Each book in Dover's Make in a Day series presents 15 projects with illustrated step-by-step instructions. The beginner-friendly projects are ideal for anyone wishing to whip up something simple but special. Supplies are easy to find and are readily available at major craft stores. Other titles in the series include Make in a Day: Modern Wreaths, Make in a Day: Pompom Crafts, Make in a Day: Paper Flowers, Make in a Day: Garlands, and Make in a Day: Centerpieces.
Each book in Dover's Make in a Day series presents 15 projects with illustrated step-by-step instructions. The beginner-friendly projects are ideal for anyone wishing to whip up something simple but special. Supplies are easy to find and are readily available at major craft stores. Other titles in the series include Make in a Day: Modern Wreaths, Make in a Day: Pompom Crafts, Make in a Day: Paper Flowers, Make in a Day: Garlands, and Make in a Day: Centerpieces.
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Overview
Each book in Dover's Make in a Day series presents 15 projects with illustrated step-by-step instructions. The beginner-friendly projects are ideal for anyone wishing to whip up something simple but special. Supplies are easy to find and are readily available at major craft stores. Other titles in the series include Make in a Day: Modern Wreaths, Make in a Day: Pompom Crafts, Make in a Day: Paper Flowers, Make in a Day: Garlands, and Make in a Day: Centerpieces.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780486836881 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Dover Publications |
| Publication date: | 01/16/2019 |
| Series: | Dover Crafts: General |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 64 |
| File size: | 56 MB |
| Note: | This product may take a few minutes to download. |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Place Cards
The wonderful thing about using elements from nature is that they are often free! With all of the many expenses involved in a wedding, it's nice to have a little handmade decor that looks great and doesn't cost a lot. For this project, try a variety of leaves and elements from nature to get the look you want. Be sure to dry your leaves by pressing them in between paper towels in a heavy book for two to three weeks before using them.
To make this project, you will need:
* Dried leaves
* Gold craft paint
* Permanent marker
* Paintbrush
* Wood slice place card holder
* Gold-painted cardstock and double-stick tape (optional)
(1) Gather your supplies. Most craft paints work well on leaves, but you may wish to test your paint on a leaf before you begin.
(2) To get started, make sure your leaves are completely dry. Using your paintbrush, paint one side of each leaf and let it dry. Flip it over and paint the back. For thin or brittle leaves, use a soft paintbrush and paint with light brushstrokes.
(3) Once dry, paint a second coat on your leaves, front and back. Let them dry completely. If your leaves need a little extra stability, add some matching cardstock to the backs with double-stick tape.
(4) Using a permanent pen or marker, personalize each leaf with the name of a wedding guest. If you are an expert at hand lettering, use a thin, round paintbrush and craft paint to hand paint each name. You can personalize either one side or both sides.
(5) Using your craft glue, place a small dab of glue inside your wood slice place card holder. This will give your leaf a little stability and help it stay in place. Gently slide your leaf inside the place card holder and allow the glue to dry.
TIP: Permanent markers come in many widths and colors. Play around to get the look you want; you don't have to use black!
Table Centerpiece
Paint marbling is one of my favorite creative outlets. It is the method of creating patterns on paper, glass, or fabric that look similar to smooth marble stone. By using a marble medium available at most craft stores, you are able to create patterns that literally "float" on top of your original layer, creating one-of-a-kind designs. Before painting your glass jar, practice on scrap paper or wood.
To make this project, you will need:
* Glass mason jar(s)
* Plastic cups and plastic spoon
* 2 oz. craft paint in 3 or 4 colors
* Craft paint marbling medium
* Wax paper or plastic wrap (for drying stage)
* Pie tin
* Paper towels and baby wipes (for cleanup)
* Apron and latex gloves (to protect clothing)
* Painter's tape (optional)
(1) Gather your supplies. You may want to have on hand paper towels and baby wipes. I also like to wear an apron and latex gloves to cut down on the mess. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and use a craft paint that is nontoxic.
(2) To create your marbling paint, first pour 2 ounces of craft paint in at least three colors in individual plastic cups. I highly recommend disposable cups since they can easily be left out to dry, and then reused by peeling off the leftover paint.
(3) Compare the amount of paint in each cup to make sure you have the same amount of each color. Using your marbling medium, pour 1–2 tablespoons of medium in each cup. The amount of medium you use will result in the creation of smaller or larger "cells" in your paint. When you use more medium, the cells separate more, creating larger cells.
(4) Using a plastic spoon, stir the medium in each cup 2 or 3 times, being careful not to stir too much. You can use the same spoon for each cup if you start with the lightest paint color and move on to the darkest. It's okay if the different paint colors get mixed together a little.
(5) Take a clean cup and pour each of your mixed colors inside, layering them one at a time. Try to pour the paint directly into the middle of the cup. Use your spoon one more time to gently stir 2 or 3 times. This will allow the paint to mix together gently but not completely mix the separate colors into one solid color.
(6) Place your glass jar on a pie tin and slowly pour your paint on the desired areas. You can pour only on the bottom half of your jar like I did, or cover the jar completely with paint. I prefer a messy look, but you can easily add painter's tape to your jar to create straight lines.
(7) Set your jar aside on wax paper or plastic to dry. Use a small paintbrush to add paint to any uncovered areas where the paint didn't run.
(8) Repeat the process covering as many glass jars as you need. Mix fresh paint for each jar, otherwise your colors will start to appear "muddy." Work quickly and be careful not to over-stir your paint!
TIP: For fresh flowers, it is best to paint the outside of your jars. If you plan to put dry items inside your jars, such as string lights, you may prefer to paint the inside instead.
Wedding Card
When I was little, I loved saving birthday cards from friends and family. My mother would carefully help me wrap them in ribbon and place them inside a keepsake box. It was always fun to go back each year and read the thoughts and notes from the special people in my life. This keepsake book is a fun way to remember those who helped celebrate your big day, and an easy way to reflect back each year on your anniversary.
To make this project, you will need:
* Wedding notes, cards, and gift tags
* Metal rings
* Scissors
* Hole punch
* Pencil, eraser, and ruler
* Baker's twine and ribbons
* Alphabet stickers (optional)
(1) Gather your supplies. Metal rings that can easily open or close are often called binder rings or loose-leaf rings. They are available at most office supply stores and online. The size of your rings will depend on how many cards you want to include in your book. I use a 2" ring, but I would recommend a 3" ring if you have a lot of cards and want to include notes and gift tags.
(2) To get started, select one of your larger-sized cards, and determine the spacing you want to have between each punched hole. I would recommend spacing your holes at least 2" apart. After determining your distance, use a pencil to lightly mark on the front of your card where your holes should go.
(3) Using your hole punch tool, punch holes where you marked your measurements. Use your eraser to gently erase any remaining pencil marks. You will then use this first card as a guide for the rest of your cards and keepsakes.
(4) Punch the remainder of your cards and notes, assembling them together on your binder rings. It may be helpful to insert the cards one at a time to keep them aligned in all three rings.
(5) Insert the remainder of your cards, and close the rings snugly. Be sure to place a favorite card or keepsake on the top. The great thing about binder rings is they can easily be reopened if you want to add more cards later on.
(6) Gather baker's twine and ribbons to embellish your book. You can purchase new ribbons or use any that you might have received with your gifts and cards.
(7) Using your scissors, cut your ribbons and twine in 4" strips. Wrap them around your rings and tie a double knot, allowing them to hang outside your card assortment. Trim wider ribbons at an angle to help prevent fraying.
(8) Use stickers or hand lettering to personalize the top of your book. You can also include your names, wedding date, or a favorite quote!
TIP: If you love the envelopes that came with your cards, include them in your book! Envelopes make great pockets for the smaller gift tags or gift receipts that you want to save.
Photo Display
Vintage wood hangers are a great object for creating a unique display. My mother started collecting these years ago for storing her pressed sheets and elegant tablecloths. I was thrilled when she gave me several for creating this fun project. You can easily find them online or in antique stores, and they are often priced at just a dollar or two. Look for ones that show some distressing in the wood but have clean functional hardware on top so that they still are able to open and close.
To make this project, you will need:
* Watercolor paper
* Craft paint (matte)
* Vintage wood pants hanger(s)
* Adhesive
* Printed wedding or other photo(s)
* 1" flat paintbrush
* Ruler and pencil (optional)
(1) Gather your supplies. A heavyweight, textured watercolor paper measuring about 9" x 12" would work best for this project. Your photos can be printed any size. My photos are 8" x 10" and printed on a heavyweight paper with a matte finish.
(2) Trim your watercolor paper to the desired size. I left my paper at 9" x 12", but you may want to trim it down depending on the size of your wood hanger. Next, using your matte craft paint and your 1" flat paintbrush, loosely paint a rectangle on your paper leaving about ½" unpainted on the sides.
(3) Use long, flat brushstrokes to apply your paint evenly. Feel free to cover the entire surface or leave some white areas exposed.
(4) Allow the matte paint to fully dry, then add a second coat if needed. Matte paint tends to dry quickly and has a soft, silky feel.
(5) While your painted watercolor paper dries, clean off your wood hanger using a mild soap and water. Let it dry completely. Use a safe, water-based archival adhesive to place a long strip of glue on the inside of your wood hanger. Be sure to cover the entire length of the wood.
(6) Gently place your watercolor paper inside your wood hanger, aligning the top of the paper with the top of the wood. Gently press down on the paper with your fingers, making sure the glue makes contact with the paper.
(7) Repeat the glue process by placing a long line of glue on top of your paper where the wood hanger will come down on it. Close your hanger to create a tight seal. Wait 2–3 hours to let the glue fully dry.
(8) Using the same glue or a double-sided, archival-safe tape, adhere your printed photo to the top of your watercolor paper. You can estimate where it goes, or use a ruler and pencil to measure the sides and top evenly before adhering the photo.
TIP: Create variety with wood hangers of different sizes or by painting your watercolor paper in assorted colors.
Guest Gift
It has become more and more customary to show your appreciation to wedding guest attendees by giving them a small gift when they attend your reception. Guests do not come with big expectations; in this case it really is the thought that counts. Contemporary weddings are gifting everything from office supplies monogrammed with the couple's initials to candy buffets with take-home treat bags. I always think it's nice to give something organic that represents new life and longevity. A small houseplant is a wonderful way to represent that a good marriage requires a little nourishment and love each day. Pair a houseplant with a whimsical berry basket, and your wedding gift is sure to be loved for many months after the reception.
To make this project, you will need:
* Wood berry basket(s)
* Hot glue gun and glue sticks
* Paper doilies
* Gold craft paint
* Mini clothespins
* Jute or twine
* 1/2" flat paintbrush
* Scissors
* Succulent or small houseplant(s)
* Kraft paper sticker label(s)
(1) Gather your supplies. Berry baskets come in wood or papier-mâché–like materials and are easy to purchase in bulk online. They often can be found in a variety of colors, so they are easy to match with your wedding decor.
(2) To get started, use your gold craft paint and 1/2" flat paint brush to add some color and shine to the top portion of your basket. Be sure to customize your color to match your wedding theme. Let dry completely, then add a second coat of paint if needed.
(3) While your paint dries, prep your doilies by folding them in half, then cutting along the fold making two pieces.
(4) Use your hot glue gun to adhere a doily to each basket with the cut line at the bottom. Doilies are delicate, so be sure to use only as much glue as you need.
(5) Wrap jute or twine around your basket and tie with a bow. Write a simple thank you note on the kraft label, and attach it to your gift basket with a mini clothespin.
(6) Keeping the houseplant or succulent in its original container (without drainage holes), insert it into your decorated basket. Be sure to check the soil to make sure it isn't too dry. You may wish to wait until the day before your wedding to finish this last step.
TIP: Succulents and cacti are great plants to gift as they can go several days or weeks without being watered. The last thing you want to worry about the day before your wedding is dry houseplants!
Silverware Holder
Whether your wedding reception food is a formal affair or laid-back buffet style, showcasing your silverware in a fun way can really enhance your wedding theme and colors. By painting simple designs with watercolor paints, you can create lovely custom place settings that are sure to wow your guests. No art degree is needed when it comes to painting simple flowers, ombré color schemes, or delicate greenery. You can find inexpensive watercolor paints and paper pads at most craft stores. This is a really fun project to make before the wedding with your bridesmaids.
To make this project, you will need:
* Watercolor paper
* Watercolor paints
* Small paintbrush
* Ruler and pencil
* Metallic washi tape
* Craft glue
* Ribbon or burlap bow(s)
* Scissors
(1) Gather your supplies. Watercolor paints can be purchased in a palette or tube. Select the colors that best suit your wedding theme. Smooth or textured watercolor papers are great for this project.
(2) Photocopy the provided pattern that appears on the inside back cover of this book. Use scissors to cut it down to size following the line guides on the pattern.
(3) Trace the provided pattern onto your watercolor paper. If using a standard size watercolor paper, you should be able to fit two patterns on each sheet.
(4) Use your scissors to cut the traced pattern. Be sure to cut the rounded bottom edges evenly.
(5) Using a ruler, score and fold the bottom tab and two sides. Reopen your silverware pocket.
(6) Using your watercolor paints and paintbrush, paint a simple pattern on one side of your cut pattern.
(7) Using craft glue, adhere the two sides of the silverware holder together. Let dry completely.
(8) Embellish your silverware holder with metallic washi tape, ribbon, burlap, or jute. Insert your silverware and position at your place setting.
TIP: For a buffet-style wedding, place multiple silverware holders inside a fun container at the front of your food table. A ceramic vase, metal bucket, or simple wood box will make a perfect container to hold your whimsical silverware sleeves.
Wedding Confetti
I would much rather have colored confetti thrown at me instead of traditional rice any day! The bright colors and lightweight paper are a fun way to celebrate any festivities, and the individual vellum cones make it really fun to pass out to your guests. You can punch your own confetti with a hole punch, or buy pre-punched confetti in bulk. Be sure to purchase confetti in the colors that best match your wedding theme. You can easily find confetti in metallic hues as well!
To make this project, you will need:
* Paper vellum sheets
* Hot glue gun and glue sticks
* Paper tags made online or by hand
* Mini gold staples and mini stapler
* Scissors
* Paper confetti
(1) Gather your supplies. The tags shown here were printed from an online template. You can make your celebration tags the same way; but you can also create your own by hand lettering on either store-bought or hand-cut tags. Paper confetti comes in all shapes and sizes and can be purchased in bulk online.
(2) To get started, decide how many confetti holders you will need. Each vellum sheet will be folded and cut into four pieces. Vellum is a very delicate material and can easily be torn, so cut carefully along your fold lines. You can also use a paper trimmer for more precise measurements.
(3) Roll your cut vellum pieces into a cone shape. Using your hot glue gun, adhere the outside edge of your vellum cone to seal it together. Let the glue dry completely.
(4) Print out the sheet of celebration tags and cut the individual pennants with your scissors. If you have done your celebration tags by hand, make sure you have the correct amount that you will need for your confetti holders.
(5) Using a mini stapler, attach the tag to each vellum cone at the top. You can easily customize your own tags with your initials, wedding date, or a favorite quote.
(6) Fill your paper cones with confetti to the top. Gently tap the cone to fit as much confetti as you can without squishing it too tightly together.
(7) Use a fun container to hold your confetti until it is ready for use. A vintage wood box, metal bucket, or ceramic vase will make great storage options for your confetti cones.
TIP: Invite your guests to throw confetti at the same time, allowing for a great photo opportunity that you will cherish for years to come!
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Wedding Crafts"
by .
Copyright © 2019 Natalie Wright.
Excerpted by permission of Dover Publications, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Place CardsTable Centerpiece
Wedding Card Book
Photo Display
Guest Gift
Silverware Holder
Wedding Confetti
Table Numbers
Star Tablescape
Keepsake Tags Display
Glitter Sneakers
Lighting Decor
Floral Embroidery Hoop
Marquee Letters Sign
Wood Lantern