May
20

One Stroke Brushes



There are a variety of different types of brushes to choose from when you are working on your painting projects. Even within the One Stroke family, there are different brushes to be used based on the surface you are painting on. The differences are in the bristles and may vary from hard to soft bristles. They are distinguished by the different colored handles and the fabric brushes even have a green stripe on the tip of the bristles.

The brushes for Glass and Ceramics are soft. This allows them to hold the paint nicely in the brush, while moving smoothly over the slick surface. They also keep the brush strokes from being as noticeable as they might be with a regular brush.

The fabric brush bristles are harder and hold up well while painting on fabric. This is a little trickier since the paint does not flow as easily on this type of surface. The One Stroke Fabric brushes will assist you in creating a beautiful final project that you will be proud to wear.

It does not matter if you are painting on glass or fabric, the brushes in this line hold up very well to frequent use. They rarely lose their bristles. What you may find after several uses is the bristles losing their shape. If you take care of them properly and reshape them after using, you will extend their life. They are reasonably priced which makes them practical to use on your decorative painting projects. They are also very easy to find and may be purchased at many local craft and fabric stores.

May
17

Tips For Selecting Wedding Favors



Wedding favors are no longer as simple as they used to be. With stores carrying thousands of options, online stores carrying thousands more and many other options available, how do you choose? Here are some tips:

Theme

If your wedding is a themed wedding, your decision will be much easier. Your favors should match your theme. Is it a western wedding? Then how about miniature cowboy hats filled with mini cowboy cookies. If it’s a winter wedding, how about a scented candle, cookie cutter or Christmas ornament. If it’s a summer wedding, how about lip balm with sunscreen or some handmade soaps. If it’s a fall wedding, how about chocolates in the shape of a leaf. If it’s a Halloween wedding, how about a small basket of Halloween candy.

Color

Whatever favors you choose, make sure that they are either wrapped or boxed in your desired colors. If your wedding is a simple color themed wedding, then your choices for wedding favors are endless, from small trinkets, to a can of mints to a disposable camera to chocolates to a more elaborate gift bag.

Types

There are many types of wedding favors including edible, fun, decorative, wearable and practical. Some typical fun wedding favors include yo-yo’s, playing cards, puzzles and small toys. Edible favors include wine, small chocolates and candies, cookies, snacks, jelly beans, nuts, mints, coffees, teas, honey, homemade items and fortune cookies. Decorative favors include candles, potpourri, picture frames, porcelain items or pictures. Wearable favors are a fun idea and they include anything wearable like sunglasses, lib balm, headwear etc. Some brides may prefer practical favors, which would include key rings or key chains, magnets, soaps, paperweights, bottle openers, pizza cutters, luggage tags, address books, compacts, salt and pepper shakers, coffee or ice cream scoops, bottle stoppers, corkscrews, measuring spoons, coasters, notepads, coffee mugs, whisks, jewelry boxes and matchbooks.

For a fantasy wedding, how about giving your guests each a different mask to wear?

Whatever favors you choose, consider how they match with your wedding style, theme or colors. Are the items able to be inscribed or engraved? For chocolates, can the wrappers be customized? Or can the items be put in a small bag, trinket box or other container which would go with the colors and/or theme of your wedding?

May
13

Wedding Reception Checklist – Wedding Favors and Accessories



Included in the entire wedding celebration is the wedding reception. The wedding reception is the time where the wedded couple together with their guests and participants will share a fun and exciting moment again. Foods, games, gifts, decors, favors and keepsakes are incorporated to showcase a successful wedding reception. However, planning for this party can be overwhelming because important and exact decisions need to be made.

Traditional wedding receptions include the newly proclaimed husband and wife, guests, participants such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man, maid of honor, flower girls, ring bearer, parents of the bride and groom, and other major personalities during the wedding ceremony. Also, the reception will never be a reception without food and wine. The menu should be catered to all the attendees. And the celebration will not end without a toast of wine.

As to the celebration, the reception, its environment should coordinate with the theme of the wedding. There are different types of wedding themes, from simple to extravagant. If you opt for a simple wedding celebration, you may want to choose accessories and essentials that are simple to match your simple wedding theme. Example, extravagant wedding favors to incorporate on simple wedding celebrations be may exaggerated and simple wedding favors may look out of place during an extravagant wedding theme. A smart choice of wedding accessories can make a great difference on the entire appeal of your special celebration. Also, a smart choice for this item can leave a memorable impression to all your attendees that they will surely love to treasure.

Literally, choices of wedding accessories such as favors and keepsakes come in a wide variety of selection. Just like other wedding elements, this can be simple and elegant. If you do have a good budget preference, you may want to purchase elegant items that will serve as your favors to your guests. And for those that have quite a tight budget, cheap items are available also. And you are most lucky to find inexpensive yet exquisite-looking items to distribute as your party keepsakes. Where to find these selections? Run to your nearest discount stores or consider shopping online. You can find several options to choose from without struggling your budget.

For other choices of wedding mementos, consider giving one-of-a-kind gifts to all your guests. These gifts serve as reminder of the celebrated day after the wedding has ended. Such ideas that can be turned into special gifts are personalized items. You may find personalized gifts wonderful and ideal to delight all your guests. And making it more delightful and memorable is by means of personalizing those desired items. Add hanging tags with wedding scriptures about the groom and bride, date, venue and even a personal message. Also, it can be made personalized by monogramming initials of the couple. These are just few ideas that comprises a successful wedding reception. Also, as the bride or groom, personalized wedding gift ideas can be considered when giving gifts to your major participants. Just make sure to choose the right one to match each personality of your role player.

May
10

10 Tips For the Best Wedding Favors



There are so many things to do when you are getting married. It can be overwhelming to even the most organized of brides. You have to set the date, secure where the wedding and the reception will be held, get your dress, pick the members of your parties, interview the photographer, caterer, and reception entertainment, and this is just the beginning to the almost endless list of responsibilities when planning your wedding. One part of your big day that a lot of brides sadly overlook, or wait till the last minute to think about, is the wedding guest favors and the wedding party favors. It is important that you show your thanks to each guest for coming and each member of your party for playing a role in your special day. Let us look at 10 great ideas for favors, 5 for your guests and 5 for the members of your party

You will first want to decide how you will give out your favors to your guests; will they be unisex with each person getting 1, will you have different gifts for men and women, or will you give family favors. Here are 5 great ideas for favors. If you want to give each person the same gift, you will want something that both men and women will like; you could go with a nice metal bookmarker, these can be inexpensive, yet nice and can include your name and wedding date. Candles are another favor that works well for men and women; try picking a scent or color that matches your wedding theme. If you would like to give different favors to men and women you will want to make sure you have plenty of each of hand so that either sex doesn’t end up with a favor for the opposite. Men will really like a bottle stopper for their fine wines and liquors. Woman will fall in love with miniature manicure sets. Lastly, if you would rather give a slightly larger favor, one per family, then I would suggest giving your guests a really nice set of glass or crystal coasters.

When you think about giving favors to your wedding party you want to make them a lot more personalized than the favors you give to the guests. Often it is really smart to give each person a different gift to suit his or her own personality. Here are 5 favors that your wedding party will thank you for. Let us start with the ladies; one of the best ideas I’ve come across, and one I used for my wedding, is to give each lady a piece of jewelry that she can wear during the wedding. Could be a pretty bracelet, earrings, or a necklace. You just want to make sure you buy them something nice, not a piece that will turn them green. Pearls are a great option for this. What about a monogrammed cosmetic or toiletry bag? What lady in your party wouldn’t love her own special cosmetic or toiletry bag. Lastly for the ladies, a gift certificate to a local spa or salon would be a very nice way to say thanks. For the men I would highly recommend cufflinks, possibly something they can wear for the wedding. A gift that most men will love is monogrammed beer glasses.

It is important to remember that no matter how small or large your budget is you need to give a favor in thanks to all who attend your wedding. Putting time into picking out favors that will be liked by the guests shows that you really care about them and are truly happy they came to help you celebrate your new life.

May
10

The What’s of Wedding Favors



Over the years it has long since become customary for wedding attendees to give gifts to newly weds. However, much more recently it has become popular for the bride and groom to reciprocate with wedding favors extended to those who attend the wedding. The favors can come in the in many forms and types. Sometimes they are gift boxes containing different gifts like champagne, confectioneries, chocolates, and so on. In fact, in this day and age wedding guest favors have become an important part of the wedding as a means for the bride and groom to thank their guests for attending on their wedding day. It’s really no different than any other celebration or party, it wouldn’t amount to much of an event without the attendees.

When selecting a wedding favor gift it is important to be realistic about the affordable cost one can attribute to the gifts they want to offer as appreciation. The gifts need not be expensive but they should have a sincere thought of thanks behind their giving and should add to the beauty occasion. Maintaining those two objectives is a sure way of achieving a successful and memorable outcome from their use. Therefore, it is important that you take the necessary time and do the planning and consideration in choosing the best affordable wedding guest favors. As the special event is an important day to both the bride and the bridegroom, it is important that the guests also share in the excitement of the day. By giving wedding favors, the guests who have attended will assuredly remember you and your special day fondly each time they come across your gift. Therein lies the key to success in using wedding guest favors on your special day.

Over time, wedding favors have changed considerably. Today’s newly weds have a much greater selection of options available to them from retailers than has ever been the case in past. For instance, it is common nowadays to come across wedding favors in the form of wines and cocktails and the related accessory items. Also popular are personalized confectioneries, exotic plants in pots, figurines, herbal recipes, and nearly anything that will fit the theme of the wedding and make it memorable for the guests. In fact, anything unique that fits the theme will do well as a gift. It need not be expensive but certainly can be when finances allow. The most important aspects are the sincerity behind the gift, the degree to which the wedding favor complements the theme chosen for the occasion.

Since many retailers, both on-line and local firms, now offer a wide selection of wedding favors the possibilities are substantial. In the case of either supplier, you will find staff of these firms willing and able to help you with your choices. They have a wealth of experience in what is appropriate for the available budget and also what is most popular at any given time. Consider these people as resources that can make your selection of the right wedding guest favor as painless a process as possible.

In closing, remember that wedding guest favors are merely gifts. Being that they are gifts, the the long standing rule that “it’s the thought that counts” holds firm. So, you really need not worry too much about this aspect of your wedding. Just follow the guidelines mentioned herein and you really can’t go too far wrong. Any sincere token of appreciation within ones’ means won’t cause the failure of your wedding day. It will merely enhance the beautiful expression of love that is built into such a special event.

May
10

Wedding Favors



Wedding favors have become a important part of a wedding celebration. The purpose of handing out wedding keepsakes is to say thank you to your wedding guest for attending your wedding and to give them a gift to remember your special day for a long time. They are an inexpensive way to complete a perfect wedding.

Wedding Favor Budget

Wedding keepsakes are a very affordable way to add a special touch to your special day. Prices per piece range from cents to less than dollars and are sure to delight your guests. Many are beautifully packaged which lends a touch of elegance and finesse. Because quantity discounts are available they can fit beautifully into your budget.

Choose The Right Wedding Favors

They reflect the theme of your wedding as well as the groom’s and bride’s personality. There are hundreds of gifts from which to choose that cater to any particular theme. Most common theme favors are: Las Vegas, Calla Lily, The Perfect Pair, Wine Wedding Favors and Love Theme keepsakes just to mention a few.

Practical Gifts

Choose keepsakes that are practical and useful. Practical keepsakes such as wine bottle stoppers, letter openers, bookmark favors, salt and pepper shaker sets, and coaster sets. These are useful and practical gifts that your guests are likely to keep and use for some time to come.

Personalize Your Gifts

A personalized wedding favor always stands out. Personalize your keepsakes with a unique favor tag. This is an inexpensive way to put a personalized touch. Favor tags come in different shapes, designs and colors which will make it easy to match any wedding theme.

Conclusion

In order to find the best fit for your wedding theme be sure to shop around and order samples of your favorites so that you can compare and contrast your options. Take into account the theme you would like to convey and consider which favor will bring you as much pleasure to give as it will be for to the guest to receive. Let your wedding favors reflect your personality and be an expression of your joy in sharing your special day with friends and family.

May
9

5 Great Ideas For Fall Wedding Favors



Wedding favors are one the things on most Brides’ to do list this autumn. They are small gift of gratitude that they give to their guest to show appreciation for their attending the ceremony and festivities. Every bride want to make a lasting impression on guest with a well planned and exceptional event. A way to achieve this is with unique and interesting favors that will be excellent souvenirs of the wedding. However, there is the question of what a unique wedding favor is and how do you find them at a reasonable price? Here are some innovative and creative suggestions to help guide your choices.

One idea for unique fall wedding favor is find items that put a new spin on a traditional motif or concept. For example there are a lot of interesting favors based off the seasonal autumn maple leaf. There are great items such as shaped refrigerator magnets and even novelty candles. Another interesting item that is now online are copper maple leaf wine bottle stoppers. Each of these have their own merit. A new spin on the leaf motif essentially can be a stylized design of a leaf or an item that would not normally bear fall leaf designs. Research online and at local bridal stores to find original items that will be perfect for your nuptials

Go for themed items in classy or precious materials. One way to add to the impact of a fall wedding favor is to get the item in a version made of a precious or beautiful material. For example if you want to give keepsake boxes to your guests try to go for one made of crystal or sterling silver. A box made out of these substances would be considered a handsome gift and they have the added benefit of being within most brides’ price range with proper budgeting.

Another option for fall guest gifts is personalization. This is adding a personal touch to any item you give your guests. This is a great option because it makes use of the uniqueness of who you are to add a special touch to the gift. It will also make your guests feel like you personally chose the item just for them. There are several options that you can take advantage of. One is monograms these are your stylized initials that you can put on your chosen gifts. They not only add a unique personal touch but, do so with elegance and class. Another option is to use personal inscriptions such as favorite quotes or scripture. This allows you convey in your favors special meaning for your ceremony. Use these and other personalization options such as photos to make your gifts even more personal

You can also put a twist on the role of favors as souvenirs and reminders. You can do this with disposable cameras. These are great because the can be easily customized to fit your them. Have your guest take photos of the wedding. Even though they will not be able to keep the cameras you can send them the photos they have taken. On top of that there are now digital disposable cameras so your guests will be able to scroll through pictures and delete the bad ones so only the ones they want printed will remain.

May
3

Top Tips for Wedding Favors



Wedding favors have been around since time immemorial. It allegedly began in Western culture as a way for the wedding couple to show their appreciation for friends and family playing a part in the ceremony. In Eastern cultures, the tradition is the other way round, with family and friends offering money or gifts to get the happy couple started on their life together.

For such a small item, the wedding favor can provoke a lot of debate. Choosing what kind of gift to give is the biggest headache. The art of selecting something that will appeal to everyone takes a lot of deliberation. The favors have to be the same across the board so as to avoid favoritism. There is enough rivalry within the average family as it is without sparking more.

There are two main considerations when choosing wedding favors, budget and numbers. This is a relatively minor part of the day so isn’t worth blowing a large chunk of the budget. The number of people invited is related to budget, but is more important if you’re planning on making the favors or at least customizing them to suit the color scheme.

Favors generally come in two categories, perishable and non-perishable. The perishable variety includes chocolates, cakes, mints, flowers, wine and spirits. The non-perishable kind includes soap, candles, pens, bookmarks, notebooks, aromatherapy products, or commemorative items like coins.

Remember, the favor has to have universal appeal, so you shouldn’t choose anything too feminine, or masculine. Or, if you do, make sure to have at least two types of favors, one that will appeal to each sex. Be careful to make them of equal value though, otherwise you could be creating more problems.

Making them yourself is always an option if you’re the creative type. You could certainly save a lot of money if you have the time to spare. Things like homemade jams, chutneys, chocolates, fudge, or cookies are all ideal for this sort of thing. Just remember to factor in enough time to decorate them, or their container to make them look more attractive.

Something that has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years is making a donation. Rather than spending money of favors, couples have been making donations to charity instead. If this appeals, make sure to check how the money is spent, how much goes to administration, and let everyone know that’s what you’ll be doing.

Put it on cards at the table, or on the invitations to avoid any confusion. Nobody really goes to a wedding for the favors, but some people can get a little funny when traditions aren’t followed. Charitable donations are a good alternative to wedding favors. The charity needs the money and it takes the angst out of choosing the gift.

Whatever kind of favor you choose, it’s just a gesture of appreciation. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, it doesn’t have to carry a brand. It simply has to say “thank you for sharing our day.”

May
2

Buying a Wedding Gift in a Tough Economy



Now there’s one thing left to do: buy the wedding gift that you will give to the bride and groom.

The only question is… where do you shop for wedding gifts? First and foremost, try not to stress overly much about wedding gifts. Many times the bride and groom will have taken steps to appease your anxieties and stress, by creating a bridal or wedding registry with an online website such as amazon.com, or with a store like Target, Walmart or Bed, Bath & Beyond. However, you should know that because it is against wedding gifts etiquette to make mention of registry locations and website URLs within a wedding invitation, you’ll have to ask family and friends of the bride for her registry information, or search for it yourself.

Most places that offer wedding registries offer the ability to search for people who have lists, so you should definitely avail yourself of this opportunity.

What makes a good wedding gift? Well, some of the best wedding gifts are the ones that have the most meaning or value. Feel free to send a personal touch along with your gift in the form of embroidered pillows, or a special set of wine glasses that will have significant meaning for the marrying couple. Embroidered, engraved, silkscreened and monogrammed items are always a hit, because these types of wedding gifts also make very nice trinkets and mementos to cherish.

If you’re looking to really make a bold statement, make your choice of wedding gifts something truly spectacular. Send the bride and groom on a cruise, off to the spa for an afternoon of relaxation and delight, or even on a hot air balloon ride.

These are the types of gifts that will be remembered and treasured for a life time.

Finally, once your gift is purchased, look forward to the wedding. In addition to seeing the bride and groom on their very special day, you will also have the opportunity to relax, mingle with friends and loved ones, and enjoy the choice of wedding favors that the bride and groom will be giving to you.

Know that the marrying couple will enjoy the effort put into picking a beautiful wedding gift for them.

May
2

Wedding Wine Favors Ideas



Planning a wine themed wedding event or grapevine wedding theme will take a little bit of organising. Read on for some wedding wine gift ideas.

Wedding candles are favourites amongst brides. They can double up as table top decorations for the wedding breakfast table.

Brides can arrange to buy cork candles which can be placed inside recycled wine bottles.

The flame can burn up to two hours. This will have a magical effect on your guests as they sit down for the wedding meal.

You can also purchase a wine glass that has a gel candle placed inside the glass. The candle is supplied in a red color which when lit will show a warm glow around the tables.

Wedding guests can stand up and toast the happy couple with their personalised wine glasses from the newlyweds. Your message can say a thank you for attending the wedding. A special message for each guest can be engraved onto the glass. You can add a little touch of class by placing a wine charm around the bottom of the wine glass. The charms can be a sparkly pendant or a harvest grape vine design. The choice is yours.

If you are both giving your guests a bottle of wine as a wedding wine favor. You can also attach a gift tag which comes with it very own stamp. Couples can choose their own gift tag and monogram each wine tag. Newlyweds can also offer their guests their very own bottle stopper wedding favors which have an autumn leaf design as the head.

A tricky and cheeky little bottle stopper favor could be in the shape of head over heels idea. Each stopper is presented in their own unique wedding favor boxes. Your guest will be grinning from ear to ear.

Wish you great success in your wine wedding planning.