DIY Baby Tutu-torial: How to Make a Tutu for a 1st Birthday Party or Just for Fun!

My niece recently turned one and the day before her party, we were faced with the adorable challenge of making her a tutu to wear for the celebration! Here's how it turned out...

Here's What We Used: 

Celebrate It Occasions Tulle Fabric at Michaels ($2.99 per roll x 4- we used 1 roll of each of 4 colors)

Celebrate It Head to Toe Headbands at Michaels ($2.49 for a set of 2)

Celebrate It 360 Satin Pink polka dot ribbon at Michaels ($4.99 for a 1.5"x4 yd spool)

Scissors

Hot Glue Gun, Hot Glue (We had this)

Some time & lots of love <3

Total Cost: $19.50  (a little less with coupons)

Note: This tulle wasn't the best, but it was the best that we had available at the time. It turned out really cute, but maybe there's a better option out there that would hold its shape a little better during the event (this one sort of crumpled up a little as she wore it). 

Here's What We Did: 

1. We placed the headband (which became a stretchy waistband) around something so we could work with it and turn it easily. We used the top of this chair so it didn't stretch out too much. 

2. We cut the tulle into pieces that were about 18" long. (Well, we cut them about 26" long and they were too long, so in the end they were about 18). If you wanted a longer skirt, 26" would go to most babies' ankles or so. This ended up going about to her knees.  

3. We folded each piece of tulle in half and threaded it through a hole in the bottom row of headband spaces, pulling it back through itself to make a little knot and hold it in place.

4. We alternated colors- skipping a hole each time- all the way around the bottom row before moving to the next row up. We found that this spacing worked well for us. We continued this for 3 or 4 rows until we completed the top of the headband (skirt). 

5. We tried it on the little horse stuffed animal, since the baby wasn't around at the time. The stretchy headband gave us confidence that it would be perfect!

6. I looped a piece of the pink polka dot ribbon around what would be the back of the skirt (I covered the part of the headband that was seamed together so it wouldn't show). Then I tied a sweet bow and glued it in place with the hot glue gun. 

Doesn't it look great with the onesie my sister ordered online?! (Link to seller coming soon)

7. Since the headband pack had another headband, I glued another little bow with the pink ribbon and attached it to the 2nd headband for Alexis to wear on her head!

Everything turned out great for the party, and she looked absolutely precious in her outfit with white tights and cute white shoes. Happy birthday, Alexis!

Have you made or bought a tutu? What tips do you have?  
We noticed that Target has quite a few tutus for sale for little girls, but not in the same color scheme. I think it would actually be fun to make more of these, so if anybody is looking for one, let me know!

By the Way...
Wondering how to make those adorable pom pom decorations? Check out Brianna's guest post here!

Want to make a big splash at a Summer party? How about this Fun in the Sun cupcakes?!

Are you ready for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and other celebrations of 'Merica? You are now!

Want to celebrate Taco Tuesday, your Mexican heritage or just rock out with some delicious food? How about a fiesta? 

Attending a wedding this Summer and not sure what to wear? Check out this post for help!

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Making an Arrow Sign for the 2015 Around the World Laurel House Gala

 

Do you remember Laurel House's 2014 Gala, with a Great Gatsby theme? Well, a year has gone by and another successful Spring gala is behind us. This past weekend, about 200 people came out to raise money and awareness for victims of Domestic Violence in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The theme was Around the World, and the little touches of creativity and color were all around. From the accordion player walking around during cocktail hour to the Mariachi band in the ballroom; from the decor by the place cards to the arrow sign pointing the way; from the global mementos on the hors d'oeuvres station to the centerpieces (Paris, London, Rome or map-wrapped vases with flowers beneath flying foam planes), it went wonderfully and looked the part. 

Scroll WAY down for a brief tutorial on how to make the Arrow sign

(my DIY project for the event)! 

Here are a few photos from the event: 

 The place card (or more accurately, escort card) table 

 A few stationed hors d'oeuvres to nosh on in addition to some regionally-inspired passed treats.

 Rome-inspired centerpiece.

Paris-inspired centerpiece

London-inspired centerpiece

Other centerpieces (included a table number on the back of a postcard (in frame), flowers with planes loop-de-looping above, chocolate earth candies and balloon cut-outs of map paper (sweet touch).

DIY Arrow Sign Tutorial

 

I offered to make an arrow sign about a month before the Gala, then proceeded to collect my materials. 

I used:

- A thin rectangular piece of wood (about 6 feet tall) for the post (purchased at Lowe's for about $2.50)

- Wood for your arrows: 14-18 inches in length by about 4 inches in height 

- Paint and a paintbrush or two (I picked out Sage Green, Metallic Gold, and Black, and bought them at Michaels for about $3 each)

- A flower pot for the base (I used this plastic one from Target, $5 and I can reuse it!)

- Hammer & Nails

- Stones to weigh down the pot and hold the sign

- Masking Tape (and Duct Tape) to make a grid across the top of the pot and steady the sign

- A few fake vines with leaves OR a cloth OR a few small plants to cover the top of the pot and decorate the base of the sign (These were provided by a fellow decor committee member).

*The hearts at the top and bottom are made from a painted and cut manila envelope and were day-of additions. They didn't cost extra, just took a little more time!

Total price: $16.50

Here's how we made it: 

1. My Mom and Stepdad offered the 5 pieces of wood for the arrows and he is quite handy, so I took him up on the offer to cut them into arrows. This is the most difficult part of the process if you do not have access to/knowledge of the correct tools. My mom always says, "The key to life is having the right tools and knowing how to use them". It's true, and I'm glad that she found him! If you cannot DIY or find someone who can, look into buying the arrows pre-cut. I know Michaels has them, and you can probably find them online as well. 

2. I painted the post and the arrows and let them dry. In retrospect, I should've sanded them before painting, as it would've made the writing process a little bit smoother. 

3. I researched how to get a really nice font onto my arrows, and tried a few different methods I had seen online, without much luck. Finally, I printed the words the size and font (called Grand Hotel) that I wanted and placed the print-out on the floor to refer to as I free-handed painting the words. Phew! It turned out just fine :) I actually did the first one with Sharpie marker, but it proved a little difficult so I switched to paint for the rest. I let the paint dry overnight. 

4. I filled up the pot with stones, placed the sign in as a test and taped along all for 4 sides of the post, creating a # across the top of the pot. I removed the sign, took it (and the arrows) outside and...

5. I nailed the arrows on! I thought about placing two nails like a colon : to keep each arrow in place, but then realized if I only used one at the top, it could turn a little bit and point higher or lower, so I went with that. 

6. I decided to add the hearts. I painted them and did the words with the same font as the arrows. I taped them on with masking tape donuts. 

7. We assembled everything at the venue for the event, adding more tape to hold it upright, and adding the leaves to the bottom to make it look amazing! 

What do you think of the result?!

Another DIY Guest Post from Brianna: Pom Pom Ball Decorations

Pom Pom balls are a great way to add a fun pop of color to any celebration! Since tissue paper comes in various colors and patterns, the possibilities are endless. Just look how these great pink & white decorations added whimsy, color and fun to Sandy's Bridal Shower in August! 

Items you will need:

Standard sheets of tissue paper (you will use 6 sheets per ball)

Scissors

Fishing line

Ribbon

Directions: 

Take 6 sheets of tissue paper (or however many you decide on) and stack them directly on top of each other so the edges are all aligned. We have found that it is easier to use 6 because it is just enough pieces to be able to fold comfortably while still making a nice sized shape. You can keep all the sheets the same color, or for a fun effect you can alternate complementary colors/patterns. Begin folding the tissue back and forth, accordion style. The folds should be approximately 1 inch wide. Continue folding until the whole stack of tissue paper is the same size.

At this point you can decide what size diameter you would like for your pom pom balls. We chose to alternate with a few smaller ones and a few medium size ones. Once you have the pom pom ball cut to size, you will need to edge off each end of your folded tissue paper. For the edges, we rounded them off so they weren't square. You can make them have a pointy edge instead.

At this point, very lightly fold the tissue paper strip in half to identify the center and tie it off with fishing line until it is secure. Now you will begin GENTLY shaping the pom pom ball. You will need to separate each sheet of tissue paper evenly to give the pom pom ball the fullness you want. Once all the sheets have been separated, you can either hang the pom pom ball with a longer piece of fishing line to give the illusion that it is floating from the ceiling, or you can take a long piece of ribbon, attach it in the middle and use that to hang it up.

Thanks to Brianna and helper David for making and sharing this awesome DIY party decor! You're so crafty :)  

How to Make a Costume Wig- Halloween 2014 Guest Post!

As Halloween 2014 approaches and we reflect on the holiday throughout our lives, inevitably certain images stand out in our memories...perhaps a favorite costume, a craft, a trick-or-treating experience with friends, a haunted excursion, something we saw that made us go "Wow" or "Ew",  or something we tried and LOVED. As avid users of the internet and Pinterest, we can check out and try out SO many different ideas, and share what works for us. Sometimes we try things and fail, and sometimes, we rock and feel proud because our attempt succeeded- and in some cases, turned out better than the inspiration! 

Enter David & Brianna. 

David (my brother!) and Brianna (his awesome girlfriend) decided to dress up last year as Flynn Rider & Rapunzel from the movie Tangled. They did their research, put time and effort into their costume prep, and even showed up to the party early with WANTED signs to hang up around our apartment. When I asked if Brie would write a guest post about the making of her beautiful wig (yes- they made it!), she was happy to oblige, so I'm happy to present her post below. 

If you're looking to make an inexpensive Halloween wig, I hope that reading about Brianna's experience helps. If it does, be sure to share a picture of your costume when you're done! 

If it doesn't, there's always PinterestFail.com :) 

DIY Rapunzel Wig Background and Instructions

As a couple of pretty big Disney fans, we set our goals quite high in trying to recreate a Rapunzel and Flynn Rider costume from the 2010 hit movie, Tangled. Our costumes were relatively easy to put together based on a few clothing items that we already owned. For the remainder of the items, we went to a few local thrift stores. Clothing, that’s easy. We needed to make an epic wig!

For our “mane” event, we created our own version of Rapunzel’s wig, in all its glory!

To start, here are a few key items you will need:

• 1 pair of yellow tights (use child size tights for a child size wig)
• 3 skeins of yellow yarn (more or less as needed)
• 1 spool of yellow thread and a needle
• Flowers or various decorative pieces
• Something to hold wig in place while hand stitching (we used an empty water pitcher turned upside down)
• Hair tie for final braiding
• 1 pair of scissors
• 1 Sharpie or marker
• 1 awesome assistant (or a very patient boyfriend) for the cutting and final braiding of the wig

Step 1: Putting The Wig In Wiggle

Take the pair of tights and cut off both legs. Stitch together the flaps to close each hole using your needle and yellow thread, thus creating a full cap which should fit snug on the head.

Step 2: Just How Long IS Rapunzel’s Hair?

That’s up to you! For my wig (I’m 5’5”), we cut strands of yarn that were 15 feet long. Keep in mind you will be stitching the center of these strands, so each 'hair' length will be half of this plus after braiding, it will be significantly shorter. Cutting will take a lot of time, so plan accordingly…or find a helper! Be sure to have a space large enough so that you don’t get them “tangled” in each other!

*After wearing this wig for one night, it was a bit heavy, so you may want to refrain from making a wig too long.

Step 3: Groupies!

Group together approximately 5 pieces of the pre-cut yarn. Take the yellow thread and tie off these groupings in the middle with a strong knot to secure them tightly. Make about 10 at a time and place them aside until stitching them to the cap.

Step 4: A Stitch In Time Saves 9

Stretch the wig cap over the wig holder (this is where we used a water pitcher). Take the threaded needle and 1 group of hair, and stitch directly onto the wig cap starting at the very back (nape of the neck) working towards the forehead. Repeat steps 3 & 4 until the wig is completely covered with the groups of yellow yarn, making sure that none of the wig cap is showing.

*We started out stitching 1 individual piece of hair at a time, but realized quickly that it was incredibly time consuming, so we decided to group them and save some time.

Step 5: If The Wig Fits…

Place the hair-covered wig cap on the soon-to-be Rapunzel. Mark any noticeably empty spaces with a Sharpie. Take wig off of model and put it back onto the wig holder. Using the Sharpie marks as a guide, patch these spaces using additional groups of hair.

Step 6: Untangling The Tangled

Have soon-to-be Rapunzel try on the wig once more, this time patience will be important. Stand the model on a chair, if needed, because the hair will otherwise touch the floor and be difficult to straighten. Untangle the hair as necessary, and cut the ends so that all of the hair is relatively the same length.

Step 7: Braids on Parade

All that time practicing braiding hair is now about to pay off. Separate hair into 3 sections and braid away! This is a lot of hair to work with, so make sure to use the model’s assistance. Secure the end with an elastic hair tie (make sure it’s strong).

Step 8: Smile, Sparkle, Shine

Take flowers (or additional decorations) and fasten them to the hair. We used fabric flowers with a wire stem and we were able to wrap the stem around the hair.

Step 9: Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your Hair

Congratulations, you did it! Take a step back, take lots of pictures, and show off to everyone!

For more Halloween ideas, check out Something Scary is Right Around the Corner (this year), A Halloween Post Just for Boo (last year), and the always-changing Halloween Ideas Wediquette Pinterest board!  

Visit David & Brie on Twitter at Davelevenson and BriannaAdam1. 

Thanks, you two super-creative, wonderfully talented people! 

You amaze me and I'm happy to share your awesomeness on the web :) 

...and I don't mean the spiderwebs that we'll be putting up soon!

By the way...

Do you love themed parties? The Roaring 20's Are Making a Comeback!

Are you or a friend planning an Engagement Photo Shoot? Click here for the popular 5 W's post and LOTS of great ideas! 

Want to amaze your dinner guests this holiday season? Check out this post about napkins, and learn some cool folds while you're at it!

Do you know a Proud Nittany Lion? Share this post  about throwing a great Penn State bash and bringing little pieces of Happy Valley into the happiest day of your life!

Want to check out some great wedding tunes? Check out this post, which is updated often!

Putting together bathroom baskets for a wedding or celebration? Click here for great tips and inspiration! 

Are you in a wedding party and not quite sure what to do next? Check out this post to get prepped and rock it! 

Changing your name post-wedding? Click here for the long and short of it. 

Check out the most popular posts along the sidebar (scroll up!), including Weddings Across the Board- a series devoted to the cultural & traditional awesomeness that goes into wedding celebrations around the world- with coordinating Pinterest boards, of course!

Don't forget to check out, follow & share the Wediquette Pinterest page!  

Do you have a request for a wedding, holiday or party-related post? Leave a comment anytime! 

DIY Wedding Card Box

When my friend Amber was nearing the final stages of wedding planning, she sent me a link and shared a beautiful card box she was thinking about buying online. It was 2 tiers, purple, and just lovely...but I couldn't help thinking I could make it for her for a fraction of the cost. I asked if I could and she was very trusting considering I hadn't done this before.  When all was said and done, I think it turned out great! I will say, it took a lot of time, measuring, and hot glue- but I will also say that it only cost me less than $40 to make, and who knows? Maybe Amber will be able to pass it along to another purple-loving bride! So here's how I did it. Feeling bold? You can DIY, too! 

Step 1. I looked online to find out how big it should be and how long to make the card slot. Most cards can fit through a 6" slot, so I made it 7", to be safe. I made a list of things I would need: boxes, an X-acto knife, my hot glue gun, lots of hot glue & tacky glue (maybe even fabric glue), rhinestones for around the card slot, thick white ribbon for the 2nd tier, a white silk flower, thin white ribbon to hang down from the flower, good scissors and purple fabric. I thought that the boxes should be about 10x10" and 12x12", if there were 2 tiers.

Step 2. I knew she had initially liked the 2-tiered version, but was also open to 3 tiers. I got 3 different-sized square boxes, and sent her pictures so she could pick. On the left (above) is the medium and small size, in the middle is the medium and large size, and on the right, you can see all 3- which we decided looked best!

Step 3. I went shopping! I found both types of ribbon and the flower at Michaels, as well as the little stick-on grey pearls you see below. The pearls were a last-minute addition (found on clearance for $.99) that could easily be removed if Amber didn't like them. The flower had a weird center, so I ended up cutting it out, and adding a pretty, sparkly brooch pin to the middle (also found at Michaels). While browsing at AC Moore, I grabbed an X-acto knife and hot glue. I looked at a few fabric options at Walmart, but ended up with a winner at JoAnn Fabric, plus I found a coupon on RetailMeNot (btw, you should get this app on your phone and check it before you check out ANYWHERE!) for 50% off, so the fabric was the most expensive part at about $24.00, but I got 3 yards of it,which was plenty for the boxes and for backing 6 little framed signs for around the reception.

 Step 4. I got to work! If you see the pictures above, you'll notice that initially, these 3 boxes' lids did not cover the same amount of the box, and I wanted it to look even, so I undid the lids, cut them down, glued them back together and stuck them back on. Warning: If you do this, be sure the lid fits with a little room to spare before adding fabric! You don't want to finish covering a box and lid only to find that the lid won't go on.

I did all of my cutting before adding fabric to any of the layers. This included the slot on top, which was 7"x.5"and centered on top. Another option is to put the slot on the front, but I checked with the bride and she preferred the top. It also included cutting holes between the layers so the cards drop straight down. I left about an inch border around the base of the top and middle boxes, and cut the same size square out of the lid of the layer beneath.

I should also mention here that the boxes I got were sort of flimsy, so I cut up a cardbox box and glued it to some of the panels on the inside for some extra support. This may not have been a necessary step, but I didn't want to finish and have the bottom or middle layer caving in.

Step 5. I covered it in fabric! I think this was the most time-consuming part, but I grabbed a box or a lid and covered it while watching TV or listening to music, then did another or waited for another day. I didn't want this to become a pain or too tedious, so I gave myself about 2 weeks and did a little every day or two. If I were to do it again, I think I could do it in a week or less :) Anyway, this step took some figuring out and a LOT of hot glue- I actually had to run out for more at one point. Oh, and I did try the fabric glue, and Tacky Glue here, but it didn't work so well for me. Hot glue ended up being the best option. 

Step 6. Safeguarding the Box- I wanted to make it so that it was difficult to open, but not to the point that we had to rip it apart when the bride & groom were ready to remove the cards. I used a dry sticky adhesive (found at JoAnn Fabric) around the tops of each box, then stuck the lids on.

Step 7. Decorating! This was the most fun and rewarding step, hands down! The rhinestones that I found for the slot at Michaels were actually a strip of adhesive with bling attached, which made it SO easy to go along the perimeter. I used the glue gun to overlap the thick ribbon right where the flower would go, then glued the thin ribbon on before gluing the flower. I played with the option of adding the pearls to the base layer, and it worked!

Step 8. Getting it to the Wedding- When I gave the box to Amber about a week before the wedding, we decided that the slot was better closer to the front on top, so we turned the lid around with ease. I stored it in a (clean) large garbage bag for transportation, and it held up perfectly. We also stored a few of the signs and extra ribbon/rhinestones (just in case) inside the base layer in case anything needed to be fixed up during set-up at the venue. It was large enough for all of the cards that the couple received, which meant nobody ever had to worry about emptying it during the night, and the fact that it was so big meant if anyone tried to move it, it was noticeable- which is a good thing when you're planning for gift, card box and wedding security  (PS have you checked out that post yet?). 

This project took some time and planning, and was definitely a work of heart, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I think I'm making one for my Mom in September, too! Plus, if this post helps you save some money and create a card box for your big event (or for a loved one, like I did), then it was totally worth it!