DIY Bunting Party Tablecloth

I keep waiting for my love of the decorative bunting to lessen, but clearly there is no sign of that happening any time soon. Especially when creatives like Hank + Hunt (for The Sweetest Occasion) bust out with an awesome DIY Bunting Tablecloth like this. I mean can you get any cooler! Customize your own with whichever colors you like (would look amazing in gold or silver too) and whip it out for an instantly festive table whenever the party spirit moves you. See the full tutorial over on The Sweetest Occasion.

Photos by Hank + Hunt for The Sweetest Occasion.

Crazy Craft: DIY Gilded Flowers

I'm labeling this little hare-brained DIY a "Crazy Craft"...which basically means that you can most definitely do this yourself, but you should be forewarned that you might get a few odd looks from concerned friends and family who fear that you've taken one step too many off the Pier of Crazy. Behold...DIY Gilded Flowers!!!

A few years ago I decided to play Mother Nature and painted some wild apples in a bright shade of fuchsia. It's still one of my favorite projects ever (not functional, but just really fun). So after picking up three bunches of fresh zinnias from our local Farmer's Market this morning I decided to bust out some gold acrylic paint and gave a few of them the Midas Touch.

To create: Start with flowers with firm and distinct petals such as zinnias, daises, or open roses. Using a small paintbrush and gold acrylic paint (of course you could use any other color you'd like) paint a random number of petals on your flower. Since you are only painting a handful of petals on each, this is actually a pretty fast project. Paint all the flowers in your arrangement, or just a few. It's up to you. I'm not sure how long they will last painted in this fashion, but they sure do look pretty sitting on my desk right now.

If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, these would make a really great accent to a party centerpiece...and will definitely be one of those elements that makes your guests take a second look. For something a little bit different you can also paint the petals with craft glue and then dust them in glitter for a fun effect (perfectly suited for a girl's birthday party or baby shower). What do you think? Is painting flower petals completely bonkers or something you might actually try? xo Ez

Credits: Acrylic paint found at my local Michael's | Martha Stewart Glitter in Kunzite - part of a set purchased at Michael's | Bangles by Fail Jewelry.  All photos by Ez Pudewa (me).

Pinterest Picks: 07. 25. 11

Why hello there friends! How are you?! It's so good to be back from my week-long camping trip (I'll be posting about my trip later this week). It really was nice to disconnect for a bit, but as a creature of habit, I definitely started to miss my daily dose of internet inspiration (it was a treat to read your comments though when we popped into an internet cafe in a small town near where we were camping). I clicked right on over to pinterest yesterday when we returned home, and found the usual sea of loveliness awaiting me. Here are a few of my favorite picks (can you tell that I've been having a major minty-tealish moment lately). xo Ez

1. Zig-Zag Wedding Cake by Sweet Sensations, feature on Once Wed, seen on Erin Ever After (via The Perfect Palette) | 2. String Curtains from the home of Mimi Jung, featured on Refinery 29, seen on 100 Layer Cake (via Megan) | 3. Three Piece Organic Porcelain Nesting Bowls by Suite One Studio (via Melanie) | 4. Fast Clouds Necklace by Little Ocean (via Anne) | 5. Baggage II Painting by Christopher Stott (via Sophie)

Find all of my previous pinterest picks right here.

Sponsor Spotlight: The Wedding Chicks Shop

Hello friends! Today I wanted to shine a spotlight on one of my long-term blog sponsors (many of the ones who you see at the right). This blog would truly not be possible without their support, so this is my little way of saying thanks for making my dream of blogging an ongoing reality. They are awesome and I know they'd love for you to pop on over and pay them a visit today. I hope you will.

So...if you're looking for some of those perfect little touches that make your wedding day extra special, then look no further than The Wedding Chicks Shop. With customizable totes, tees and more for everyone in your bridal party from the bride to the ring bearer, you are certain to find something to fall in love with. I'm particularly smitten with their charming Hello I Love you Tote (only $10) and their Handmade Name Tote (also only $10), which would also work perfectly as special favor bags at a child or teen's birthday party.

Also, be sure to check out their gorgeous blog and awesome gallery of customizable free wedding invitation sets. My sister is going to be so jazzed when I show her their link tomorrow!

*Please note, that while ad placement (in the right-hand column) was purchased by my featured sponsors, the Sponsor Spotlight segment is not a paid portion.

At My Imaginary Party: Champagne + Berry

Oh hello there friends! Welcome to my imaginary party! I'm so glad you could make it! Have a little seat and get cozy, one of the items on the menu today will be these tasty Strawberry Cheesecake Tartlet Bites nestled inside these pretty little Crown-Shaped Dessert Cups. Of course I broke my non-dress wearing tradition to throw on this pretty party frock and topped the look off with some Crimson-hued Sandals and a fresh pedicure. And I looove what you're wearing! Where did you get it? What desserts or goodies do you want to see on the menu? Leave a link to your outfit and/or edible goodies in the comment section below and we'll have a grand ol' time at our imaginary soiree! xo Ez

1. Sungazer Ring - Sundance Catalog | 2. Shift Dress with Fold Sleeve - Asos | 3. Dolce Vita Damita Sandals - Shoes.com | 4. Nail Polish in Clover - Zoya | 5. Bollywood Bag - Shop Ten 25 | 6. Gold Plated Cutlery - Emerald Fish | 7. Paper Bunting from Toast via The Knotty Bride - | 8. Strawberry Cheesecake Tartlet Bites - BHG | 9. Crown Shaped Dessert Cups - Cupcake Social