Inspiring Ideas - Chalkboards & Cardholders

I've had quite a few design meetings as of late, and after brainstorming with my clients I'm always so inspired. When I'm inspired, I like to create things! Thus, a few really cute ideas have been born.

Vintage, shabby chic, and country weddings are so versatile and unique, it is easy to see why so many people are drawn to this style of wedding. So when one of my clients asked me to make her a "French looking chalkboard" I was thrilled. We plan on using "Collette" to display the menu and have hired a calligrapher to create the beautiful handwriting.

Another really fun trend I'm seeing is unusual card boxes. Birdcages are still a really great idea but there are so many other ways you could house all those important cards.

I recently created "Dolly." She is an old dollhouse turned card box. Complete with windows that can be lit with LED lights. I just thought it was such a cute sentiment. Newly married couples are making a new family and with every new family is a home.

Everyone knows that "Mad Men" has had a huge impact on fashion in the last few years. Bold prints, fantastic colors and simple lines are coming back. So when I found the perfect 60's style vintage suitcase, I thought it would make a great container for cards or favors.

I envision using pretty scrap-booking paper or wooden letters to spell out "cards" or "favors" and then drape it across the top with twine. The bottom part would be filled with your wedding cards or a grouping of favors. How cute is that?!  I had so much fun recreating the "Penny Lane" suitcase. I think it is the perfect accessory to the "less is more" mid-century modern wedding. I'm sure it will do great as a rental!

Of course, living in Minnesota we have a strong agricultural history. Farm and country chic weddings fit perfectly in our landscape. Old lanterns, galvanized tubs, vintage mason jars filled with whimsical wild flowers...all of these elements create a beautiful, yet rustic, setting.

If you've ever driven out on old country roads, you've seen that beat up old mailbox.  When I saw "Millie" I knew she belonged to my collection of unconventional rental items. The mailbox, whether pristine or aged, is a fun twist on a an old idea. We send our congratulatory messages through the mail all the time, what a fun way to receive them at your wedding reception.

I truly hope that I've inspired!

Happy planning,

Marissa