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.}

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?

One of the most expensive aspects of a wedding can be the flowers. Especially if you swoon over blooms that are out of season during the month of your wedding. Although the effect of beautiful fresh flowers is breathtaking, there are fabulous and budget-savvy alternatives to help you save some of your valuable budget bucks.

This will be an ongoing series on Tuesdays for the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy this look at alternatives to the typical flowers used in bouquets and decor. Perhaps it will inspire you to add your own personal touch to your big day as well.

This weeks’ special guest, Paper flowers! The great thing about paper flowers is that you can use them for your bridal flowers or for decor! Centerpieces, garlands… they can bring a really lovely handmade aspect to your special day.

paper anemone bouquet by St Judes Creations

I just love the look of this- who would ever know it wasn’t real? GORGEOUS!

This adorable DIY wedding shot by the fabulous Tara of Dixie Pixel featured TONS of paper flowers, all the bouquets and decor were made from paper! Beautiful!

Perhaps you remember the tissue paper pomanders my mom, her friends, and I slaved over for my own wedding? At only $5 per ball total, these balls of fluffy paper make quite a statement!

This paper garland tutorial is really simple with the help of a few paper punches and some glue! I just love paper garlands- you can really make some interesting decorations with paper that don’t cost alot of money!

What do you think? Would you attempt paper flowers for decor or your bouquets?

Stay tuned for upcoming posts in the Flower Alternatives series, including posts about button, fabric, feathers, felt, vintage brooches and more!