80's School Themed Inspired Wedding Shoot

I love this incredibly-fun design that was one of the entries in the Inspired Creations Contest

on The Sweetest Occasion; it's an 80's inspired school themed wedding shoot. You could incorporate this theme into a graduation party, children's birthday, or a bridal/baby shower

for a teacher!

This wedding design concept started with a throw back to their schoolyard days with mix tapes and boom boxes. The venue selected was a local park, because similar locations can be found in almost any city with black tops and swing sets to entertain the kids while encouraging older guests to remember their youth.

So much inspiration! With a festive color palette of orange, teal and black, they wove fun school-inspired details throughout the shoot.

For the ceremony they used an intimate mix of school chairs and jump ropes to line the aisle!! The programs started with a hand drawn heart with L + K and the date in the center.

A candy caddy allowed guests to indulge in their childhood favorites like pixy sticks and lollipops; sidewalk chalk was displayed for use on the black top, and jump ropes were strung around the playground and placed out for kids and adults to use. And there were homespun banners saying "HS Sweethearts" strung on the swing set and the bride & groom's chairs.

Table details included vintage school chairs paired with a white and chrome table. A custom runner with black cursive numbers on a white background added a graphic element to the dinner table. Vintage turquoise Melmac dishes were used to create a relaxed fun feel, and mod orange water glasses added an additional pop of color to the tabletop. Letterpress coasters, were the perfect little detail and served as additional party favors for guests.

Please see the original post of The Sweetest Occasion for a list and links to all of the vendors

who collaborated in this shoot.

Easy Summer Craft Series - DIY Blackboards

As the first in my {easy summer craft} series I wanted to share this adorable DIY blackboard idea. Not only would it be cute as decor for your kitchen, but a perfect party decor element to include for a backyard bbq, a school themed party, a summer picnic, or brunch at home.

You can transform any object with a flat, smooth surface into a blackboard. Here, enamel bakeware was used, but you can make use of anything that strikes your fancy, such as an old mirror or a salvaged window.

Directions: Apply two coats of chalkboard paint using a small sponge applicator or roller, as the fibers in regular paintbrushes tend to leave behind streaks. Chalkboard paint comes in both liquid and spray versions. If you try the spray, be sure to cover the surrounding area carefully to prevent spatter.

Image and post credit Country Living

Free DIY Printable - Teacher Appreciation Flower Picks

Oh I am just loving some of my fabulous finds lately!

These adorable flower picks found on Skip To My Lou via CWDKids are the perfect

way to say thank you to a special teacher!

These FREE DIY printables can be completely personalized with your child's name!

Directions: Download the FREE pdf file, put in your child's name, cut the circles with a 2 inch scallop circle punch. Glue two back to back (pretty scrapbook paper can be used for the backs if you prefer) with a long wooden craft stick (or skewer) sandwiched in between.

Stick your flower pick into some beautiful flowers and brighten your teacher's day!

Free Printable Milk + Cookie Favor Boxes

Found on The Sweetest Occasion are these fabulous DIY Milk + Cookie

Favors created by Paper Crave.

These printable milk carton favor boxes, "report card" recipe cards, and envelopes

help create everything from school-themed children's parties, teacher appreciations,

baby showers, picnics in the park, vintage parties, or even late night "to go" snacks for

wedding guests.

Place baked goodies in the favor boxes for guests to take home, and include the recipe

for the goodies and other favorites in the report card envelopes so they can make their own yummies long after they've finished yours.

[Tip: wrap baked goods in oven parchment or waxed paper before placing in the favor

boxes so any butter or oil in the treats won't leak onto the box].

Additional decorating ideas:

Use the recipe report card envelopes as place cards for each guest by adding labels with their names to the front.

Use bowls of apples or bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils (for adult parties where pointy things aren't an issue) to create table centerpieces.

Set up a coloring station with boxes of crayons and coloring pages for a fun activity for both children and adults.

Write the party menu on a chalkboard, and hang it on the wall or place it in some other prominent area where everyone can see.

Download your free milk carton favor box / recipe cards / report card envelope templates