It’s amazing what you can do with a little glitter, paper, Mod Podge, a candlestick and a clear, dollar store plate.

My inspiration for these decorative plates came during a trip to a local art gallery. Being the collage fiend that I am, I was instantly drawn to a display of artfully collaged plates and platters in a dazzling array of colors. The plates  were selling for $80 + each – not an unfair price for a one-of-a-kind piece of art, but more than I wanted to pay. I observed one of the plates up close and realized that the artist had Mod Podged the back of a clear plate with a variety of papers and some glitter.

Utterly inspired, I made a beeline for the exit and found the nearest dollar store to load up on clear plates. I already had a heap of pretty papers and a drawer full of glitter at home. That evening my daughters and I collaged our first plate (this is a great project for kids!) and the result was even better than I expected.

Not only would these make great dessert plates, but also unique handmade gifts for your wedding party. (Note: these plates cannot be submerged in water. They must be wiped down by hand with a cloth.)

Here’s how to make ’em.

• You will need:
• Clear Glass Plate (mine was just under 10 inches wide)
  
• Clear candlestick (this is optional)
• Mod Podge
• Paint brush
• glitter
• tissue paper
• various origami or scrapbook papers
• dyed doilies (optional)

Brides have it bad for burlap.

Out of the oodles of DIY wedding projects we’ve  featured, the ones involving burlap are some of the most popular.

Brides have gone crazy for these DIY burlap wedding programs:

These coffee bean favors in burlap bags are also a huge hit:

Why is burlap such a popular fabric? It’s versatile, inexpensive, environmentally friendly (jute fibers are completely biodegradable and recyclable) and for brides having a rustic wedding, it’s an easy way to achieve an earthy look.

If you are thinking of adding burlap to your wedding decor, check out BurlapFabric.com, which offers one of the widest selections of burlap fabric in the industry. BurlapFabric.com has everything from burlap fabric rolls and jute webbing to burlap bags, twine and even authentic coffee bags. They also offer a wide variety of table linens, including napkins, tablecloths and place mats and other accessories made out of burlap. If you prefer to make your own linens, BurlapFabric.com offers wholesale burlap at a great price. Check out this fabulous table runner made out of burlap:

You can even buy burlap in your wedding colors:

Want to see more? Check out BurlapFabric.com – or find them on Facebook or Pinterest.

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My girls and I were pretty excited when a treasure-filled cardboard box showed up at my doorstep the other day. Inside it was the entire line of {styled} by Tori Spelling. Thankfully, my girls have different tastes from moi, so we all claimed our faves without having to fight over any of the pieces. Besides, there was more than enough jewelry to go around (actually, there was enough bling to accessorize the entire neighbourhood!).

For the next few months, I will be creating fun, wedding-related DIY projects using the {styled} by Tori Spelling line of jewelry.

My first DIY project? DIY brooch napkin rings.

These brooch napkin rings are an easy way to add a touch of elegance to a rustic chic wedding or bridal shower. They can also double as  favors for the ladies!

You will need:

• Ribbon
• Pendant or Brooch
• Napkin

Choose your pendant or brooch and weave a ribbon through the pin on the back of the brooch. Tie the ribbon around your napkin. Some of the {styled} by Tori Spelling pendants do not have pins on the back, but they have loops where you can tie your ribbon.

Don’t they look stunning? They definitely add some sparkle to your table!

Even though all the pendants are different, they look great together. You could even mix n’ match them with brooches found at yard sales and flea markets.

These would look amazing at an autumn wedding, but you could use them any time of the year.

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Weddings have become highly personalized events. Brides want their weddings to be as unique as they are – right down to the wedding rings.

That’s where Sorella Jewelry Studio comes in.

Sorella Jewelry offers handcrafted jewelry in gorgeous classic styles that are entirely customizable. The studio is owned by sisters Lynn and Beth Stefani who create original designs in precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, gold and sterling silver.

Their designs can be customized with personalized names, symbols and numbers. You can have any of their gold comfort fit bands engraved with your names with the choice of five lettering styles.

Their most popular ring designs are their Roman Numeral Bands for both men and women. You can have them engraved with the roman numerals of your engagement or wedding day, as an elegant reminder of your anniversary. These rings with cathedral-set pearls or diamonds are available in yellow, white and rose gold.

Their collection also includes roman numeral designs with birthstone gems and pearls, as well as diamond settings and diamond rimmed bands. Preview your date in roman numerals or the fonts of your lettering before you order with their customized online forms.

Keep your wedding day memories alive with your names, a few words from your vows, poem or meaningful phrase engraved into any of their pieces like these one-tone pierced name/message bands.

A piece from their collection would also make great gifts for your bridesmaids or family like a pendant, necklace or bracelet with each girl’s name on it.

Bring your own ring vision to life by working with Sorella to create your own custom ring.

For something to wear closer to your heart, try this double ring name pendant with two names linked together on a gold chain.

Not sure what romantic message to have engraved on your ring? Sorella has their own selection of message ideas, such as “always in my heart,” “today, tomorrow, forever,” “perfect love,” “be true” and plenty of lovely phrases to get you inspired and creative.

Check out some of the Sorella Jewelry Studio designs and inspiration on Pinterest too.

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What comes to mind when you think of candy apples? Are they a nostalgic part of your childhood – or were they a forbidden fruit?

Even though I indulged only once or twice a year, candy apples stand out from my childhood as one of my favorite fall treats.

Candy apples are associated with Halloween, fairs and carnivals – but lately they’ve become a popular homemade treat at weddings.

Personally, I think they’re perfect for the younger folks on your guest list; it’s not likely that grandma will be reaching for one, so if you are giving these as favors, offer an alternative for the older folks.

DIY Candy Apples Recipe

Ingredients

• 12-15 small apples
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Red food coloring (I used 16 drops. To create a rich ‘candy apple’ red (the type you see at fairs), you would have to add several more drops. I used regular food coloring, but I would have used natural food coloring if my local grocery store carried it.)
• a few drops apple or cinnamon flavor oil (optional…. I used apple because I had some on hand.)
• 12-15 sticks (I gathered poplar tree branches from my back yard.)
• A candy thermometer is necessary for this recipe.