Planning Planning Planning

More inspiration.....

[tissue paper poms]

[monogrammed floral flag]

[hanging lanterns]

[cupcake towers]

[fabric flower garland]

Sigh. So much to do, so little time.

The Plunge

I think we've given in!

After endless back and forth.....we've decided to NOT run off and elope completely alone for the attractive cost of $50........we've decided to rent a space and throw a party for our wedding. It really would be special to be surrounded by those we love. Not a full-on-traditional 'reception' however.......a rough around the edges laid back live-music EXPERIENCE.

We're looking at a really sweet music venue - and hopefully planning on having a friend's AMAZING band play. I've been up ALL night researching. I want to stay on a strict and tight budget..........and I want it to be DIY/handmade/homemade.......simple, eco-chic.

Some inspiration I've fallen in love with thus far.......

[Clear wine bottles - with gorgeous tapered candles at all different heights......how GORGEOUS and stunningly simple is this. I can hunt these bottles for free and pull this 'centerpiece' idea together for just the cost of candles!]

[Lovely home-made garland!]

Oh man.........the planning commences.

Momma Bear

My mom is my everything! I don't have enough proper vocabulary to begin to describe how marvelous she is. I affectionately call her my momma bear, and yes, although I am a 25 year old 'grown up' lady, I will always be her BABY BEAR.

On a girls trip to New York City last year, during which I was esteemed tour-guide, my momma pulled her shoulder dragging a suitcase with broken wheels through the maze of staircases and train stations. I to this day feel terrible that I didn't snatch it from her and help more along the way.......because her shoulder has been bothering her ever since. She's recently been getting acupuncture which seems to help. I was thinking what I could possibly do to help in some way. A way that preferably utilized my sewing machine. :-)

I GOT IT. A homemade rice-filled HEAT PACK! (or cold pack - if you pop it in the freezer) All-natural to boot, gotta love that. I excitedly went out to get all of the 'ingredients' for this project. Muslin for the inner sack of rice - linen, felt, velcro, and stuffing for the outer cover. I had a vision. It would be a 'momma bear'.....for the Momma Bear!

I cut out the body and arms -- I specifically wanted to make arms so you would be able to 'wrap' it around and secure it in place of whatever body part.

Sewed around most of the muslin 'sack' and left a little opening to funnel rice in.

TA DA!

This is what ended up happening for the MOMMA BEAR cover:

Velcro on the hands....Excuse my TERRIBLE embroidery skills! :-) haha

And I sewed all 3 sides and left the bottom open with lace strands to tie bottom together, easy access!

A great tip I wish I knew of BEFORE sewing the rice sack closed........is to add some essential oils into the rice and/or potpurri type dried flowers or herbs. Great idea.