I Made One Myself!-DIY

(above pic from Martha Stewart)
You remember my posting about these creative little centerpieces (here) ? Well, in it I stated that I would be alternating these luminescent photo frame centerpieces with the original ones that I planned on doing (simple floating candle centerpieces). Well, I have finally tackled that project and made one! Woo-hoo!
I started with some 4 x 6 silver frames that I found at The Dollar Tree. I also bought more of this same type, some unfinished wood frames and some silver 5 x 7 frames, but have only actually completed one centerpiece to share with you. You start with removing the backs off of these and only using the front frame and glass. The backs can be discarded, or you can actually use them for something like signs.
Since these frames were silver ( one of my wedding palette colors) I didn't have to hassle with painting it.
I then went on Picasa (I don't have Photoshop or anything like that) =(
I placed the pictures so that I could fit 2 pictures per sheet of vellum....'cause it's kinda expensive paper. I got mine from Michael's....a package of I believe 100 at half price with a coupon. woohoo!
Here's are a few of the sheets I've printed thus far.
After printing them out, it's time to cut.
I used the insert that came in the frame for a template for cutting.
When you're done, place the pics in the frames then attach the frames to each other. I used duct tape (from a 99 cent store), which holds very well. I've also read other directions that said you can use epoxy. I really like the duct tape because it's clean....no muss, no fuss, and no waiting for anything to dry.
And here's my photo frame with a candle placed in the center (in a candle holder high enough to keep flame protected).
I love it! And it was SOOOO simple to make. I only bought one set that I will have to paint.....or maybe I'll just find another set that I won't have to paint. =)
Is anyone else planning on using this idea? You know, you don't even have to use these as centerpieces. These would be great at a remembrance table....for those that have passed and couldn't be with us to share in the celebration.

My Alternating Centerpieces

I previously posted my glass heart floating centerpieces, but now I will show you the alternating (every other table) centerpieces. I got these from Martha Stewart (she's so awesome!).

I've gotten my supplies, but haven't actually made one yet. I will post a picture of one actually made by me once I make it. But aren't these heavenly? And really easy to make. You can get the frames from Dollar Tree (which is what I did). And I got mine in silver so I wouldn't have to paint them. Yay...even cheaper!
Here are the directions for anyone who's interested (courtesy of Martha Stewart):

Photo Centerpiece How-To
Disassemble three like-sized frames, setting aside their fronts and discarding their backings. Paint or stain wooden frames desired color; let dry. Upload or scan photographs into a computer. With editing software, make the images black and white, and resize them to fit your frames. Print them onto vellum paper with an ink-jet printer. Slip the images into the frames. Using cloth tape, hinge frames together to form a triangle. Stand frames around a candle in a protective glass holder.

How to Make an Edible Dried Fruit And Chocolate Bouquet

Great centerpiece idea! Click on image for video instructions.

More DIY Favor and Centerpiece Ideas

A mason jar filled with cookie mix, hot cocoa, cappuccino mix..........or
.......... filled with lemonade or limeade mix...... I love it!
Can you believe it? Jello centerpieces? What a unique idea. If you like this idea, here are directions on how to make it. I got this picture and directions from Wedding Obsession, but I guess it originally came from Rachel Ray.

- Combine six boxes of Jell-O powder in half the amount of water specified (to get a more vibrant color).
- Chill the mix in your choice of vase for approximately 30 minutes.
- Push the flowers into the semi-firm gelatin.
Handmade fortune cookie favors. I really truly love this idea....(brainstorming)
What you will need:

• a 5 inch square of cotton fabric for the outside of your cookie
• a 5 inch square of felt for the inside
• a circle to trace, one with a diameter of about 4.5 inches (I use an old paint can)
  
• pinking shears
• a slip of paper, about .5" by 2.5" for your fortune

For full instructions from Lady Harvatine click here.


Various cans for flower vases.
This is one I've never seen before.....so lovely.

An Old Sample Picture

This is a sample of my tables that I did back in April. This was before I got my square purple place mats to put under the centerpieces. It's just a rough draft. There will also be rose petals or potpourri scattered on the table just surrounding the charger.
I'm using "like linen" type tablecloths, although I would have loved to have had real linen. But paying over $100 to rent tablecloths is a bit out of our budget. Even if it were just a little under $100, it would be out of our budget. The same goes for napkins. They will also be paper. BUT.....if when the time comes for the wedding....we've saved up more than we needed, I will DEFINITELY, at the very least, get real linens for the tables.
You will see in the picture that only one of the bubble favors is decorated with a bow. I pretty much took this pic for myself...just to get an idea of what it would look like.

Our Simple Centerpieces

These will be the centerpieces for the tables. In the first picture the glass gems look a bit yellowed, but they really aren't. There are white pearly ones, white frosted, and clear. Inside the heart are also purple ones.
This is a very simple design, and pretty inexpensive.

MATERIALS:
I bought some platinum look chargers from Big Lots (12 for $18), but I will only be using 9 for the centerpieces. Glass hearts from Dollar Tree (9 for $9), floating candles from Michael's ($4), lots of glass gems from Michael's and Big Lots($22) and purple square place mats from Dollar tree (9 for $9).

Comes out to approx. $7 for each setting. 9 settings in all. Not bad, but I really thought it was going to come out to less. That's one of the biggest reasons why I didn't opt for flowers....budget! I love the look of flowers, and I'm not a big fan of fake flowers, so I went with a candle theme. Plus, having flowers means florist ($) or if you do it yourself it could mean having to stress buying flowers days before the wedding AND keeping them preserved. I really don't want to have any extra stress the week of my wedding. I just want to concentrate on me, and since we are basically doing all the decorating ourselves, I went with something simple, sturdy, easy, and something that has no shelf life.
So....ta-da! Centerpieces are all done a year before the wedding, with minimal assembly required the night before.

That's what I'm talkin' about!