DIY table runners

hey everyone! it has been a while since my last post; we have been busy enjoying visitors, reconnection with old friends, planning our wedding + loving chicago in the summer! although its been a crazy past few weeks, i've managed to set aside some time and make some progress with wedding planning (including purchasing my dress!). i am now down to the details + have been focused on table decor. i am not a fan of the table runners provided by the hotel, so i am seriously  considering making my own table runners. i've done some research on how one goes about making table runners + it seems pretty doable (even for a non sewer)! here are some super creative examples of unique DIY table runners : 

write notes to your guests with this sweet chalkboard runner.

here's a tutorial on how to decorate your table runner with chevron stripes.

why not use wallpaper as a table runner? 

this pinwheel table runner is a perfect alternative for floral centerpieces. 

wouldn't a screen printed burlap runner be great for a rustic wedding?

i adore this vintage book table runner! 

amy atlas is my hero - who else would've thought to make a necco wafer table runner? love it!

this is such a great idea : all you need is burlap, ribbon, hemming tape + an iron.

get busy with some painters tape + make a custom painted table runner.

phew - so many ideas!

• this article  has forced me to extend my workout an extra 30 minutes - ha!
• click here to see 16 amazing wedding dresses under $1000.
• i just ordered this + i am PUMPED!
• would you wear this headband? 
• have you ever wondered what's on a toddler's mind? 
• lollapalooza is this weekend wahooooo!

have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

*leah bell

birthday!

its my birthday weekend! i've am so looking forward to a beach picnic, wine tasting + my great grandma's blueberry pancakes - yay! 

found on we heart it 

• nameberry just announced the top baby names for 2012 so far - do you see yours?
• i can't wait for sunday night!
• click here to find out these celebrity's real names. 
• check out these 10 crazy cupcakes.
• i share my birthday with some pretty awesome people! 

have a great weekend, everyone!

*leah bell

day of wedding group shots

my friend just reminded me of something quite essential : print out a list of group shots you want for your wedding day. this way you won't leave out any poses + you'll save time. i've know the typical group shots, but  really want to throw in a couple funny ones to loosen up our wedding party + family. here are some good ideas : 

via blushing bride

via blushing bride

via blushing bride

via rebecca fitzpatrick photography

via pinterest

• try these vintage paper wedding decor ideas - so fun! 
• i am most likely doing this tomorrow.
• these floral cocktails look divine!
• how you should store fruit in the fridge - who would have known!
• before you start stuffing those envelopes read this tutorial. 
• are you addicted? (because i am!)

hope you had  great hump day!

*leah bell

surprise!

my sister + her boyfriend just got engaged - yay! i could not be happier for the two of them, they are wonderful together + their story is so romantic. they sent out an email to relatives + friends with this picture attached - i think their idea is precious (can you see it?). how did you announce your engagement?

pink petticoat

what happens when you combine jessica sloan's design creativity, flowers by jasmine trenary, a pink petticoat + a tennessee vineyard? an incredible wedding - that's what you get! green wedding shoes recently featured the most amazing wedding full of personality and fun. i love how the event design was a perfect reflection of the couple's style, everything from the attire to the decor. this wedding seemed like a blast! 

 

• does your wall need a hug?
• stop being lazy! swap out your clothing go to's with something a bit more stylish.
• i'm loving this summer style staple. 
• dan cretu is incredible - check out his sculptures.
• click here to read the 100 best things in pop culture right now.
• we just booked our photographer!

have a marvelous monday!

*leah bell

imagine nations

 struggling to find a personalized + unique present for recent grads, newborns or newly weds? why not "give them the world?" wendy gold, a san fran based eco artist, transforms vintage globes into a work of art using recycled material as decoupage. her work has received lots of press, + rightly so! why couldn't i think of something like this?

• i'm trying to master the fun bun.
• my new obsession : cool hunting by honestly...wtf 
• get inspired!
• pitchfork guide to upcoming releases - oooh the excitement!

have a great friday!

*leah bell

inspiration boards

my current obsession : style me pretty's build a board feature (below). try it - you'll be cutting + pasting photos to the inspiration board of your choice. i posted a few of mine here + plan to add more later. i may or may not be addicted to this! 

orchard wedding

kelly green wedding

gray + yellow wedding

cupcake tower

• tripping is so embarrassing. 
• every time i'm sad i can always count on ellen to make me laugh!
• this weather app is incredible.
• which nora ephron quote do you most relate to?
• have you tried the no heat curl? 
• joanna always finds the coolest stuff.

hope you're having a great monday!

*leah bell