D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Fourth of July Edition

Whether you’re picking up sparklers or going to see your local fireworks display, be sure to celebrate this fourth of July with a big bang!

A Literary Love Story

When working with clients and talking about their design style, we always ask them what they love and where their inspiration comes from. So many times the answers are right in front of us but we have to think about what it is that truly touches our heart and spirit. From the invitations to the wrapped votives, and from from the table cards to custom chargers, this special wedding filled with personal details was inspired by the love of literature.

The invitation is the first impression of your wedding. Remember that the style and design of your invite will set the tone for your special day. This book-style invitation was a perfect prelude to this literature-inspired day.

Vintage books acted as table cards – this was a special process as the bride and groom each selected their favorite literary pieces. Also adorning the tables were custom wrapped votives that displayed favorite passages, quotes and poems of the couple’s choosing.

Custom wrapped mini faux books were created for place cards and favor holders. Each book displayed the guest’s name on the spine while opening to their table name. Chilmark chocolates added to the delight of these mini books, with a mini scroll sharing the story of the couple’s favorite date to the chocolatier on Martha’s Vineyard.

Vintage books were incorporated throughout the venue (even hidden in the floral displays). Custom chargers were also created to incorporate the couple’s love of literature, they were also a keepsake for the bride and groom after their wedding day.

At the end of the day, the significance behind the details are what make the difference for any celebration. Whatever your love may be, whether it’s a color, pattern or favorite pastime, be sure to be inspired by your pieces and showcase your love whatever it may be.

D.I.Y. – Custom Kiddy Kite

With today being the Summer Solstice, we wanted to celebrate the start of Summer with a fun DIY that is perfect for any child’s birthday, baby shower, nursery or just to have in your child’s craft area.

The idea behind this DIY is it’s simple to do yet has a large impact with multiple possibilities. It’s easy, fun and can be used again and again.

Step 1: Gather your supplies – you will need two 3 ft. flat wooden craft sticks, 4 yards of your favorite fabrics, ribbon, 1-2 yards of tool, embellishments (e.g. pompom balls, flat crystals, butterflies), glue gun, scissors

Step 2: With the hot glue gun, glue the craft sticks together at the center.

Step 3: Measure out the necessary fabric per triangle (4 triangles per side) – feel free to play around and mix and match the fabrics.

Step 4: Roll in the edge of the fabric to give a clean line, then hot glue the folded seams to your wood stick base. Repeat for each triangle.

Step 5: Embellish your kite – get inspired and play with your details, we chose to use pom pom balls and flat crystal beads in varying sizes. We also added a fun ribbon across the seams of our kite.

Step 6: For your kite tail, the texture is important. Tool is great as it gives a soft and flowing look, but ribbon, yarn and twine help give it dimension. Tip: Think about where this tail is going – is it going across a room or down a wall? This dictates the fabric choice. Don’t forget to add some embellishments, we love our butterfly details.

Wishing you all a happy start to your Summer – stay tuned for part II of our Kiddy Kite DIY to see how this fun project has been incorporated into into a baby shower celebration.

A Father’s Day Love Story – Part 2

Following our Love Story post on Monday, we were pleasantly surprised when a few of our wonderful followers sent us their own Father’s Day reflections:

1. Dave about his daughter, Samantha - A friend of mine was gripping one day that since having kids he doesn’t get to go out with the boys or party like he used to, and that, due to the kids, his life was pretty much over. I stopped in my tracks, just dumbfounded by his statement. I told him that while I can remember my single life, and I can remember dating then marrying my wife, those memories are like faded photos in a book. I told him that I didn’t really start living until Samantha was born. I live for her.

2. Mike about his daughter, Amelia – I’ll never forget the moment my beautiful wife, Kimberly, handed me a card that had a picture of a sleeping baby on the cover.  Initially puzzled, I remember the elation I felt as the meaning of the cryptic verse she had written inside became clear – I was going to be a Dad!  What swiftly followed was a rapid succession of other emotions: concern for Kimmie, doubts about my maturity and readiness, realization that my life was about to change, determination to prepare and adapt.  Wow!  I mean, WOW! Around 7 months later, I experienced a similar bewildering mix of emotions.  We did not know beforehand whether we were going to have a boy or a girl, but the sleeping little newborn in my arms was quite clearly a girl!  How on Earth was I going to cope with having a daughter?  What kind of person would this fragile, vulnerable little bundle become?  Are dirty diapers as bad as everyone says? I needn’t have worried.  From the moment I saw her big, blue eyes and her pouting bottom lip, I was in love!  Now nearly 7 years old, Amelia has grown into a cheerful, bright and beautiful little girl who sings wherever she goes, yet who debates like a lawyer.  I still glow inside and smile every time I think of her!  Through her, I have re-discovered my inner child and the art of having fun!  My greatest pleasure is when I put her to bed each night, reading her stories then singing her to sleep with my guitar.  Still, nothing can compare to the joy I feel when she hugs me and tells me “I love you, Dada!”.  Being a Dad is such a wonderful thing!

3. Kurt about his daughter, Lindsay – It is a privilege to see the world from the perspective of a father.  Experiencing the triumphs and defeats, and joys and sorrows with one’s child gives great strength to a man’s soul.

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Our thanks go out to all the fathers who shared and we wish everyone a very happy Father’s Day!

A Father’s Day Love Story: June 17, 2012

There’s nothing like the love of a father for his child. It was touching to read these messages from fathers to their children in honor of this special day.

1. Kenny about his daughter, Joy - The first time I saw my first daughter, I wrote down a phrase on a piece of paper: “Finally, I have the chance to see you, little creature!  Just by looking at you, my full body will melt!!!”

2. Tommy to his daughter, Winifred (Winnie) - Becoming a father is one of the most magical, emotional and proudest days of my life. I feel so blessed to be lucky enough to experience watching each day as my daughter Winnie blossoms into a beautiful soul. It’s the little moments with her that mean the most to me, like holding her asleep in my arms a few minutes longer before I put her down, watching her first everything and sharing with my wife the funny little things she did that made me laugh so hard I couldn’t help but share. I hold onto each and every smile, gaze and memory like a treasure.  In this lifetime all I want to be is the best parent I can and to hold her hand and guide her through life, keeping her safe from harm and allowing her to shine like the sun.

3. William IV to his son, William V - “A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be, A father is someone who carries pictures where his money used to be.” I thought I knew happiness and joy prior to the birth of my son, but I met them the day he was born.  My son is truly the greatest gift this world has offered me and I am eternally grateful.  My mission as a father is to raise my son to be the man that I was raised to be and to lead him with a firm, but gentle hand.  I was blessed to have been brought up by what I deem the best dad in the world.  My son carries his name and will always get all of the attention, direction, and love I have to give in order to prepare him to pave his own way, just as my dad did for me.

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Reading these reflections warmed our hearts and we were excited to be able to share these endearing words of love with our readers. No matter what father figure you play, we’ve learned from above that the little moments are what fatherhood is all about. If you have a Father’s Day story or reflection, we’d love for you to share it with us.

Fashion Forward Friday: Dress It Up

This season, a lightweight flowing dress is a closet necessity, perfect for everyday outings, date nights, and parties. Check out five of our favorite must-have dresses for this season that are sure to have you looking your best:

1. Rachel Zoe Gown- Beau Ruffle Dress

2. Forever21- High Low Ditsy Floral Dress

3. Katie Ermilio- Draped 2-in-1 Dress

4. Woodblock Wonder- Strapless Dress

5. Madewell- Tunic Dress

We’d love to hear about your favorite summertime dress for this season!

D.I.Y. Hen and Chicks: Our Brown Thumb Solution

If you have a brown thumb like us, we have found the perfect plant for you. Hen and Chicks are everywhere this season in bridal magazines, bouquets, and home decor. It’s the plant that keeps on giving. Once you have one hen, you will have chicks for years on end.

Working with Hen and Chicks is as easy as one, two, three:

1. Find a Hen at your local garden shop or ask a friend to share.

2. Gather an assortment of rocks in your garden and any type of soil – you don’t need much.

3. Find your favorite container. We tried combining teacups with other items just laying around the house!

Feel free to play around and get creative. There’s no wrong way to create a centerpiece, favor, or home decoration. Check out a couple of our fun ideas below:

Feel free to share how you have gotten creative with Hen and Chicks this season!

Fashion Forward Friday: Chevron Chic

As event detail experts, we are always inspired by patterns and design trends. While at the New York Stationery show last week we couldn’t help but notice so many great patterns popping up everywhere, especially chevron, one of our favorites. You’ll find this fun pattern in home, fashion and of course paper.

[Photo credit: Whisker Graphics, Soho Paper, Anthropologie]

Loving these paper details? You can get them through Something Fabulous by contacting ideas@somethingfab.com

D.I.F.Y. Cupcake Pick-Me-Up

Today’s D.I.F.Y. (Do It For Yourself) post is all about indulgence – we were having one of those crave-days at SF and decided to treat ourselves to a little afternoon delight. Always remember there’s nothing wrong with breaking the diet once in a while and indulging in a little sweet treat during the day. One word: Yum!

A Mother’s Day Love Story

Last week, in honor of Mother’s Day, we asked our Fabulous readers to share some photos and reflections on how motherhood has changed their lives, we were so touched with their responses and are so excited to tell each mom’s story…

Motherhood Moments:

1. “Motherhood brings out the love, patience, and faith I didn’t know that existed in me!  The sheer sense of responsibility used to scare me about having kids.  But now I realize they are definitely gifts from God!  There are still hard days when you wrestle with rules and sleep deprivation, but every little hug and kiss makes it all worthwhile… I am simply amazed by God’s wonderful creation and am so thankful for the living miracles I see in my little ones everyday!”  – Margaret (Taipei, Taiwan)

2. “What in my life hasn’t changed now that I’ve become a mom?! It’s great, but nothing is the same. Having a baby has definitely taught me to appreciate the small things in life… like a hot shower, sitting down to enjoy a good meal, and a full night’s sleep.”  – Sara (Royal Oak, Michigan)

3. “It’s the little moments that I love the most about being a mom. Yes, watching Winnie learn to crawl and stand on her own are huge milestones and are amazing, but for me it’s the little moments that have melted my heart. Dancing with her in the living room, twirling her around and watching her face light up… She smiles so big when her daddy joins in and it’s these moments that bring me the most joy. I’m so grateful to have this beautiful little girl and to be reminded every day to take in the little moments, find beauty in the simple things and to know what truly matters in life.”  – Jennifer (Fairfax, Virginia)

4. “In the eyes of my child everyday is a celebration and I am wonderful. She is still at an age that she is my biggest fan, and I cherish every day of that as I know it won’t last forever. She makes me want to be a better daughter to my mother. Amelia looks to me to solve her big problems ‘Mommy, I had an accident…’. I love taking care of her as well as taking the time to teach her. She hasn’t figured out yet that I am only human doing the best I can. The faith she shows me gives me the courage to try harder and the patience to try, try again. She has given my life joy and unconditional love in a way I couldn’t understand before her. Because of her I know that fairies are real, life is magical and chocolate IS a vegetable! Well, maybe not exactly… but, that’s my girl! ; ) “  – Kimberly (Rochester, Michigan)

Mother’s Day is an amazing day to honor moms, but the truth is that for most mothers, every day is “Mother’s Day”, and every day is a special day.