The Brass Paperclip Project

Trees? Yes, Please! Earth Friendly Picks for your Wedding

Happy Arbor Day!  Inspired by this week's Eco Etsy theme challenge, today's post celebrates trees and weddings. The photo above was taken on my wedding day, just before the ceremony.  I was lucky enough to be married beneath that amazing tree. Believe it or not, I was married in the middle of October.  That tree was supposed to be a riot of fall color, but it looks more like a sunny day in June doesn't it?  Sometimes Mother Nature has other plans...

"Like the oak that bursts forth from a tiny acorn, so does love ignite from a single spark...growing stronger and more beautiful each day."

Whether you are planning an entire tree-themed event or just want to infuse your wedding with thoughtful natural touches, there are tree-themed accessories for every bride.  Below are some of my favorites...enjoy!   

Amazing set of wedding bands made ethically from reclaimed 18K gold. 

NYC Twig Wedding Bands by Barbara Michelle Jacobs

This jaw dropping gown is not only gorgeous, it is totally earth-friendly.  The dress is a hemp/silk blend, lined with 100% silk.  The landscape panel on the front was hand-pieced with over 20 different colors of fabric...some of which were even hand-dyed.  OMG!

 
"Daydream" Wedding Gown by Thread Head

This unique alternative to a guest books allows each guest to personally put their "stamp of approval" on your wedding!  After the wedding, you have a one-of-a-kind "family tree" to hang in your home.

Finger Print Family Tree by Sweet Carolina Design

How about these recycled catalog trees?  These would make a stylish and inexpensive centerpiece for a shower or reception.

Recycled Catalog Trees by Giggling Gnome

Loving these birch bark brooches and hand-felted acorns.  Imagine one of the brooches in place of a boutonniere or pinned to a simple sash.  The acorns would make sweet decorations or accents for a bouquet.

Birch Brooches and Acorns by Lil Fish Studios

A gorgeous tree necklace...simple and sweet for a tree-lovin' bride or bridesmaid.

Golden Tree Necklace by Yellow Finch Designs

For a modern wedding that still wants a natural feel, I'm crazy about these painted tree rings.  Each piece is hand-painted on reclaimed wood.  Clustered, these would make a gorgeous centerpiece or maybe even a cake topper?  They are drilled on the back so they can be hung on the wall after the wedding.  Swoon.

Circle Art by Tracy Melton for Focus Line Art

Still want more trees??  Check out my eco-chic Trees?  Yes, Please! treasury on Etsy

Don't miss these Top 10 Tips for Wowing Guests with Tree Seedling Favors.

Photo via Seeds of Life

And be sure to stop by the Eco Etsy team blog to find out who won this week's Plant-A-Tree-For-Arbor-Day challenge.

Hope you'll join me again next week for more EcoEtsy wedding inspiration and to find out how my picks stack up to the winners. 

XOXO

Cindi

Do Me a Favor...Plant A Tree

Photo via Seeds of Life

Arbor Day is this Friday, so I have trees on the brain this week.  One great way to incorporate trees into your wedding is with seedling favors.  Seedling favors have become a popular earth-friendly wedding favor in recent years, but they do require some thought on your part before deciding if they are right for your wedding.  Here are some tips for wowing your guests with live tree favors. 

*DO Purchase seedlings from a reputable seller...someone who is taking care to minimize their own impact on the environment, as well as providing healthy plants.  Some of my favorites include:

*DO pick appropriate plants for your climate.  Trees will be more likely to thrive in a native environment, so choose native plants if your guests are local.  If you have guests coming from out of town, factor in their hometown climates before purchasing trees.  Click the photo below to look up plant hardiness zones for your area.

Map courtesy of US National Arboretum

*DO be mindful of guests who are traveling...will a tree make it home with them easily?  Are there any restrictive live plant regulations they will need to be aware of?  (FYI: California, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska have more stringent rules than other states.) Seed packets make a good alternative.

*DON'T feel compelled to give every guest a plant.  One plant per couple or individual guest is a lovely way to say thanks.

*DO have favors do double duty as decor...this saves resources and can save you money if your favors can double as centerpieces.

Photo by Jessamyn Harris

*DO use recycled or reuseable packaging for your favors.  Small terracotta pots, glasses, burlap wraps and plantable peat or coir pots are just a few ideas that can all be found for a song at local garden supply, thrift or craft stores. Some vendors ship plants in plastic tubes that can be converted to bird feeders. 

Photos clockwise from top left: Martha Stewart, Evergreen Memories, "I Do" It Yourself , Wedding Bee Pro

*DO try making your own pots from recycled paper...think newspapers, wrapping paper from your wedding shower or those leftover bridal magazines...

Photos via The Thirty Something Bride, available at Seed and Garden

*DON'T assume that every plant will be taken home.  Guests always forget their favors...and some simply may not wan them.  Have a plan for what to do with the extras.

*DON'T over water the day of the wedding...no one wants to carry around a drippy plant.

*DO be sure to save a few for yourself and do me a favor...plant a tree!

XOXO

Cindi

Eco-Elegant Bridal Affair at Springs Preserve

 
Every now and then you come across an event so cool you want to tell everyone you know to check it out.  I recently stumbled onto one of those events, so here is the scoop...
 

WHAT: Eco-Elegant Bridal Affair

WHY: To benefit the American Cancer Society

WHEN: Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

WHERE: Springs Preserve...Vegas, baby!

YOUR HOSTS: Roni Josef International Salon and Spa & Wolfgang Puck Catering

WHY YOU CAN'T MISS IT:

*live music in breathtaking surroundings

*three exhibit halls filled with exclusive, eco-conscious vendors offering cutting-edge trends

*cake and food sampling

* two couture fashion shows

*one multicultural fashion show

*mini Green Wedding education classes

*sustainable bachelorette and bachelor pads

*and it's FREE!

SHHHHH....THERE'S ALSO A SILENT AUCTION:

The silent wedding auction will be hosted by John Daly of "Real TV" and "House Detective."  Brass Paperclip has donated this stunning vintage wedding gown to the auction, so fingers are crossed that a spirited bride war ensues...pushing the bids up up up...LOL.  Seriously, though, I'm really hoping the dress brings a good donation for cancer research.

For a full description of this gown, please visit Brass Paperclip. Additional photos are also available in this Brass Paperclip Flickr set.

VENUE SPOTLIGHT:

If that isn't enough to tempt you, the event is being staged on the grounds of the historic Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.  The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural institution designed to commemorate Las Vegas' dynamic history and to provide a vision for a sustainable future. The Preserve features museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, colorful botanical gardens and an interpretive trail system that meanders through a scenic wetland habitat.  They offer multiple wedding ceremony and reception options amidst the incredible desert landscape. And all of the food is sublimely natural and organic

 

  All photos courtesy of Wolfgang Puck Catering and Springs Preserve.

WANT A LITTLE MORE? 

Here is fashion show teaser...check out this great video from last year's show:

Springs Preserve - Fashion Show from Memory Lane Video on Vimeo.

Will I be going?  Sadly, no, because I'll be in Seattle, but if you are in the Vegas area and can make the show, be sure to let me know how it was.  I'd love to see some pics!  XOXO Cindi

    

 

Going Green For Earth Day - Earth Friendly Picks for Everyone

Organic Cotton Hat by KinderCotton

Happy Earth Day!  Today I am sharing a whole slew of earth friendly finds that I discovered during my weekly EcoEtsy theme challenge search.  This week's theme of "green" turned up so many amazing things that I couldn't possibly pick just one item, so I decided to throw a little green party to showcase them all. 

The new Treasury East feature on Etsy made this really easy to do, so I hope you'll click on the photos below to visit each treasury and learn more about all of the amazing things the EcoEtsy team has to offer.  If you are not familiar with what a treasury is, it is a member curated collection of Etsy items that can be viewed by anyone.  Treasuries are "ranked" based on the number of times they are viewed and by how many items get "clicked" or viewed.  Popular, well made treasuries are sometimes promoted to the front page of Etsy.  So be sure to click and comment whenever you visit a treasury! 

I hope you enjoyed today's post.  Let me know what you think of this format - it was fun to do and hopefully, you'll enjoy all that there is to see.  And be sure to check the EcoEtsy blog to find out who this week's winner is!  XOXO Cindi

Countdown to Earth Day 2 - Earth Friendly Picks for Your Wedding

Recouped Caddy Cufflinks by Dust Design Co.

Each week I enjoy participating in the EcoEtsy theme challenge that helps to promote eco-friendly vendors on Etsy.  My take on this challenge is to find picks that relate to the weekly theme and then somehow tie them back to eco-weddings...a double challenge for myself and a great creative exercise.

Inspired by last week's challenge to find items relative to the Earth Day theme of "reuse," my picks feature some great items for dressing your maids, your men, or maybe even the guests.   Each item is either vintage (a perfectly elegant way to reuse!) or is made of recycled materials.  Here are my favorites:

Vintage Dresses by Vera Vague

Hand-Painted Vintage Purse by Vivien Cheng

Clockwise from top left: Flower by Wynzia, Necklace by Dust Design Co., Hair band by Marang97, Necklace by Jewelry by Vera Vague

 

To find out who won this week's challenge...

CLICK HERE

To read last week's post click here.

Hope you'll join me again next week for more EcoEtsy wedding inspiration and to find out how my picks stack up to the winners. 

XOXO

Cindi

How To: Recycled Rubber Band Note Cards

Rubber bands seem to come "free" with everything.  And they multiply like rabbits in my junk drawer.  A few weeks ago, my daughter spied some in the kitchen and asked to play with them.  I tossed her a pile, which she promptly cut into pieces with her little scissors.  As I was cleaning up the mess, I started to see rubber bands in a whole new way...and that, my friends, is how I came up with the idea for these cards.  :)

They are super easy to make and were really satisfying because the results are so cool.  All of the rubber bands I used are recycled...mostly from produce and flowers I get at the market.  Everything else was left over from previous projects.  I've been very focused on my "stash busting" this month, since I decided to take the Stash Bust challenge and not buy any new supplies in April.

If you don't have these things on hand, you can purchase good double stick tape or adhesive sheets from any craft store.  If you don't have blank cards, try making some from card stock or recycled brown bags...you can even make a matching envelope for them out of just about anything.  Here's what you need to get started making recycled rubber band cards:

MATERIALS:

*assorted sizes and colors of rubber bands

*card stock - can be a piece of cereal box or whatever you have

*double stick tape or peel n' stick adhesive sheets

*scissors

*blank cards and envelopes

*stamps, ink, pens (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW TO:

STEP 1: Cut a piece of card stock to be the base of your project.  (I used roughly a business card sized piece.)

STEP 2: Apply a piece of peel n' stick adhesive or several strips of double stick tape to your card stock, covering it completely.  Peel off backing to expose adhesive, creating a sticky surface for your rubber bands.

STEP 3: Cut your rubber bands open to make long strips.  Place one at a time on your adhesive, alternating colors and sizes to make a striped pattern.  (I started somewhere in the middle and worked my way out to the edges.)  Press down firmly, but avoid pulling on the rubber bands as you place them so they don't stretch and then try to shrink down later.

STEP 4: Trim uneven edges to your desired length.

STEP 5: Apply more double stick tape to the back of your finished rubber band piece and then apply it to a card.  Add a stamped or hand-written sentiment if you wish.

 I did a few different variations with horizontal and vertical stripes.  I also did one with an uncut edge and love the fringe effect.  Next to try: weaving!  Other possible uses are limitless...I can see a larger piece adorning the front of a journal or a coaster.  Smaller pieces could be worked into jewelry.  Lots of possibilities!  Just be sure to use really sticky adhesive to hold the rubber bands in place.  Then be prepared for smiles when you give one of these to someone special.  :)

That's it!  Hope you enjoy and have fun making some cards of your own!  And feel free to share links to photos of any cards that you make!  I'd love to see what else can be done with this idea. 

XOXO

Cindi

 

 

 

EcoEtsy Handmade Earth Day Auction 2010

The EcoEtsy Handmade Auction for Earth Day is now OPEN for worldwide bidding!  The auction runs from now until May 2nd.  All items have been donated by members of the Eco Etsy Street Team and all of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund.

Brass Paperclip contributed items to the jewelry and paper goods categories...you can check them out here:

 

Other categories include: baby, home, fashion and health & beauty.   

I hope you'll check out the auction and place a bid...and if you like what you see, please help spread the word!  For more information about other green events taking place this month, please check out my previous post here.  Happy Earth Day!  XOXO Cindi

via blog.ecoetsy.com

Eco Flower Girls Part 2 - Vintage Princess

White Tulle Dress by Baby Cha Cha

When you hold something old and beautiful in your hands, do you feel a connection to the past?  Does the sight of vintage tulle and satin make your heart flutter?  How about a crushed vintage millinery flower?  Are you hoping to incorporate pieces of the past into your wedding?  If so, this post is for you. Here are some of my favorite vintage flower girl ideas...each one a beautiful and earth-friendly way to celebrate the past as you embark on your future.

Heirloom Dresses 

For a vintage inspired wedding, I love the look of a poufy tulle princess dress.  If you don't have a family heirloom waiting to be passed down, why not take a trip to the local thrift or antique store to pick up a vintage prom dress.  You will be rewarded for your efforts with yards and yards of luscious vintage tulle and if you're lucky...maybe some vintage millinery flowers or trims. 

Vintage Prom Dresses by Such Pretty Things and My Lula Belles

Vintage Tutus by Heather Bullard

Vintage dress and flowers by Faded Plains

A good seamstress can deconstruct a dress to create a new one.  There are even vintage patterns to be found if you want to go for a truly authentic vintage look.  

Vintage Dress Pattern from Selvedge Shop

DIY brides might also enjoy making a simple tutu from reclaimed tulle.  This great video shows how to make a tutu using new tulle, but you could just as easily use tulle salvaged from an older dress.  For those of you who like written instructions, check out this easy tutorial on Flickr or this e-book for purchase.

Another idea for reusing vintage textiles is to create something like the skirt on the right below using a vintage veil or lace curtain panel.   This particular skirt is a bit much for a flower girl, but you get the idea.  Imagine a whole dress (like the gorgeous one on the left) made from the tulle of a vintage veil!  Yum!

Dress by Fairy Wonderful and Skirt by Vintage Opulence

There is also the option of buying something new.  Tulle isn't a particularly eco-friendly fabric, but it does come in silk, which is at least natural.  If you can't find something organic or reclaimed, the next best solution, in my opinion, is to buy something amazing and hand-crafted that can be worn and loved over and over again by your sweet little flower girl.  Perhaps this could even become the heirloom that gets passed down to future generations?  I seriously heart these dresses by Sweet Plume.

Princess Dresses by Sweet Plume

For even more tutu inspiration, please be sure to check out my tutu gallery on Flickr. 

From Her Head To Her Toes

With a big poufy dress, I like to keep the accessories simple...too much is, well, too much.  You don't want your flower girl to look like she's wearing a costume.  A simple wreath of flowers like the vintage one below is a perfect crown for a princess.  Vintage millinery flowers can also be used to make a simple, but elegant hair clip, headband or corsage.

Vintage Hair Wreath by Such Pretty Things

Vintage Millinery Flowers by Such Pretty Things

On her feet, classic ballet slippers would be charming.  The ones shown below are adorable and could certainly be worn again after the wedding...and maybe even hung on the wall of her bedroom as a decorative keepsake when they have been outgrown. 

 
Ballerina Slippers by Kamara

 
 

Here's an easy how-to for dressing up simple ballet flats with ribbons and bells.  Photo at left courtesy of MSL.
 

To Have and To Hold

A vintage princess would, of course, need a perfectly vintage basket.  Any of these would be charming filled to the brim with sweet smelling petals.  I especially like the minimal decoration on these baskets...one simple posy attached to the handle is plenty.  You can learn more about the origins of the flower girl's basket in my previous post about flower girl history.

Baskets are plentiful at thrift stores and can be had for under a dollar.  If you can't find one in a color you like, just look for the right shape and then invest in a can of spray paint.   With a piece of sand paper lightly sand the basket to distress once the paint has dried.

Vintage Baskets by Such Pretty Things

This covered basket would be great for a smaller flower girl to carry...with the flowers decorating the front, you don't even need to add petals...just carry down the aisle and smile sweetly.  It's also a perfect hiding place for a special toy if your flower girls needs a little extra courage to make it down the aisle.

Vintage basket by Such Pretty Things

A vintage posy of linen blossoms is another simple idea.  These are relatively easy to find in antique stores or wherever you like to hunt for vintage treasures.  (Ahem...Etsy.)  I especially like the little wrap on this one that gives it a finished feel.

Linen Posy by Kbake via Flickr

That's it for part 2!  I hope you enjoyed my ideas for dressing the "vintage princess" flower girl.  For more inspiration, please check out my previous posts about flower girl customs and traditions and the "naturally chic" flower girl.  Thanks so much for joining me - I hope you'll leave a comment if you have any thoughts or ideas about this post.  Check back soon for part 3 in this series...you won't want to miss the "Eco Chic" flower girl.  XOXO, Cindi

Eco Etsy Green Share Project

 
A few weeks ago I wrote a post highlighting all of the green events I'm participating in this month.  One of the projects I talked about is the Eco Etsy Green Share project taking place all month in honor of Earth Day. 

Quoting the Eco Etsy blog, here is the description of Green Share:

"The passing on and sharing of a gift of seeds and a starter planter that is given freely to classrooms, local businesses, neighbors, friends and family. The gift can be anonymous or can help show your business or organization’s commitment to Eco-Friendly living."

Below are photos of my materials and seed packets. I had my little girl help assemble.  We used a big packet of seeds that I found at Target for $1...hopefully they will actually sprout!  The plantable pots were about $2 for 12 pots and are made from 100% coconut fiber.  The envelopes are misprints from one of my first wedding invitation jobs and the labels are leftovers from another project.

To put it all together, we used round labels to cover the misprinted addresses.  I did some printing directly on the envelopes and also used a label on the back with planting instructions.  A brass paperclip holds the starter pot to the envelope.

 

I'm sending seed packets out with all of my orders this month and another batch with pots will be going to preschool with my daughter on Earth Day...minus all of my business contact info.  :)

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day this year? 

XOXO

Cindi

Don't Forget Your Dancing Shoes!

Something sweet to start the week...recently stumbled across this awesome stop motion video by Corey McKenna via Gangsta Bride ...one of the greatest wedding invitations ever.  So cute - love it - hope you do too.  Have a great week!  XOXO Cindi