Pretty Chalkboards!

I'm sure if you frequent design or wedding blogs you've already been seeing some really pretty chalkboard signs.  They are so great for party menus and in my case, beer menus!  I found an old mirror with a cool frame at a thrift store and used chalkboard spray paint on the glass mirror.  Super easy!  Now I just need to learn calligraphy so I can make mine as pretty as the pros!  Here are some images of my favorite chalkboard signs.

Our Beer Menu for the Cake-Off Party!

Happy Friday!

Bits of paper and other things I'm currently obsessing over....

All images source

Happy Birthday to ME!

Yay!  It's my birthday!  Okay so I'm not actually doing anything spectacular today and it's a pretty normal work day meeting with a couple clients and so forth.  I'll be celebrating with my friends in my home town on Saturday!  But in the theme of birthdays, I thought I post some of my favorite DIY birthday invitations and decorations!   There are so many out there that are super clever and cute!  Enjoy!

 

DIY tissue paper fringe garlands by Oh Happy Day!

DIY bunting with baby photos by The Sweetest Occasion

Mini bunting birthday card by HowAboutOrange

Fabulous Fringe garlands via Design Sponge

Paper garland by Hank + Hunt

Amazing fringe branch mobile by Confetti Systems!

Another Via Confetti Systems!  These guys are pros.

Autumn Tablescapes

This time of year makes me want so much to get out in nature, partly because it's so beautiful out but also because I know that soon Minnesota will turn into a horrible frozen wasteland.   I'm going to be throwing a small-ish shindig out at my family's cabin in the woods soon and even though it's going to be a super casual day it still gets me thinking about menu planning, and how everything is going to look when spread out over the big wooden table by the fire pit.  So with that in mind, here are some of dreamy autumn tablescapes!

Casual Chic Wedding

Just have to point you to a wonderful wedding over at Snippet & Ink!  Reading the couples perspective about their wedding reminded me so much of our own feelings 4 years ago. Basically of how they tossed around the idea of eloping but ultimately realized that weddings are in many ways more about your families coming together and connecting than about you two.  This couple kept it casual & relaxed yet very chic to reflect their personal style.  Here's a sampling of pics from their wedding.  You can see more here.

Balloons!

Normally when I think of balloons at an event I think of cheesy prom decorations, retirement parties,.... not something you'd like to include in your wedding in other words.  But these beauties beg to differ.  Instead of the common shiny egg-shaped balloons you can buy at the supermarket, go for a big, perfectly round, matte balloon in a color to coordinate with your wedding.  Even just a single round balloon can be the perfect photo prop!   Scout around locally first but you can also order some here.