Reader Elaine sent me over a link to a quite entertaining blog, A Fanciful Twist. The author Vanessa was inspired by this paper flower chandelier from the Spring 2009 Anthropologie catalog. She created her own whimsical paper flower chandelier using patterned papers. I could see this used in a wedding setting or even for a shower. You could use all the same color paper for a cleaner look! Check out the tutorial over at A Fanciful Twist.

{images via A Fanciful Twist.}

How cute is this DIY wreath? The best part is how simple it is- all you need is a little cardboard, some patterned paper, a leaf-shaped craft punch and some hot glue! How precious!

{images from Avie Designs}

You can go check out Avie Designs for the full tutorial. I can only imagine how awesome this could be in all different color schemes! Add a Cardboard Letter in the center for a fab monogram! Thanks to my friend Emily at Sassy Smolak for sharing this adorable DIY! Thought you guys would love it!

I am lucky to have alot of crafty, talented friends. When I saw Ashley’s pics pop up on my facebook wall of these adorable paper flowers, I knew I HAD to share them with you!! These colorful, cheery flowers would make a great DIY centerpiece for a wedding day table, and best of all they won’t cost much to make!

Ashley generously offered to share a tutorial with you in order to make these. She even made it into a snazzy PDF that you can download, complete with her own illustrations and templates for the flower shapes!! Too awesome!

Not only is Ashley a great crafter, but she is a talented graphic designer and illustrator as well. You can visit her website at www.AshleyDHairston.com
If you have any questions for Ashley you can email her at mail{at}ashleydhairston.com.

Thank you so much Ashley for sharing this adorable project with us!! What do you think of Ashley’s creation? Would you like to see more DIY projects on BSB?

Savers.com recently contacted me about their awesome DIY projects on the Wedding section of their site. Some of these projects are SO cute and are totally doable and affordable! Check out what they had to say about their DIY projects:

DIY wedding projects are the perfect way for brides to save money without sacrificing style on the big day. Those looking to create truly unique decor on a budget can find all the treasures needed at Savers thrift stores – interesting fabrics, vintage ware, buttons, baubles and more. To show budget savvy brides how to transform these goods into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind affair, Savers thrift stores and crafting expert Blair Stoker from the crafting blog Wisecraft put together some tips and project guides that are sure to inspire creativity in DIY pros and newcomers alike. From boutonnieres to ‘thank you’ gifts, anyone can create the perfect look for the perfect day with these projects found on Savers.com :

• Chic Chairs

• Bygone Era Boutonnieres

• Ring Bearers Pillow

• Glorious Glass Centerpiece

• Tasteful Teacup ‘Thank You’

• Pillowcase Napkins

• Fixating Overhead Fixture

• Mr. & Mrs. Chairs

• And Even a Wedding Gown!

For full instructions and images of each project, you can visit www.savers.com/Weddings.aspx . All projects can be tailored to any color scheme, allowing for complete customization – every bride’s dream! Many of these projects can also be used for summer entertaining in general – birthday celebrations, showers, or even a backyard picnic party.

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Thanks to Savers.com for sharing these adorable projects with BSB. I am in love with the ring bearer pillow and the stitching hoop Mr. and Mrs. signs. Which project is your favorite?

Longtime BSB reader Lindsey has offered to share a quick and easy DIY tutorial with us today to help you craft napkin rings that you can use for your reception! Pair these simple napkin rings with your napkins to spice up your table settings. It’s amazing how a easy and inexpensive project can really add color to your table and an extra detail to swoon over! Finding budget-friendly ways to tie your theme and vision together are what make beautiful budget savvy weddings! Thanks Lindsey for sharing this with us! -Jessica

The colors for my February beach-themed wedding were aqua and coral, and starfish were incorporated in most of the details. I had been on the hunt for the perfect napkin rings to use with our aqua napkins but wasn’t finding anything. Thankfully, my mom is a crafting genius! If I don’t find what I’m looking for – or find it but it’s too expensive – we just figure out how to make it!

Here’s how to make your own napkin rings:

Use a 12” x 12” cardstock weight paper in your desired color. Using a paper trimmer, cut in to 1” x 12” strips. Use an adhesive, such as Glue Dots brand, to secure the beginning and end of the cardstock strip into a circle to make the desired circumference. Use two adhesive dots.

In my case, we bought about 100 starfish from a beach shop, and my mom painted each one with acrylic paint (Americana or Folk Art brands) and a foam brush. (She’s awesome, isn’t she?!) Then add your embellishment of choice with an adhesive dot to the top of the cardstock circle, and voilà! (The cost came out to less than $1 per napkin ring.)

You can buy a paper trimmer, cardstock, glue dot adhesive and embellishments at your local craft store. Have fun!

Photo courtesy of AR Annahita Photography + Graphic Design

Lindsey Robertson is a public relations professional in North Central Florida. She got married in February in Gainesville after wedding planning for 14 months. Lindsey and her husband honeymooned in Charleston and Savannah and live in Florida with their three cats.