A Preview of Our Newest Project!

We started with our first fallen tree today for the candle holders. We are not sure when we will continue with this project since I did not decide on the size of the candles, but this is the start of some of our candle holders. Check back for updates.

Thank you.

I Made the Moss Table Numbers of My Dreams!

Ever since I started my nature themed wedding I have been admiring the moss table numbers on Pintrest and Etsy. I did not want to pay the prices for the numbers so I decided I would DIY them. I understand why they are expensive to buy.  The cost of the moss adds up and they take time to make.
The DIY moss table numbers were worth it in the end. Continue reading for step by step instructions and tips on how to make them.


So how did I make the moss table numbers for less? I shopped at Michael's Arts & Crafts and used some coupons. It still was more costly than buying or making paper ones, but I did save some money by making them myself. Here is how I did it.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden Numbers The Size of Your Choice
• Wooden bases. Small for single digits and large for double digits.
• Preserved Moss Matt or Table Runner with the Mesh Backing
• Glue Gun
• Glue Sticks. LOTS of Glue sticks!
• Newspaper to protect the surface you are working on.
• Scissors
• X-acto Knife or Utility Knife
• Tooth Picks or another object to poke the moss with to prevent burning your fingers
• Bucket of cold water with ice. I will get to the reason why later.

How to Make Small Wood Slices for Coasters

In August, we made wood slices for the coasters for our wedding, and I did not get the chance to make the post until now. It is very easy to do, and you can use different tools to cut the wood slices, it all depends on your preference and the type of tools you own.

Tools we used:

• Miter Saw or Reciprocating Saw - either one will work, the miter saw is much faster.
• Gloves
• Saftey Glasses
• Sand Paper
• Stain
• Paint Brush
• Plastic Drop Cloth

First we went into the woods to find a dried out branch or tree to use that was the thickness that we were looking for. We were able to find two trees that had some good parts to use. Dried wood is better to use than fresh because it will not warp as easily. The difference is the bark is much more likely to be gone or fall off, and you are more likely to have rot. But you will not have to chop a tree down to do this. I like using fallen trees because it recycles the tree!

We started trying to use a reciprocating saw. It works, but it takes longer to use. We were able to get thin slices for this method, so if you don't have a miter saw, or are not comfortable using one, this is a good alternative. You could also probably use a band saw.

The cheapest tool to buy out of the three if you don't have any of these tools would be the reciprocating saw, then the miter saw, with the band saw being the most costly. You can use either to get the same product.

First we tried using the reciprocating saw. I held the tree while Justin cut. It vibrated way too much and took too long so we decided on the miter saw method. Which also worked but resulted in thicker slices. Partially because Justin's dad didn't know how thin we actually wanted them. It does add a more rustic feel to them having them be thicker and different sizes.

Updates!

I have been working long days and a second job on Friday nights so I have not been able to post on here for a few weeks, however, I have not slowed down on the projects!

Projects I have been working on include:
The Acorns
Moss Table Numbers
Making the pocket folds for our invitations.
Finding trees to make tea light candle holders.

The moss table numbers are finished, and the acorns are still a work in progress. I would like to finish some of them this weekend though so I can finish the post about the acorns. So look for that soon.

The posts I will making in the near future are as follows:
Finishing the Acorns
Wood Coasters
Moss table numbers
Pocket folds

I am going to look for my dress on Saturday so that will take away from some crafting time, but it is much needed girly time!

Check back soon and thank you for reading!

Preserving Acorns for Decorating

Since we have been planning for our wedding, I have been searching the web for some type of confetti to put on the tables. I kept finding cute little leaves but they were almost all fall leaves. Nothing summery. While we were on a walk at Justin's grandmother's house enjoying the fall foliage last weekend, I picked up a big brown acorn with the cap on it. I said to Justin "Aww it's the perfect acorn!" and then it dawned on me. We can use Acorns. Yes, they still say fall, but they are free and so cute!

So we walked up to his grandmother's house and got three gallon sized bags and started picking them up.

It is best to start collecting acorns around the time they are falling, not later in the season like we started. This ensures they are fresher, shinier, and are less likely to have bugs!

When searching for your acorns, try to find the acorns with caps, even if they are not attached a lot of the time you can find them laying near by it's matching acorn. Most of the caps will come off in the drying process anyways, so as long as you find a matching cap you are good to go!