Tidbits : DIY Vintage Bridal Shower Decor & Games

I have the privilege of hosting Chelsea's bridal shower for her this coming Saturday so, in light of that, I'd like to share some of the little crafts I've been completing for the occasion. Putting together a party can be stressful on both yourself and your pocketbook. But - the money thing - that's easily mended. These three games I've put together cost me a total of LESS THAN $50. I purchased all of the items at Michael's craft store here in town. 

Stinkin' cat would not move!

DIY Project #1: Nothing makes a little piece of paper look more polished than some adorable craft paper. Don't waste time ordering printable templates for your games - make them yourself! Materials for this project: one little comic, (I found this one online and then used Photoshop to alter it to what I wanted) a booklet of scrapbook paper 5x5, scissors and rubber cement. After I had made my comic, all I needed to do was cut it out and paste it onto a sheet of this adorable paper. This is a simple and fast project that is sure to grab attention. It's unique AND I will be binding it into a book for Chelsea to keep for as long as she'd like. Strikes me as a conversation starter - at the very least. Total cost: $5.99 for booklet of 24 sheets of paper, (I needed two booklets) and $2.99 for rubber cement. 

Here is a closeup of the final result. AhDORABLE! Side note: since I will be binding these into a book, I used the front and backside of the paper. This paper booklet has print on both sides. So, rather than purchasing 4 booklets, I was able to purchase 2 and save $12! 

DIY Project #2: Chelsea is well known around town so I thought it would be fun to play a simple game of "Famous Couples". Even easier than the last, this game is more engaging with guests and lights a bit of friendly competition around the circle. Same concept as before - I created a template and printed that. Then I cut the template out and pasted it to more scrapbook paper. I fell victim to auto-correct on the very first name listed, ooft, and after getting through 30 of these I finally noticed it and decided to just say 'whoops'. Make sure you have a key with the answers for yourself and a small prize for the winner with the most correct answers! Total cost: $14.99 for booklet of 60 sheets of paper 8.5x11 and the rubber cement from prior. 

DIY Project #3: My older sister Erin did this for me at my bridal shower and I had to steal the idea. It is something my husband and I still love to consult. The 'date board'. For this project, you will need a 2x4 piece of wood that you've finished to your liking. I just panted mine a pale gray and it's actually just a piece of recycled wood my dad had lying around. Then I nailed in some copper-finished decorative nails about 2 inches apart from each other. Finally, I added a small bracket system for hanging, attached a piece of wire and that's all it takes! To finish off this craft you'll need to find some little gift tags. I found these at Michael's and their colors and prints fit in perfectly with my games. 

The little name tags, otherwise used for gifts, are blank on the other side. Guests will use the blank side to write down a date night idea for Chelsea and Colin and they'll be able to keep this cute little decoration wherever they like in their home. If they feel like doing something other than the classic 'dinner and a movie', they'll be able to consult their closest family and friends for some inspiration. Total cost: small amount of gray paint $5.99, gift tags $3.00 for 40, nails $3.00 and the bracket system for hanging was $4.00. 

Chelsea promised me that she wouldn't read this post until after her shower on Saturday. :) I hope she holds true. If you're reading this and are a guest....no spoils! xoxo - the boutique BABE (just one this time).