We added some do it yourself ice cream theme centerpiece cut outs suitable for all kinds of delicious looking ice cream aficionados. Shown here on our “Just Add Sand” centerpiece bases. Each comes cut out of rigid polystyrene in white so you can decorate as desired with almost any kid of water based paint.
Ice Cream Banana Split Centerpiece
Mikey’s favorite is the banana split (left), shown here with an ice cream cone and a bar. Also available is the ice cream sundae (right).
We are regularly asked how to secure the flexible plastic tubes to a base to make a tall air filled balloon centerpiece. We have several suggestions, which include:
One technique, as shown to the left, is to glue to a 3/8″ piece of plywood. We cut a circular pattern, just a little bit larger than the circumference of the flexible plastic tube, about 1/2″ into the wood and glue the tube in the hole. Here you might consider added some weight to the base or inside the tube to keep it balanced and free from wobbling. This mainly depends on the length of the tube and what you put on the top.
Another example is inserting and gluing into a 1-1/2″ styrofoam base (below) or styrofoam brick. With this technique you need to have some weight on the base or inside the tube itself with a smaller base. However, you probably do not need weight with an 11″ or 12″ round or square base.
Happy do it yourself centerpiecing! For more hint and ideas, check out our site.
Mary Meehan of McClatchy Newspapers, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, quoted Anja Winikka, editor of theknot.com, an online resource for weddings: “The DIY thing is indicative of the economy…A lot of people now feel comfortable talking about how they are going to be saving on their weddings.”
This video by A-BnC Parties and More, Inc. demonstrates how to construct a do it yourself music guitar cut out for your musical theme party centerpieces. The guitar is accented with guitar strings made from black yard, heavy black card stock and clear push pins. Judy shows how to take a plain white polystyrene guitar cut out, paint and add these lovely accents. She puts it on another budget “Just Add Sand” centerpiece base and accents with two pieces of onion grass. Add balloons, a table name and table place cards for an economical music guitar theme centerpiece for your Bat Mitzvah, Bar Mitzvah, wedding, special event or party!
Information about kits and supplies available at the Music Theme page of her do-it-yourself-centerpiece Website.
We added a new YouTube video this week. It is how to make a beach theme centerpiece.
It was a family participation. Ely did the narration, first time. Good job Ely! Mikey wrote the script, produced, directed, shot and edited the video and audio. And I was the demonstrator!
You can download the pdf of the narrative at our site.
Jacquie Cattanach recently wrote an interesting article on saving on your Wedding. This was one of her tips on Life Style.
“Most high schools and colleges have horticulture classes that specialize in caring for and arranging flowers and plants. For a small fee, you could hire these aspiring florists who would be thrilled to work on your arrangements. The teachers of such a course will act as your safety net and, as an added bonus to you, will have extensive experience and oversee your project.”
Jackie Burrell (Contra Costa Times) wrote an interesting story as reported by San Luis Obispo.com The Tribune.
These tips caught my eye
“- Do as much as you can yourself, but don’t do it solo. Host a bridesmaids and mothers’ party to assemble craft projects. Ask friends for help with photos, flowers, even the dessert buffet. Especially now, most people are delighted to make their wedding present a gift of time and expertise.
“- DIY is not always cheaper. Pick the most meaningful, budget-friendly projects and don’t overspend on craft tools you may never use again. If you’re looking for some esoteric piece of equipment, ask for advice on one of the DIY wedding forums, or call a local art studio. Some rent studio time and tools.”
Read the rest of the story, which includes tips on do it yourself flowers as well as some great resources.
A very interesting article about DIY weddings from the beginning appears in the Monterey County The Herald website. Jackie Burrell wrote it and quotes an early DIY bride who said: “the DIY movement was just in its infancy and pretty much for the micro-budget brides. It was all about saving money, finding the cheapest avenues to pull off a wedding.”
She was further quoted to say: “Martha Stewart’s approach to weddings and her stylish DIY projects were a turning point” and “Suddenly, DIY was chic. And the Internet’s exponentially expanding networks not only spread the word, they provided the expertise to make the movement successful.”
Jackie writes: Now DIY wedding blogs and discussion boards are popping up all over the Internet, and craft stores are responding to the trend. The DIY wedding aisles at Michaels (craft stores), for example, multiplied this year.
Visit a new page on the www.do-it-yourself-centerpiece.com Website for Musical Themed Centerpiece Cutouts. Kits and individual musical instruments are featured. Instruments pictured include a guitar (and step-by-step), piano, drums, tuba, saxophone and violin.
Do It Yourself Guitar Centerpiece Kit
Guitars come in two sizes, 13″ and 16″ long. Cut in polystyrene, they can be sealed and painted. Patterns are added at the headstock and bridge and the finishing touch of strings are held by clear push pins.
