Sweet Decor Idea: Framed Chalkboards

We love the idea of using framed chalkboards in party and wedding decor. Whether it's to write something as simple as the menu, or to tell a little story, or to instruct your guests, these are a fun, decorative solution and they offer instant style.

We found some great ones on Etsy (of course!):

From Polkadots n' Pinstripes' Shop

Large White Vintage French-Inspired Framed Chalkboard


Chalkboard Magnetic Memo Board Oval Metal Frame from Shabby Vintage Mom's Shop:


Mini Day of the Dead Chalkboard in Orange from Kitty McFar's Shop:



Antique Framed Chalkboard from Rowan's Room's Shop:


Purple Ornate Chalboard Frame from Nonookyes's Shop:


And this one...so cute! From K9Gifts.com:


Actually, we're told this is a fairly easy D.I.Y. project - just buy some frames at Goodwill or a garage sale! We've included some instructions below. Send us pics if you decide to do it and we will feature them!

Supplies

Large vintage or secondhand frame

Chalkboard paint

Pencil

Masking or painter's tape

Nails, hammer, paintbrush/small roller

Instructions

Place the empty frame on the wall in the exact place you would like to have your chalkboard. Have someone hold it very steady, or actually nail it on the wall. Using a pencil, trace the inside perimeter of the frame directly onto the wall. Remove the frame from the wall.

The next step is to tape the area off. Place tape along the lines you have drawn, not flush against the pencil marks, but about an inch away. This will create a space in the same shape, but about a full inch larger altogether than the pencil outline. Erase the pencil marks.

Place the frame back over the area, and make sure you can't see any tape from any angle. (The boundary of the tape now represents the unpainted wall, and what you will be able to see once the project is complete.) If necessary, adjust the tape lines so they are covered completely by the frame. If this is difficult, your frame's edges may be too thin/narrow.

Happy Crafting!
xo SJE

Take it from the Topper: Unique Cupcake Toppers from Etsy

Ideas for party themes can come from anywhere, even something as simple as a handmade cupcake/cake topper. Here is a selection of toppers we found on Etsy that are sure to inspire you to throw a sweet soiree!

From HModine's ephemera-inspired shop:

A little Marie Antoinette!


Teacups


Fortune Tellers:


From Cupcake Social's Shop:

Butterfly Ring Toppers


Pinwheels


And for the little ones, from creatingfromtheheart's shop


Clothespin Ballerinas


Candle Kids





Hope you enjoyed these as much as we enjoyed finding them!

xo SJE

{Printable} Parties By Hardie on Etsy!

We LOVE this idea! Parties By Hardie has created a fantastic concept - "printable" parties! Everything you need to throw a playful, colorful, fun themed kid's party all in one PDF file ~ just print and cut! To get the idea, here's what the Ladybug Printable Party kit contains:

party hats
favor bag toppers (two styles/sizes)
place cards/food label cards
square tags/labels
fill-in invitations
thank you cards
flower shaped thank you cards
tags (1.7 “, 3”, 5”)
favor box
"The party's here" signs
crown (3 styles)
triangle birthday banner
flower birthday banner
mini patterned paper banner
patterned papers

To see more photos of everything in this kit and what you can make with it, see PBH's party blog: www.partiesbyhardie.com.

SO Cute! Perfect for all of us time-crunched folks who are thoughful, but overscheduled :)