DIY photo lantern

photo lantern

One of my fave DIY projects has made an appearance several times on this blog…diy photo lanterns. I’ve made them for a several parties, and people continue to make comments about how much they love them. So, I’m going to keep a good thing going and attempt to share my how-to instructions to make this easy, affordable DIY project that will impress your guests with their personal touch and warm, soft glow…and have you looking like a little Ms. Martha Stewart.

You’ll Need:
black and white vertical photos
vellum paper
lanterns {I bought mine from Pier 1, but have seen adorable lanterns at Pottery Barn Home Décor too}
double-sided tape
scissors
candle {real or fake will work}

How To:
Measure the openings on the lantern where the photos will be placed
Edit black and white photos on a computer program to the exact size of the lantern openings {I just used Microsoft Word to adjust the size accordingly}
Print the photos on vellum paper on a laserjet printer
NOTE: An ink jet printer does not work as well because the ink is too wet once printed on the vellum
If needed, cut the photos and adjust them accordingly
Place a small piece of double-sided tape on the corners of the lantern opening
Place the photo on the glass and press gently on all sides and corners
Put a candle inside the lantern and light it before party guests arrive
voila

photo lantern with candle

{p.s. this makes a great gift for your mother or mother-in-law with photos of the grandkids, or a bride with engagement photos}

photo lantern with candle inside

Rainbow Party Ideas

I had several inspirations for this post today – the rainy weather today, listening to Josh Groban and Patti LaBelle sing Somewhere over the Rainbow on Oprah’s Finale show of surprises and my craving for colorful cupcakes.

It doesn’t need to be St. Patrick’s day everyday (although my hubby would like it to be) for a rainbow celebration – you can plan a fun rainbow birthday party for your kids, bring the color inspiration into your wedding palette, use as home decor or surprise your family on a cold winter (or warm summer) day with a colorful breakfast. Now just hoping you find that pot of gold at the end of your rainbow.  

{images via…rainbow pancakes: I am mommy, cupcake stands: Chica and Jo, rainbow cake: Bump Smitten, flower arrangement: One Charming Party,  cupcakes: Hoosier Homemade, rainbow soda station: Project Wedding, rainbow straws: Cupcake Social, winter floral blast: Cori Cook Floral Design, hunter rain boots: Those Alaskan girls, rainbow table skirt: Mon Tresor Blog, rainbow wreath: Pinterest, rainbow poms: Fowl Single File Blog, rainbow balloon arch: The Party Dress}

cheers to wine barrels

I am so into this new trend with wine barrels. Actually, I’m kind of obsessed. It seems like most elegant, rustic, vineyard, casual or nature-themed weddings have wine barrels incorporated in the decor.

For your wedding, you can use them any way you want! Use them for: your cake table, your guest book table, your wedding aisle entrance or in place of table “legs”. Or, just put flowers on them to make a beautiful statement. Voila! Stunning decor for your wedding!

{images via Style Me Pretty}