apple for the teacher

Looks like it's that time of year again for many. Show you care with one of our lovely teacher appreciation fingerprint trees, a beautiful way to say thanks. Each students leaves a fingerprint to act as a leaf on the tree and can also sign their name. Then the teacher can hang it on the wall - a great piece of art to remember a great class.

Available now from the i do it yourself shop with fast turn around times.

downton style

If you're a fan of 1920s fashion or the TV show Downton Abbey, you'll be pleased to know the hit series is releasing its own clothing range. Coming out later this year you'll be able to get the look of Lady Mary and her sisters, with a whole range of apparel and fashion, even home wares and wallpaper!  We can't wait, and if you can't either here are a few of our favourite fashion finds on etsy inspired by the 1920s.

1. Daisy - 1920s inspired Great Gatsby flapper dress from Schone Bridal 
2. Clara - 1920s inspired beaded lace flapper wedding dress from Silver Sixpence Bridal
3. Vintage 1920s beaded flapper dress from Dronning Vintage
4. Ballets Russes beaded fantasy dress from Chapeaux Fantastiques 

Well last month just got so crazy round here we decided to take a little break from blogging. But this month we're back and as promised here is something new and gorgeous. Our Great Gatsby inspired wedding.

Credits: Hair piece by Johanna Johnson, gold and black art deco wedding cake by Lael Cakes, the Chrysler Building photo by James Maher, The Great Gatsby movie poster and vintage telephone via Martha Stewart Weddings.

Bride at bar by Archibald Photography, champagne cascade via Cocorico Chicago, art deco flapper style gowns by Yolan Cris Bridal, dapper groom pic by Mike Larson, art deco plates via zazzle, art deco pattern via page pulp.   

Palette: black and gold

what's hot

It's the start of a new month and a new theme on the blog. But before we get into that let's take a look at what's trending at the moment.

Well, grey bridesmaid dresses (or gray bridesmaid dresses depending on where you live) seem to be incredibly popular at the moment. Perhaps in preparation for a winter wedding? We picked out a few of our absolute favourite grey dresses above.

1. Short Sparkle Tulle - The Frances Dress in grey US$320 from Katie Jean
2. Zoe Beaded Lace Bodice tulle gown US$1270 from Pantora Bridal
3. Soft Rose Grey Capelet US$112 from Holly Stalder
4. Pale grey tulle tutu skirt US$185 from Tutus Chic 

Also ready for winter weddings are adorable coffee cozies. The perfect bomboniere on a cold evening, little crochet cup wraps. We found two great tutorials online to make your own DIY coffee cozy if your not a crocheter. Love of Family & Home has a lovely knitted version with a video tutorial. And Smile Monster has a great felt coffee sleeve alternative complete with heart pocket, which you could use to put your guests name in and make them into beautiful place cards! Love it!
If DIY isn't your thing check out The Cozy Project with a big range of gorgeously snuggly coffee cozies to choose from.

steal that style : jessie & elliot

If you loved the look of Jessie and Elliot's Portuguese destination wedding, here's how to get it:

1. Keepsake map, customised with your colour choice, location, names and date. From 'i do' it yourself.
2. Lavender Bouquet - the national flower of Portugal.
3. Tandem bicycle fingerprint guest book from 'i do' it yourself
4. Lace parasols to keep guests cool
5. Lavender damask table runner from Simply Divine by JoAnn
6. A donkey - sorry, we just had to show him again, he's too cute! Photo by Piteira Photography. 

Colour palette: sapphire and wisteria

real wedding : jessie & elliot

We're so excited to finally share our inspiration for this whole months theme - the Portuguese destination wedding of Jessie and Elliot, shot by the wonderful Piteira Photography.

Set in the late afternoon sun in the beautiful vineyards of Quinta de Sant’Ana, 30minutes north of Lisbon, Jessie and Elliot's big day is a testament to just how amazing a wedding in Portugal can be.

Travelling from the US it was a big job to plan a wedding on the other side of the globe, but thanks to Jessie and Elliot's attention to detail, the day came together perfectly.

A colour palette of blues and purples worked beautifully with the surroundings of the vineyard, reception and nearby village were preparations took place earlier in the day.

The reception was simply decorated with a mix of purple and white flowers, such as hydrangeas, in an assortment of glass vases. All sitting on the most stunning purple floral table runner. During the evening guests left their mark on one of our tanden bicycle guest books, it's always so amazing to see where our designs end up!

Photography: Piteira Photography

Wedding planning: Something Borrowed

free easter printables & projects

The easter bunny is almost here so lets take a minute to look at some fabulous free printables and DIY projects to help you celebrate. Great for last minute gift and decoration ideas, these are a few of our favourites...

1. Bunny ear cupcake toppers from 'i do' it yourself
2. Mr.Egg by Pilli Pilli
3. Easter egg hunt sign from The Diary of DavesWife
4. I said hip hop easter poster from SF Fontaholic
5. Easter rabbit paper doll by Jennifer Bell (no not our Jennifer Bell  another one!) 
6. Illustrated stickers from Mer Mag