Style Me Pretty: DIY Sugar Packets

DIY Project: Sugar Packets

March 26th. 2009 by Abby Larson | Filed Under | 35 comments

I am obsessed with this next project. And obsessed might just be putting it lightly. I love when ideas come my way that I haven’t ever seen before and not only is this one new to me, it’s so designed so beautifully that it just appeals to my own sense of style and love of simplicity. Plus, it uses the Gocco which just might be the best invention EVER.

Here is the breakdown and instructions…

From the lovely bride…As we’re having a destination wedding in Barbados, we are limited in what we can give guests as favors. It can’t be too heavy and/or too large, as we need to carry it out there and guests have to be able to take it home. We’re getting married on the grounds of a 17th century sugar mill and wanted to tie the favors to the location somehow. Flavored sugar packets seemed perfect. Sugar is one of the island’s primary natural resources, so our plan is just to ship the packets and fill them with local sugar that we flavor down there. Guests should have no trouble packing them in their suitcases and bringing them home to hang on their spice racks. We bought a Gocco machine to print our Save-The-Dates, programs, menus and favors.

Materials
Gocco Machine + Inks and Screen
Ink Jet Printer
Glassine Envelopes
Round Seals
String & Needle
Resealable Cellophane or Zip-loc Bags
Flavored Sugar (Vanilla, Lemon and Cinnamon)

Instructions
1. Begin by flavoring the sugar. There are plenty of recipes online, where you can use ingredients you most likely already have at home. Or, buy ready-made flavored sugar from sites like www.faeriesfinest.com/sugars which have over 51 different flavors. I grounded cinnamon sticks, sliced a used vanilla pod and took rind from a lemon to make my three sugar flavors.

2. Prepare the artwork for the front of the bag. In Illustrator I designed the text to go on my bag, including the flavor, and printed it on an Ink Jet Printer. With the Gocco machine I transferred the text to a screen and mixed my ink colors. (It is possible to print directly on the glassine envelopes and skip the Gocco altogether, but we had bought one for our Save-The-Dates so were excited to keeping using it!)

3. Print on the glassine envelope and leave to dry.

4. Add sugar (I used 3 heaped teaspoons for 3×3 bags) and seal bags. Place into glassine envelopes and seal.

5. In the top corners of the envelopes, push a threaded needle of string through and across the front. Make two knots on the seal-side on the envelope to secure the string. Guests will be able to hang their own flavored sugar packets in their kitchen.

Supplies can be found here:

-Glasseine Envelopes – $8.75 for 50 (4″x4″) at Paper Presentation
-Round Seals – $4.50 for 50 at Paper Presentation
-String – $0.99/yard at Paper Presentation
-Resealable Cellophane or Zip-loc Bags – $2.50 for 100 (3×3) at clearbags.com

* * *

Print Gocco’s can be a little bit expensive, so they are really best when you can use them for multiple wedding projects like this bride. They are kind of amazing and can print all sorts of fun things, but they take a little bit of time to master. Personally, I LOVE them. They are hard to find, so check places like ebay and craigslist for good deals.

MyWedding.com: Tips for Wedding Etiquette

Expert Wedding Planners and their Top 5 List for a Perfect Wedding Day

• Ideas & Trends
 
• Etiquette

Posted by Staff Writer of mywedding.com February 1, 2010

Photography by Maya Myers Photography

I’m engaged! Hooray! However, I’ve transitioned from glee to anxiety because I’m completely paranoid that I’m going to forget an important detail during my wedding planning. What advice would you give to help me make sure everything is perfect? - Marci, Austin, TX

First of all, no matter what event you are planning, it is never going to be "perfect." The important thing to remember is that on your wedding day, you aren’t going to care if the flower girl’s sash is the wrong color or if the DJ insists on playing "Butterfly Kisses," despite your repeated requests not to. These otherwise nagging annoyances will ultimately fade into the background because you are getting married; joy covers all manner of sins.

However, it is prudent for you to try and avoid as many of these glitches as possible. Here is a top 5 list of things to remember, contributed by some of mywedding.com’s favorite wedding planners:

1. Plan for the details. "An itemized budget should be set before hiring any vendors...you need to budget properly for all expenses," says Cindy Zingerella of Engaging Events. Often, couples just don’t remember all the seemingly small expenses, and "those little details can pack a heavy financial punch when added up," remarked Dawn Schenkel of Premier W.E.D.
2. Remember the wedding. Janet Dunnington mused that couples are often so focused on celebrating with their friends and family at a fun reception, that the details of the actual ceremony are the last thing to be planned.
3. Plan well, but be adaptable. Whether it be a sudden storm or twenty unexpected guests, couples need to plan as much as possible for any situation. Try to make your guest list early in the planning and be honest with yourselves about how many people might eventually be added to it, advises Joannie Liss of Joannie Liss Events. Liss adds that if you really want to get married outdoors, it is absolutely essential to have a back-up plan in case the weather conspires against you.
4. It takes a village. "The foundation to a successful wedding is for couples to have their own support team,” says Katy Castillo. Trusted friends and advisors are critical to not only a beautiful event, but also just maintaining your sanity.
5. It’s just a day. Granted, it’s "just a day" you have been dreaming about since your Malibu Barbie first married your brother’s GI Joe, but still, it’s no reason to lose sight of why you are having the party in the first place. Meagan Kochendorfer of Ambiance Wedding Consulting states, "A couple should remember to keep it all in perspective and remember what is most important about their wedding day: the joining of themselves in marriage."

Martha Stewart Weddings: Green Calligraphy Stationary Ideas

A relaxed and festive handwritten script was used to create each element of this stationery wardrobe, then reproduced in two shades of green ink using inexpensive offset printing; this strategy is a great way to achieve a handmade look for less money. The matchbox and program bear monograms in the same style of calligraphy. The favor cone, filled with sweets, is inscribed with an old Irish toast. Green ribbon is threaded through the place card, invitation, and program, then tied in bows.

Return to Stationery Themes

From Martha Stewart Weddings, Spring 2003 | Subscribe and Save 32%!

Style Me Pretty: Dessert Table Designs

Today is a great day on Style Me Pretty. Actually, every day is a great day on SMP but today is exceptional because it is all about the girly, the drool worthy, the down right gorgeous. And what better way to kick things off than with a pink infused dessert table? Designed by Jenna Marfori Lang of the fabulous blog Eat Drink Pretty, this little number is the creme de la creme of dessert feasts. Every girly base is covered and can we please discuss the blooms in apothecary jars…genius! We know it is only 9 am but it is never too early for cake and champagne in our book.

{click here for more sweet goodness}

From Jenna of Eat Drink Pretty:

I designed this dessert table to celebrate Eat Drink Pretty’s blogiversary. The vision was to bring my blog to life by asking the question, “if Eat Drink Pretty was a dessert table, what would it look like?” The colors and overall style of the table were influenced by the blog design; lots of pinks and grays, a chandelier and rows of tasty pink treats. Many of the desserts were homemade and were inspired by the many recipes I have featured on my blog over the past year.

Photographer: Sewell Photography / Florist: Just Bloomed / Linens: Apres Party Rental / Edible Icing Decals: Hello Frosting / Calligraphy, place cards, cupcake toppers and drink straws: Lovely Scribbles / Cake: Sweets Bakeshop / Concept and Design: Jenna Marfori Lang of Eat Drink Pretty

Wedding Invitation Inspiration

The wedding invitation ensemble is comprised of many individual pieces of stationery. I receive repeated inquiries of what items are required. The answer varies based on how the event is planned.

Save the Date Card: Save the date cards inform guests of your wedding date well in advance, allowing them to better plan for your event. It is especially important for out-of-town guests. They will need to make travel and lodging arrangements.

Wedding Invitation: The invitation informs guests of the date, time and location of your ceremony (and reception, in some cases), and also sets the theme and tone for the celebration. Mail all invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Outer Envelope: The larger, gummed envelope is referred to as the outer envelope or mailing envelope. The recipient’s name and address should be written on the front with no abbreviations. The sender’s return address should appear on the back flap which saves addressing time and also ensures that undeliverable invitations will be returned to you.
Inner Envelope: The slightly smaller, ungummed envelope holds the invitation and enclosure cards. It is inserted into the outer envelope. These may be lined with colors to match your wedding invitation. The inner envelope should have only the recipient’s title and surname on the front.

Respond Card and Printed Envelope or Respond Postcard: Respond cards provide an accurate guest count. A respond date is included, which is usually two to three weeks prior to the wedding date. Guests return the card in the accompanying printed envelope, indicating if they will attend. A stamp should be affixed to the envelope. The respond card and envelope are enclosed with your invitations. Respond postcards are an economical option. Money is saved by omitting the envelope and posting with a postcard stamp.
Reception Card: Reception cards are enclosed with your invitations to announce the time and location of the wedding dinner, dance, brunch or other celebration. These may be omitted if the ceremony and reception are being held in the same location. The invitation may include "Reception to follow ceremony" in this case.

Map Card: Printed map cards enclosed with your invitations provide guests with detailed directions to your ceremony and reception. This may include a pictoral map, written directions or both.

Accommodation Card: Provides your guest with lodging options. This is important for out-of-town guests and if you have blocked rooms in specific hotels. Include hotel names, addresses and phone numbers.

Pew Card: Pew cards are included in the invitations of special family members and close friends. When presented to the ushers at the wedding, these cards ensure special reserved seating.

Contributed by Dragonfly Designs Invitations

Bridesmaids Dresses by Cynthia Rowley + Dessy

From Style Me Pretty...

We all know that bridesmaids dresses have hit a whole new level in pretty, thanks in large part toDessy who has some of the chicest numbers around. Well, they have partnered up with Cynthia Rowleyand the collaboration is absolutely magical. We are beyond excited for this new collection: cute, chic, gorgeous, will absolutely wear again. Believe us, your friends will thank you for placing them in these lovely frocks.

Now on to the REALLY big news. Get ready ladies because you can join Cynthia Rowley for the launch of her new collection! That’s right, the woman behind the bridesmaid delights might be coming to a town near you. She will be hosting three parties in New York City, Charleston and Chicago. Here are all of the pretty details:

New York City
Thursday, June 3rd 6 – 8 PM
376 Bleecker Street

Fittings by:

Charleston
Tuesday, June 8th 4 – 6:30 PM
STEMS, 208 Coming Street

Fittings by:

Chicago
Tuesday, June 15th 6 – 8 PM
Cynthia Rowley Store
810 West Armitage Avenue

Fittings by:

Fabulous, right? If you are going to be attending any of these events, simply head over to Dessy to RSVP. Better yet, if you check in with Foursquare , you can receive a gift certificate redeemable for bridal favors, accessories or apparel at Dessy. Also, for one week following the event (June 4 – 10), guests who check in on Foursquare at Lovely Bride (313 W. 4th St.), a neighboring bridal shop carrying the Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids collection, will receive additional discounts. Happy Shopping!

June Meeting: Motivation and Media

Our meeting today was all about getting out of our daily slump and realizing everything we have to be thankful for. Also, we were given a few lessons on how to spread that wonderful feeling via social media. 

Special thanks goes to the gorgeous Hilton Downtown Austin for hosting our meeting today.

The wonderful Elizabeth Rison, catering sales manager for the Hilton...

Our June sponsor, Olga Lee of Polkadots Cupcake Factory :)

Congratulations to our two Vendors of the Month

Alina Prax of La Dolce Vita Photography

Brad Lemon of Hyde Park Photography

A very warm thanks to our inspirational speaker Jim Gentil aka Mr. Positive for his motivational words and advice.

Also, another huge Thank You to David Neff, the Social Media Guru, provided us with some great ideas to utilize social media to promote our businesses and network with other vendors!

Now for the best part of the meeting...

Thank you to both our guest speakers as well as Polkadot Cupcake Factory and the Hilton Downtown Austin for providing us with a wonderful June meeting. See you next month :)

DSCAT Charity Event

Live Auction-

Brad Pitt autographed guitar
Southwest airline tickets + vacation home
T-shirt signed by Lance Armstrong
Round of 4 for Golf @ UT Golf Club with Will Muschamp


Silent Auction- We have over 40 wonderful items! We've listed a few below.

Austin Torros season passes-4pk
Painting by Austin artist Lou Ann Bardash
2 gluten free cakes decorated for any occasion by Kim Stamford--author of gluten free cook book
Case of wine from assorted Napa valley wineries..

To purchase tickets click here: http://www.dsact.com/index-2.html

To purchase tickets click here: http://www.dsact.com/index-2.html

DIY Wedding Banner from Martha Stewart Weddings

Templates for Wedding Decorations

Just Married Sign

Decorate an entryway with a blooming branch, regardless of the time of year. Here, a leafless dogwood limb provides the base for a Just Married sign and gardenia blossoms that have been wired.

Download the Clip A