Flowerless Bouquets 1 - Fabric

Today's wedding bouquets and centerpieces aren't limited to fragrant blooms. For the next five weeks, I'll be showing you my favorite flower alternatives, from new DIY creations to bouquets rich in history (and heirloom antiques!), from transient arrangements that look beautiful at your event to permanent keepsakes that'll look beautiful for generations to come.

Option 1: Fabric Bouquets

The great thing about fabric is it comes in every color imaginable (and if you <i>don't</i> find the shade you need, you can always design your own at Spoonflower.com!), making it a great option for brides who want flowers in non-natural colors like dark teal or their favorite blooms at times of the year when they aren't readily available.

For added elegance, sew small jewels (pearls, rhinestones) or beads into the fabric flower centers or around the edges of the petals. Fabric flowers can look surprisingly realistic, and are often significantly cheaper than real blooms - plus, they'll last forever as a great wedding keepsake!

For a less realistic-looking (but perhaps more beautiful) bouquet, mix solid colors with patterned fabrics, or play with texture by adding lace and using different types of texture.

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Summer Color Combo - Gold & Coral

Coral is perhaps *the* color of this summer - and gold gives it a perfect level of sophistication for elegant affairs! This gorgeous color scheme is a great blend of modern and timeless, and would also be beautiful for spring (especially with a lighter coral color) or autumn (thanks to the richness of the gold)!

Tie coral bouquets with gold ribbons or place coral blooms in gold vases. Deck your tables in coral tablecloths accented with gold chivari chairs and gold place settings. And there's no shortage of coral and gold jewelry at your disposal - use coral and gold beads to fill clear vases and adorn your centerpieces and favors with gold and coral ribbons!


I also think this color scheme would be beautiful for a family room or other living space. The coral and gold are so warm and inviting!

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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Where the Story Ends"

Metallic copper is a great neutral for almost any event - pair it with snow white and cream to let the copper really shine as the star!

"Where the Story Ends" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

This stationery set uses a horizontal pocketfold envelope in metallic copper. The invitation is attached to the main part of the envelope with a series of small metallic copper brads and cream striped ribbon for added texture; the reply card and reply envelope are easily tucked into the side pocket for mailing.

The invitation and reply card are both printed on smooth white cardstock. The smooth texture of the paper really helps the metallic shine of the envelope and the subtle texture of the ribbon stand out and take center stage!

 
Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Under Formal Circumstances"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Summer Color Combo - Royal Blue & Magenta

Magenta is a great color for summertime because it's so bright and saturated! Pair it with a rich royal blue for a sophisticated color scheme.

Wrap magenta bouquets in royal blue ribbons or place them in blue painted porcelain vases for classy centerpieces. And with such a bright color scheme, don't shy away from having some fun with it! For a funky twist on vintage props, spray paint wire bird cages, old bicycles, and ornate picture/mirror frames hot pink!

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Fun Bandana Decor

I love bandanas - they're colorful and cute, and they're useful for so much more than just wearing. They're so carefree and summery, they're perfect decor for this time of year!

1. Use bandanas to jazz up your patriotic Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day party or picnic!

2. Bandanas come in other colors, too! Use them for outdoor parties, office picnics, children's birthday parties, and decorating your house (especially kids' bedrooms or nurseries)!

Bandanas are perfect alternatives for cloth napkins, make great flags, banners, tablecloths, and table runners, and easily roll up for utensil holders or clever nut/popcorn carriers!

And bandanas aren't limited to just summer, either - orange and black bandanas are great for Halloween and other autumn events!

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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Beyond the Veil"

Today's Sunday Sample Spotlight design has a lot going on - so we'll take it slow and address each detail separately. :)

"Beyond the Veil" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

First, the invitation (which was printed on white cardstock and mounted to a dark purple cardstock background) was attached to the metallic gold pocketfold envelope, which I had accented with solid purple scrapbook paper on the left flap and right side pocket.

I used an elegant script like font and added a lace-like pattern to the top edge of both the invitation and reply card to give it sophistication.

Then, I used those strips of pattern as a guide for the placement of the small gold brads that would hold the several layers together. For the reply card, I simply added a layer of semi-sheer purple vellum and cinched the vellum, white cardstock, and purple cardstock together with three brads. 

For the invitation, I also add two stripes of cotton ribbon, which added dimension while still allowing some of the pattern underneath to shine through.

Finally, I frayed the ends of each line of ribbon, to give it a bit of a deconstructed look. The gold brads on either end hold the ribbon in place and keep it from continuing to fray past the brad. I liked the added dimensionality and texture of the frayed ends, which I thought made the cream/white stripes along the ribbon more pronounced (since you could see that different individual threads were different colors), as well as added an unexpected casual feeling to an otherwise over-the-top elegant invitation.


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: A crisp green and white design perfect for spring!


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Valentine's Day Color Combo #2 - Cherry Red & Aqua

I've featured a red and aqua inspiration board on this blog before - and I've even featured a red and aqua stationery set for a "Sunday Sample Spotlight" post - but the color scheme is so versatile and exciting that it bears repeating.

Today's inspiration board is different from the one I posted last March because it specifically focuses on Valentine's Day decor:

I love the idea of scrapbook-paper "fortune cookies" (the first three pictures on the left of the first row), as well as the fabric patchwork-like banner that spells out l-o-v-e in different red and aqua fabrics. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to emphasize cute, so don't be afraid to don a fun aqua dress dotted with bright red cherries - or keep things romantic and simple by decorating a two-person "sweetheart" table with a centerpiece of classic red roses tucked into aqua-blue glass jars and bottles.

Just like yesterday's Valentine's Day color scheme of ballet pink and black, red and aqua also makes a great color combo for birthdays, children's bedrooms, or nurseries!


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Valentine's Day Color Combo #1 - Ballet Pink & Black

Pale pink and black is a classic color scheme for Valentine's Day because it's become associated with two very romantic things - the unitards and tutus of ballet costumes, and the City of Love, Paris. (Just try to find a cutesy notebook adorned with the Eiffel tower and French poodles that doesn't use this color scheme - I dare you!)

This color combo brings out the little girl in all of us, reminding us of our childish dreams of becoming a ballerina (or princess) when we "grew-up." Play up this nostalgia with feather boas, flowers, bows, and polka-dots - or take this color scheme into a new, grown-up level of sophistication with sexy black lace, damask patterns, or forever-stylish "French bistro" white and black stripes, and then inject calculated doses of hot pink to liven the mood.

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Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Carlotta & Laney

Both of today's featured patterns boast thin lines - but how are they different? Read on to find out!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Carlotta

Why it's "fancy": Thin lines form loops, elegant X's, and modified diamond shapes; altogether, the pattern harkens to classic preppy prints like argyle and plaid.

Why it's great: I love the play of positive and negative space. You can choose to focus on the large circles (which are really more like 12-sided polygons), the two X's within each figure-eight, or the starburst/diamond shapes.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Laney

 Why it's "funky": Though the ribbon-like lines are thin, elegant, and loopy, they connect to each other in unique ways, creating an optical illusion. Because each "stripe" of pattern faces the opposite way, the diagonals play tricks on our eyes - stare at the pattern for two long and the lines look like they're moving!

Why it's great: This entire pattern was created just from a cursive-inspired font's capital L character!

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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Take a Bow"

I love this colorful stationery set!

"Take a Bow" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

First, I chose a hot pink folding "Cascade" envelope, hot pink reply envelope, and pale yellow envelope to tuck everything inside.

Then I adorned the left flap and right pocket of the folding "Cascade" envelope with pieces of pastel-colored stripe-patterned scrapbook paper.

The invitation and reply card are printed in purple and black text with thin pink stripes (and one thick stripe at the top) and a pale yellow background.

Then I used "glue dots" to secure a strip of green ribbon across the top of both the invitation and reply card (to reference the green stripe in the pastel scrapbook paper). I tied two small bows out of the same green ribbon, and attached them with one glue dot each to the strip of ribbon already stuck to the paper.

I chose a unique elongated font for the design's text to mimic the vertical length of the scrapbook paper stripes.

Because of the colors and bow accents, this stationery set would be great for children's birthday parties, baby announcements or baby showers - but it could be appropriate for almost any event. The pale pastel scrapbook paper and yellow invitation and outside envelope give it a vintage feel that would totally work for a unique, whimsical wedding!

Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: A stationery set featuring the beautiful shade of Tiffany blue


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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Through the Glass"

For the first Sunday Sample Spotlight of 2013, I present you with this elegant stationery set with a color scheme perfect for winter events - "Through the Glass."

"Through the Glass" Invitation Duo (invite & info card)

I used a metallic silver "Himalaya" pocketfold envelope with matching metallic silver cardstock as the main color of this sparkly stationery set. The invitation and information sheet are both printed on classic white cardstock, and then mounted to the silver backing with light blue brads and a beautiful two-toned blue ribbon.

The ribbon is a unique blend of satin and sheer - the shiny blue satin mimics the sparkle of the silver cardstock and envelope, while the sheer blue stripe lets the underlying pale blue pattern show through.

I love that when the envelope is folded closed, the silver speaks for itself. When you start to open it, the elegant pattern and ribbons are the first things you see!

As you can see in the photos below, the shiny silver envelope and paper can have quite a bit of sparkle to them, depending on the light. Just because paper is static and flat doesn't mean it has to be boring! Metallic papers are a great way to add interest and depth to your stationery.

The main invitation is only attached to the silver envelope on the left side (the three brads pierce through the ribbon, white cardstock, silver cardstock, and silver envelope), so you can lift up on the right side of the invitation for a peak of more of the beautiful silver envelope underneath!

This stationery set would be great for any elegant winter event, including December holidays, weddings, and anniversary dinners.

Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Art Nouveau"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Winter Color Combo: Dark Green & "Christmas Glow"

You know what "glow" I'm talking about - the color of your normally beige walls when warm electric Christmas lights reflect around the room and the color of flickering candle flames - the artificial glows we create to compensate for the lack of brilliant sunshine this time of year. Pair that warm golden orange glow with the dark green of a Christmas tree, and you have a unique but beautiful holiday-themed color scheme.

This color scheme is perfect for a holiday party, but also works great for winter weddings. Adorn mantles with evergreen boughs and orange flowers. Cover tables with dark green tablecloths and make a centerpiece entirely out of glowing candlesticks staggered at different heights. Hang golden orange paper lanterns from the ceiling and wrap silky green ribbons around chairs, napkins, and party favors.

The end result is breathtaking. The warmth of the orange and the depth of the forest green instantly make your guests feel at home, since they mimic the quiet colors of lit fireplaces, family gatherings, and Christmas trees.

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Winter Color Combo: Sky Blue & Light Olive

Blue and green are both on the "cool" side of the color wheel - making this color combo great for winter events!

The light sky blue instantly reminds you of the color of frost, while the olive adds a hint of warmth (since it's green mixed with a bit of yellow or brown) and alludes to the eventually-returning spring. There are a lot of great olive and blue fabrics out there that would make for great tablecloths, and several light green flowers to choose from for decoration (such as cymbidium orchids, mums, lisianthus, gladiolus, hydrangea, and carnations).

Winter is also a great time to use bare tree branches or tree silhouettes (like the neckties pictured in the first row of the above inspiration board). You can carry that theme throughout your wall decor with tree stencils or peel-away wall stickers, and also incorporate tree branches into your reception centerpieces.

This color scheme is also great for interior design, and works best in a calming location, such as a breezy living room, nursery, or relaxing bedroom. :)

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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Friends Forevergreen"

Nothing feels more like winter than forest green pine trees paired with the crisp color of pure white snow!

"Friends Forevergreen" Invitation Duo (invite & info insert)

In this stationery set, the text is decorated with photographic evergreen scrapbook paper, transparent green ribbons, and warm metallic copper brads. I used a recycled ivory "Himalaya" fold envelope, and pasted scrapbook paper to the left flap and right side pocket.

I also scanned in the scrapbook paper to incorporate the design at the tops and bottoms of each printed sheet, helping the invitation and information card relate both to each other and the evergreen-decorated envelope!

Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "The Purple Petal"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Winter Color Combo: Neon!

You might not think of neon colors when you're considering winter hues, but neon is a great color combo choice to add some spark to the coldest months of the year. :)

Don't be afraid to use several different shades, from neon yellow, pink, and orange to the more unusual electric blues and greens. There are almost limitless opportunities to incorporate neon throughout your event. Decorate tables by spray painting old vases or vintage metal lanterns with shades of neon, and then keep the flowers to a more delicate white. Tie neon bows to the backs of chairs, and hang old neon signs on the wall to give off a funky vibe. Serve colorful cocktails and brightly frosted cupcakes.

For a wedding, have each bridesmaid pick a different neon color to wear, and adorn the walls of the venue with re-purposed picture frames and mirrors that you've spray painted with a coat of bright color. Then, give out neon-themed wedding favors like fun sunglasses (even in the middle of winter!), or rock sugar candy.

Then, bring everything together (and give all the neon accents the perfect backdrop) with a season-appropriate neutral like crisp clean white. Your guests will forget all about the raging snowstorm outside and feel like they've entered a tropical paradise!

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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Le Moulin Rouge"

Today's stationery sample is all about the embellishments: two thick ribbons visually cut the printed invitation into thirds, while the large gold brads dot the ribbons like buttons on a fashionable jacket.

"Le Moulin Rouge" Invitation

This invitation uses a red petal-fold envelope, gold brads, and a unique sparkly ribbon that features stripes of pink and red. The text is printed in pink and red to match the ribbon and envelope, with the most important information written in a fun vintage font reminiscent of the 1920s.

Since this invitation doesn't have a lot of information (as it's an invitation to a couple's thirtieth anniversary party), there was plenty of room to play around with presentation. The petal-fold envelope folds down and covers the entire invitation - so when the recipient opens it, the colorful ribbon, large brads, and fun font are all unexpected surprises!

This red and pink color scheme would also work great for Valentine's Day!


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: A modern black & blue color scheme!


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Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Peacock Alley"

Peacock feathers have been in style the last year or two, and it's no surprise why - the colors are gorgeous, and their design is so exotic and their nature so fragile that they give off an aura of luxury that's perfect for formal events like weddings.

"Peacock Alley" Invitation Trio (invite, info insert & reply card)

This stationery set was designed to fit inside a "Cascade" pocketfold envelope. The invitation takes up the flat part of the envelope in the middle, while the information insert (which features text about accommodations and rehearsal dinner info) and reply card and envelope slide into the pocket on the right. The "Cascade" envelope and reply envelopes are the perfect soft metallic blue to tone down the bright greens and cyan found in the feather illustrations printed on the stationery.

I designed the peacock feather image using Adobe Illustrator's pen tool. The multi-colored feathers are made of dark green, lime green, cyan, and hints of peach, with the characteristic "eye" of the feather done in the same cyan and peach, with a dark navy blue center. I chose a simple calligraphic font to add to the elegance of the design, and printed the text in cyan and green.

I added a sheet of thin semi-sheer pastel blue vellum over the main invitation and information insert to tie the stationery back to the light blue of the envelopes and give it an even more formal appearance. To attach the vellum overlay, I punched four holes at the top of the invitation and threaded a ribbed salmon-colored ribbon through the holes, to reflect the peach tones in the feather illustration.

The ribbon is not tied, glued, or secured in any way, and can easily be pulled out to allow the guests to view the design without the vellum attachment. This also helps the ribbon stay flat inside the envelope, and keep it from looking too messy or getting bunched up. In this example, I threaded the ribbon so that most of the ribbon was on the back of the invitation, leaving only two hints of color at the top (as seen from the front). I did this because I only wanted a hint of salmon pink, leaving the majority colors to be the stereotypical blues and greens associated with peacock feathers, but it could just as easily be threaded the other way to expose more of the elegant ribbon.


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Elaborate Lives"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.