Vintage 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!

Unique Guest Book Idea Paper Flowers

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.

Paper Cookie Wrapper Wedding Favor

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

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

Cookie Wrapped in Decorative Paper Wedding Favor IdeasCookie Wrapped in Decorative Paper Wedding Favors

  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

DIY Cookie Wrapper Tutorial Wedding Favor Ideas-2

DIY Cookie Wrapper Tutorial Wedding Favor Ideas-3

DIY Cookie Wrapper Tutorial Wedding Favor Ideas-5DIY Cookie Wrapper Tutorial Wedding Favor Ideas-6

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!

Pearl Accents for Flower Arrangement-2Pearl Accents in Flower 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.

Lace Wrapped Votive Holders

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

Lace Flower and Feather Fascinator

Materials needed:

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

Lace Rose Tutorial-2Lace Rose Tutorial-3

  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

Lace Rose Tutorial-4

Lace Rose Tutorial-5

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

DIY Hairpiece with Lace Roses

DIY Fascinator with Lace Roses

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

Lace Roses

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

Escort Cards on Frames

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.

Decorative Scissors

Escort Cards Cut with Decorative Scissors

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

Wedding Centerpiece with Picture Frames

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

Floral — Kio Kreations \ Photography — Kara Schultz \ Venue — Arrowhead Golf Club