Pink & Orange: Real Wedding Alderbrook Resort

A bright pop of color against a color scheme of black & white was perfect for a wedding at Alderbrook Resort & Spa on a sunny summer day!

The Photographer:
Scott Turner Photography

The Flowers:
Sunset lilies, pink mini calla lilies, pink and orange mokara orchids and greens.

The Bridal Bouquet:
A hand-tied bouquet of sunset lilies and pink mini calla lilies with pink and orange mokara orchids wrapped with black satin ribbon.

The Grooms Boutonniere:
A pink mini calla lily with an orange mokara orchid and greens.

The bridesmaids carried bouquets of sunset lilies with pink mokara orchids and the groomsmen wore boutonnieres of pink mini calla lilies.

Congratulations & Best Wishes to the bridal couple!

Yellow, Grey & Cream: Real Wedding

I’m thrilled to share these images from Tasha Owen Photography.  They are from a wedding we did back in September!  (All photos courtesy of Tasha Owen Photography unless otherwise noted.)

The Flowers
Hydrangea, garden roses, succulents, cream lisianthus, scabiosa pods, dahlias, dusty miller and craspedia (billy balls).

The Brides Bouquet
Succulents, dahlias, garden roses, cream lisianthus, craspedia and dusty miller. The stems were wrapped in grey and white chevron striped fabric.
The Grooms Boutonniere
Scabiosa pods, cream lisianthus and dusty miller.

Accent Arrangements
We created accent arrangements that were placed throughout the church and then at the reception.  Moss and vine wrapped glass cylinders held arrangements of hydrangea, dahlias, scabiosa pods, craspedia, cream lisianthus and dusty miller.


The Altar
For the altar we created a pair of large baby’s breath trees.  Standing between 6 and 7 feet tall, these airy trees perfectly accented the church.

(photo above by Jen’s Blossoms)

(photo above by Jen’s Blossoms)

We wish Kelsey & Brandon much happiness, love & joy!  Congratulations!

Happy New Year!

Mod Podge Snowflake Cylinders: Day 12

Every year one of the 12 Days posts is dedicated to an activity that I do with my nieces and nephew.  Last year we went on an amazing scavenger hunt and created a video for their parents.  This year we are making Mod Podge snowflake cylinders.  The nephew is still a little small to join in so we will craft without him this year.

The Supplies:
Mod Podge, glass cylinder, foam brush, fine glitter and assortment of tissue paper.
Not pictured: scissors.

The Steps:
Cut small snowflakes out of tissue paper, I used silver and glitter flecked tissue.
Tear into smallish pieces another color of tissue paper, I used light blue.
Working in small sections, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the glass cylinder.  Begin to layer the torn pieces of tissue onto the cylinder continuing to coat the cylinder and the top of the tissue paper with a thin layer of Mod Podge as needed.
Once the cylinder is covered with paper carefully Mod Podge the snowflakes onto the cylinder.  Overlapping and being careful not to tear the snowflakes.
Dust with a bit of glitter for shimmer and allow to dry completely.
These cylinders look amazing with a votive or floating candle inside or could even be used as a vase to hold seasonal greens and flowers.
Happy Holiday from Jen’s Blossoms!

Taper Candle Centerpiece: Day 11

It is no secret I love candles, we covered that on Day 5. I found some incredible rustic white taper candles with a touch of sparkle and knew I had to create something with them. So, we have an easy centerpiece idea for Day 11!
The Supplies:
Small terra-cotta pot, taper candle, white paint, snow spray, fine glitter and greens.
Not pictured: floral foam, vine wire, glue for glitter, clear sealer and additional greens.

The Steps:
Lay out the greens, dust them with a coat of snow spray and then a sprinkling of glitter.
While the greens are drying, paint the terra-cotta pot with white paint and allow to dry.
After the white paint is dry (it dries quickly), spray the terra-cotta pot with an adhesive (I like glue for glitter by Design Master) and dust the terra-cotta pot with glitter.
When the glue is dry lightly coat the outside of the pot with a clear sealer.
Cut a piece of floral foam to fit inside the pot, soak the foam in water and then wrap the bottom and sides in plastic and insert it into the pot.
Press the taper candle down into the foam (I pressed it in until I hit the bottom).
Insert the greens into the floral foam.
I finished it off with a twist of rustic vine wire.Whether on the mantle or on the table this is an elegant centerpiece for the holidays.
I think I will make 3 for the center of my table!
Be sure to check out the post from Friday! “Baby It’s Cold Outside” Hot Cocoa Kit!

White, Cream, Taupe & Silver: Roche Harbor Real Wedding

This past summer we travelled to the San Juan Islands to create the floral designs for Jessica and Erik’s wedding at the gorgeous Roche Harbor Resort.

The Venue
Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Island
Ceremony: Sunken Garden
Reception: Pavillion and Courtyard

The Photographer
Nichole Jordan Photography
Thank you Nichole for the gorgeous images below!

The Flowers & Design Elements
Flowers: white hydrangea, cream garden roses and cream spray roses.
Design Elements: we used taupe ribbon & jute twine to wrap the bouquets and boutonnieres, wired glass ivy bowls lined the aisle while silver vases sat atop the tables.

Thank you Jessica and Erik for asking us to share in part of your day by creating the floral arrangements.  Wishing you all the best!

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” Hot Cocoa Kit: Day 10

I was at one of my new favorite stores Packaging Specialties a few weeks ago and saw cute little cloth bags and knew I had to do a project with them.  I decided to make a
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” Hot Cocoa Kit.  The bag is the perfect size to fit homemade cocoa mix and marshmallows!
The Supplies:
Cloth bags (the ones I used measured 5″ wide by 6″ high), metallic paint, glitter paint, paint brush, sharpie, printed graphic, cardboard, marshmallows and cocoa mix.

The Steps (for the bag):
Create and print a graphic to use.
Cut down the graphic and cardboard to fit inside the bag.  Attach graphic to cardboard.
First, I used a sharpie to trace part of my graphic and paint on the remaining part.
Then trace the words/graphic with metallic paint, I also added snowflakes, allow to dry.
Finally trace over metallic words/graphic with glitter paint and allow to dry.
Hot Cocoa Recipe:
Whisk Together:
1.5 cups Non-fat Dry Milk Powder
1 cup Powdered Sugar
3/4 cup Cocoa Powder
1/8 tsp. Salt
After whisking,  pulse ingredients in a food processor to break down any clumps.
Then whisk in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips.
Bag for gifts or store in an air tight container.
I love how these turned out.  Just the right amount of glitter and rustic charm.
Last year we made Snowman Cake Pops for Day 10!

Metallic Words on Canvas: Day 9

I feel like this year everything around me is Merry & Bright!  Sparkling decor…smiling faces…I love this season.  For Day 9 I decided to use a Martha Stewart Metallic Rub-on sheet and create a canvas to reflect my thoughts on the season.

The Supplies:
From top left: white paint, Martha Stewart foil transfer sheets, red spray paint, Martha Stewart transfer adhesive, paint brushes and cedar greenery.

The Steps:
Paint the canvas with a coat of white paint.
Lay the greenery over the canvas and spray with red paint.
Use transfer adhesive (according to package directions) to write the saying.
Once adhesive has set, use a folding tool or your finger to rub the metallic foil onto the adhesive.  Follow the directions on the package.
Tip: I found my finger worked well.  I also added a hint of gold to the corners and edges.
The Finished Canvas:
May your holiday season be Merry & Bright!

Chocolate Covered Peppermints & Caramels: Day 8

We already discussed the fact that I love peppermint and chocolate back in the post from Day 2.  I also love sea salt caramels and what I love even more is easy holiday treats!
Let’s make chocolate covered peppermints and caramels!

The Supplies:
Brachs caramels and peppermint nougats, dark chocolate chips, coarse sea salt and white candy pieces. Not pictured: crushed candy canes.

The Steps for Peppermints:
Unwrap the peppermints
Smooth out the edges and flatten the top and bottom.
The result (bottom right) will be smooth discs.
Melt dark chocolate chips according to package directions.
Using a toothpick, dip peppermints into chocolate and place them on parchment paper.
Melt white candy pieces according to package directions and place in a plastic bag.
Cut a small piece off the corner of the plastic bag and drizzle the melted white candy over the dark chocolate covered peppermints.
Working quickly, sprinkle covered peppermints with crushed candy canes.
The Steps for Caramels:
Unwrap caramels and using a toothpick dip them in melted dark chocolate chips.
Place dipped caramels on parchment paper and sprinkle the tops with coarse sea salt.
These yummy beautiful treats can be packaged as gifts or served at holiday gatherings!
Last year for Day 8 I shared a recipe for a Honey Almond Twist bread!

Snowflakes & Snowy Greens: Day 7

I wanted to do something a little different with my chandelier this year.  In the past I have hung ball ornaments from it, draped it in crystal garlands and even left it unadorned.  After finding a post on Pinterest about Borax Snowflakes I knew I had to try it!  These snowflakes coupled with snowy cedar branches are perfect for my chandelier.
The Snowflake Supplies:
From left: mini pom poms*, Borax, white pipe cleaners, string and glass containers.
*I tried making snowballs & icicles with pom poms and wasn’t happy with the outcome.

The Snowflake Steps:
Create snowflakes with the pipe cleaners, cutting them apart and twisting to make the shapes.  Make sure to make it smaller than the container you are using.
Tie a string to the top of the snowflake.
Fill glass container with hot (boiling) water and Borax.  I played around with the measurements and found the more borax added the thicker the snowflake.  I used anywhere between 4 tablespoons to a 1/2  cup.
Submerge snowflake in Borax solution and use a pencil to hold it in place.
Let the snowflake sit overnight in the solution.
Remove snowflakes from solution, rinse gently and lay to dry.
Supplies & Steps Snowy Greens:
Supplies (below left):
Greens (I used cedar), snow spray and glitter
Steps (above right):
Gather cut greens (I used cedar) and lay them in a box or on a protected surface.
Mist them gently with snow spray and follow with a dusting of glitter.
I also used a little clear sealer for added protection while handling.

Once all the components are dry the chandelier can be decorated!
I am loving the outcome!

Don’t forget to check out yesterday’s Trees that Sparkle: Day 6
and last year’s Christmas Scavenger Hunt!