a must have!

Custom Peg Doll Cake Toppers by CreativeButterflyXOX on Etsy

For those wishing to have some photo fun, these handmade photo props are a must!

Photo Prop set by Funnysideoflife on Etsy

And why not say "Just Married" in a fun way

Hand Painted Custom Parasol by kmattso2 on Etsy

Now on to the very special idea that'll leave you both with great suggestions, tasks, and loving messages.

It's a note box filled with messages from all of your bridal shower guests.

Here is how it works!

Get a box of envelopes and some cardstock or construction paper.  Then cut them small enough to fit in the envelope.  My hubby's cousin turned the box inside out and taped it, but for my best friend I just covered it with some Kraft wrapping paper.  Once that is done you can decorate it however you like.

The next steps are simple.  Give each person a pen, paper, and envelope.  Have them write anything they want on their card.  We had special messages, words of wisdom, tasks for us to do, and even some movie passes!  You then tell each guest to seal their envelopes, and write a date on the outside of the envelope that is between the day of the wedding to that date of the following year.  

Now you are left with a year of special notes and things to do.  The best part is you never know what it is going to be.  We've had so much fun opening ours, and even my hubby has been excited to open them!

This would be a great idea for a baby shower as well, a great way to leave a new mother with lots of advice!

Enjoy!

5 Reasons to Buy Handmade

Handmade!
Nowadays you hear that word used a lot.  A few years ago it seems that buying handmade was more of a specialty, because most people were more concerned about the “brand” than actually what they were wearing.  In today’s economy buying handmade has taken on a new meaning.  More people are embracing the handmade style and straying from brand name products.  So I’ve came up with some great reasons I feel people should buy handmade.

Buy handmade because it's...

1. Unique- Handmade artist aren’t looking to mass produce their items like larger companies.  They may occasionally re-create an item, but let’s face it no one item is going to be exactly like the original.  Think of how bad it feels when you walk into a store and see someone pick up an item that you were going to buy, or even worse when you are out on the town and someone else is wearing the same thing you are.  When you buy handmade, you don’t have to worry about that.  So think of it as buying an item that’s made just for you! 
2. Eco-Friendly- The world we live in has gone green, and so have many handmade artists.  More and more artist are reusing materials, or turning old items into something new.  So when you buy handmade you are often helping the environment.  Keeping items out of landfills and giving them new life in your home or even on your back.

   

   Coffee Bean Tote Bag by repurposedantiques on Etsy

3. Quality- Real handmade artists are set on making quality items.  They aren’t worried about how many they make, but more on how good they are made.  Artists take pride in their work, and want to make sure that you are happy and satisfied with your purchase.  They put real LOVE (and sweat) into their work, so if you’re not happy then chances are they aren’t either. 
4. Relationships- When you purchase a handmade item it’s a chance to build a new relationship.  Handmade artists rely on great customer service, and want their customers to be satisfied.  So naturally some of those interactions may result in a great friendship.  I may have only had a few sales, but I have already met some pretty fun and awesome people.



ThINK Inspiration by nnvillan on Etsy

5. Supporting artists- This economy is tough and everyone is trying to make it in their own way, and buying handmade supports artists and entrepreneurs.  Many of who are trying to make a living for themselves and their families.  Rallying behind handmade artist is also another way to stop the “big boys” from taking what is not theirs, like what happened to this Etsy seller.  Just Horrible!  And to top it off, when you support handmade you just feel good!

So if you have never purchased a handmade item, take some time to explore sites like Etsy or Artfire.  You may find something you like, or even a gift for a friend.  There are amazing artists across this great nation, and even the world just waiting to be discovered!

Can you remember your first handmade purchase? What are your reasons for buying handmade?  Let me know in the comments section.