cedarstreetboutique: handmade quilts

double wedding ring handmade patchwork quilt

who doesn't love the feel of a handmade quilt? it's the perfect summerweight cover. plus they carry so much of the character of the person who made them -- a quilt is something you save and pass on, something crafted to last, the antithesis of disposable fashion.

while this is a very traditional quilt, the bright colors caught my eye... and then i fell in love with the shop description. the quilts are hand-sewn by mrs. freda in tennessee, who has been quilting for seven decades (!) and is about to celebrate her 85th birthday (!!), and she has an online store. the cuteness factor just about killed me.

just think! it's like having a spare grandma, or at least a crafty one -- mine would no more have quilted than thrown out a perfectly good manhattan. (bless her, my forebears never aspired to be goddesses at the domestic arts.) not sure if mrs. freda takes on custom requests, but you never know until you ask. i heart mrs. freda and her sweet quilts. more at cedarstreetboutique.etsy.com

three little birds...

I'm not sure why these pretty little accessories from Lladros are called "Re-cyclos", but I love them just the same. Each piece features the ever so chic twig and bird theme, either in silver or 18 K gold with porcelain birdies. I picked the hair stick and the brooch above, but there are also earrings, cuff links and necklaces. I think any of these would be a great addition to any stylish modern gown.

i've got the blues

I would really love to have enough energy right now to make up a snazzy "something blue" quip about this gorgeous jewelry, but I can't. I'm barely holding my head up. I went to this "Punk Rope" class the other day, where you jump rope for 45 minutes... now I'm having trouble controlling the lower half of my body. I'm going to stop complaining now and let you check out the awesome (and awesomely affordable) stuff over at the 1ofmykind Etsy store. They happen to have several great blue pieces, but don't miss out if you've already got your blue. They've got a nice selection of yellow, green... the list goes on.

jenny packham fall 07

The details on Jenny Packham's Fall 2007 collection are my favorite! Everything is so 1920's glamorous-glamorous (I can't even think that word now without THAT song popping into my head, damn it Fergie!).

sam and dave: the details

Today is technically Tuesday, but it's sorta Monday (on a more existential basis).
So, we're going to hear from Sam because it's (existentially) her day.



Last week my post was full of the impending doom that I would not accomplish my tasks before June 9th. This week things have calmed down. I finished my report cards for work, scanned all the photos and made the juxtapositions so that Dave can make the imovie slideshow, finished the painting on the ketubah (I’m getting the words printed on Tuesday and will post the finished piece next post), I got the earrings, and picked up my wedding ring. My parents have been so on top of everything all along but my mom really outdid herself last week when she completed 160 fondant flowers for the cupcakes. I still have to finish the cake topper and find a brunch dress but the big things are really finished. Dave and I also really need to practice what we learned in salsa class or we’re going to be bickering on the dance floor and I’ll have to deduct 7 points from our on going point system (anyone else have that? You know... add points for good behavior and deduct points for badness but never really tally? We’re getting really excited and had a really fun dinner in Park Slope on Friday; we each took our wedding rings out for a test run. They were a perfect fit, just like us.

soapylove

custom embossed soap bars

i confess i've been stalking soapylove's etsy shop trying to figure out which delight to feature, and then she listed these today and made it easy for me: voila!

sets of these gorgeous handmade soaps are available customized in your preferred color (blush and bash, anyone?) and fragrance -- good for sweet wedding or bridal party favors that can be actually *used and enjoyed*. kind of like the neon-colored foam beer coozies printed with "changes in latitude, changes in attitude" from my mom's wedding. but waaaay soapier. right! more at soapylove.etsy.com

sarahlynnedesigns

reversible aluminum necklace: heart with wings and vegas slot machine

i was searching for something particularly vegas to feature, as the location for my sister's impending, and stumbled across *this* stunning thing. according to sarahlynnedesigns the heart design was inspired by a classic tattoo -- the pendant is hand-sculpted in a method similar to cloisonne enameling and takes three days to glaze (!). it reverses to slot-machine lucky sevens. jackpot!

her other reversible designs are gorgeous as well -- more at sarahlynnedesigns.etsy.com

greenwillow

set of six lined jewelry pouches, embroidered initials inside


traveling shoe bag and jewelry pouch set

for the more traditional, these are gorgeous and *practical* gifts -- greenwillow informs me she has made matching jewelry pouch sets for a bridal party, each custom-embroidered with the initial of the bridesmaid -- ooh la la! i love the red fabric, harlot that i am. (just kidding, mom.) more loveliness at greenwillow.etsy.com

piperewan

powder blue and golden orchid garter

ay, sexi! the only garter i've ever seen that i'd actually consider wearing. in fact, i might even wear it again after i pried it from the hands of the greedy fool who chased it down at the reception. mine!

also handily qualifies as new *and* blue, if you're into that sort of thing. now that i think about it -- it's orangey-bluish -- maybe, just maybe, my sister won't notice if i swap it for the university of florida "gator" garter she has insisted upon? ;)

more at piperewan.etsy.com

muchachak

custom clutch

muchacha k makes a-*dor*-able bags. she makes them custom for weddings and she can make multiples for the whole party. not to mention the cute little jewelry travel roll (also in one- and three-pocket styles) for the destinationally wedded and honeymooners. if you don't see the multiples listed in her store, just send her a note! more at muchachak.etsy.com

going straight to hell: the weekly DBA

my bridal-shopping friends, what i am about to say isn't very nice. it puts me in mind of the old phrase -- 'if you can't say something nice, come sit next to me' --

but i have spent a good deal of time sifting through a lot of *stuff*. you have too: invitations. cards. save the date possibilities. favors. gifts. dresses. jewelry. bridesmaid crap. who knew there was so much *stuff* involved? and every now and then you come across something that just makes you think: what were they thinking?

in honor of this, and in spite of my deep and abiding admiration for etsyers and my desire to make friends and have world peace, i respectfully debut my new occasional feature entitled "the weekly DBA" -- the weekly David's Bridal Award, in honor of a place that truly made me want to light myself or someone nearby on fire.*

(the title would've been "**WTF???**" but hey, my mom reads this blog. would i use that mouth to talk to my mom? not when she's just heard what hors d'ouvres cost from hotel catering.) ($3.50-4.75 **per piece**, ahem!)

in these interludes we pause for a moment to contemplate some of the more creative entries in the bridal horserace. please know this is a friendly sort of poking fun and not a snarky "i must destroy your happiness and ridicule your personal style/masterpiece/etc." my style ain't the same as everyone's and i firmly believe in to each their own. these DBAs are just my two american cents.

without further disclaimer, the inaugural "weekly DBA":


1980's gunne sax bride/ bridesmaid dress simplicity pattern

admittedly, this one's a softball. a no-brainer. i say: cool! sew your own wedding dress. no problem. still -- correct me if i'm wrong, some forms of retro are indeed fabulous fun -- but jessica mcclintock for gunne sax was what we wore to my 6th grade dance. and it looked bad on us even when it was in style. gunne sax, i dub thee the weekly DBA.

* it's not the people who work at david's, they are lovely. it is the FLUORESCENT MIRRORED HELL. would it be so hard to have natural lighting so we don't all look like sallow heifers? just a thought.

littleputbooks

fifty hand-folded accordion books in custom colors


hand-bound photo album, custom colors and papers

lovely, lovely handmade albums and books! littleput advertises the accordion books as wedding favors, and they'd also be wicked little invites for a small offbeat wedding or lovely keepsakes. also *great* pendant jewelry packaged in gorgeous little tins -- more at littleputbooks.etsy.com

allie j designs

women's tutu in ivory

is it so wrong to want a tutu?
come on. 350 yards of tulle. this is one *hell* of a tutu.
and how killer is it -- a tutu store. (!)
where were you, alliej, when i was seven?
more at alliejdesigns.etsy.com

KLA art

top to bottom: custom quotation engraved sterling silver ring, bracelet, and dogtag keychain

too, too cool! a great idea for bridal party gifts -- up to 15 characters on the ring, 55 characters on the bracelet, 50 characters on the dog tag -- so many possibilities!

here is a wedding haiku that comes to mind:

sweetest sister mine
summer wedding in vegas --
why heavy ballgowns?

you'll find sterling engraved guitar picks for the musically inclined, and other great items that say just exactly what you feel -- even if that actually *is* first corinthians 13. there's no shame in that.
more at klaart.etsy.com

catherine weitzman

I love the cuff style bracelets over at Catherine Weitzman. She has some really beautiful, highly detailed work. The crescent cuff in oxidized silver is one of my absolute favorites and would make a really striking accessory for a bride dressed in black and white.

pepperinapress

bella figura retro ever after card


bella figura sweet sweet love card

truly unusual and beautiful cards! and not only is pepperinapress a delightful artist, she's a delight to correspond with as well -- a real gem! she also makes lovely cards to say thank you, congratulations, and 'you deserve cake'. yes, yes we do -- can't recommend highly enough!
more at pepperinapress.etsy.com

allisonstrine

they loved HAPPILY EVER AFTER greeting card (also a woodblock print)

allison strine's work is filled with whimsy and joy -- so sweet.
she makes pendants, greeting cards, collages -- fun gifts, and a vibrant personality. in a set, the necklaces or magnets might be fun bridal party or shower favors, and many of these were made for moms. more at allisonstrine.etsy.com

nerdbomber

randomness button set: "laugh, face, bride, which way?"

i admit, when i first saw this it looked to me like the top button said "aug", which happens to be the month of my sister's nuptials. all the better, in my book! more supercuteness at nerdbomber.etsy.com

john clark

'this is different' original illustration

*love* this man's sense of style and drama. mystery novel pages, with the title of the print in the illustration itself, clever thing.

a number of his prints would make great gifts or cards -- the darker ones for your runaway bride or wedding-avoidant friends.
like me. you should get one for me. prints are a reasonable $10 or so; originals $50. more at johnclark.etsy.com

patch nyc

Patch NYC is one of my all time favorites for cake toppers. My friend Lena of ~>0<~ actually had her cake topper made by Patch, and was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings (that's her cake there, on the left). In my opinion, if you're going to go the traditional bride-and-groom cake topper route, this is the way to do it. It's indie, it's unique, it's handmade, yet it still gives a nod to the old school. Traditions are your friends, just don't forget to put them in a fresh change of clothes before you send them down the aisle.

khawkinsphoto

bride 6.9"x10.5" original photograph

i love this. there are other sizes available -- would make an interesting save the date postcard (if only i'd managed to send my sister's!) or a card for the alternative/retro bride... though there is something a bit cool and distant about the photo, maybe the reflection of the glass or the expression on the bride... gets a bit at the anxiety of the whole business. more at khawkinsphoto.etsy.com

sysiphe

philosophy b-fest button

i confess, i've never read spinoza either, but the look on her face is universal.

sysiphe has another brilliant button for the fouler-of-mouthed maids of honor like myself, "f---! your zeitgeist"... but we're not bitter. oh no, not us. more at sysiphe.etsy.com

dreemintrea

let them eat cake postcard

for your inner marie antoinette. the glitter is a *fabulous* little touch.
more at dreemintrea.etsy.com

magpiesnest

emperor's bride ponytail holders

ok -- marginally related to bridal whatnot. but so cute!
put 'em on for the bachelorette. more at magpiesnest.etsy.com

buttonempire

that about covers it! more at buttonempire.etsy.com

monkeycraft

the godzilla hobo: the perfect carryall for the bride's cosmetics and sundries on the big day. lest she crush you like a little red airplane.
more at monkeycraft.etsy.com

maythird

sun-burst tags (set of 8)

perfect tags for bridesmaid gifts (or those joom bride pillows for the shower)
more at maythird.etsy.com

joom

2 bride bird pillows

a perfect shower gift!
more at joom.etsy.com

swirlingthoughts

holding the bouquet kept her from making a clenched fist


reality screams with every forward step


just before i do

brilliant, witty, acerbic photography. so much emoting from plastic!
more at swirlingthoughts.etsy.com

something new, something borrowed

helping plan my sister's vegas wedding, and procrastinating obsessively by stalking the treasuries on etsy, i came up with a (tongue-in-cheek, i swear, april!) idea for a bridezilla treasury. little did i know how much fun it would be! sifting though all the regular wedding stuff to find truly extraordinary things -- colorful, funny, and whip-smart, as only etsy crafters are -- that get at the joys and tribulations of the blessed event.

here are items from that search and a giant thank-you to the folks who make etsy fun!

cherry blossom lights: found!

'Member... a while back I posted about those great cherry blossom lights from Graham & Greene? The ones up there, on the right? Only, the shipping was too much for us Yanks, and we couldn't find them anywhere local or else they were all sold out, and we were really sad? 'Member? Well I haven't found the exact same ones here in the U.S.of A. but I think I may have found a perfect alternative, up there on the left. The flowers are coral colored instead of white but the lights are white and the effect is the same when they're lit, I'm sure of it. I think they may even be a little cheaper. Still perfect for alters, ceremony spaces, buffet tables, centerpieces, etc... Anywhere you might like to use 35 candles, but can't or don't want to risk an inferno.
They can be found at a lovely online establishment called World Market. Scoop them up before they're all sold out too!

lee angel jewelry

Love these pieces from Lee Angel. If I were your maid-of-honor, I'd be very pleased indeed to receive the one on the right as a thank you gift for throwing you the best bachelorette party ever (you're welcome). I think the one on the left would even be striking as a bridal piece... with the right dress. Something with an Edwardian flair maybe? Both (and more) available at Shopbop.

sam and dave: the earrings

I’m making a lot of headway on the slideshow this weekend. I’ve scanned all the photos and begun the juxtapositions. I’ve also bought some lovely watercolor paper for the ketubah and found a printing place for the lettering. So I’ll paint the design with transparent colorful inks and then have the lettering printed in a nice color. I promise to post the finished piece. I’ve also decided that instead of finding funky earrings, I’m going to go with something more antique and understated that will match the look of my dress. Initially I thought I would mix metals and wear a bit of gold but with the silver accents on the dress it might not look intentional. So I’m going to Stardust Antiques this week and getting a lovely art deco pair of earrings (above) I have my eye on. I’m still in the market for a dress to wear to the following morning brunch. I am madly coveting the Kate Moss white dot dress (above). It seems however to have been snatched up all over the galaxy, so if any SO,SN readers have any suggestions for something similar and perhaps also reasonably priced I would be so appreciative. Dave and I also finished shooting a silly wedding video to air at the event. We’ll post that when he’s all finished editing (I’m happy that’s not my job! All I have to do is act...silly that is). His other videos can be viewed at moldawer.com.

wediquette, schmediquette

Every week Xochitl (pronounced so-cheel), our resident wediquette expert and owner of Always a Bridesmaid Wedding Consulting, answers an etiquette question submitted* by one of our readers. So, (without further ado):

Q: I'm getting married in September of 2008, and want to have an old Hollywood glam theme incorporated in my wedding. I'm going with deep reds, black details, but I would like to have another color to compliment the 2, because those alone, I feel it would look too goth for what I'm shooting for. Any suggestions on color or ideas?--Bethany

A: Here is what I love about your color scheme- nothing captures the elegance of Old Hollywood like black and red- well, except for SILVER (or one of it's iterations! Nothing says the "silver screen" like amazing platinum accents! This doesn't need to mean metallic charger plates or anything like that (not that those things wouldn't work) but it can mean a pale platinum moire silk underlay or seat cushions. It can mean a pale pale grey bengaline napkin or a silk band of ribbon wrapped around the base of your vases (of flowers filled with gorgeous red blooms!) The key to this color scheme not going goth is to SOFTEN your black without minimizing the contrast. Be careful with the elements of black and red that you choose. If you are renting ballroom chairs, go black. If you are using satin chaircovers go SILVER or pale grey. Make it subtly dramatic, sophisticated glamour, not overkill and you will be the most amazing Rita Hayworth bride this side of Sepulveda!--Xochitl of Always a Bridesmaid

*If you've got a question for our expert, submit it by clicking "submit your question" in the right hand column, under "wediquette".

the meaning of flowers

In response to Meghan's question about the meaning behind flowers, courtesy of Martha Stewart (thanks Martha!):

Baby's breath = Everlasting love
Bachelor's button = Celibacy, delicacy
Calla lily = Magnificent beauty
Carnation (pink) = Woman's love
Carnation = Pure love
Cornflower = Delicacy
Crocus = Cheerfulness
Daisy = Innocence
Dogwood = Duration
Fern = Magic
Forget-me-not = Remember me
Freesia = Innocence
Fuchsia = Confiding love
Geranium = True friendship
Hellebore = Calming
Hyacinth = Sport and play
Iris = I have a message for you
Ivy = Friendship
Jasmine (pink) = I attach myself to you
Jasmine (white) = Amiability
Lady's mantle = Comfort
Lilac = First emotions of love
Lily-of-the-valley = Return of happiness
Mint = Virtue
Myrtle = Love
Oak leaf = Bravery
Orchid = You're in my thoughts
Peony = Bashful
Peppermint = Warmth of feeling
Primrose = Youth
Ranunculus = Radiant with charms
Rose (white) = I am worthy of you
Rose = Love
Rosemary = Remembrance
Snowdrop = Hope
Sweet pea = Delicate pleasures
Sweet violet = Modesty
Sweet William = Sensitivity
Tulip (pink) = Caring
Tulip (variegated) = Beautiful eyes
Tulip = Declaration of love
Violet (blue) = Faithfulness

*I used blue hydrangea at my wedding, and those are not mentioned in the list. Hmmm. I will add them.*

Hydrangea (blue) = Let's get married and get Chinese take out every Monday and have a too small apartment and live in Brooklyn together. OK?

succulent color scheme

This new color scheme of pale blue, sea foam green, and brown really speaks to me. I like that it's so calming and romantic, but not too trendy. The best part about it is the juicy little cactus blooms you get to incorporate into all your floral arrangements. The ones that fade from blue to green? I love those! I found the above images of such arrangements at Fiore Designs. The boutonniere? Succulent!

a match made in... New England

About a week ago, I got an email from Betsy, who wanted to know what she should wear to a "casual lobster-boil picnic" the day after her wedding on Cape Cod this summer. Well, Betsy, I stumbled across this LOBSTER DRESS from J. Crew today, and I really don't think you could possibly find anything more appropriate. It's summery, it's light, it's got a pretty shape, and IT HAS LOBSTERS ALL OVER IT! I like to get a little cheeky with my clothing now and then, and don't take myself too seriously, so I would wear The Lobster Dress. No doubt. But if, if you happen to think The Lobster Dress is too much, I would suggest another summery option of the same shape and origin.

sam and dave: the bachelorette

I wished I could have been there, sounds like Sam and Dave had wonderful times! I'll let her tell you all about it. Here she is:


Our respective gender outings… a.k.a. Bachelor/Bachelorette night happened yesterday. It was so much fun. I highly recommend karaoke to bring people together. I think perhaps that the UN should use it as a negotiating technique. Dave’s friends were wonderful and planned a perfect day for him. They really know him well. He met up with them at noon for beers at McSorley’s, then off for a shvitz at the Russian/ Turkish baths, then cigars and scotch, lunch, dinner and then back to our apartment to play X-box using a projector and large white sheet for an extra large screen (if you knew Dave, you’d know that scotch and video games are a perfect match). I went to brunch with one friend then headed over to Brooklyn with another to go to a vigorous vinyasa class, then manicure/pedicures, dinner at Cronkite (a pizza/wine place) with 7 of my girlfriends, then Karaoke!! Did I mention that my friend Hannah baked marvelous pink cupcakes for us to indulge in! Perfect! She knows me well. I made little pink cards with cupcakes on the front and little “I love you, my friend” note on the back. Everything was so splendid. I feel so lucky and special to have such amazing girlfriends.

wendy mink

I may be watching too much Rome (Netflix has me hooked) so correct me if I'm wrong, but these are sooo fabulous! They're all Atia of the Julii, but in a good way.
From Wendy Mink Jewelry.

dresses that are less wee

These dresses are a little less "wee" than the ones I posted about yesterday, but they're just as deserving of admiration. The little embroidered number would be a perfect bridesmaid's dress for a more casual black and white themed wedding. I'm picturing it at a tropical event, maybe with palm trees. I see palm trees... The embroidery reminds me of a Hawaiian quilt.

wee dresses for wee people

I'm not usually the type of person who oo's and ah's over little girls clothes. This might explain why I hardly ever post about flower girl... anything.
But I think these dresses are just too much fun to ignore! The yellow and orange one? I want it my size! Both dresses are from the very grown-up sounding Smitherman & Barnwell, who assure me that all of their little gowns can be ordered over the phone by calling them directly at 212.201.1309. I don't even think you need a wedding on the horizon to get one of these. I don't even think you need a child. Just get one, then when children come over to your house you can make them wear it. That's what I'm going to do. What? That's perfectly reasonable.