Work in progress: vintage LP record cake stands

Vintage LP Cake stands (c) 2012 Vera Devera

I'm planning a surprise party with a vintage college prep theme at the end of the month and the birthday boy digs his hi-fi collection. I couldn't think of a better way than these vintage LP cake stands to display the awesome dessert bar that Two for Two Cakes is creating!

Materials include: LPs of various sizes ($0.50-$2.00 at Half Price Books), super glue and candlestick holders (I got mine for an additional 40% off at the Salvation Army) to serve as the base. I spent less than $10 for 4 cake stands.

And below is the inspiration (Oh Happy Day). I did go to TAP Plastics as their tutorial suggested and considered using their plastic cake stands but the records I bought were thicker than those made in the 1960s-70s so I didn't think I needed the extra support from a plastic round.

via Oh Happy Day

DIY Classes for the DIY Bride

I am a big fan of Workshop SF because they help you tap into your inner-craft-child!

This past Tuesday, I took Sewing 101 at Workshop SF. For a DIY-liter like me, I needed to refresh my skills on how to sew by hand and machine. Carmen, the teacher, is also a visual manager for Anthropologie on 4th and Market and teaches this class in her spare time. After 3 hours on the Janome, I now feel more comfortable with sewing by machine (it's easier than I expected) and I can't wait to start making my own pillows and baby shower gifts. In fact, I went out and bought a Brother (35 stitch) on HSN the next day for $99!

My PBR Beer Koozy - Project #1 at Workshop SF

If you're planning on making table runners, napkins, etc for your own wedding and are a novice, then don't hesitate to take this class. It's one of their more popular ones and fills up quickly. The price can't be beat at $38.

A DIY project that requires sewing skills! via Project Wedding

More classes that are geared towards the DIY bride are being taught by one of my go-to wedding floral designers: Pilar Zuniga of Gorgeous and Green. Plus, she's just launched her online store, so if you can't get to her brick and mortar retail location on San Pablo Ave in Berkeley, you can satisfy your fix for terrarium or other locally-made prettiness.

Bouquet by Gorgeous and Green Events; (c) 2011 Stephen Hughes Photography

Sunday March 18th:  Fun with airplants  6-8pm
People love airplants.  We love airplants.  If you love airplants, come hang out with us and make fun stuff with them.  We will provide lots of cool branches, wire, secret cool stuff and tools, and we'll show you how to carefully design with them.  $50 donation at the door, $45 donation pre-paid to cover the cost of airplants and materials.  We will have some snacks and drinks as well. We will have this listed on the web store. Space is limited. Check the online store.

Sunday April 22nd: After hours flower arranging  6-8pm
Featuring locally, sustainably and/or organically grown flowers, greens and branches.  We'll show you some techniques to creating arrangements without floral foam, and you can walk away with your creation! Some snacks and drink will be provided.  $75 donation at the door or $65 pre-paid, 12 person maximum, so book early.  Check the online store.

Sunday May 20th: Bouquet Making: for the DIY bride, groom, family or friends!  5-7pm.
We do a lot of weddings.  We would love to decorate your wedding. But for some, budget is a challenge, so come to our DIY event to learn some basics on making a hand-tied bouquet (we never use floral foam, terrible for us and the environment, yuck ), and not only will you walk away with skills and a lovely bouquet, but you will also get a special coupon to use with us if you need to order bulk flowers for your wedding!  $85 donation at the door or $75 prepaid. Space is limited.  Check the online store.

Free Wedding Photography Contest: Danielle Capito

Hey everyone: Photographer, Danielle Capito, whose work has been featured on Style Me Pretty is giving away a free wedding photography package. The deadline to enter is this Sunday -- hurry and enter now by emailing Danielle your answers to the questions below! Good luck!!

Entries must be received by February 5, 2012 and final decision will be made by February 8. This free package includes an engagement session and DVD of images, 8 hours of wedding day coverage by 2 photographers, and a flash drive of all edited wedding images.

Must include in email:

1. Information about your wedding day, from the venue, to the decor, to your inspiration, your vendors, and just your overall vision for the day! Feel free to include any pictures, Pinterest boards, etc. that really show your vision for the wedding!
2. A picture (or two) of you and your fiance
3. The story about how you and your fiance met
4. Why you want to win!
5. Feel free to include any other information, images, collages, story boards, videos, etc. that could help you win!
6. Email all the above to daniellecapitophotography@gmail.com