DIY Button "Bouquets"

Last weekend was Laura's baby shower! This time of year (close to Valentines Day) the price of flowers rises significantly so we opted for some non-flower alternatives. One of which were button bouquets pictured below. These are super simple to make, work with any color scheme, are cost effective and most importantly (we think) utilize less resources than fresh flower bouquets.

For this project you'll need:

- buttons

- floral wire

Start with lots of buttons in various shades of your color scheme. In our case it was pink, pink and more pink.

Now begin to make stacks of buttons for each "flower". Three or four buttons per stem is a good number. You want to vary the colors and shades-- or you can use three of one color and one small button on top for the center of the flower.

Bend the floral wire in half and thread the wire through two holes on each button. Push each button to the end of the loop on the floral wire.

Secure the buttons by twisting the floral wire all the way to the end. You're done!

Display groups of the button bouquets in small vases or tie them together with ribbon to decorate a place setting. When you're done with them you can untwist the wire and save the buttons for something else.

Easy, cute and environmentally responsible. We love it!

DIY Stocking Favors

Every party needs handmade and personalized elements so for Pete's 70th In Luau of Christmas party we made these stocking favors for guests to fill with candy. Here is how you can make some (for next year) or apply the concept to a design that fits your party...

Step 1: Gather your materials. In this case we used 1/2 yard each of red and green Hawaiian floral fabric and 1 yard of navy blue fabric (for the trim and backing). Using a less expensive solid backing is cost effective but doesn't compromise the look you're going for. You'll also need a rotary cutter, self-healing mat, ruler, sewing machine and thread.

Step 2: Print out a template in the size and shape of your favors (like this stocking one from Martha Stewart) or draw your own. Trace enough shapes for a front and a back for each favor. We made 16 stockings so there were 8 of each color for the front and 16 navy blue for the back.

Step 3: Measure the top of your stocking and cut out a rectangular piece for the "flap" of each stocking. We used pinking shears on the edge to give them a more decorative look.

Step 4: Pin the fold to the wrong side of the fabric (align it with the top) and sew approximately 1/8-1/4 inch seam just along the top side.

Step 5: Now flip the blue over so that it is now on top of the pattern and pin the backing to the stocking so that the flap and the right side of the fabric are sandwiched in the middle.

Step 6: Stitch along the edge of the stocking (see in the picture how the fabric is wrong-side out) but DO NOT stitch along the top, otherwise your stocking will be sewn closed.

Step 7: Trim any excess edge.

Step 8: Flip the stocking right-side out and iron flat.

Done! See how easy?

DIY Decorative Votives

The secret to the black damask votive holders we used for Christine's baby shower? Packing tape. Keep reading for the details...

Choose your votive (or vase, or table cloth, or glass-- the possibilities are endless) and cut a length of decorative packing tape to fit. For these we wrapped the packing tape from top to bottom on all four sides. Depending on the pattern you choose you could cut out certain sections and apply the design or just wrap the tape around the votive.

(Votive image from Wholesale Flowers and Supplies and packing tape from the Paper Source.)

I bet you didn't know packing tape came in so many varieties!Shop Kate's Paperie for the styles above or search "decorative packing tape" on Google. You will be amazed at how many there are to choose from! Using decorative packing tape to coordinate elements of your party is cost-effective and makes use of items you already have (read: environmentally friendly).

DIY Fabric Napkin Rings

This Saturday is Christine's baby shower and we are so excited to see it all come together! We used black and white damask ribbon on the invitations for this party and are tying in the pattern on the place settings with these fabric-wrapped napkin rings.

There are several things we love about this project. First, it is easy. If you can plug in a glue gun and wield a pair of scissors, you can make custom napkin rings. Second, this project was inexpensive and eco-friendly-- using fabric scraps and repurposed paper towel rolls. Third, it can be 100% personalized. Use any fabric you like to match any decor or table setting! Finally, this project is quick. Here is how you can make your own:


You need:

• fabric
• paper towel rolls
• scissors
• hot glue gun
• glue sticks
• rotary cutter (optional)
• self-healing mat (optional)

Using the scissors, cut a paper towel holder into 6 or 7 equal-sized pieces. We cut ours into 1 1/2 inch circles.

Trim fabric into 3 1/2 or 4 inch by 6 inch pieces-- one for each napkin ring.

Wrap the longest length of fabric around the outside of the cardboard ring. Glue one end of the fabric to the cardboard, then after you've wrapped it around, fold the finishing end over and glue the end down.

Fold the ends in, one side at a time, and glue them to the inside of the paper towel ring.

Don't be shy with the glue! You want the outside to look nice and finished but it is okay if the inside isn't perfect.

It is THAT easy! Next week we'll share pictures of the completed table settings we will be using these for.

DIY Votive Embellishment

Happy Friday! This week we've been posting more than usual because there has been so much going on, but next week we'll be back to our Feature Friday with a *sweet* feature (hint, hint). For now we'll leave you to your weekend with this EASY way to add some personalization to plain votives.

All you need is paper and double-sided tape. For Hunter's 18th Birthday we used origami paper with the colors of the party to decorate plain glass votives using this Martha Stewart tutorial. Origami paper is ideal because it is so thin and easy to work with. We also filled the votives with sand before placing the candles inside to add one more little beachy touch.

The results? A quick, simple punch of color and detail. Remember, it's all about the details.

Have a wonderful weekend!

DIY Flags

These may be the easiest do-it-yourself project ever, but these flags can make a big statement and add lots of (inexpensive) color and detail to your event decor.

Here is what you need:

- fabric

- pinking shears

- rubber bands

- dowels

Once you've decided on a color scheme (in this case we chose light blue, navy blue and red) select some fun fabrics for your flags that follow or compliment the palette.

1. Cut fabric squares using pinking shears into the desired size. We made flags for Hunter's 18th Birthday in two sizes, 4x4 inches and 12x12 inches. This is a no-sew project-- pinking shears make it so that the fabric doesn't fray, since it is not bound on the edges.
   
   
2. You'll need one fabric square, one dowel rod (we used chop sticks for the small flags!) and two rubber bands for each flag. Secure two corners of the fabric to the dowel rod using two rubber bands, one at the top of the dowel and one at the bottom of the length of fabric.

Note: For the small flags (on chop sticks) we used tiny rubber bands. You end up having to wrap those suckers quite a few times if you use regular-sized ones.

Here are the small flags once they are finished and ready to be packed up to take to the party. Couldn't be easier, right? This is also a project you can take with you and complete anywhere, even say, in the car... on a trip to Bodega Bay while your assistant is driving... ;)

Display your flags in sand like we did, staked right in the grass or in vases or planters. Cross your fingers for a little breeze and enjoy!

DIY: Chocolate spoons

In keeping with the spirit of chocolate, we're sharing one more do-it-yourself favor project from Katie and Jon's wedding. These white chocolate and milk chocolate spoons are delicious when used as coffee stirrers. They add just the right amount of flavor-- making your guests' morning cup of joe just a little bit more special. For those who aren't coffee drinkers, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the chocolate right off the spoon!


Here is what you need:

- spoons

- chocolate (you can use coating chocolate, chocolate chips, pretty much any kind of chocolate)

- wax paper

- mini cellophane treat bags

- ribbon


1. Using a double boiler, gradually melt the chocolate, stirring every couple of minutes until completely melted.

2. Take one spoon and dip the end into the melted chocolate, making sure both sides are covered and there is a small amount resting in the spoon. Hold the spoon above the bowl or double boiler for a couple of seconds to allow the chocolate on the bottom of the spoon to begin to set.

3. Carefully place the spoon down on the wax paper and allow the chocolate to harden.

4. Once the chocolate has set, you can drizzle the spoons with more chocolate (we drizzled white chocolate over milk chocolate and vice versa) if you'd like to add an extra touch.

5. When the spoons have hardened completely slip them into the mini cellophane treat bags and tie the bags closed with ribbon.

6. Attach a gift tag and you're done!


Not only is this DIY project ridiculously easy, you can modify it to fit your event with just the slightest changes. Add food coloring to white chocolate in order to incorporate your event's colors or mix in a small amount of flavoring to the chocolate as it is melting. We've been known to use mint extract, Kahlua, and amaretto and hazelnut liqueurs in our chocolate spoons. You can also pick up inexpensive but ornate flatwear at a local secondhand store instead of using plastic utensils (those would be perfect for a ladies' tea) and don't worry about all of the pieces matching-- there is charm in using a mismatched variety.

Set the completed spoons as part of your place setting or leave them resting in Irish coffee mugs on your tablescape. We'd love to see how you've incorporated these into your event so be sure to send us some pictures if you use them!

(I do apologize for not having pictures in this post-- for the LIFE of me, I can't find them. As soon as I do though, I'll add them!)

DIY: Coffee Bark

This weekend's Pear Tree Events wedding has a coffee "flavor" to it since the groom is a mad coffee fan. For table assignments we decided to go with small tins of coffee bark (think a combination between peppermint bark and chocolate covered espresso beans) labeled with each guest's name and table number. This bittersweet treat couldn't be easier to make and will be sure to keep your guests' energy up on the dance floor long into the night!
1. Gradually melt chocolate of your choice using a double boiler or in the microwave (being sure to stir at least every 30 seconds to a minute.) We used blocks of coating chocolate but chocolate chips would also work well.

2. When the chocolate has melted completely, add whole coffee beans and mix well. The chocolate to coffee bean ratio is entirely up to you. I tend to prefer more chocolate, but being that there was only a small amount going in each tin we opted to make the coffee bark heavier on the beans.

3. Pour the mixture onto cookie sheets covered with wax paper or cellophane. (Note: if you use cellophane make sure there are NO wrinkles in the plastic otherwise it will get caught in the creases of the chocolate... then you'll be forced to eat those pieces...)

4. Place the cookie sheets in the freezer for about half an hour. When the chocolate has cooled and set completely, remove the cookie sheets and set the slab of coffee bark on a hard surface. Break the coffee bark into small pieces and place into tins, goodie bags, or whatever you are using to present them. We purchased these tins from Beau Coup for 80 cents each, the chocolate was only $1 per package on sale (a STEAL) and whole coffee beans can be picked up pretty much anywhere you like to buy your coffee. That makes this DIY favor a very cost effective detail as well.

5. Attach labels or a gift tag and enjoy!

You'll see the finished product sometime in the coming weeks when we feature Katie and Jon's wedding. For guests who shy away from caffeine and for the youngin's attending this wedding, we filled the tins with red jelly beans. Something for everyone.

DIY: Program Fans

Appropriate for a HOT July wedding, we decided to print these wedding ceremony programs on fans that guests may use throughout the wedding and reception. At Pear Tree Events we are always looking for elements that have dual purposes. These make a thoughtful favor for guests and guide them through your event.

For this project you will need:

- white card stock (modify the colors to suit your wedding inspiration)
- black card stock
- craft sticks
- silver spray paint
- glue gun
- double-sided tape
- ribbon

1. Print your programs using the highest print quality on your printer and cut them into 6" squares. The front and back of the program need to be printed on two pieces of paper (no two-sided printing.) Round the corners (or use decorative scissors to embellish.) Cut the black card stock into 7" squares and round the corners. Using double-sided tape, affix each program centered onto a black card stock square.
2. Spray paint the craft sticks and allow to dry. Dab a small drop of hot glue on the end of the craft stick and attach it to the back of the program, leaving half of the stick hanging off the end. Dab with another drop of hot glue and attach the other side of the program. You should now have front and back sides with the stick securely in the middle.3. Tear four small pieces of double-sided tape and adhere the four corners of the program front to the back to keep the papers together while the fan is in use.
4. Finally, tie a 1" wide ribbon (or several thin ribbons in coordinating colors) onto the craft stick at the base of the program. Please tie a bow larger than the one pictured above... and cut the ribbon on the long side so the ends will be flowing. We made this sample a bit hastily, as we were working on another DIY project for the same bride all at once. Check back to see one of the favors we made!