Past to Present: DIY Projects and Instructions

One of my favorite details from Kara and Kristen‘s Past to Present vintage wedding concept was their innovative guest book idea.  I love how the paper flowers and decorative corkboard are more than just a guest book, they are also a keepsake for years to come!

To create this unique guest book, you will need:

• Picture frame in desired size
• Cork roll
• Fabric cut to size to cover cork
• Scrapbook paper or other decorative paper
• Push pins or brads

Instructions:

1. Unroll cork and secure to backing for picture frame
2. Cover with decorative fabric and secure with double-sided tape or fabric glue
3. Close and secure frame
4. Print flower template on the reverse of decorative paper.  Cut out flowers.
5. Stack 2-3 flowers of coordinating shapes and papers.  Push pin or brad through center
6. Have guests write messages on flowers then secure to corkboard!

Favors of homemade cookies were wrapped in decorative paper.

To create the lovely cookie favor wrappers, you will need:

• Favor tags
• Ribbon
• Decorative pliable paper (handmade paper works well)
• Scalloped-edge scissors

1. Download, print, and cut out cookie favor wrapper template on plain cardstock
2. Use template to cut out wrappers from handmade paper
3. With scalloped-edge scissors, cut around edges
4. With “good side” of paper turned outwards, place cooking in the middle of the wrapper
5. Fold wrapper flaps inward
6. Secure with ribbon, add favor tag (Kara and Kristen cut the edges of the tag with decorative scissors as well) and tie bow

Decorative pearl accents are a lovely accent to an arrangement.  To create them, simply dab hot glue on the end of 24-gauge wire and insert into pearl bead.  Cover wire with floral tape and insert into bouquet or arrangement!

Lace-wrapped votives add a vintage touch to any tabletop. 

1. Measure lace against votive by wrapping around (straight-sided votive holders work best for this project).  Leave 1/2″ of overlap and cut lace to desired length.
2. Secure one end of lace to votive with double-sided tape.
3. Wrap around votive and secure other end with double-sided tape.

Kristen and Kara created gorgeous lace roses to accent the centerpieces and bouquet, and transformed one into a fascinator as well!

Materials needed:

• Assorted lace, 3/4″ to 1″ thick is ideal
• Felt
• Fabric scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Sewing machine
• Pearls or decorative buttons

1. Cut felt into circle shape at least 2″ in diameter
2. Cut lace to 18″ lengths
3. Use your sewing machine basting stich along gathered edge of lace, securing thread only on one side
4. Pull one of the loose threads to make the lace bunch up as you want it
5. Add lace in a spiral pattern to felt circle with hot glue
6. Add an additional piece of gathered lace for fullness
7. Embellish the middle of the flower with pearls, buttons, etc

To create a fascinator, add feathers, brooch, and hair clip!

You can also tuck the lovely lace roses inside a bouquet as an accent to fresh flowers.

The lovely escort cards sat on fabric-lined picture frames.  Use the same method as the corkboard, just leave out the cork!

Decorative scissors can be found at any craft or hobby store and are usually in packs at a very low price.  Add some pizazz to DIY-printed escort cards by cutting the borders using the decorative scissors.

And one more lovely centerpiece picture, just because I couldn’t resist!

The Chicago-area wedding vendors that contributed to this Inspired Creations Contest concept are:

Floral – Kio Kreations

Photography – Kara Schultz

Venue – Arrowhead Golf Club