DIY With Star: Easy Peasy Envelope Liners

Lined envelopes make a statement.  This simple detail makes a big impact on the recipient of your invitation, letter or card and gets them excited about whats inside.  Many high end invitations come with lined envelopes or offer them at an additional cost; however, if yours don't come with them, consider doing them yourself.  They are super simple to make and can be customized to any occasion.  They are great for invitations and cards of all kinds - weddings, showers, birthdays, thank yous and love notes :)  You can even spruce up store bought cards by adding liners yourself.

In addition to the envelopes, all you need is pretty paper (thinner is better, card stock isn't a great option for this project), a pencil, scissors and glue.  If you've ever perused the scrapbook isle at your local craft store you know there are tons of specialty paper options out there.  Paper Source also has stunning printed papers!  Wrapping paper is another great option and is actually what I used for the DIY photos below.  

DIY Instructions

1.Open your envelope and place it on your paper.  Using a pencil trace the envelope onto the paper (its fine to start about three inches from the bottom of the envelope).  Cut the traced portion out.

  

2. Slip it into the envelope and place it just below the adhesive strips.  

3. Carefully fold the envelope flap over and gently press on the crease.  This will crease the           insert.  

4. Glue the edges of the top part of the creased insert (do not glue the portion below the crease).  Make sure the glue is permanent (I used Zig 2 way glue).  Close the envelope and press down firmly. 

1. I recently purchased this adorable black and gold wrapping paper and thought it would be perfect to line an envelope with.  This paper is playful yet chic and would be perfect for a birthday party invitation!

2. I used a book page for this one and love how it turned out (for more inspiration see my previous post on using book pages in your wedding decor).  Sheet music or maps would work well too.  How cute would it be to line a destination wedding invitation with a map of the wedding location?! 

3. I love the way this silver glitter paper looks with the gray envelope.  It would be perfect for a holiday card or New Years Eve party invitation.

4. I used understated shimmer velum paper for this one.  It is elegant and would like nice lining a wedding invitation.

I used a neutral palette with black and metallic accents for my envelopes but consider using a bright envelope with a contrasting pattern.  Line your envelopes with a coordinating solid color or simple pattern for a more understated look.  For wedding invitations, consider using a variety of patterns in the same hue for the various envelopes (invitation, response card, etc.).  The possibilities are endless! 

Below are a few cute liner ideas that are totally doable!  Can you see what a difference they make on the overall presentation of the invitation?!  

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop Puddleduck Paper Co.

Photos courtesy of Etsy shop lanyapstudios

Happy crafting!

-Star

Star's Favorite Things: Spruce Up Your Tailgate!

The time has come to bid farewell to our bikinis and flip flops and replace them with scarves and boots.  Today marks the first day of fall and with fall comes football.  I'm not so much a fan of football, but I love a good tailgate!  Especially when it is filled with gourmet food options, unique beverages and adorable decor.  Football season is already in full swing so I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite tailgate pics.  They put a fun spin on traditional tailgate fare, and will make your tailgate unique and just a little bit chic! :)

1. 1. This ice chest will keep your drinks as cold as the basic plastic ones, its just so much cuter! -  Peterboro Basket Co. 
2. 2. Package napkins and utensils in these adorable little chevron paper bags.  Brown and white would be cute (the colors of a football) or use your team's colors! - Etsy shop Cherished Blessings 
3. 3. If you are not a beer drinker, you can still sip your wine in (unbreakable) style :) -  Pinterest 
4. 4. I'f you'll be barbecuing at your tailgate, I don't think any other grill will do.  This one is both adorable and functional! -  Strauss Inovation 
5. 5. My love affair with paper straws has not ended (see previous post).  They come in every color so it is easy to match them with your team colors. - Etsy shop The Simply Chic Shop 
6. 6. No tailgate is complete without Cornhole.  It quick to set up and can easily be played with a few drinks in you :)  Love this retro design! -  Gifts.com 
7. 7. Keep those brewskies cold with these cute personalized koozies. - Etsy shop Happy Thoughts Gifts 
8. 8. I love these football cupcake toppers!  They'd also look great topping pigs in a blanket, potato skins, or any other tailgate delight.  - Etsy shop Cute and Useful

Beer is generally the drink of choice at a tailgate so you want to make sure you have plenty of it on hand.  In addition to a variety of frosty bottles, consider mixing up a signature "beer cocktail" as well. Virtue Feed & Grain in Alexandria VA serves up this delicious beer cocktail.  Its a masculine cocktail with a touch of sweetness for the lovely ladies.  With the little bit of maple syrup, it is the perfect fall beverage!

Photo courtesy of Honest Cooking

Shock Me

1/4 cup brown ale beer

2 tbsp. bourbon

1 tsp. Southern Comfort

1 tsp. pure maple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. 

Gently stir for 10 seconds.  Strain into an Old Fashioned glass.  Makes 1 cocktail.

And for the perfect dessert - Blue Moon Cupcakes.  I shared this recipe last year, but I thought I'd mention it again because it is so delicious and perfect for a tailgate!  Click here for the recipe.

Lastly, I wanted to share the little surprise I made for my hubby on the night of his favorite team's (the San Diego Chargers) first game.  Inside was a new Chargers T-shirt.  He loved the gift and appreciated that although I am not into football, I still understand how excited he is that the season has started :)  Consider wrapping up a T-shrit or jersey for that football loving honey before a big game!

Happy tailgating!!

-Star

Star's Inspirations: The Perfect Valentine's Day Card

Valentine's Day is right around the corner which means I am on the hunt for the perfect card for my  dear husband.  Cards have always meant a lot to me, even back when I used to adorn them with macaroni.  I enjoy perusing the card isle of my favorite stationary shops and choosing the perfect card for the perfect person on the perfect occasion.  From time to time I even enjoy making my own cards.  

According to History.com, Valentine's Day has been celebrated for centuries in various countries throughout the world.  By the mid 18th century, friends and lovers of all social classes exchanged handwritten notes or small tokens of affection in the name of St. Valentine.  "According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year... Women purchase approximately 85% of all valentines" - History.com.  Although Valentine's Day can often seem like a cheesy holiday, I must admit, I love it!  I like the idea of taking one day in the middle of cold, gloomy February to express your love for others and feel loved as well.  It's also a good excuse to get a mani-pedi, wear a sexy red dress and if your lucky, get flowers and chocolates!

In previous years, my husband and I exchanged cards for every major event: birthdays, holidays, graduations, promotions, anniversaries, etc.  My hubby always chose a nice card and wrote a thoughtful message in it and I did the same until a few years ago when he suggested that we stop giving each other cards.  He felt that since we'd been together for a number of years, that a card for every occasion was unnecessary.  At first I was disappointed and a little sad, but when I really thought about it, I understood and actually kind of agreed; however, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to exchanging cards forever!  We compromised and decided on two cards a year: One for Valentine's Day and one for our Anniversary (the occasional love note is ok too :).  I kind of enjoy this new tradition because it makes these two cards mean so much more.  Now that we have a little one, I know I may not have the time to peruse the card isle like I used to, so I am shopping online.  I've found so many I love but I've narrowed it down to the following:

I'm slightly obsessed with Paper Source products, and their cards are no exception.  Love these! 

How fun is this check box/fill in the blank card?!

Photos courtesy of Paper Source

Papyrus' cards are always stunning.  They are so detailed and intricate that the recipient of the card can't help but feel special!

Photo courtesy of Papyrus 

Etsy is a great place to find super unique cards.  A few of these are sweet and a few are silly. Love them all!

Photos courtesy of (1) Etsy Shop PABD Elegance, (2) Etsy Shop jdeluce, 

(3) Etsy Shop StrangerDays, (4) Etsy Shop PABD Elegance

Whether you are single, in a relationship, engaged, or married, I hope you'll enjoy choosing the perfect card for a special someone.

XOXO,

Star

Star's Inspirations: Ombre Love!

Ombre is everywhere in fashion and beauty from hair color, to clothing to nails.  The ombre look has also become quite popular as a design element at weddings and events.  Ombre is a great way to tie your event colors together and is so easy to accomplish.  Florals and wedding cakes are great ways to use the ombre effect, but it can also be incorporated into other decor elements such as lighting, dessert bars, dresses and stationary.  The possibilities are endless which is what I love so much about this look!  It can be sprinkled in or used through your event.  It can be subtle understated or bold and intense depending on your design preferences.  

At one of our recent weddings, the bridesmaids wore navy blue dresses and the maid of honor wore a blue ombre dress which set her apart from the other girls.  The dress was truly stunning and it made me realize that I need more ombre in my life!  Check out these beautiful ombre designs.

This candy display is unique and so beautiful!

Photo courtesy of Young Married Chic

This ombre floral arrangement makes carnations look incredibly chic!

Photo courtesy of Ruffled

Ombre sugar hearts decorating a basic white cake?!  Love!  For a tutorial on how to make these sugar hearts, check out my previous post.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Chicks

Little cakes with bare sides show off the ombre layers.  The rosette frosting is the perfect topper.

Photo courtesy of Glorious Treats

I recently came across this in Lucky Magazine and thought it was stunning!  It would be be beautiful and unexpected on the fashion forward Bride or playful and fun on your Bridesmaids!

Photo courtesy of Moda Operandi

I don't even know where to start with this... I love everything about it!  What a great way to achieve an understated ombre look!

Photo courtesy of Loverly

Ombre escort cards tie pink, sherbet, yellow and cream together so nicely.

Photo courtesy of Once Wed

So classic and chic!

 Photo courtesy of Erin Ever After

Love the ombre bottles in the background.  Such a beautiful and unexpected design element!

 Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop Liddabits

This reminds me of a sunset... or cotton candy...  either way, it is so pretty!

 Photo courtesy of Revel

How pretty is the bouquet made of fabric flowers?!

Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop Autumn and Grace

This centerpiece is beautiful beyond words.  I love how it looks placed on a pink table cloth with the ombre favor boxes!

Photo courtesy of Vintage Rose Garden

This photo illustrates how lighting can truly transform your look.  This ombre lighting oozes romance!

Photo courtesy of A Good Affair

 

Another stunning ombre wedding cake.

 Photo courtesy of Cake Coquuette

And who can forget this dress?!  Trend setter Gwen Stefani boldly wore an ombre wedding dress at her  2002 wedding to Gavin Rossdale.  Stunning!

Photo courtesy of Fashion Munster

Sneak Peek: One of our recent brides utilized rose petals to create an ombre isle runner.  My apologies for the amateur cell phone photo; professional photos to come:)

Xoxo,

Star

Star's Favorite Things: The Getaway Car

A "Getaway Car" is the vehicle used to transport a Bride and Groom from their wedding to their next destination, whether it be their honeymoon, their hotel, or to an after party.  A decorated Getaway Car makes for great photos and is such a sweet way to end a wedding.

I just love the idea of a Bride and Groom ending thier wedding by climbing into a beautifully decorated, luxurious car and driving off into the night excited to embark on their new life as Husband and Wife.  It stirs up feelings of excitement, romance and possiblities... I am swooning just thinking about it!  My husband and I were lucky enough to exit our wedding in a classic Rolls Royce.  The drive from our wedding venue to our hotel was filled with kisses and talks of our dreams and what our future would hold.  It was the perfect way it was to end the night!

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

The decor doesn't have to be fancy... a simple "Just Married" sign may be perfect!  There are loads of them available on Etsy.  Below are a few beautifully decorated Getaway Cars.  Just a bit of inspiration for you :)

Photo 1: Courtesy of Love & Stuff  

Photo 2: Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo 3: Courtesy of Pinterest

Photo 4: Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Love this personal twist on the classic tradition of tying tin cans to the newly married couple's car.  What a fun, and super easy DIY project for Bridesmaids.

Photo courtesy of Queens Land Brides

And don't forget, what happens in the Getaway Car, stays in the Getaway Car...

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

XOXO,  Star

Star's Inspirations: Unconventional Guest Books

Weddings are often filled with traditions, many of which make the event memorable for the Bride and Groom as well as their guests.  I love tradition, especially at weddings, but I also think it can be fun to add a little twist to an old idea.  Unconventional guest books are a great way to add a bit of excitement to this wedding staple.  An unexpected guest book not only adds something creative to your big day, it leaves you and your hubby with a unique and sentimental treasure you can cherish forever.  There are many wonderful ways a Bride and Groom can ask guests to leave them a special message on their wedding day.  Below are some of my favorites...

Have a custom puzzle with a picture of you and your fiance made.  Ask each guest to choose a piece and write you a message on the back.

Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop: Memory Lane Puzzles

Ask guests to leave you a message on a Jenga block.  This would be fun to play every anniversary!

Photo courtesy of Oh! Weddings

Create a custom "Guest Lib" with things about you and your fiance and ask each guest to complete it. After the wedding, the "Guest Libs" can be complied into a funny little guest book.  Your guests will have a lot of fun with this one!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Set up a recording station for guests to leave you a video message.  You can either hire someone like The Guestbox or designate someone to do the recording for you. Or you can even set up a DIY station with directions for your guests.  After the wedding, combine all of the clips into a slide show.  You can even include music and text (if you are good at that sort of thing :)

Photo courtesy of Love & Lobster

This is one of the most unique ideas, and possibly my favorite!  Have a dictionary (maybe a beautiful vintage one) and ask quests to choose a word that best describes you as a couple, circle it and write their message.  Then ask them to tag their word so you know where to find it.  This would be an awesome coffee table book after the wedding!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Ask guests to sign a sentimental object (if it is hand made by a loved one, even better!).  It can be a bench, a large rock, a chair, a storage chest, a frame... the possibilities are endless!  After the wedding you can display the signed object in your home or garden.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Now this may not count as an actual "unconventional guest book" since it is quite popular but I've decided to include it since it is still considered outside the norm of the basic guest book of the past.  Have a book complied of your engagement pictures made by your photographers and ask guests to leave you a message in it.  It is a nice keepsake and it gives your guests a chance to view your engagement pictures.  Today, this may now even be considered an oldie, but still a goodie and one of the most popular!

Photo courtesy of Wedding Photography Design

As you can see, there are many creative and unconventional ways to collect messages from your guests on your wedding day.  Please let us know if you've come across any other unique "guests books" at weddings you've attended by commenting below.  

Best,

Star

Inspired by Keep Calm And....

Last May we had the pleasure of planning Brandie + Ede's big day at The Parker in Palm Springs and one of her most favorite wedding elements was a Keep Calm Party On Banner.  So today more than ever, I've noticed an increasingly large amount of Keep Calm Banners, Posters and Fun that continue to pop up.  Here are a few of my favorites!

 

  Photo courtesy of Zank You

 

Reach for the starts and follow your dreams too!  Love the background of this one.... Makes me want to finger paint a little...

 

 

All photos above courtesy of Pinterest

Love this one too!  How cute would it be to have this on your big day?  So sweet for a rustic wedding too!  I love wood signs as you know.  I'm sure we could have our favorite sign maker Nana of Family Attic Shoppe make something like this up...   

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Of course a personal favorite one, for those of you that don't know about my deep seeded love for coffee and making coffee all the time... 

 

 Photo courtesy of Lord Noel and Lady Jacqueline

 Photo courtesy of Memoranda

Photo courtesy of Tux and Tales Photography 

   Photo courtesy of Dog Art Today

And of course... just for fun and not to be taken seriously.... Had to include this one in the mix!

 Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Hope you enjoyed some of these fun and sassy images as much as I enjoyed picking out my favorites to share... If you were to create one, what would your Keep Calm and.... say?  Feel free to comment and let us know!