The Brass Paperclip Project

Geek Love! Earth Friendly Finds for Geek Chic Weddings

Computer geeks rejoice! This geek chic wedding post is all for you! Read on to find out how you can create the geeky wedding of your dreams while still being earth-friendly and chic.  Inspired by this week's EcoEtsy theme challenge of "Smart Design." (Image Credit: Love Code by KellyMDesigns.)

THE PROPOSAL

To be honest, I think all marriage proposals are romantic, no matter how you slice 'em.  Every single one makes my heart swoon and these examples are no exception.  Are they right for everyone?  Of course not.  But that's exactly the point.  That is what makes these ideas so special...they are singularly appropriate for the bride and groom involved. 

Twitter: Would you follow this guy?  This is believed to be the first Twitter marriage proposal.

iPhone: One digital Romeo sent his girl friend on a virtual treasure hunt, providing clues along the way, using an iPhone app he designed himself.

 

 
NOW START PLANNING!

Now that you are engaged, it's time to start planning!  These days, no self-respecting tech savvy bride would be caught carrying a giant wedding planning notebook full of (gasp!) hard copies. LOL.  Modern brides are doing most of their planning via the web these days.  A chic new laptop sleeve would make a fun gift in lieu of the traditional planning binder.  Stuffed with a few wedding magazines it makes a fun and useful engagement gift!

For loads of wedding planning inspiration be sure to visit the Green Wedding and Wedding Eye Candy links listed in my sidebar -------------------------------------------->

Recycled Billboard Laptop Sleeve by Notty Pooch

THE INVITATIONS

In most cases, I'm still not sold on the idea of using electronic invites for a wedding, even though they are eco- and budget-friendly options.  However, when done really well, an electronic invite can be an uber-cool way to personalize your wedding.  I shared this video in a previous post, but it's so cool I think it's worth repeating here:

THE DRESS

Ok, so these may not technically (pun intended!) count as earth-friendly, even though they feature thousands of tiny LED lights and are powered by tiny batteries, but they are pretty funny!  Would you wear a light-up dress?

THE RINGS

Sleek, modern designs made from reclaimed and recycled materials are perfect for modern tech-loving couples.

Tiny Diamond Sterling Ring with recycled diamond by CocoandChia,  Modern Square Recycled Silver Bands by AnneHolman, Recycled 18K Gold Bands by daniellejewelry, 18K/14K Recycled Gold and Chocolate Diamond Ring by JesseDanger

This ring is also made with reclaimed metals and can be inscribed with a custom binary message of up to 25 characters.  Each piece also comes with  a "Green Assay" which provides you with the ecological characteristics of the jewelry you are purchasing.  AND, the company offers a voluntary Carbon Offset Tax, should you wish to offset your purchase.

Binary Band by greenKarat

Colorful bands made from space age Titanium are another modern option...and could double as a clever "something blue."

Titanium bands by Minter and Richter Designs

FOR THE LADIES

Recycled CDs, circuit boards and computer parts become impressive earth-friendly jewelry components when re-imagined as earrings, bracelets and necklaces.  A single statement piece would be a fun addition to a modern bridal ensemble.

Recycled CD Peony Pin by oddartist, Upcycled CD Earrings by UpcycledJewelry

Dual Port Resonator Earrings by PeriwinkleDzyns, Blue & White Computer Chip Necklace and Circuit Board Necklace by JewelrybyVeraVague, Transistor Bracelet by 10Kohm

Computer Chip Earrings found on Etsy, but my bookmark disappeared.  If you know who designs these, please let me know.  :)

FOR THE GENTS

Options abound for giving the guys some geek-chic style.  Cuff links made with recycled computer components or engraved with Binary code are subtle and chic accessories.  Circuit board printed ties and wire belts add playful style and a pop of color.

Red Circuit Board Cuff Links and Half Can Oscillator Cuff Links by digiBling, Recycled Circuit Board Cuffl Lnks by beadworkbyamanda, Sterling Binary Code Cuff Links by bddesigns

Keyboard Monogram Tie Tack and Cufflinks by Cufflink Scene

100% SIlk Circuit Board Tie by Projector

Rainbow Ribbon Cable Belt by digiBling

 
DETAILS DETAILS

These punch card notebooks would make super geeky wedding programs or favors. 

Packaged in a 100% recycled cardboard sleeve, a CD with all of your favorite wedding songs or a photo montage makes a very personal and geek-chic favor.

Want to try creating your own binary code messages?  Use this online converter to translate text for invitations, programs or table numbers.

I <3 THESE GIFTS FOR THE NEWLYWEDS

Geek-chic couples will love some geeky new accessories for their homes.

 

External DVD Writer Enclosure and External 500GB Portable Hard Drive Enclosure by BPCustomWoordworks

Geeks Need Pillows Too!  By diffractionfiber

Bill Gates Mugshot Portrait Plate by BeatUpCreations

And last, but not least, don't forget to update your status...

That's all for this week.  I hope you enjoyed this post and found an idea or two you can use...or at least had a laugh or two.  If you are curious to see who won this week's EcoEtsy "Smart Design" Theme Challenge, please visit the EcoEtsy blog.   

And be sure to check out my other EcoEtsy inspired theme wedding posts for more earth-friendly ideas for weddings.

XOXO, Cindi

Honey, I Do! Sweet Ideas for Earth Friendly Weddings

Make your wedding a little sweeter and spread a little love by supporting local beekeepers. Inspired by this week's EcoEtsy theme challenge, today's post is all about the bees.  No, not the "hive" of beloved wedding bloggers...honest to goodness, pollinating honey bees! 

Unless you've been living in a cave for the past few years, you probably know that world-wide bee health is declining.  With 90% of the world's plant-life and over a third of the food we eat dependent on bees and animal pollinators it is essential that we do all we can to ensure their survival.  Short of becoming a bee keeper what can you do? It's easy. Support your local beekeepers by purchasing items made with honey and beeswax.  These all natural products smell wonderful, taste delicious and can boost health in a myriad of ways. (Honey Bee on Lilac Art Print by Nature Mandalas)

Read on to find out how your wedding can help save the bees...

FOOD & GIFTS

Starting with the obvious, why not serve up some honey at your wedding?   No matter what kind of wedding you're planning, there is a honey bee product for you.  From truffles, to cookies, to pure honey...here are some of my favorite finds from Etsy...

Bottles of beautifully packaged local golden honey would make chic gifts for the bridal party.  Pair them with a crusty loaves of artisan bread and some fresh homemade whipped butter...OMG!  A tray of honey almond cookies would be lovely as part of a dessert table or wrapped individually as favors.  Better yet, why not wrap up a pair of cookies and a small carton of milk as a little midnight snack for after the party!

Maryland Wildflower Honey by Naked Bee, Honey Almond Cookies by LH Confections

Honey marshmallows with peanut butter swirls would make sophisticated and elegant toppers for hot chocolate or upscale s'mores...loving this idea for dessert, favors or as a gift.  Lavender honey caramel makes a sweet after dinner treat.  And who could resist a slice of honey cake smothered with chocolate honey?  I smell a new concept in wedding cakes...

Honey Marshmallows with Peanut Butter Swirl by Vintage Confections, Organic Lavender Honey Caramels by Farenheit Goods, Chocolate Honey by Naked Bee

These decadent looking lavender honey truffles would make an impression on a sweets table or packaged as favors.

Lavender Honey Truffles by Calabasas Candy Co.

Last, but not least, why not replace processed sugar and serve honey sugar or pure wildflower honey with the tea and coffee at the end of the meal.  

Honey Sugar by Love Abounds, Honey Dipper Print by Sprocket's Art

CANDLES & DECOR

If you are planning to incorporate candles into your wedding ceremony or reception, definitely consider going with beeswax.  Beeswax candles are far and away the most eco-friendly choice for candles.  Regular paraffin candles are made with petroleum (fossil fuel) by-products - blah! They burn too fast and release toxins and soot into the air.  Not what you want at your wedding. 

By contrast, all natural and made with sustainable ingredients, beeswax candles burn at a higher temperature, so they last much longer.  They also emit negative ions that actually clean the air of toxins and allergens. Gotta love it!

"Bee" sure to pick up some beeswax tapers and pillars for your unity candle ceremony.  You can find them in all shapes and sizes...dipped, poured or rolled. Their lovely natural color compliments any color scheme.

Olde World Hand-Dipped Tapers by Lodestone & Lady's Mantle, Beeswax Pillar Candles by Beeswax Candle Co.

Tea lights and votives are also great for creating a mood or for giving as favors. They come in a full range of shapes, sizes, floating and free-standing.  Nestle them in a vintage cookie cutter or bag them in recycled fabric pouches for sweet favors your guests will love.

Votives found on Etsy, Sweet Honey Soy Floating Candles by Aroma Energie

Skep Candles by Horton's Farm, Egg Shell Candles by Owl Naturals, Pinecone Candles by Peace Blossom Candles, Acorn Cap Candles by Green Baboon Designs

 

One of my favorite beeswax finds is this beeswax dipped crepe paper bouquet.  Not only is this handmade creation stunning, but you'll be able to keep it and enjoy it forever.  Consider adding beeswax dipped bouquets throughout your ceremony or reception in lieu of (or in addition to) fresh flowers.

Beeswax Dipped Paper Flower Bouquetby La La Laurie (Boutonnieres, corsages and cake toppers also available.)

 

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Did you know that raw honey also has numerous health benefits and can really boost your skin's appearance?  In the days and weeks leading up to your wedding, take some time to lather up with honey soap or slather on milke & honey lotion to ensure radiant skin on your big day.  And don't forget your bridal party!  Many of these items would make wonderful gifts to show your girls how much you appreciate them.  Spa party anyone??

Step 1: Cleanse

Peaches & Honey Olive Oil Soap by Fresh and Clean, Oatmeal Milk and Honey Soap by Bungalow Bath & Body, Raw Honey Shea Butter Soap by Trad Hus, Honey Bee Soap by Pure Simplicity Soap

Honey Glycerin Cleanser and Mask by Gwendolyn Forever, Honey & Nut Whipped Soap by Batty's Bath

Honey Bee Sweet Shea & Honey Soap by Jabonbon, Oatmeal Milk & Honey Soap by Herb Friend, Milk & Honey Shea Butter Soap by Sweet Petula, Stone Almond Honey Soap by Simply Nu

 

Step 2: Exfoliate

Honey Butter Tough Love by Beija-Flor Naturals, Milk & Honey Sprinkling Clean by La Conchita Naturals, Honey & Nut Body Scrub by Batty's Bath, Oatmeal Milk Honey Coffee Bean Soap by Crowley Manor

Sugar scrub cubes are fun too!

Lavender Honey Sugar Cube Body Scrub by Epically Epic Soap Co., Brown Sugar and Honey Scrub Cubes by Dancing Mooney

 

Step 3: Moisturize

Mango Honey Peach Lip Balm by Kayla Laskin, Lavender Vanilla Milk & Honey Lotion by Cottage Garden Therapi,  Milk n' Honey products by Spa Godess, Iced Lemon Biscotti Milk & Honey Lotion by Wicked Soaps.

Shea/Cocoa Butter Solid Lotion Bar made with Beeswax by Joan's Garden

Orchid Infused Sweet Mandarin & Honey Shea Body Butter by Piper Tate

And smell good too!

Honey Jasmine Solid Perfume by Spa Goddess

So there you have it!  Lots of ways help the bees and making your big day even sweeter!

And to see who won this week's EcoEtsy Honey Bee theme challenge, be sure to visit the team blog. (One of my nominations was a winner!)

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today - hope you'll share your comments and stop back again soon!  XOXO Cindi

 

Sexy Retro Finds for an Earth Friendly Honeymoon

Just for fun....doesn't this make you want to hit the road???

Earth Friendly Picks for your Wedding - Lavender and Gold

I was recently featured in a beautiful lavender and gold themed treasury.  As soon as I saw it I thought it would be a lovely palette for a wedding, so I immediately set to work making a treasury of my own.  My version, inspired by the one below, features earth friendly picks for a lavender and gold wedding.  Vintage, natural, recycled and re-useable materials make these picks guilt-free options for any green-bride.

You can also find more information about my Eco-Chic Luxe Jeweled Rose, which was featured in the original treasury, by clicking on the link or the photo below.

Thanks so much to Emmamaha for the inspiration!  Are you planning an earth-friendly color-themed wedding?  Want some help with finding earth-friendly picks in your palette?  Leave me a comment and I'll see what I can find for you!   XOXO, Cindi

CRAZY For You!

I got the sweetest "tweet" from one of my fabulous Eco Etsy team members recently...sending me on a little treasure hunt to find one of my dahlias featured in her beautiful treasury!  What a fun surprise!!  The title of the treasury is "CRAZY for you"...which makes me blush like a school girl and guess what, Jane...right back at ya!

If you're not already familiar with zJayne on Etsy, she sells the most amazing creations all made from recycled t-shirts.  She's also a talented mixed-media artist.  I am very much in love with her lavender filled dryer pillows and use them in every load of laundry.  My laundry has never smelled better.

Thanks again for the smile, Jane! 

XOXO Cindi

Stop-Motion Photo Booth - SO much fun!

I just can't get enough of stop-motion video lately.  Love this stop-motion "photo booth" video that I found on WedShare Daily...looks like the wedding was a lot of fun...or maybe there was a lot of booze??  Maybe both??  It's kind of long, so watch for as long as it interests you...I promise you'll leave smiling.

Bobby & Carrie Photo Booth from Sara Montour on Vimeo.

If you like stop-motion video be sure to check out this great stop-motion wedding invitation and this dreamy video.  Will you be using stop-motion video for your wedding or event?  What's the best stop-motion video you've seen so far?

Enjoy!   XOXO, Cindi