Back in the Saddle

Hey everyone! Again, let me apologize for being silent so long! I have been ultra busy here in the MKE. A friend of mine is getting married in August and I've been giving her some advice, I'm planning a Tiki barbecue (details of the planning will be split between my two blogs), I'm updating things at my other blog, cleaning up pictures of a Farmer's Market in Madison (our capital) and picking out some recipes to go with the pictures for a garden party idea, and planning a cupcake party (details soon...I've finished the invites!). Also, The Hubbs and I have been cleaning up our yard and planting flowers before it gets too hot.

Oh, and Summerfest is here and The Hubbs and I went on Sunday....lots of fun!

Sooo, this week? I have a new Etsy Lovin' segment for you, a how-to and a couple garden party ideas. I think it's going to be pretty great. I have a big week planned here at Renegade Soiree and I hope you'll join me!

Let's get to it!

A Busy Weekend

Hello all!

What a busy weekend The Hubbs and I had. On Saturday, we went to Madison to attend a Farmer's Market! It was grrreat! I have a few pictures for you....and a couple of recipes that will make any party unique.

I finally took sometime to do a bit of crafting as well. I worked on an invitation idea for our BBQ and although I am still deciding whether I like it, I decided I'll share it with you and see what you think...

Ah, me.....what a wonderful weekend!

How To: Paper Rosettes

Hey everyone! As I mentioned earlier, I am planning a cookout. It will be the first of the season for The Hubbs and I. I'm getting really excited! I had a large design block the other day while working on the invitations and I decided to stop torturing myself and work on creating some decorations. These rosettes are the first ones I've come up with. I'm not sure they'll fit in with my theme (late 50's Tiki theme! Specific-I know, but I've waited such a long time to do this...), but I LOVE paper rosettes and just had to make them!

Here's the step by step with pictures! (You'll have to excuse my pics...my dining room has weird lighting and I missed out on natural light due to rain. Boo.)

You will need:

3- 8.5 x 11 sheets of text weight paper
Double sided tape
Hole Punch
Bone Folder/Ruler
Ribbon
Scissors


First, accordion fold each sheet of paper lengthwise. I suggest 3/4" folds. The ones shown are larger in order to be more easily visible. use your bone folder to smooth out the folds and to make sure they stay straight. If you are experiencing problems, you may try marking out the 3/4" intervals. Use pencil to hide lines and marks most easily.

Then, fold the length of accordion folds in half (end to end). The result will be resemble a fan. Use a length of double sided tape to fasten the ends together, completing the fan. Repeat with the two remaining pieces.

Connect each fan using more double-sided tape. You will see your rosette starting to form. Affix the last two ends together, completing the circle.

Finally, punch a hole, thread any length of ribbon and hang. Once you get the hang of the process, try using paper of all sizes and colors for a different aesthetic. For the best result, try to stay away from "matchy-matchy" colors and opt instead for colors that complement or coordinate with one another. In the picture below, I used a gift wrap sheet (20" x 30") for the large and three sheets of 5" x 7" for the small. The gray rosette is the regular size, using three sheets of 8.5" x 11" paper. I love the way they look together! Tres chic!

Versatility makes them perfect for a number of creative uses. Print a picture or name on a circular card and attach to the middle of the rosette. Then hang from the backs of chairs for a quick and easy seating arrangement. Embellish tables by hanging one at the two front corners. I love to hang them at different lengths from the ceiling to add a little pizazz to an indoor event. Try affixing to tree branches to spice up your next outdoor soiree.

Click here to see a few more pictures of the finished product!

What to Do, What to Do?

Hi all!

I'm not at all sure why I chose the cupcakes....other than it seemed festive, what with their shiny gold wrappers and deliciously iridescent frosting (both the cake and the frosting are homemade, thank you very much!). I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but these were just so much fun to make so...toot toot, indeed.

I'm back in the saddle here at Renegade Soiree. It's been an interesting couple of weeks.

What have I been up to? Well....

I've been getting ready for a party The Hubbs and I are hosting next week. Invites and decorations and menus, oh my! I will have it all for you here, beginning with invitations and some new ideas I have. I have a how-to for you on paper rosettes! I'm finally done with all the pictures and I intend to publish for you this afternoon!

In other news, we've started the redecorating back up and I spent last week knee deep in paint samples. I am trying to turn our house into a haven! I am waaay behind on planting and have partially abandoned it for beautifying our porch.

So, hang on....the fun starts this afternoon!

Well, Here Goes!

I've announced this Blog to my readers at "Holy, Matrimony!" I hadn't done it yet. I feel like a bad blogger because the only people I've really told about my blogs are my parents and family and a friend of mine. I think it's because my family loves everything I do and will think it's great even if it sucks. Ah, a support system.

But, in all seriousness, I've been running "Holy, Matrimony!" since January and this blog came bouncing along in April and I think its time to take this public. I'm really proud of what I've been able to pull off here. I'm excited to watch these two bloglings grow up.

You want to come along for the ride? I hope you do.