DIY: Printable monogram stationery

Personalize your thank you cards with one of these FREE printable monogram cards. A perfect size to show your guests gratitude!

Click here to download all 26 letters. Simply print the page you want, cut out the shape (it’s a standard 4 bar or 3 1/2″ x 4 7/8″), then write in your sweet note. Use a matching 4 bar size envelope (3 5/8 x 5 1/8″) to jazz it up.

Voila!

project and photography by Brittany Watson Jepsen of The House That Lars Built

DIY: How to make a post-it heart pinata

I’ve been wanting to try something with post-its forever as I thought it would be a cinch to stick those little papers up and call it art. Well, needless to say, it wasn’t as simple as I thought if you want something in really great colors that will stick permanently. I ended up cutting out my own squares out of different colored paper and gluing them with a glue gun. This way, there’s much more flexibility with the color-choice.

Materials: paper of your choice in post-it size (I used one to measure), scissors, cardboard, string, glue gun, pencil

Step 1: Draw a heart onto your cardboard. I made a mini one to show you how to do it but the final one is 20″ down the middle and 30″ across the widest point.

Step 2: Cut out two hearts for the front and back of the pinata.

Step 3: Make strips of cardboard 5″ wide to go around the perimeter of the heart.

Step 4: Curl these strips with a pencil to so they are more pliable.

Step 5: Glue the strips to the heart.

Step 6: Glue the other side to the strips.

Step 7: Begin applying the “post-its” with the glue gun by starting at the bottom and working up so you can layer on top. For this color choice I started with light colors on the bottom and then worked up to the darker colors. I did a warm palette on one side (reds, pinks, oranges, yellows) and cool on the other (blues, purples, greens)

Step 8: Punch two holes on either side of the arch of the heart.

Step 9: Bring a string through and tie on top.

With the right colors these technique can create a lasting effect on your guests. Add in some fun favors and the guests will love to take a whack.

photography by Amanda Thomsen and DIY steps by Brittany Watson Jepsen

by Brittany Watson Jepsen of The House That Lars Built 

DIY: Mini Canvas and Easel save the dates!

Do your save the dates and wedding invites get cluttered on your fridge or lost in a sea of papers? Make sure yours stay out in public view by turning them into mini art. They’re sure to be remembered when the special day arrives.

You will need: mini canvas and easel (usually sold in a set like this), decoupage glue, your design printed backwards with a laser printer, decoupage paint brush, box large enough to send easel in the post office, scissors

Step 1: Cut your design to the size of the mini canvas.

Step 2: Paint the glue/varnish on both sides of the surfaces (the design and the canvas) making sure there are no air bubbles and wait for 24 hours for it to dry.

Step 3: After 24 hours dip your finger in water and gently rub the paper off until it reveals the design.

Voila! So easy and unique!

DIY: Flying wedding couple balloons

When I saw this I just knew that I had to find a way to make it wedding appropriate. This is definitely for a couple who want to PARTY at their reception. Plus, wouldn’t it be so fun to have a trampoline jumping shoot with your photographer for your engagement session? I think the best effect would be to have a room chock full of these balloons so it’d really capture the fun atmosphere.

Materials: balloons, string or ribbon, glue, scissors, pictures of the bride and groom about 4-6 inches tall cut out on cardstock

Step 1: Cut around the bodies of the bride and groom

Step 2: Glue to the string or ribbon of the balloon.

Step 3: Done!

by Brittany Watson Jepsen of The House That Lars Built

photography by Hilda Grahnat

ps. some more balloon ideas here!

DIY: Kissing clothespin cake topper

I’ve been thinking of fun, alternative caketoppers and when I saw this, I thought it’d be the perfect thing to turn bridal. They’re so quick and easy to make that you could even make a bunch of them and clip them to brown paper bags as favors for your guests. I found an oversized clothespin at the dollar store, which adds a little more drama to the cake than everyday laundry clothespins.

You will need clothespins, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, pencil, (optional lace/tulle for veil)

Step 1: Pencil in your tuxedo with bow tie and wedding dress. Keep it simple. I added a pearl necklace and rosy cheeks.

Step 2: Paint in your lines.

Step 3: (optional) Glue gun pieces of lace or tulle to make veil.

Voilà! — Brittany

I adore this cake photographed by John Cullen and thought it’d be the perfect thing to show off our kissing duo.