Setting the Table

Once your invitations are out and RSVP's start rolling in, it's time to think about your reception and the fun things that go with it like menus, favor boxes and place cards. Today I am going to share with you the place cards I made for my recent wedding.

My first piece of advice for anyone throwing a dinner reception is start with the place card holder. First, it might be difficult to find exactly what you want and second, the shape and size of the card holder will dictate the place card itself. After a lot of searching, I decided on these shell place card holders (above).

And because the slits in the shells were so thin, my original plan of using card stock was dashed. But, no fear, Paper Zone had a text weight (thinner paper) in PZ facets that matched our menus and invitations.

So, to create my place cards I used a few sheets of PZ facets in Belize, some American Crafts ribbon in a chocolate brown, a honeycomb-like stamp, Fresh Ink in Slate and rub on letters from Making Memories.

I started by using the wavy edge blade of my Purple Cow trimmer to cut scalloped edge pieces of paper about 2" by 3". You can use any scalloped edge scissor or trimmer. I just preferred a softer edge than a straight line. This became my base. HINT: if you are doing a destination wedding, cut extras and take them with you. Always be prepared for extra guests or mishaps!

Next, I stamped the top third of the piece of paper with the gray ink. If using a stamp like the design I chose, be careful to line up the pattern.

Next, I used my trusty ATG gun to glue a strip of ribbon along the bottom edge of the stamp.
Cut the edges of the ribbon to match the size of the place card and the shape of the scalloped edge. Use good scissors or the ribbon might fray!

Next, I used these lovely rub on letters from Making Memories to add my guests names. These particular letters are hard to photograph, but in the sun, they were a shimmery silver and looked gorgeous. Another option for adding guest names is to print the names on the paper before cutting it down, or use any other rub on or letter stickers.

Once the names have been added, I made a small bow with the ribbon and glued it on (this time using my 3M glue dots) for an added touch and your done!

Next time I will share with you our menus (that were so easy the groom made them!) and our quick and easy favor boxes.

Thank you for letting me share some of my big day with you!

--Kim

Thanksgiving Placecards: Haystacks!

I think Thanksgiving gets the short end of the crafting and

scrapbooking stick. There are rare amounts of scrapbooking papers out there with Turkeys on them and as cute as gourds are I think they come in second to holiday trees. Here is a little bit of Thanksgiving dinner inspiration: haystack place cards. At just $0.85 each to make and being kid friendly they are a good one to whip out before the turkey goes in the oven.

Ingredients:
Five 8.5 x 11 text sheets of astroparche natural, one 8.5 x 11 text sheet of stardream bronze, paper cutter or scissors, and glue of your liking. I am using a double sided adhesive tape gun.

Step 1: Cut your light colored sheets in half, you will get 2 haystacks out of the whole sheets.

Step 2: Using your paper cutter or scissors cut 1/2 inch cuts across one side of your paper. Only cut about half way up the paper. Turn your paper over and cut the same on that side, leaving about a 1" not cut strip through the middle.


Step 3: Using your tape or glue, glue a strip down one whole long side of your now cut paper. Roll your paper allowing the glue strip to hold the stack together.












Step 4: Using a pen or pencil roll upwards with your thumb so your paper curls outwards. Do this on both sides.


Step 5: Take your bronze text sheet and cut 3 strips that measuring 1 1/2". Run some glue down one strip and wrap it around the middle of your haystack to create a sash. It will overlap.


Step 6: Use another strip of bronze paper to make a bow. Place a strip of glue on each end and curl in to meet in the middle. Using your last bronze strip, cut a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square from it. Place a strip of glue on the back and place it in the middle of your looped strip to finish your bow. Adhere the bow to your hay stack.












Step 7: To make a name card I used the new Basic Grey Pyrus and some matching Carnival Vellum Thai Gold. Cut some printed paper of your liking to 3 x 2 1/2. Cut a matching solid sheet to 2 x 1 1/2. Glue the two sheets together. After writing your guests name place a strip of glue on the back of this card an adhere anywhere you like on your haystack.

Place around your festive table for your turkey day feast! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
--Andrea and the Portland Paper Zone.