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

DIY With Star: Glass Etching

I recently discovered the wonderful world of glass etching and can't wait to share it with you! Glass etching is unbelievably easy and surprisingly fast.  It is done using a stencil with an adhesive back and Armour Etch, a fast acting glass etching solution that allows you to create permanently etched designs on glass items such as mirrors, windows, and household glassware.  This stuff is pretty amazing!  I was unsure if my finished product would compare to the professionally etched products I've seen at high end home retailers like William Sonoma, but I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  I think the quality of the wine glass I etched is comparable.  I had considered ordering monogrammed wine glasses when my husband and I got married, but decided against it due to the high price tag ($50 for a set of two).  Now I plan to purchase a set of inexpensive wine glasses and create my own monogrammed glasses for a fraction of the price!

What I love about glass etching is that it allows you to make use of the odd glass, candle holder, or dish sitting around your home (now I can actually do something with all of the wine glasses I've collected from wine tasting over the years that are just sitting in my garage)!  I also love that there are very few supplies required to complete this project.

Supplies:

-Contact paper or vinyl
-A small paint brush
-Armour Etch (I purchased mine from Amazon, but I'm sure it is available at your local craft store)
-A glass item (I used an old wine glass)
-A stencil with an adhesive back*  (I used an "H" for my last name, "Hansen")
*I used my Cricut (an electronic craft cutter) to cut my images but if you don't have one you can trace an image on the contact paper or vinyl and cut it out with an exacto/utility knife.  If you don't have an electronic cutter, I'd be happy to direct you to my Etsy shop where you can purchase a custom adhesive back stencil.  The negative space on the stencil is where the etching will occur.
Directions:

1. Peel away the adhesive backing and stick it to the glass.  Notice, the negative space is where the etching will occur.
2.  Press the stencil down firmly to remove any air bubbles.
3.  Paint a thick, even layer of Armour Etch on the negative space of the stencil.
4.  Ensure it is covered evenly and leave on for approximately 10 minutes.  Make sure it doesn't drip off the side of the stencil as the Armour Etch will etch any drips as well.
5.  After approximately 10 minutes, was the Armour Etch off with water (leaving the stencil attached).  Once all of the Armour Etch is rinsed off, remove the stencil and wash the item with soap and water.

Viola!!

I'm not sure that my photography does this beautiful glass justice!  Keep in mind, this etching is permanent and can't be washed off, so etch carefully :)  I had so much fun making this glass I searched my house for other glassware I could etch.
I'm planning to pare this etched Mr. & Mrs. wine glass set with a delicious bottle of wine for my newly engaged friends.





You could etch "Mr"/"Mrs" or "I Do"/"Me Too" on Champagne flutes and use them at your wedding.  They would be beautiful one-of-a-kind keepsakes and they cost much less than the designer ones people often register for.  If you and your fiance are not big Champagne or wine drinkers, try etching on cocktail glasses, martini glasses or even beer mugs.  It would also be cute to etch "Husband"/"Wife" on glass coffee mugs that can be used by the happy couple the morning after their wedding.
I etched "Mocktail" on a glass for my pregnant friend who often mixes sparkling water with juice when people around her are drinking cocktails.  Now she will have her own special glass and won't have to feel left out!  By the way, isn't the font adorable?!
I etched our last name on one of my baking dishes... I may have to do this with my whole set of glass bakeware!



You could etch a set of bakeware or mixing bowls with a couple's last name and give it to them (along with your favorite recipe) as a wedding or shower gift.  It would also be cute to etch "flour", "sugar", etc. on glass canisters!

Think of the great personalized gifts you could make!  What will you etch?!

Happy Crafting,

Star

Star's Inspirations: The Written Word

Whether expressed through a favorite book, a poem, a story, a love letter, a sonnet, or a classic novel, the written word has a romantic and almost nostalgic feeling.  Incorporating the written word in your wedding decor is a unique way to personalize your wedding.  

Are you or your fiance lovers of the written word?  Was it the written word that helped bring you together?  Maybe you were college sweethearts and met in a Shakespeare class or are known for sharing romantic poems with one another.  If so, you may want to consider incorporating your favorites via printed pages at your wedding.  This can be accomplished in many unique yet simple ways.  Start by tearing out pages from your favorite book, break out your scissors (or Cricut, in my case) and get creative.  Some of my favorites are illustrated below.  I find these images utterly romantic and so sweet. 

Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Photo courtesy of Krista Sew Inspired

Pretty garlands made with book pages...

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of La Papeterie Diva

Photo courtesy of All Things Girly and Beautiful

Photo courtesy of I.Wed.Style.

Love this heart garland made with book pages.  Beautiful and an easy project for the DIY bride.  I posted a tutorial on how to make these hearts in my previous blog post "DIY with Star: Paper Hearts"

Incorporating vintage books in your decor is also a beautiful addition.  They can be stacked  as part of a centerpiece or used as table numbers.

Photos courtesy of Simply Perfect Weddings

Photo courtesy of Ruffled

Book pages on a wedding cake.  How pretty is this!?

Photo courtesy of Brides.com 

Using edible Scrabble tiles is also really fun way to share a message, especially if you are a couple that is really into playing board games!  There are so many great ways to incorporate Scrabble tiles into your wedding decor.

Scrabble tiles as table numbers...

Photo courtesy of A Design of My Own

And as place cards...

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Photo courtesy of Intimate Weddings

Photo courtesy of Pinterest  

I love these cakes!  If they are little too unconventional for you as a wedding cake, they could be perfect for a Groom's Cake or a rehearsal dinner dessert.

Photo courtesy of United With Love

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

These cakes are a little more traditional but still have the fun Scrabble spin...

Photo courtesy of Blog.Celebration.CO.ZA

Photo courtesy of the Ritzy Bee Blog

Xoxo,

Star