
I am nuts about all things paper and particularly all things cut paper. It’s a wonder I still do after a harrowing experience of creating almost 100 cut paper paddle fan programs with cut paper accoutrements for a friend’s wedding some years back. Still have the scars to prove it. But, I still have the same love despite those tearful moments. Oh yeah, there were tears. Now, however, I’d leave it to the professionals like the ones featured here.
Credits (clockwise from top left):
Papel Picado Laser Cut Wedding Invitations
Mexican Wedding Banners
Ruby Red Double Cut Paper Luminary
Butterfly Cut Out Favor Box
Kissing Couple Cut Paper Silhouette
Love Birds Cut Out Favor Box

Finding the perfect wedding present is hard. And sometimes they don’t have a registry to guide you, or Aunt Thelma and Co. got to it first, and all that is left is one really sad gravy boat. Etsy can be a great place to find cool, original gifts that suit the couple’s interests and personalities perfectly. Take this bread and oil plate (above). It’s gorgeous and perfect for the foodies in your life. Or just people who like bread. And if you are friends with people who don’t like bread, I would suggest reconsidering that relationship. Seriously. Because that is just not right.

Introverted friends who love a game or movie night? Buy them a little basket of treats like these Scrabble coasters, some fun mugs, and hot cocoa.

I’m partial to quilts. Especially if you can make them yourself. But chances are that you do not have the time or resources to Martha Stewart them up a blanket. Quilters on Etsy can often personalize the quilts for you–incorporating the couple’s favorite colors or style into the project. And, these things pretty much last forever.

We all have at least one of those friends. The ones that frequently quote Sci-fi movies and go to Comicon and talk about Wil Wheaton a lot. This Etsy shop makes all kinds of prints sure to satisfy any couple’s inner geek. And they even make ones for the rest of us. You know, the ones who have no idea who exactly Klingons are…

For the couple with a bad case of wanderlust, Etsy has so many terrific options for vintage travel gear such as this suitcase. Just for fun, throw in a few maps, travel guides, bags of peanuts, and gum.
So, let’s review: Cool presents can be found on Etsy, and don’t be friends with people who skip the bread. Have a great weekend!

At this year’s New York International Bridal Week, one of the trends we saw was a move toward more versatility with dress design – reversible, removable straps, etc. Well, clearly Katie of Coralie Beatrix would be ahead of the trendsetting with her easy, effortless, and adaptable pieces that she’s been making since 2010.
Inspired by her love of the casual, easygoing lifestyle of living by the sea, Katie has created an entire collection of bridesmaid (as well as bridal) pieces that can be styled and wrapped into a customized look that is as personal as the woman wearing the dress. Beautiful!






be-nign, adj. – 1.Of a kind and gentle disposition. And, how! I mean, what could be more genteel than these uniquely lovely wedding invitation handerchiefs by Rachel Wiles of Benign Objects? (Who also just got married this past October! Congratulations, Rachel!)
These custom screenprinted, vintage-style handkerchiefs can serve as wedding invitations (as seen above) or Save the Dates, or for a “Be My Bridesmaid” request, or any other occasion for that matter. In any case, they’ll have people crying tears of joy when they receive them. And, hey, at least they’ll be prepared when that moment strikes.

You can also purchase reply cards and decorative ‘belly bands’ to accompany the handkerchiefs.
What bridesmaid-to-be would say no to this kind of request?
And, what would help carry out the design theme better than custom personalized muslin bags? Great for favors, flower petals, confetti, and more.

Years ago, I saw a wedding featured on television where the bride had an art background and used paper as a primary element in her work. So, when planning her wedding, she decided to incorporate her love of paper throughout the ceremony. From her bouquet, to the centerpieces, to decor, she had everything festooned with her paper creations. It was amazing and I thought, “That’s something I would love to have!”
Well, flash forward to me making handmade Japanese paddle fan programs for a friend’s wedding that reduced me to tears in the process and left me with permanent scars on my hands and my DIY dream went out the door! (Although, the programs did turn out beautifully if I do say so myself.) Fortunately, there are talented people like Chantal of Dragonfly Expression to help with such a handmade vision without the DIY disasters.
With customized styles and colors, there’s almost no end to the options that Chantal could create for a paper-laden scheme. From place card holders to table numbers, centerpieces to bridal bouquets, you can have a complete scheme tailored to your paper-loving specifications. No tissues or band-aids required!





Handful of Heart Gloves from Yastikizi.
Needless to say, we here at mywedding love Valentine’s Day. I mean, it’s all about the love, right? And, what’s not to love about love? It’s lovely!
In fact, we’re such smitten kittens over the day of hearts that we’re even sharing the love over on facebook where you can enter to win a $200 Visa Gift Card! Play your [queen of hearts] cards right and you might just have a little extra to show yourself, er, um, I mean, your sweetheart a little extra love. Maybe one of these sweet Valentine’s offerings?
Now, what’s not to love about that?
Always something fun and festive (not to mention sparkly) at ban.do.
Get cozy with Ticket Kitchen’s Valentine Gift Pack.
What better excuse for getting your sweet on? Delicious Valentine’s treats from Williams-Sonoma!
Let cupid cast his little spell with little hearts galore! Find these cupcake toppers and heart garland at LBCpaper.
Feeling shy of commitment? Then get yourself a temporary Valentine-inspired tattoo! Super cute DIY temporary tattoo tutorial (Say that 10 times fast!) over on The Alison Show.
Wrap it up, I’ll take it! Cute crocheted bows would make anyone or anything a perfect little package. From Cornflower Blue Studio.