W E LO V E C R A F T
Inspiration to create your dream day MAKE IT 168 THE BEST GORGEOUS IDEAS! DAY EVER! Beautiful blooms… made from paper!
FIND YOUR THEME Vintage, festival, rustic & more!
FAVOURS y JEWELLERY y EASY INVITES y TABLE DÉCOR y NO-FUSS FLOWERS y
Be inspired by real-life couples!
SIMPLE WAYS TO CRAFT A WOW-FACTOR WEDDING
EASY-SEW BUNTING
DELICIOUS TREATS
BRIDESMAID STYLE
UNIQUE STATIONERY
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80 classic vintage 10 Just married Personalise your big day the cross stitch way! 12 More than words A gift for the groom 15 Love birds Pretty place cards 16 Delicate beauty Make a stunning beaded hair vine 19 Wedding belle A gorgeous floral sash 22 Wash of colour Tap into the watercolour trend with stationery
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26 Breezy bunting! Sew fabric decorations 28 Shop the look Get the vintage style 30 Love & light Elegant teacup candles 32 Vintage corsage Pretty wrist blooms 34 Showered with love Make confetti cones with antique sheet music 36 Sweet treats Bake tasty macarons 38 Fizz with a twist! Jelly for grown-ups!
rustic botanical 46 Put a ring on it Make an unusual moss ring pillow for your special day 48 Chocoholic bliss No-one can resist Black Forest fancies! 50 Pretty pansies Crocheted napkin rings 53 Rustic beauty Make our cover star – a stunning bouquet of crepe paper roses 56 Shop the look The perfect rustic dÊcor for your wedding day
58 Have a heart Spread the love with an easy-to-make hydrangea and rose decoration 60 Desert blooms Plant succulents and cacti in antique china 62 Romance blossoms Craft the most delicate lacy headband 66 Flower power Pretty up jam jars to display wild flowers 68 The statement flower Make your own dainty flower corsage to wear in your hair
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40 festival 76 Hello, flower A funky headpiece that’s perfect for flowergirls
86 Shop the look The best festival props
110 Blooming lovely A cheery stationery set
70 Real wedding: rustic Al & Hannah’s big day
88 Festival of light Illuminate your venue
114 Bright & beautiful Recyle tin cans and plant with cacti
98 Real wedding: festival Jason & Page say ‘I do’
78 Do me a favour! Treat your guests with ombre cake favours
90 Bunting stationery Papercraft, festival style!
80 Fresh as a daisy Wear flowers in your hair
94 Bold blooms Hook an everlasting posy
120 Real wedding: colour Meet Gemma & James
116 A trifle lovely… A classic English dessert for your guests to enjoy
essentials
colour pop
119 Pop stars Throw confetti in style!
125 Templates All you need for this issue’s makes
104 Walk the plank! Tealight table centres
good reads
84 Feelgood favours Spread good fortune with these cookies
106 Coming up roses Pretty cake toppers
6 Why we love handmade 10 reasons to get crafting for your wedding!
85 Hearty treats A sweet treat on a stick
108 Shop the look Brights for your bash
40 Real wedding: vintage Steal Sarah & Rick’s style
82 Daisy, Daisy Crochet sweet bunting
128 Techniques Master cross stitch and crochet 130 Stockists Where to buy all the products in this issue
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10 REASONS WHY A
is wonderful There’s so much that’s great about a handmade wedding – here are just 10 of the reasons why you should start crafting today! our wedding is the ideal opportunity to take the glue gun out and get creative, filling both the run up to the event and the day itself with a host of unique, handcrafted items. The good thing about a handmade wedding is that you can take on as many projects as you’re comfortable with, as it will look equally good whether you have just a few crafty touches or indulge in an all-out DIY fest. Not that we think you need any more convincing (you’re reading this magazine, after all), but we’ve put together our top ten reasons to embrace a handmade wedding.
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can personalise your day 1You and make it unique There are some elements of a wedding that have to be included – the vows, the food, the embarrassing dancing. The rest are up to you, and adding some DIY touches is a fantastic way to ensure you get everything you’ve always wanted, just the way you want it. You’ll also end up with a celebration that’s as unique as you and your partner are.
save money as most 2You’ll projects cost pennies
THANKS TO SIMPLY CROCHET MAGAZINE, WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.CO.UK
Weddings have a reputation for being expensive, but crafting can really help to keep the cost down. The watercolour invitations on page 24, for example, start from as little as 70p, while the tin can lanterns on page 88 cost a few pence.
can make it 3 You eco-friendly There are lots of ways to upcycle objects and make them Instagram-worthy decorations for a wedding – check out the mini teacup garden on page 60 that uses old china, and the cacti planters on page
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Handmade y 10 reasons
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p85 Quick a projects nd easy to your we make dd day uni ing que
make your guests 8 You’ll feel relaxed Walking into a venue that’s decorated with pretty upcycled glass jars and paper flowers will immediately set the tone for the day, and let your guests know that this is going to be a fun, relaxed celebration that they’re going to love!
p66 114 that are made from tin cans. If you’re a regular crafter then a lot of the projects are also ideal for using up scraps from your stash, such as the bunting on page 26 and the paper flowers on page 53.
can get family 4 You and friends involved Some of your loved ones will be aching to be asked to be a part of the day, so getting them to help you with crafting bits and bobs is a great way to involve them. We guarantee that you’ll find a lot of skill among your friends and family, too, which will help you achieve fantastic results.
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You can make the day more meaningful to both of you
Crafting is a great way to add touches to your day that celebrate your relationship. If you have a special song, use it as the sheet music to make the confetti cones on page 34. If there’s a book that has significance to your partner, take a quote from it to make
the cufflinks on page 12. There’s so much scope to ensure the day is a true reflection of everything that’s special to you both.
can learn a craft to 6 You enjoy after the wedding Whether you’re new to the crafting game, or have always wanted to learn a particular skill, wedding projects are a great way to try things. If cross stitch is something you’ve always been intrigued by then opt for the bunting on page 10, and if you’ve not picked up a crochet hook before, the napkin rings on page 50 are a great project to try.
create some 7 You’ll fantastic memories When you look back on your wedding, as well as the details you’ll also have memories of the fun you had in making things for it. If you get friends and family involved, it’s a lovely way to make some shared memories – especially if you enhance the crafting fun with a glass of fizz or some cake!
make it stand out 9You’ll from the rest Your guests will remember your wedding for all the right reasons, not just because your Great Uncle Sidney drank too much prosecco and started throwing some dubious shapes on the dance floor. Whether it’s because they helped you to make the centrepieces, or because they think that the Black Forest fondant fancies (page 48) are the best cake they’ve ever eaten, your celebration will be memorable for everyone who attends.
have fun and get 10You’ll so much satisfaction! Creating special items for what will be one of the best days of your life is a really enjoyable process. You’ll also experience a fantastic glow of achievement when you look around your venue or wedding space and see the things you made yourself, or have a guest compliment you on all the little touches. It’ll make you almost as happy as marrying the love of your life!
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Classic vintage y Inspiration
d e r i p s In ideas!
SET HEARTS A-FLUTTER The tiniest details set the scene for the most romantic of weddings inspired by the city d’amour: antique silverware on wellloved hand-embroidered French linen, tied with something blue and embellished with delicate butterflies, personalised and embellished for your special day. folksy.com/shops/flutter2me
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Classic Vintage y Place cards
Love birds Choose your own pretty paper to make our beautiful place cards, they’re super-quick and so easy. By Annie Bellamy
Stick the patterned paper to the card using the spray adhesive (on one side only for the wings and on both sides for the body). Carefully cut out the body and wings from the card using the templates on page 124. 1
2 Write the name on the wing using a calligraphy pen. Stick the bottom of the wing to the body and lightly bend the wings out a little to add visual texture. Perch on a wineglass to display.
YOu will need A4 MEDIUM-WEIGHT CARD A4 PATTERNED PAPER (DOWNLOAD THIS TSURU PAPER FROM ALLFULLOFLOVE ON ETSY.COM) GLUE AND SPRAY ADHESIVE CALLIGRAPHY PEN
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
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Delicate beauty Show a little understated sparkle with a gorgeous hair vine. Perfect if you’re planning a vintage theme for your big day. By Dorothy Wood
Looks grea with or with t out a veil!
Classic vintage y Hair vine
YOu will need 90 X 3MM AND 30 X 4MM ROUND IVORY PEARLS (BEAD-WORKSHOP.CO.UK) 810 X SIZE 11 CLEAR AB SEED BEADS FROM ONE HANK 8M (8 YD) OF 0.4MM GOLD-PLATED WIRE 2M (2YD 6IN) OF 8MM IVORY SILK
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RIBBON
Ethereal hair vines are such simple, understated bridal accessories and will really come into their own for summer weddings. The pretty combination of wire and beads creates a delicate headdress that can be worn with or without a veil. The twisting technique used to make the vine has three levels of difficulty so if you’re a beginner, then just add beads and pearls as single strands or learn the more advanced, three-leaf motif to create the fabulous design you see here. To make adding the beads as easy as possible, buy your seed beads by the hank and ivory pearls in strings. Once you’ve mastered your own hair vine you can experiment with variations to make them for your bridesmaids too, and of course you can try all sorts of different beads too – just remember that they need to be small and light! HOW TO MAKE THE STAR Step 1 Cut two 2m (2 yd) lengths of 0.4mm gold-plated wire. Pick up 216 seed beads onto one length of wire. It’s easier to string beads straight from a hank, feeding the wire through the beads alongside the carrier thread. Alternatively, you can pick up by hand or use a bead spinner. Step 2 On the second length of goldplated wire pick up alternate 4mm and 3mm pearls, adding a single large pearl and then three small pearls. Repeat eight times. Twist the ends of each wire into a small loop to prevent the beads falling off. Step 3 Hold the two wires together with all beads on the right-hand side and with the 4mm pearls to the left of the smaller pearls. *Twist both wires together for about 1cm
(ëHUHDO KDLU YLQHV DUH VXFK VLPSOH XQGHUVWDWHG åLGDO DFFHVVèLHV DQG UHDç\ FRPH LQWR ëHLU RZQ Iè VXPPHU ZHGGLQJV ( in). You’ll find that you’ll make neater twists if you hold the wires as a ‘v’ shape while twisting. Step 4 Drop the first 4mm pearl down towards the twisted wire. Fold the wire down each side of the pearl to make a 1cm ( in) stem. Hold the pearl and twist until the stem is twisted all the way down to the main vine. Twist the two wires together again for 1cm ( in). Step 5 This time bring three 3mm pearls down towards the main vine. Fold the wire
to make a group of three pearls and a 1cm ( in) stem. Twist, holding the pearls to make the stem. Twist both wires together for 1cm ( in) again, finishing with the seed bead wire on top. Step 6 Drop nine seed beads down towards the main vine. Fold the wire over so the seed beads are evenly around the bend and the untwisted stem is 1cm ( in). Cross the wire tail over about 0.5cm ( in) from the main vine. Twist to make a leaf shape, only twisting the wire together for 0.5cm ( in) below the leaf.
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Classic vintage y Shopping
Vintage Paris
INSPIRED BY LOVE
Antique French details and delicate pinks and blues combine to create the most romantic of looks
ROMANTIC RIBBON STRING NAME CARDS ON PALE PINK RIBBON FOR A SWEET TAKE ON THE TRADITIONAL TABLE PLAN www.pearlandgodiva.com GO CRACKERS GET THE PARTY STARTED WITH THESE VINTAGE-STYLE TABLE CRACKERS COMPLETE WITH MOTTO AND SNAP! dotcomgiftshop.com
INTRICATE DETAILS PRETTY, LASER-CUT BIRDS PERCHED ON THE EDGE OF GLASSES MAKE THE PERFECT PLACE NAMES gingerray.co.uk
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HANDMADE WEDDING
FLOWER GLASS HERE’S A CHARMING TRIO OF PASTEL POSY VASES TO ADD A WASH OF WATERCOLOUR TO YOUR TABLES livelaughlove.co.uk
OOH LA LA MACARONS IN FONDANT SHADES ARE THE INSPIRATION FOR THESE OH-SO PRETTY FAVOURS OR TABLE DECS www.notonthehighstreet.com/ poshtottydesignsinteriors
TZ PHOTOGRAPHIES & LYLELLANA PHOTOGRAPHIES, RAMONVILLE, FRANCE
WWW.ANNELIMARINOVICH.COM VENUE: THEGEORGEINRYE.COM
Classic vintage y Shopping
STRAIGHT TO THE HEART UNFOLD THE PRETTIEST PAPER HEARTS TO DRESS UP YOUR VENUE talkingtables.co.uk
FLOWER GIRL MATCH THE COLOURS OF YOUR BOUQUET WITH A SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED RIBBON CORSAGE folksy.com/shops/Doucefleur
PERFECTLY PARIS THESE ETCHED GLASS BOTTLES MAKE SWEET FAVOURS, OR USE THEM AS TINY FLOWER VASES livelaughlove.co.uk
A VERSION OF THIS FEATURE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN PERFECT WEDDING MAGAZINE, WWW.PLANYOURPERFECTWEDDING.COM.
IN THE DRESS UPDETAILS AN OOH LAFRAME LA MACAROON ANTIQUED FRAME IN SOFTMAKE FADED LIKE THESE TRINKET BOXES TONESDECORATIONS WITH MINI BUNTING AND GREAT OR RIBBONSTCH.NET FOR A PRETTY WEDDING FAVOURS SEATING PLAN luckandluck.co.uk
ALL BOXED UP USE STAMPS AND STICKERS TO PERSONALISE YOUR FAVOURS WITH A VINTAGE LOOK www.weddinginateacup.co.uk
BLANC DE BLANCS A FRESH TAKE ON A TRAD WEDDING CAKE, WITH A CASCADE OF SUGARPASTE WILDFLOWER BLOOMS, PEARLS AND GREEN TENDRILS amyswanncakes.co.uk
HANDMADE WEDDING
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Festival y Page & Jason
Come rain or shine The field was ablaze with wellies, suits, dresses, rugs, shawls and brollies! Grub’s up! ”We had a buffet in the afternoon with all our favourite foods regardless of whether they went together or not!”
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Festival y Page & Jason
Happy memories The bunting was created from fabric Page collected when they travelled from South Africa to Kenya in 2013. Some of it hangs in the couple’s living room now. Fun and games Page and Jason constructed their own outdoor games, which were a great icebreaker! Friends of the couple provided the music.
e the “What mad ial day so spec one ry was how eve d!” contribute
Page & Jason’s best ideas and contacts FLOWERS & CANDLES Louise Avery (www.louiseaveryflowers.com) PHOTOS Robert Eyres (www.roberteyresweddingphotography.co.uk), Jason Brooks (www.opticalism.com/jason) BANDS Rum on Tap (bit.ly/1MPGNwB), The Burning Glass (www.theburningglass.co.uk) HOMEBREWED BEER Robert Marchington CAKES Mel Kershaw & Elaine Connolly TABLES & HOME GROWN SALAD Edwin Brooks (www.facebook.com/edsveg) VENUE Swan Barn, National Trust Volunteer Centre, Haslemere, Surrey DJ Robin ‘Robotic’ Allison GROOM’S SUIT Sarah Poffa BRIDE’S HAIR Leslie Hook RECLAIMED ROSE PETAL CONFETTI Sarah ‘Fanny Hatstand’ Langley (www.fannyhatstand.com)
HANDMADE WEDDING
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Colour pop y Shopping
Colour me happy
WITH THANKS TO IVANA AND SEAN, RED MAPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Mix and match brights and fluoros for a wedding day celebration to wow your guests – be inspired by our top finds
BIJOU BITES STENCIL AN ORNATE GOLD DESIGN ON BRIGHT ICED COOKIES OR CAKES TO ADD A TOUCH OF LUXE lindyscakes.co.uk
LITTLE GEMS WANT TO ADD JUST A DASH OF COLOUR? ADD A POM OR TWO TO YOUR WEDDING PARTY’S CORSAGES FOR AN EYE-CATCHING LOOK redmaplephotography.co.uk
RIBBON TRAIL TREASURE THIS RAINBOW BOUQUET FOREVER WITH ITS GLOSSY RIBBONS AND COLOUR POP PETALS folksy.com/shops/TheHoneyPot
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WHAT’S IN A NAME NEON-BRIGHT BUTTON FAVOURS FOR THE WHOLE WEDDING PARTY ADD A PLAYFUL TOUCH www.ohsquirrel.co.uk
Colour pop y Shopping
BRIGHT INVITE GET THE PARTY STARTED EARLY WHEN YOU SEND OUT SAVE-THEDATES IN FLUORO ENVELOPES – COMBINE WITH GOLD ON WHITE FOR A STYLISH LOOK www.ohsquirrel.co.uk
FLAG WAVING CATCH AN EYEFUL OF THIS REVERSIBLE COTTON BUNTING – PERFECT FOR A MARQUEE candleandcake.co.uk
PIECE OF CAKE ICE YOUR CAKE WITH RICH JEWEL-COLOURED ICING AND TOP WITH A BRIGHT FLORAL SPRAY, FRESH OR HANDMADE – AMAZINGLY THESE ARE ALL SUGARPASTE amyswanncakes.co.uk
BE HAPPY PERFECT FOR CONFETTI OR TO SCATTER AROUND YOUR TABLES FOR AN INSTANT POP OF COLOUR talkingtables.co.uk
FLORIST JODIE VIGOR BOUTIQUE BLOOMS, WWW.BOUTIQUEBLOOMS.CO.UK; STYLING ANDRI BENSON WWW.ALWAYSANDRI.CO.UK
STRIKE TEALIGHT OOH LA A LALIGHT MACAROON DETAILS HOLDERS JEWEL-BRIGHT LIKE THESEIN TRINKET BOXES MAKE SHADES WILL ADD EVENING GREAT DECORATIONS OR SPARKLETCH.NET TO YOUR DO FAVOURS dotcomgiftshop.com
ALL BRIGHT NOW MATCH RIBBONS, STREAMERS, FAVOURS AND BUNTING TO YOUR BOUQUET FOR A COORDINATED LOOK www.beckymalephotography.com
LIGHT UP OLD-SCHOOL PAPER LANTERNS WITH ECO-FRIENDLY LED TEALIGHTS FOR A RELAXED PARTY VIBE notonthehighstreet.com/lights4fun
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Just £7.99!
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Create your perfect wedding with our inspirational ideas Make your big day beautiful with hundreds of DIY ideas and easy makes for a unique celebration. Find inspiration for every element of the day, from save-the-date cards to table decorations – then make your own with our simple, step-by-step projects!
order your copy today! Order online www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspecial Or call 0844 844 0388 and quote ‘HM WED 16’
Lines open weekdays 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1795 414 676 * EUR price £9.99, ROW price £10.99 (all prices include P&P). Please allow up to 21 days for delivery