Wedding Centerpieces- Monogramed vase cover

I created these beautiful wedding centerpieces for my Dad's wedding this past weekend. The vision I originally had was to monogram in the center of a large dinner napkin and then gather it around a canning jar or Mason jar with a ribbon at the top. What I found was that it was very difficult to determine where to place the monogram in order to have it line up as nicely as I wanted. So as all great creative people will find, you improvise. " necessisty is the mother of invention" right? Sooooo I purchased some inexpensive fabric at a local dollar store, that was a large rectangle. I cut two panels size 11 x 9 allowing for 1/2 inch seams on each side. I folded under a 1/4 inch seam at the top which I ironed down, sewed a scallop satin stitch right along the edge so that the scallop is right along the top edge. Then centered the embroidery hoop right on the front of one panel and embroidered a large C right in the middle. From there I made the two panels a "bag" by just sewing along the three unfinished edges.

The results are a simple, elegant and unique centerpiece that is inexpensive. Now simply place a canning or mason jar style jar down in the bag and fill with flowers. I ran out of mason jars and used an old cleaned mayo jar which was plastic. The great thing is that you can't see it so it can be plastic, or glass, it doesn't matter.

Below are some pics of the cover just on my sewing table as well as a couple from the wedding. If you are interested and not crafty you can purchase these from me in your wedding colors and monogram from my etsy site. http://www.jenjie.etsy.com/ or click on the title of this blog. Discount prices for bulk orders.

Summer Blues

I am experiencing the summer blues when it comes to crafting. My busy life has gotten in the way of my crafting and sewing in the last few weeks. I am now readying myself to use my powers for good and creating very simple, yet very elegant flower arrangements for my Daddy's upcoming wedding.

I got this idea on several of the great blogs out there that showcase wedding DIY items that aim at saving you money. I have been on the prowl for several of these ideas since I agreed to plan and execute the reception for this wedding. This wedding started out as a smallish affair with approx 50 people in attendance, it has grown to twice that in a short period of time. While the food budget has had to grow, the need for decor is about the same. KEEP IT SIMPLE.

So here is what I am going to do. I am purchasing 4-5 large white dinner napkins and in the center of this napkin I am going to embroider a "C" onto the napkin. Then I will gather this napkin around a plain quart mason jar (like you would use for canning), tying at the top with ribbon. Inside I will place several different types of red and white flowers and scatter them around my buffet table, cake table, etc...

This would work equally well if you were doing an outdoor wedding, or a rustic wedding, just change up the fabric choices and embroidery fonts. I would recommend a burlap for a more rustic appeal and maybe a block format for your letters. The possibilities are endless.

The examples that I found online used tissue paper which would be just as pretty, but I wanted something a little more substantial. As soon as I have them done I will be posting a picture.

Happy Sewing..... and to those of you planning those weddings out there......Congratulations and Many Blessings!!!!!


Jenjie