To celebrate Percy Handmade's one year Etsy-versary, I have decided to have a birthday sale! All items in stock are now 10% off for a limited time only - discount will be provided through PayPal after checkout.
I can't believe how quickly the past year has flown by. I can't believe it was only 14 months ago that I decided to teach myself how to sew. I first met my beloved sewing machine, Percy, when I asked my wonderful boyfriend for a sewing machine at Christmas in 2008. I had absolutely no idea how to use it or what I was going to make with it but for some reason I just knew I had to sew. After all, I had been collecting fabrics and trims for several years but I never really knew what to do with them all.
As soon as I started playing with Percy, it totally consumed me. I was hooked. There were a few challenges early on (almost a few tears) and it was definitely a love/hate relationship for the first few weeks. I would often find myself in the early hours of the morning trying to figure out how to insert a bobbin, I had no idea where the light bulb was, I could never find the manual when I needed it, and it didn't help that I was frustrated with myself because I couldn't sew a straight line without breaking needles... I was a complete disaster! But it wasn't too long before I figured out some of the basic functions and within two months, Percy Handmade was born.
Thank you to all of my wonderful customers for your support over the past year. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you all and I look forward to the year head!
When it comes to your wedding day, you want to look drop dead gorgeous. Well, this seems more like a dream to some brides than reality. However, it does not have to be that way. Here are a few wedding makeup tips that can push you from looking good to looking great. These are cosmetic tips that a lot of bridal beauty shops use, and now you can use them too.
First of all, never buy your wedding day makeup online. Makeup looks different on every person that puts it on, and you are going to need to try a little on you before you get it. After all, you are not going to be able to do something with a lot of makeup that does not match your skin tone. On that same note, remember that most people do makeup wrong in the first place. This is because they put too much on to try and cover up their face. Well, makeup is not made to cover up your face, but is made to highlight your face. Remember this when doing your wedding makeup. Overdoing your wedding day makeup is going to give you that nice plastic look. Now won't that be nice?
If you are one of those people that normally does not like fake eyelashes, but you want them for that special day, then you better give them a few trial runs. Most wedding makeup styles do not let you in on this little tip, but fake eyelashes actually take a lot of getting use to. Remember that “big eyelashes” to you may only be small in photos so that is something else to think about as well. Also be sure that you find a brand of fake eyelashes that does good for you. This could mean that you have to go through a few different brands to find the ones that you truly want.
So you heard that bridal beauty spas use airbrushing to make everyone look pretty, and you want to try that? Well remember that you need your skin to be moisturized to even stand a chance at this working. Too many brides dry out their skin as a way to clear up blemishes. However, this will keep the airbrushed makeup from getting on smoothly. This leaves you with a very rough and old texture. Now, is that what you want for your wedding day? The best way to do this is to use a good moisturizer and to drink water; lots and lots of water. That's right girls, eight glasses of water is not only healthy, but it does wonders for your skin's moisture level.
For those ladies that are getting married during those hot months. Think about picking up some icy bags. Putting some ice bags in your cosmetic bags will keep your makeup from melting. This is a tip that works for people who are getting married or not. This is something that every women should not be without.
If you are going to get anything waxed, then you need to get it done about two days before your wedding day. If not, you are going to show up with redness and swelling all over your face. This happens often with eyebrow waxing.
Also, it is not a good idea to have your hair cut the day before your wedding! What if you do not like it? Is your hair going to grow back overnight? Of course not! You need to get your hair trimmed at least three weeks before the wedding. Do not do anything drastic this close to your wedding day. Remember, you want your groom to recognize you when you walk down that aisle!
These wedding day tips are going to help you look the best. The main thing to remember is that you need to do whatever you can to look great for your wedding day. This means do not overdo your make up, and make sure that you get a good night of sleep before your wedding day. Also use some common sense.
I realised this morning that tomorrow is 1 March 2010, the first day of autumn for all of us down here in the southern hemisphere. I can't believe summer is almost over, I honestly have no idea where it went! But thinking of autumn and the cooler weather inspired me to work on my newest piece for my store. It's made from a number of different pieces including vintage lace, champagne chiffon, feathers, leather and pearls.
Here is Part 2 of a Summer's Most Unconventional Wedding Reception
Supplies: For 6-10 people: -1 picnic basket -1 water pitcher -6 to 10 plates -6 to 10 drinking glasses -Paper napkins, forks -Tablecloth or blanket (blankets for younger guests who may want to sit on the grass)
If reusable plates and glasses are too expensive, use paper! Another way to cut costs is to just buy reusable items for the bridal party and parents' tables/baskets. Remember, though--if the wind picks up, your disposable items will go flying! Tablecloths can vary greatly on price. You may run into a sale and be able to cover each table for $5. Another option is to look for inexpensive fabric--$1.00/yard. Measure the tables before you search!
Talk to your favorite grocery store deli or restaurant about your food needs. This is a great job for your mother-in-law! An experienced grocery shopper may have more success getting a good deal on food!
Menu: For each basket: -Croissant Sandwiches -Potato salad -Fruit salad or watermelon slices
These are ideas, but work with food you like (you'll be eating the leftovers!) and any specials the deli can offer. To make an easier reception, use food that stores at the same temperature. Depending on the facilities at the park and how many volunteers you have, you could also serve chicken and corn on the cob.
To make the plain plastic containers from the deli more exciting--use your computer to make your own label. Bride & Groom's Passion Potato Salad, enjoy on July 31, 2008. Get creative!
Be sure to include serving spoons in the baskets! You can probably scrounge up enough serving spoons from the kitchens of the moms.
Guest's Perspective: Guests will arrive at the park and be directed to a table. Assigned seating is recommended! Picnic baskets and water pitchers will be delivered to each table. Guests will take it from there! You can assign one person at each table to be the "server." He/She will open the basket, hand out the plates, forks, napkins, cups and... food!
The bride and groom can put written instructions inside the basket, announce over the music/sound system, or send pre-designated volunteers to the tables to give any further direction that may be needed.
Guests will be put at ease right away since they get to participate in serving the meal, and they don't have to WAIT in line to eat!
You can include a bottle of wine and an assortment of sodas in the baskets if water is not quenching enough. Iced tea or lemonade, in place of water, is another option. Be sure to have ice water on hand, though, for guests on special diets.
Put a large ziploc bag full of ice at the top of each basket to keep food cool while guests are seated. Ice can be put into the guests' cups to avoid giant bags of water at the end of the day.
Dessert This is the fun part! Pie or ice cream? (Let's face it--your guests are probably sick of wedding cake, and it really doesn't fit on a sunny day.)
Put a whole pie in each basket, along with a knife and plastic serving spatula. These can be homemade pies or purchased from the store. Differing flavors may promote movement amongst the guests. :)
Set up an ice cream bar, manned by the bride and groom. This way everyone will get a chance to say hi to the new couple. Offer different ice cream choices that the bride and groom scoop out into cones when the guests are ready for dessert.
Visiting Guests If ice cream scooping is too much work, the bride and groom can float around to each table while the guests eat.
Guests Mingling By the time the meal is over each table will be feeling like family. Get help from your moms to figure out where to seat everyone. You can place matching relatives together. Bride's Aunt and Uncle and kids with Groom's Aunt and Uncle and kids. Or you can put complementing personalities together. Remember to put at least one friendly, outgoing person at each table!
Estimated Cost and Shopping List If you are unable to stay within this budget for any item, look around! Borrow from moms and sisters. To make mismatched items more cohesive, tie a ribbon that matches the color of your wedding around it!
Supplies>> $340 $100 for 10 Picnic Baskets $ 15 for 10 Water Pitchers $ 75 for 100 Plates (buy on clearance!) $ 75 for 100 Cups/Glasses $ 25 for 200 Napkins (High-end white paper) and 200 Plastic Forks $ 50 for 10 Table Coverings (butcher paper or tablecloths on clearance)
Food>> $460 $ 65 for 150 Croissants (try Costco or Sam's Club) $ 75 for 12.5 pounds of Sliced Meat (assortment of Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey) $ 75 for 12.5 pounds of Sliced Cheese (assortment of Cheddar, Pepperjack, Provolone) $ 10 for 6 heads of lettuce $ 50 for your choice of tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and other favorite sandwich toppings! $ 70 for 7 Gallons of Potato Salad (homemade or deli) $ 35 for 10 Small Watermelons $ 80 for 7 Gallons of Fruit Salad (deli)
Dessert>> $60-95 $ 60 for 10 Pies or $ 65 for 13 Gallons of Ice Cream $ 30 for 9 boxes of Ice Cream Cones (12/box)
Beverages>> $75-150 $ 50-100 for 10-20 Bottles of Wine $ 25-50 for 100-200 Cans of Soda (watch for sales!)
This is a general framework to move you in the right direction for a memorable wedding reception. Put your personality into every piece of the event. This will give your guests something to talk about, and help distant relatives get to know you better! Some guests may even hide your wedding gift in the car, and replace it with a check--once they see what kinds of interests you and your sweetheart really have!
We saw this posted on the How About Orange blog and loved this idea as a DIY project for wedding favors. The paper cake slice is so adorable and perfect to fill with whatever candy or favor you want! It is a great unique detail to add to any wedding. You can even use different color paper to make different "flavored" cakes!
An engagement, according to Wikipedia is a promise to marry, and also the period of time between proposal and marriage. In society an engagement is one of the most exciting times in a brides life. He asked, she said yes! Many experts would say an engagement period longer than 9 months can add undue stress to all involved (smile)
Once you've agreed to marry your sweetheart, contrary to popular belief, (and many commercials) the first order of business is informing the parents on each side of the family. Once both families have been informed and hopefully approve of the plans, you are free to scream it to the world.
Now begins the daunting tasks of of choosing your venue, making your guest list and the ever sensitive BRIDAL ATTENDANTS!!! As a professional consultant/planner I often remind couples that this is a very important part of their wedding day and shouldn't be looked at lightly.
Due to the amount of responsibility and expense, especially for the honor attendants. Keep this in mind when asking; make sure ALL participants know up front what you are expecting of them. Give everyone plenty of time to plan by asking soon after you choose a date and venue. Invite them to participate in a way that allows them to decline gracefully if they feel they're not up to the task, and don't insist on an immediate answer.
If anyone is unable to afford the cost of their formal wear or other expenses you can either offer to help out and put them in a role that isn't so taxing on the pocket. Pick the right number of attendants for the size and style of your wedding. Sizes can vary from having only honor attendants to as many as twelve. Children between the ages of 10-14 should be Jr's attendants and ages 3-7 are appropriate for ring bearers and flower girls.
Whatever you decide, don't feel you must choose an equal number of men and women. It's your wedding!
side note: Did you know that if you have a Maid and Matron of Honor the "Maid" takes precedence with the "Matron" acting almost as an assistant?
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for SPRING specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay
We are loving all the new trends in wedding headpieces! Steering away from the classic tiara or real flowers, there are some very unique new fashions that may fit perfectly to your style. From a bold, sassy, and vintage look with the birdcage vail, to a sweet, delicate, and whimsical look with a feathered headpiece, we love them all! Which is your favorite?
The Birdcage Vail
The Silk Flower
The Feathered Headpiece
The Headband
All of these fabulous handmade creations can be found at Etsy.
This question has seemed to cover my thoughts lately? Why this? Why that? It is as if God is challenging me to not just take what I have always heard and believed for 'truth' but to ask why, as well as asking 'why' toward the subtle sins in my life.
Why does God call us not to sin? Why does He have me where I am in life now? Why am I so scared of doing HIS will and not my own? Why are things given and then taken away? Why do we always want what we don't have? Why does God ask questions that He already knows the answer to?
Sometimes I am just amazed at the amount that I do not know. I may think that I have at least one answer to a question or problem and then God shows me that I really have no clue. This is ultimately a need to give COMPLETE control over to God in all areas. Be willing to say "I don't know" and give it up to Christ. Be willing to allow Him to take the reins. Basically it comes down to Proverbs 3:4-5 "Trust in God with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Any why question can be answered with this simple verse. It is not of my understanding but His alone! He is the ultimately the 'why' of all!
If you could go back in time 10 years and tell your younger self something, what would it be?
Be mindful of your money, dream big and have a back-up plan, trust your instincts, face problems head on, open up more, keep your priorities in sight...I was 21 then, so that should explain that ;p
Something easy, cheap and delicious your guests will go bonkers over.
Chicken Salad Cups
Buy Frozen Filo cups, and bake according to the package (8-10 minutes, I think) - let cool and fill with your favorite chicken salad, make the chicken the day before, or buy it pre-packaged.
Fill the cups about 10-20 minutes before your first guest is set to arrive.
Then sprinkle with your favorite fresh herb if you have some on hand, if not dried parsley will do just fine.
Hey guys! You may or may not know that I am a HUGE Real Simple fan, they have quite literally saved my life a number of times when it's come to homemade dinners and their innumerable helpful tips on DIY. Unfortunately, when I lost my day job and steady paycheck, I had to give up my Real Simple subscription.
I had come across A Frugal Friend's Real Simple Giveaway and couldn't help myself. You can ask F, every time we go to Vons, I look longingly at the bridal magazines wishing that I could pick up a few. So, in my attempt to enter into the Giveaway and give you guys a chance to win a free copy of Real Simple Weddings 2010, I decided to write a post about it. Because if they can save my daily life, I'm sure that they can save my sanity for my wedding! Check out A Frugal Friend's rules for the Giveaway and best of luck to all of us!
Deanna and Adam's Keystone Heights wedding was so elegant, romantical and fun! We started with the ceremony at Community Church, then headed over to the Keystone Women's Club for the reception to enjoy some fabulous food by Omi. The day went so smoothly, even the thunderstorms cooperated! Powers Photography got some really beautiful and classic shots of the day.
How hot is this last picture of the night that Powers captured? Love.
