DIY project: paddle fan

This is just the project for keeping your wedding guests cool this summer. DIY paddle fans are the perfect addition to a beach wedding. Use them for a unique order of service, create stunning wedding invitations or as we've done here add a simple but beautiful poem:

I dropped a tear in the ocean,

and whenever they find it

I'll stop loving you, only then

We've designed this FREE template with a beautiful wave design, poem on one side and free

space on the other, for you to download and print at home. Click here to download now.

You will need:

A4 card paper

Printer

Scissors

Double sided sticky tape

Ribbon or shells to decorate (optional)

Tongue depressors

Yep, you read the last one right, tongue depressors. Paddle pop sticks are a bit too small for the fan handles, but tongue depressors are perfect. You can pick them up at most chemists for about 20c each.

DIY project:

1. Download and print out our FREE paddle fan template on some fairly thick card paper.

2. Neatly cut round the design and fold in half.

3. Place some double sided sticky tape around the edges, then using more tape on both sides, stick your tongue depressor to the center of one of the pages.

4. Close the card and press firmly to seal.

You can decorate your paddle fans with additional details such as ribbon or shells.

If you're looking for customised paddle fans, check out our etsy shop, fan templates available in all of our designs personalised with your text for only US$10.

sprinkle some love

Here's a lovely idea. Using our DIY seed packet template we've created these cute little envelopes filled with lavender buds and eco-friendly confetti so guests can shower the newlyweds after the ceremony. Very pretty. Available through our etsy store.

what's hot: fabulous fascinators

The traditional bridal veil is fading and the tiaras are sitting tarnishing on the selves - ok thats a bit over dramatic, but the the fascination at the moment is certainly with the fascinator! From the flamboyant and dramatic to the adorably cute, it's the headwear choice for any stylish bride.

Main image by photographer Frederic Farre

1. Lara fascinator hair comb US$26.95 by Chloe and Maddie

2. The butterflyaway fascinator in purple US$32 by Stylesmith

3. Vivid red and purple 'june' feathered headband US$18 by Live In Style

accessories for lavender seas

We've been hard at work tracking down some beach beauties this week - of the accessories kind. Luminous shells and lovely lavender make for the most beautiful wedding accessories. I feel calm and relaxed just looking at them.

Credits: The perfect necklace for a beautiful sea nymph, with pearl ivory shells and energising amethyst, US$32 from Go 2 Girl. Stunning scrollwork lavender ice bracelet, US$125 from Andy Justy, Melbourne. Exquisite pearl bridal cuff US$155 from Nans Glam. Gorgeous white sea urchin necklace adorned with a rhinestone, US$62 from Star of the East. Beautifully revamped blue glass necklace US$38 from Susan Hazel Rich. Pretty pearly starfish hairpins, US$9 for a set of three from Shell Scapes.

lavender lovelies

Well I haven't mentioned beauty on the blog before, but this week, for some reason I've been inundated with some really lovely lavender products. It must be fate. So here are some of my favourites to help even the most stressed bride to be to relax and unwind.

With it's sweet smell almost good enough to eat, nourish your skin with APIVITA almond and lavender bath and shower gel, $32.90. And, get some inner calm with lavender aromatherapy, APIVITA natural scents. Revive your skin with organic Byron Natures Gift lavender and orange mist, $22. Refresh your linen with uplifting Tasmanian lavender body and pillow mist from evodia, $23.95. APIVITA almond and lavender body cream, $39.90.

steal that style - lavender seas

If you've been following 'i do' it yourself for a while you might have noticed that we don't shy away from colour when it comes to wedding dresses! This month it's all about luscious lavender in floaty fabrics teamed with delicate lace.

Credits: Mystere gown from Claire Pettibone's ultra sexy 2009 rock 'n roll collection with applique and lavender rose. Goddress silk layered dress in lilac from my theresa. Elegant silk beach wedding dress by Nicole Miller. Beautiful lavender pendant made from a real leaf by Riki Craft, US$70. Gorgeous lavender dress via live journal. Elegant purple feathered fascinator by Pish Poshes, US$65. Exquisite lace bridal shrug, custom made by Pine Cone Cabin US$350. Don't forget the boys! Blue and purple silk tie with matching cuff links.

be my bridesmaid

It's been a crazy month so far, so much to do and our internet keeps dropping out. So apologies again for the delay in posts. But it has meant we've had a bit more time to work on our wedding stationery. So we now have a new product, yeay! Print at home bridesmaid cards.

Available in all of our styles, just like our thank you cards, we can tweak the wording to fit your wedding. Only US$10 on our etsy store.