{Washi Tape: Black & White Stripes,  Polka Dot Washi Tape, Glitter Tape, Lace Washi Tape, Yellow Washi Tape}

You can create your own chevron designed stationery with Washi tape. Chevron can make a bold statement for your wedding stationery or invitations. For a modern wedding theme, the straight waves can draw attention and really speak volumes. To keep a feminine vibe we recommend using a glitter Washi tape or combination of complementary colors. Pink and green are beautiful and popular for spring but for a summer wedding yellow and blue Washi tape would be a great combination.

Here’s a quick way to transform any wall, invitation or canvas with a chevron design:

1. Using a ruler, measure the width of your canvas or paper. The easiest way we’ve found to create DIY chevron art is to use a graph layout. If you lightly draw vertical and horizontal lines every one inch you’ll have a one inch square graph.
2. If you’re using Washi tape, cut two inch pieces. Starting from the top left of the first square set the tape till it hits the bottom right of the same square. (If you wish to create larger chevron stripes continue to the following bottom right of the next square.) The bottom of the tape should line up with the top left and bottom right of the lower row.
3. If you’re using paint to create chevron stripes on furniture or canvas, the squares can be increased to your desired size. Before painting, using painter’s tape to cover every other row and give your surface a clear chevron stripe. Leave the painter’s tape in place while you paint your chevron colored stripes.
4. After you’ve finished your colored stripes (and the paint is dry), peel off the painter’s tape. For Washi tape patterns you can leave it at this step or add a coat of gloss to keep the tape in place.

Chevron stripes are popular on bow ties, socks and stationery. You don’t have to be planning a modern wedding to feature chevron tape. Any creative wedding theme can have an added bit of color with Washi tape. The decorative Japanese tape lets you create a chevron design on stationery and invitations without breaking your budget.  What do you think; what item would you apply this design to?

No one loves a fabulous wedding trend more than we do so it’s about time we started commenting on the beautiful bridal gown trends for 2012. To us, there’s nothing more beautiful than a bride dressed in a white bridal gown with a tiara and heels. The trends and styles that are appearing on the runway and down the aisle are even more amazing than last year. We have a few favorite trends that really take our breath away.

1. Birdcage Veils: These vintage style wedding veils are back by popular demand. Brides are pairing them with lace gowns and vintage style silhouettes. Birdcage veils are by far our favorite bridal accessory.
2. Tea-Length Dresses: These short wedding dresses are back in style! They’re adorable for beach weddings and perfect for a daytime cocktail hour wedding. If you have a great pair of high heels that you want to show off, the tea length gown is perfect.
3. Colored Gowns: Thanks to a few daring wedding dress designers, colored gowns are stealing attention from the traditional white gown. Red, purple and black are among the top contenders for a daring colored wedding dress. Our favorite is the light plum or pink dress that Vera Wang has designed. Why stick to the traditional white dress when you can stand out with a colored gown?
4. Glitter and Diamond Accents: More and more wedding dresses are being adorned with glitter and diamond accents. These beautiful rhinestone details create a stunning gown that catches and reflects the sunlight on your wedding day. They tend to cost more but they’re absolutely beautiful. We love seeing a rhinestone belt or rhinestone brooches as waist accents.
5. Gorgeous Wedding Shoes: With a few rhinestones strategically placed, gorgeous wedding shoes are being dolled up with special messages. Sky high wedding heels with rhinestones or bold colors can really up your bridal fashion glam. Popular shoe colors are blue and red. We really like the idea of a “something blue” being the wedding shoes peeking out from under the bridal gown!

Bridal fashions are constantly changing and updating but these trends seem to really be catching on. And it makes us really happy to see vintage wedding dresses are making a comeback. Don’t think the men loose out either; retro weddings are popular with bow ties, stopwatches and suspenders. Be sure to follow our blog as we review wedding dress trends, silhouettes and styles.

{Terrarium Supplies: Glass Cloche Bell, Moss Balls, Birch Branches, Decorative Moss, Glass Candle Holder Vase, Decorative Stones, Glass Apothecary Jars,  Centerpiece Fillers}

Once you’ve looked around Pinterest for ideas, make a list of what type of terrariums you like. The most popular terrarium plant is the succulent. You’ll need plants that are drought friendly and don’t require direct sunlight. It is important that all plants have the same growing requirements for water and sunlight so that they all grow evenly. If you’re creating a DIY wedding centerpiece try using succulents that have flowers or bright colored stems. Here are a few more tips for how to create a terrarium:

1. Choose Your Container: There are plenty of ways to put together a creative terrarium display. We have a few favorites: the giant fishbowl vase terrarium and the covered glass bell stand terrarium.
2. Create Bottom Layer of Pebbles: To help the soil drain properly, add a layer of pebbles or stones. Decorative stones are great if you’re using a glass vase.
3. Fill Second Layer of Charcoal: A half inch thick layer of charcoal does two things: it filters the water and helps to prevent smells.
4. Add a Layer of Sphagnum Moss: Moss helps to keep the top soil in place but also adds a decorative moss layer. Moss is a very gorgeous way to fill a glass vase with texture.
5. Before the Plants, Add Soil: The potting soil will be important for planting your succulents. Add hills and valleys to your landscape by adding thicker levels of soil.
6. Arrange, Plant and Decorate: Any combination of succulents and air plants can be used. Plan your arrangements before digging each small hole. Leave plenty of room from the sides of the glass vase for growth. Once you’ve designed and arranged, dig a small hole for the plant.
7. Cover and Enjoy! Add water according to your plants needs. These beautiful centerpieces can be created ahead of time and then displayed at your reception.

Extra tip: Buy your glass vases and glass stands in bulk for an affordable way to create matching centerpieces for each table. If you want to mix it up, use a variety of glass vases to create unique table centerpieces. Alternating between glass stands, apothecary jars and round glass vases would be a great way to assure that your centerpieces are one-of-a-kind. Many brides struggle with ideas for what to do with centerpieces after the wedding. Reusable terrariums can be incorporated into your home décor as a memorable accent piece. What do you think? We love these cute eco-friendly centerpieces!

{Photo Source: Michaels, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Stencil Set from Koyal Wholesale, Here We Are Together, BHG, Tip Junkie}

1. Pottery: Local paint shops let you paint your plate or mug to have a personalized message for mom. Use a stencil set for special flowers or letters to create a one of a kind gift she can use over and over. If you make a mug or vase, fill it with fresh flowers for a pretty presentation.
2. Gift Basket: With a cute basket or reusable tote you can put together a gift basket of all moms’ favorite things. Give a good variety of jewelry, sweets and maybe a personalized vase or keepsake.
3. Coasters: With a little paste, you can add your name or photo to a coaster for a sweet home decoration. Love the idea but not the work? Try some of these cute coasters instead!
4. Paperweights: A few rocks from the garden can become the perfect paperweight for a working mom. Use Modge Podge and heart cutouts to make a homemade paperweight. Use glitter paper for a special sparkly cutout shape that will add some personality to any workspace.
5. Gift Box: Transform a wooden box into a gift box by filling it with baked goods. Cupcakes, macaroons and cookies can be a great edible gift for mom, especially with cupcake wrappers and striped cupcake liners.
6. Handprint Art: For mothers with small children, help them create a mother’s day gift with handprints and craft paint. Tracing a handprint onto patterned paper, vases and picture frames can be a great way to personalize any gift.

Mom has been there for you through thick and thin. She has the experience and knowledge to appreciate a handmade present. Whatever gift you give her, as long as you show her to appreciate and love her for all the years of hard work, home cooked meals and special talks; she’ll love whatever you make. Be sure to add a bouquet of flowers or a special meaningful card for an extra touch. We’re looking forward to Mother’s Day this year. Be sure to set your phone and calendar to remind you: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13^th! That only leaves a few days left for you to finish your do it yourself crafts!

{Photo Source: Snippet and Ink, Style Me Pretty, Style Me Pretty, Oh Sugar Events, Tip Junkie, Paper Picadols & Mexican Banners, One Charming Party}

We’re very excited about Cinco de Mayo this year because we just stocked up on our favorite Mexican decorations: Papel Picados! These brightly colored Mexican banners are popping up at Mexican-inspired weddings and destination wedding receptions. We’re excited to hang these colorful paper decorations at our Cinco de Mayo party this weekend. Some live Mariachi music and traditional Mexican food will set the tone for a festive Cinco de Mayo party.

Looking for ideas for your Cinco de Mayo party? Bright colored metal lanterns and vintage Mexican soda bottles make great centerpieces. You might have to drink a couple bottles of Mexican soda but with a few single blooms you’ll have a DIY centerpiece that’s easy and affordable. Miniature piñatas can also be used for centerpieces and double as party favors for kids to take home afterwards. For a color theme, stick with similar colors to our Mexican banners. The traditional colors are bright yellow, orange, red, blue and green. Primary colors are easy to decorate with candles, lanterns and plastic table ware.

Do you have any fun recipes or traditions that you like to break out for Cinco de Mayo? We’re planning to have some friends over, decorate the patio with some fun paper decorations and eat traditional Mexican food. We want to hear your plans and celebrate with you! Send your fun traditions and recipes to us at our Facebook page. Be sure to let us know if you love our papel picados as much as we do!

{Photo Source: Cake Push Pop Containers from Koyal Wholesale, Shop Sweet Lulu, Bubble and Sweet, One Charming Party, Joy of Kosher, Kara’s Party Ideas, Gourmet Mom On the Go}

1. Colorful Candy: M&Ms, Skittles and Jelly Beans can be great filler for push pop containers. Instead of serving a giant bowl of candy that kids will want to touch with their hands, give each kid their own push pop. You’ll have proper portion control and avoid germs.
2. Cupcake Layers: Snap off the top and layer mini cupcakes between frostings for a simple way to serve cupcakes. You can tint frosting different colors for a rainbow push pop.
3. Shortbread Pops: For a lighter treat, layer shortbread with whipped cream and strawberries. This is a hit for brunch or tea time because it’s light and sweet without as many sugar calories.
4. Fruit Parfait: The bummer about having a fruit station is all the spoons, bowls and dishes you have to dirty in the process. Plus, fruit salad can get a little mushy if it sits too long. Avoid the unwanted mush with a fun alternative! Layer fruit with yogurt, granola and heavy cream. You can create a cute fruit parfait that is healthy and portion friendly.
5. Brownie Pops: Don’t forget chocolate lovers. Brownies and chocolate cookies can be layered with ice cream to create an ice cream sandwich.

Use a push pop stand to display cake pops and cake push pops. Use white trays, cupcake stands and push pop stands to create different dessert tiers. Tie the look together with decorative ribbon, chalkboard signs or rhinestone ribbon wrap. Don’t forget apothecary jars because they add different heights to your table. Creating a colorful theme is a unique way to tie together the whole table. Yellow and pink are great for baby showers, blue and green are popular for birthday parties and white or gray are special for weddings. What do you think about these push pops for cakes and cake pops?

{Photo Source: Lovely Indeed, Merry Making Events, I Do It Yourself, Decorative Japanese Washi Tape, Décor8, Blog Her, Paper Klip Design, Martha Stewart}

DIY Wedding Cards: Using plain white stationary, create lace stripes with our purple laceful washi tape. Overlap different Washi tape patterns for a unique wedding card or thank you note. Once you have the tape in place, use a marker or pen to write thank you. If you have pre-printed stationary cards, add Washi tape in fun patterns for an easy way to avoid color printing.

DIY Wedding Favor Boxes: Transform favor boxes into modern wedding favors by adding Damask washi tape.  Wrap a strip of Washi tape down the middle of each box for a special way to create your own wedding favors. Black and white is a great color theme for a modern wedding.

DIY Bunting Garland: If you fold Washi tape in half it will create a flag-like shape. Then cut a triangle out of the end and voila, you have a Washi tape flag. If you use Baker’s Twine and wrap washi tape every few inches you can create your own bunting garland. How cute would a bunting garland backdrop be for a wedding ceremony?

DIY Cupcake Toppers: The bunting works the same way for cupcake toppers. You can attach a few toothpicks to the edge of each piece of Washi tape and insert into your wedding cupcakes. For a really retro cupcake topper, use paper drinking straws.

We’ve already gabbed about making Washi tape vases months ago. These Washi tape ideas are a fun start for creating your own wedding projects. Add Washi tape to your creative crafts corner for a fun project for spring. If you want more ideas for how to create Washi tape crafts, be sure to check out our fun Washi Tape Projects board on Pinterest.

{Photo Source: Hostess With The Mostess, Apothecary Jars from Koyal Wholesale, Blue Bouquet, Whimsy Decor, Martha Stewart, Apothecary Jar & Stand, Jessica Claire Photography}

Here are the top five ways to create a stunning candy buffet:

1. Apothecary Jars: These elegant jars transform any table into a beautiful dessert buffet. You can wrap each jar with ribbon to match your wedding colors. Mix and match different apothecary jars for different heights and widths. You can incorporate jars into your centerpiece display as well!
2. Bulk Candy: When creating a dessert table or candy buffet, always estimate more candy than you need. Jars filled half way don’t create the desired look you’re going for. Factor in more candy than necessary if you plan to send guests home with edible favors. Don’t forget, buying bulk candy can help you save money with wholesale candy prices!
3. Glass Vases: Some sweet treats might be better served in an open vase. For instance, individually wrapped chocolates or rock candy can be served in a square glass vase instead of a tall apothecary jar.
4. Metal Scoops: Be sure to include plenty of scoops and tongs. If anyone has a peanut allergy, mixing scoops could be an accident waiting to happen. Label each container and stock up on tongs for truffles, macaroons and bon bons.
5. Favor Bags: Edible favors make great wedding favors. You can save money on wedding favors by combining them with your dessert. Use cupcake domes for cupcakes and chocolates, favor boxes for trail mix and nuts, and favor bags for macaroons. Personalized favor bags are a great way to add a special thank you for coming.

If you’re looking for a great centerpiece idea, why not combine your desserts and centerpieces together? Some brides are decorating with cake stands and apothecary jars to serve desserts at each table. Cupcakes and truffles can be displayed on cake stands and bulk candy and rock candy can be displayed in apothecary jars. What a cute way to serve dessert all night long!

Announcing the Big David Tutera Birthday Giveaway!

Koyal has always been a big fan of David Tutera, the well known celebrity event planner who has taken the world by storm with his luxurious designs and over the top visions. We were honored to launch an exclusive line of David Tutera Wedding Decorations earlier this year, featuring dozens of best selling popular wedding supplies such as lace cupcake wrappers, centerpiece lighting and even shoe bling! Koyal Wholesale was also privileged to have been chosen to provide the event decor for the season finale of David Tutera’s My Fair Wedding earlier this month. David has since become increasingly fond of Koyal’s creative event decor, featuring exclusive designs and vibrant colors. We are now proud to announce that Koyal Wholesale is the preferred floral and event decor vendor of David Tutera’s My Fair Wedding!

April 23 marks David Tutera’s 46th birthday and his extended Koyal family couldn’t let it pass without a sweet bang. Last week, we surprised David with personalized cupcakes created by the world renown cupcake supplies company Dress My Cupcake. But we couldn’t stop there. David cares deeply for his fans and supporters, and what better way to honor this revered designer than to celebrate his fans!

So, in honor of the man who celebrates every event with style, we are hosting a Big David Tutera Birthday Giveaway! This contest is open to everyone who loves David Tutera’s style — brides, event planners, floral designers and everyone in between — and runs from April 23 to May 13th. Grand prize includes an autographed copy of David Tutera’s best selling book “The Big White Book of Weddings: A How-To Guide for the Savvy, Stylish Bride” plus an Ultimate David Tutera Wedding Decor package, valued at over $200! There are prizes for 2nd and 3rd place as well! Find entry and voting details below.

ELIGIBILITY
The contest is open to all individuals who have not previously won a Koyal giftcard or Koyal Dollars.

ENTRY
Entering the Big David Tutera Birthday Giveaway is easy!

1. Email a photo of you on YOUR birthday to claire@koyal.com.
2. Tag your own photo on Facebook so your friends can find you more easily! We will place these photos in a special “David Tutera Birthday Giveaway” album on Facebook.
3. Get your friends and family to follow the directions below to vote for you! The person that receives the most votes, wins!!!

VOTING
To place a vote, you must be a fan of Koyal Wholesale on Facebook. (Only votes by Koyal Wholesale fans will count!) There are 4 ways to vote: (1) LIKE, (2) SHARE, (3) BLOG and (4) PIN. See details below.

(1) LIKE: Click the “LIKE” button under the photo of your favorite person. (10 VOTES)

• “Likes” count for 1 vote.
• Must click the Like button under the person’s photo in the album. Clicking Like on the album does not count.
• “Like” comments will not count.

(2) SHARE: Click the “SHARE” button under the photo of your favorite person. (20 VOTES)

• “Shares” count for 2 votes.
• Must click the Share button under the person’s photo in the album. Clicking Share on the album does not count.
• The photo can be shared on any given wall only one time per day. Sharing a photo on a wall multiple times in one day will be considered abuse and will result in disqualification, or the cutting of “share” votes by 2/3, as seen fit by the Koyal Photo Contest Committee.

(3) BLOG: Write a blog entry of at least 200 words on Koyal Wholesale products, and include a link back to the Koyal Wholesale homepage (http://www.koyalwholesale.com). Send the post to claire@koyal.com. (300 VOTES)

• Blog posts count for 300 votes each, so start writing today!
• Please include 1-2 product photos.
• Your friends & family can blog about Koyal as well. Each blog post will give you 300 votes!
• Multiple posts on the same blog site will only count for one set of 300 votes.
• We reserve the right to disqualify any post for any reason.

(4) PIN: Start a KOYAL WHOLESALE & DAVID TUTERA board on your Pinterest account, and pin at least 15 of your favorite Koyal Wholesale or David Tutera products with captions. Send a link to the board to claire@koyal.com. (100 VOTES)

• Koyal Wholesale & David Tutera Pinterest boards count for 100 votes.
• Your friends and family may also create these boards. Send the links to claire@koyal.com and you’ll get 100 votes for each board!
• Please email claire@koyal.com if you need an invite to Pinterest. We’ll get one out to you ASAP!

• The winners will be determined by having the most number of votes.
• We reserve the right to disqualify any entrant who abuses the voting rules.
• In the case of a tie for the winner, a winner will be selected randomly from the tied parties.
• To maximize your chances of winning, encourage your family and friends to become fans of Koyal Wholesale on Facebook so they can cast a vote for you.
• Voting begins April 23 and ends Sunday, May 13th at midnight PT. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 14th.

PRIZES
Grand prize is an autographed copy of David Tutera’s best selling book “The Big White Book of Weddings” plus a David Tutera gift package valued at $200.

2nd and 3rd place will each receive an autographed copy of David Tutera’s book “My Fair Wedding.”

All prizes will be shipped to a location within the 48 contiguous United States. International fans may also participate, however, prizes will only be shipped as designated above.

Voting has started, so hurry and email your photos to Claire[@]koyal.com!

GOOD LUCK!

David Tutera with the Koyal Wholesale Staff, April 2012

{Photo Source: Dress My Cupcake, Celebrations At Home, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Paper Drinking Straws from Koyal Wholesale, Celebrations At Home, Elizabeth Anne Designs}

Start with brightly colored invitations adorned with paper pennants or balloons. Then create the same look for your party décor by using paper pennants and plenty of balloons. Red, yellow and blue are prominent carnival colors so don’t be afraid to combine all three for a true carnie color theme. Don’t forget to add plenty of carnival tickets to your décor. Glass vases can be wrapped with carnival tickets to create a carnival vase. Speaking of carnival tickets; be sure to plan plenty of carnival games. Ring toss, squirt races and duck pond are all must-have games. Age appropriate games such as a fortune telling booth or kissing booth are exciting for older kids. Stock up on simple prizes such as candy necklaces, kazoos and squirt guns make great prizes for carnival games.

A carnival theme birthday party is great for a summer occasion. Not celebrating a birthday? The Fourth of July is a great excuse to throw a special carnival theme party. You can incorporate these ideas into a holiday party or a wedding reception. With a few pinwheel decorations, plenty of pennants and bright big balloons you can incorporate a carnival theme into your occasion without breaking the budget. We can’t help you with the elephants and lions, but hopefully these ideas helped with the décor!