MONDAY TOPIC THREAD: Martha Who???

mamameech

It's Monday and that means it's time for Martha Who???

I thought it might fun to kick of this first week with a little DIY-style-get-to-know-you. Below are a list of questions related to your DIY goals, inspiration and experience.

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?

b) to save some $$$

c) to keep up with the trend 

d) other

**items listed are suggestions only so please explain your personal DIY goals**

Have you always been "crafty"? 

If so, what were your DIY projects prior to wedding-related plans? 

If not, what was your inspiration?

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

And one question that will really help me with this new thread...

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?

The Custom Wire Hanger

This week's DIY project is the Bridal Hanger. It seems to have become a popular item for brides as well as the wedding party. If you search on Etsy.com you will find many sellers ranging from $13-$35 dollars for a custom hanger. I loved the idea but never thought I could do it myself and did not want to spend the $$, but then I found an easy tutorial on youtube.com and after pricing out the materials, I figured it would be a great Martha Who project to share

Recommended Video Tutorial:

Making Custom Wire Hangers Video

Recommended Blog Tutorial:

Jarring Impact - DIY Hanger Tutorial

MY Project - Recommended Materials:

- Light coloured wooden hangers (paintable)

- 16 gauge wire found at Michaels in the beading/jewelry section; much easier to manipulate that the 12 gauge (use your coupon!)

- Wire cutters

- paper and pencil (to write out the word)

- drill (FI helped with this part) *see blog tutorial for alternative option*

- decorations

- oh and practice

The result:

AshnRobo

 What is you DIY goal for your wedding?
a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?
and
b) to save some $$$

Have you always been "crafty"?  If so, what were your DIY projects prior to wedding-related plans? 

Yes, I do scrapbooking, painting, some jewelry, and whatever strikes my fancy. I do weely scrapbook crops with some of my friends, at the store we crop at I'm the invitation consultant. That means anytime someone comes in and says they are making invitations, they are refferred to me and I help design them for a fee and for a larger fee I will even create them. I also teach technique classes about once a month. Those are pretty fun, but very time consuming.

I also host a monthly craft night at my house. A few friends come over and work on whatever they want to. While our men cook us dinner. It is a wonderful time for everyone.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list?

I haven't sat down and really thought about it, but I suppose around 15 that I'm currently working through in my head. I started on one last night, but since I didn't have everything I needed it was more of a gather supplies and stare at them session.

 Is anyone helping you?

Oh, yes! I have an amazing group of bridesmaids that are all very crafty/creative and all keep reminding me they are down for helping with anything I need done. Also, my scrapbook friends keep offering their services. I just haven't gotten started yet! I'm planning on starting tonight!

And one question that will really help me with this new thread... Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?

I'm really interested in learning about making fabric flowers that look like real flowers. I just can't find a decent tutorial!

BMcLeodTeam

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

For me DIY is all about making our wedding more 'us'. We are definitely not looking for the cookie cutter, same as you see on TV wedding, and by doing a lot of DIY I can bring even more of our personality into the fold.

Have you always been "crafty"? 

I crocheted before the wedding, but that's it. Everything else is just something I'll see online that I'm like 'well, why don't I try it, if I can't I can always just get someone to do it that can'. The biggest surprise for me was how easy doing bouquets were for me.... now I've agreed to do a few friends starting in 2013!

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

Hahaha... Ummm, is too many a valid answer? There is a full list in my bio that I keep adding to/changing. FI is doing a couple things (spray painting items, building wooden easels to place the escort card displays on, etc). Also I have an awesome friend who has volunteered to make the flower wall for in the gazebo at our ceremony location, which I gladly agreed to lol

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?
Hmmm.... I don't think I have ever shyed away from something solely for the cost of doing it, but as far as too difficult.... I usually don't think they are 'too difficult' per say but I've chosen not to do some things because I think they'll frustrate me too much in the process lol! For that reason I skipped making my garter and bought one, and now I'm debating buying the table numbers I like (free standing wooden numbers on a base).

ETA: Just counted and there are 59 projects currently on my list in my bio lol

kellycatalo

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

1. to make things that i can't find elsewhere/to my exact specifications
2. save $
3. add a personal touch

Have you always been "crafty"? 

I have always enjoyed crafting, since i was little. before wedding stuff, the only real crafty projects i had done was painting artwork for myself:

(my old room at my dad's house, i made the green/black/white/gold art):


(my dorm room junior year, i made the blue/pink/green art, and painted the "kelly" letters):

(made these for decoration for our house that we had senior year):


i also used to sew letters for myself. my friends and i would do random art projects when we got ideas.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?
i have already tackled a couple projects, including my glitter shoes and some lace-wrapped vases. I still have to make my centerpieces, which will take a while. last night dan and i were talking about stuff we want to accomplish in the next month or so, and he mentioned helping me on those, so i was really surprised! I sort of figured i'd do them myself, but i'm glad he's interested. so the things i need to do are:
1. spray paint 10 birdcages
2. make more (30?) lace-wrapped votives
3. paint & glue table numbers
4. make ivory infinity dress
5. probably some more..

And one question that will really help me with this new thread...

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?
1. i originally wanted to make all of my table runners, and that's why i bought a sewing machine. i realize now that there's just not enough time and it will still end up costing me a lot to buy all the materials. plus, i can't find fabric that truly matches, and i know mine won't look super professional.

bridalmomma

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?a) to add a personal touch to the wedding?b) to save some $$$d) other ( as special surprises for DD &FI)
Have you always been "crafty"? I do some scrapbooking and have always had a "knack"  with silk flowers
How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?About 40... I know CRAZY!! Doing most of it by myself with DD help when she can get home!
Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?Not really ... I think I'm maxed out on what I can reasonably get done already!
Thanks for starting this and the tutorial you posted is great! 

gabriel0915

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?

b) to save some $$$

c) to keep up with the trend 

-I never thought I'd be a DIY bride but I love saving money and I hate to spend money on things that will go to waste after the wedding. I have learned to love it

Have you always been "crafty"? 

Oh god no lol. I actually took a job in a scrapbook store in college and had to take in my first scrapbook. It was HORRIBLE. I learned so much while I was there and still go buy my supplies there. I wouldn't be nearly as interested in being crafty without working there.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

STDs
Flowers
"Cards sign"
Any paper for the wedding except invites
groomsmen gifts
I Do crystals on my ceremony heels

Is anyone helping you?
I think if I asked people to help that they would but I am so particular that I know how I want things and I think I would just annoy people and they wouldn't want to help me. So I do it alone, lol.

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?

The wire hanger was just something completely out of my skill level, so I bought one for 14.99 on Etsy.
Jewelery for my girls
I WISH I could sew or something (My FI can though lol)

akbrown19

What is your DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?
and

b) to save some $$$

Having attempted some DIY projects in the past, I have found some things are worth the extra cost to save time and have them done right, but I still love DIY projects!

Have you always been "crafty"? 

Yes! Prior to wedding-related stuff, I learned to sew/craft with my mom and grandma, so it's a fun multi-generational tradition. I love crafty projects, especially involving gift making and gift wrapping. I recently sewed baby shower gifts for FSIL including a travel changing pad and covers for portable wipes containers and diapers! So cute! Can't wait to meet our nephew in a couple weeks!!!

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

I actually just made a list of DIY stuff. I'm using a lot of paper doilies (to tie in with my lace dress, I just love lace!!). Mostly doing them myself but I'm sure mom and FMIL will pitch in...
-invitations (incorporating paper doilies)
-'Mr. & Mrs.' chair banners (paper doilies)
-card box
-bridesmaid hangers (complete!)
-escort cards (paper doilies)
-table decor (real doilies made by grandma and lace-covered glass containers for pillar candles)
-flower girl dresses (mom and grandma)
-gray chalkboard menu
whew that list is getting longer and longer!!

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?
I have been looking all over the internet for a beaded applique that I could use for the sash for my dress (my reception bling!) but I have had no luck finding anything that looks like it wasn't made by a kindergartener - including the stuff on Etsy, Michael's, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabrics. All the premade stuff on Etsy is like $150-200! Any recommendations or ideas? (Inspiration pics below)

mamameech

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?b) to save some $$$I love classic styles with a twist; I love being unique without being "out there". The DIY projects allow me to express myself and hopefully guests will notice the personal touches and recognize how much the event reflects our personalities. I do weigh my options as well in terms of cost; it's not always cheaper to DIY. I have saved a lot of money for some things and less for others. In the end, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way ;;)Have you always been "crafty"? Yes, I have always been known to be creative. I used draw my own paper dolls to play with as a child LOL (seriously, we found a box full of them a few months ago!). I would always add an extra "something" to projects and presentations for school. I had painted a mural on the wall of my bedroom. Looking back, I even used to plan my little sister's birthday parties and design all the decor and games. I guess it was only natural that I became an event planner... at least until I sold my soul to work for the Federal Government hahaBefore the wedding-related projects began, I feel like I had really lost touch with my creative side. I would still design all my son's birthday stuff as well as do cards and calendars for family, but I hadn't really done the "crafty" stuff in so long. I feel like I've rediscovered a side of me that I'd lost.　How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?Oh gosh this number seems to change by the day. Originally I only had a few on my list, but it's grown tremendously.So far I've done:STDs, invitations, cuff links, cootie catchers, centre pieces, frames, menus, hangers, ring nest, shirts, gifts, wedding bells wands, ring bearer flag, etc...To-do:pomanders, place cards, seating chart, complete invitations, programs, mad libs, bridal/MOH clutch, thank you cards, etc...
I'm doing it all solo... well my son helped me paint some frames (but I repainted them lol)

entropicbeauty

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

To save money, and to utilize the art degree I paid thousands of dollars for already! I'm totally that person that sees something cool/crafty online and say "That costs HOW MUCH? I could totally do that cheaper"

Have you always been "crafty"? 

I'll have to say "yes" to this. I went to art school for 6 years, so the list of projects I've done in the past is lengthy. Paper products are probably my specialty though because I work with that stuff every day (I'm a graphic designer)

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

uh, there are probably 20-25 projects on my DIY list. I'm not ASKING for help from anyone (unless I get to a point where I'm running out of time and start panicking!), but this past weekend some friends came over and we "crafted" together and my sister ended up making 30 or so paper flowers for me after I showed her how to do them.

The project I am the most excited for is my invites and the monogram logo i'm creating.

romamor4

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) To save some mula!! 

b) To use our creative side

c) To make it personal 

d) To make the wedding as vintage as possible

Have you always been "crafty"? 

I've always been really crafty. I actually am an avid sewer. I love to sew my own clothes and retro repros. I also have always been into beading, embroidery, graphic design and such. Last year I made a gown for a Ball that we go to each year for swing dancing and I made a vest for FI to match along with a tie. 

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

Noone is helping me but that's because I am a control freak! Plenty of people have offered, I just love it so much I haven't taken them up on it yet! My DIY list is pretty long and I keep adding to it. 

And one question that will really help me with this new thread...

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?  I'm currently making my own fabric boutonieres for the guys but am wondering if it's really worth it. I want to save money on them, that is the only reason I am doing it. But my florist is already only charging $15 per bout, which isn't a lot. 

Johnsonk313

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding

b) to save some $$$

I have always wanted a lot of things for my weeding that I knew I couldn't afford to buy so I would have to them myself.

Have you always been "crafty"? 

I have always been crafty. I do all invited, and favors for my families events and a lot of DIY decorations.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

25, I am trying to keep it from growing lol.

I do have anyone helping right now but I know if I needed help I have a great group of family and friends that would be there.

And one question that will really help me with this new thread...

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?

Not really but I always love learning about any new DIY projects!

jacquiroxx

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?

b) to save some $$$

Have you always been "crafty"? Yep

If so, what were your DIY projects prior to wedding-related plans? Oy vey, where do I start?  Firstly, making things for other people's weddings.  I'm a teacher, too, so I am CONSTANTLY making things for my classroom.  Also stuff around the house, like artwork and little kitchy stuff.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you? 39-40.  I'm doing them mostly by myself, some of them I'll have help from my fiance and maybe a BM or two.  I keep having to take some off as I realize that we won't be able to afford them (like programs, an altar, etc.)

And one question that will really help me with this new thread...

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?

Nope.  None of the projects are "too expensive," they just aren't fitting into our budget right now, where we're still working hard to be able to pay off the major vendors and little details don't seem as important.  "Too hard" is a phrase that doesn't exist in my vocabularly.

caterpillar85

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?

b) to save some $$$

Have you always been "crafty"? 

Yes and no... I have great ideas, but my execution isn't always the best. Being in art-like classes all throughout college made me realize where my talents were and my skill level compared to the others... I am just average.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?
I am sure my mom will help me, but I actually haven't started anything yet! I keep second guessin myself and what I really want so I am holding off, but I can't any longer... Some of my list-
* all paper (STD, invites, programs, etc)
* cake topper
* jewelry (my mom is making)
* "HE" and "SHE" posters (each type out 20 things we love about eachother and frame the pictures. The word "HE" is really big filling the whole page and my things are typed over it like 'looks good in blue' 'makes me laugh' 'treats me like a princess' 'hogs the covers')
* something for the centerpieces
* signs for our chairs (not sure what they will say)
* card box
* gifts for mom and dad (grandma is doing, enbroidering hankies for both of them, dad's will be similar to this)
* guest book

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?
I would like to do an aisle runner but couldn't begin to figure out how expensive or how to do it, especially with what I have in mind and how long I need it to be. Also I want something on the end of each aisle for the ceremony but I want real flowers so the price will be high.

volleygurl0306

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?

b) to save some $$$

These!  Due to budget and some other factors we had to have our wedding at a hotel which is very cookie cutter to me.  I wanted an original wedding so DIY are mainly motivated by making it unique to contrast our generic venue.  Saving money is a factor....I only do projects that are cheaper than it would be to buy.

Have you always been "crafty"? 

I have.  I was really into scrapbooking for a while.  My mom would guide me when I was little with sewing....I've turned numerous old pairs of jeans into skirts.  When I was little, instead of going to Chuck E Cheese or something for my birthday, my mom always planned for me a party at our house where all my friends and I would do an arts and crafts project that everyone then got to take home.  Those were the best.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?
I have a total of about 8 or 9 projects.  I'm flying solo for the most part.

Mama, love that you featured the hangers this week.  I finished mine yesterday! 

SCogs18

 What is you DIY goal for your wedding?
b) to save some $$$

Have you always been "crafty"?  If so, what were your DIY projects prior to wedding-related plans? 
 
I'd say I'm a pretty crafty individual.  I was an art major in college and I learned how to make my own jewelry.  I tend to work in sterling silver and gold wire.  I like to repurpose old jewlery.  As awful as this sounds, when my grandmother died, I took apart a lot of her dated necklaces and restrung/repurposed the beads/gems to make more modern pieces.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list?

I am not DIYing a ton of stuff, but the projects I am doing will take some time.  I am DIYing our table numbers and all our escort and place cards.  I've been posting about this for a while...I can't do the projects until I FIX MY PRINTER.  Ha ha!  I'm also hand addressing all our STDs (already sent) and invitations.  I'm learning calligraphy, but it's not going well thus far.  I am also in need of a card box.

 Is anyone helping you?

Nope, my bridesmaids are all out of state and FI wouldn't be caught dead "crafting" so it will all be 100% me.

And one question that will really help me with this new thread... Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?

I'd love to get some tips on DIY programs/menu cards (I'm also checking out VP rack cards) and how to hang tulle like this:  The florist wasnts to charge me $300 to rent the tulle and hang it.  I'm convinced I can do it for cheaper.  Any guesses on how to attach it and not damage the pews/how much I need?  This is my chapel in the photo.

nicknuttnc

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

My DYI goal is to save money and give my wedding some of my flavor. I want my guest to remember they came to our wedding.....

Have you always been "crafty"? 

No, not at all. I have been a person who always like to see crafts but dosen't have enough time to do them

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

7 and my daughters are helping me on them

And one question that will really help me with this new thread...

I really want to do a petal aisle runner because my venue does not allow anything to be on the ground, but all the tutorials look really hard.

wfdfire607

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding
and

b) to save some $$$

and because I love to cuss at myself, lol.

Have you always been "crafty"?

Yes, I've done lots of scrapbooking and stuff with wood glue and paint. I made a lot of stuff for my little guy while I was pregnant.

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

Wedding related: A lot of the decorations, some kind of photo collage.
NWR: Making decorations and gifts for my son's 1st birthday.

And one question that will really help me with this new thread...

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?
The one OP listed, lol.

irshdancr5500

What is you DIY goal for your wedding?

a) to add a personal touch to your wedding?

b) to save some $$$

Have you always been "crafty"? 

Haha, not at all! So far, all of my DIY projects have been over measured, precision tasks. I can't imagine anything worse than a DIY project that required true creativity, like drawing or something, lol

How many projects are your DIY to-do list? Is anyone helping you?

Hmm, not sure...a lot of them are paper related, like making the STDs and a photobook guestbook...I'm also making a cake stand

Are there any DIY projects that you'd love to try but feel that it may be too difficult or expensive?

I'd like to figure out something cute to do to decorate the church pews, but silk flower pomanders seem like they're going to be way too expensive and I haven't had any other ideas that I like