The whole wedding planning bonanza is a bit like thrusting your head in a cannon and waiting for it to blow… there is just SO much anticipation and worry. To DIY or not? Should you go all out or pinch pennies? What about decorations and favors?

If your head is swimming with possibilities and your palms start sweating at the mere thought of diving into the planning, take a look at these tutorials. They might just save your wedding — and your sanity!

Continue reading "Tutorials that could save your wedding" →

Allow me to introduce you to The Red Ruby Rose, a collection of unique handmade clutches made in Bristol, England by artist and illustrator Rowena Dugdale.

These amazing clutches come are made from an eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage fabrics that seem custom catered to Offbeat needs — check out the full range of peacock designs! Some of them are so brilliantly colored and gorgeous that I could see a courthouse bride using one instead of a bouquet. Imagine this being held by a bride in a tea length dress, wearing sharp little red gloves:

Rowena credits a mix of influences, from vintage ephemera and moody blooms to noir silhouettes and ethereal patterns. The Red Ruby Rose has a whole line of bags crafted with custom fabrics inspired by Rowena's illustrations and photography. Then there's the luxury line of silk bags that are making me swoony.

To check out a few of my very favorites from of The Ruby Red Rose's collection, keep reading. And imagine these in the hot little hands of your bridesmaids or, heck, YOURSELF!

Continue reading "Fall into Red Ruby Rose's clutches" →

The handmade invitations and RSVP cards from OBT member Hurricane Me (aka. Kate) just blew me away. Here are the pictures and her explanation taken from her wedding planning update.

I sat around stressing out over what kind of image I wanted … I knew I wanted to do it myself but had no idea where to begin stylistically. But I finally buckled down and did the block print of the hands, and as soon as I lay the ink on I knew I had my design. I couldn't decide on a color. So I didn't.

I just put cardstock through the photocopy machine at Kinkos to make the text and the RSVP inserts, then cut the smaller block print stamps of bicycles and letters, and started stamping.

Continue reading "100% homemade, recycled paper wedding invitations, by Hurricane Me" →

The Offbeat Bride: Monica, system analyst and jewelry-maker

Her Offbeat Partner: Eric, animator and artist

Location & date of wedding: Cross-town Los Angeles – ceremony at Immanuel Presbyterian, reception at The Proud Bird — 1/31/09

Continue reading "Monica & Eric's Artsy Craftsy Disney Infused Wedding" →

OBT member Jessica made these deer cake toppers that are so adorable they make me want to puke, in a good way.

Jessica writes, "The one with the excess flowers is "me" and the one with the top hat is my darling FW, in case it wasn't obvious. It even turned out that her's is a teensy taller than mine, just like real life. hehe."

Oh those tiny little flowers just kill me. 

Continue reading "Jessica's Handmade Deer Cake Topper" →