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About Emily

  • Fashion, style, pretty things have always peaked my fancy. The golden rule, give a hoot, don't pollute, save the whales are all a part of the fabric that is my childhood. Crafty and creative grandmothers, and a few years as a fashionista, then a Martha Stewart employee (proudly), and finally full circle as a yoga teacher...now I am living my dream of doing what I love and being who I want to be. Eco-Chic Weddings is my first book, I just finished a book for Popular Mechanics, and I am about to begin my second Eco-Chic book...I am here to inspire, enlighten, and learn from you dear reader. Peace.
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gorgeous and green: a martha stewart weddings special on style.

RedBlueGreen

I hope you had a chance to see the Martha Stewart Weddings Special on the Style channel, "Gorgeous and Green."  I was happy to be called upon by Darcy Miller and her team for some green, eco-chic ideas for this beautiful country wedding, which is especially sweet since Martha Stewart and the time I spent working for her provided a lot of inspiration for my book, Eco-Chic Weddings...here are some of my favorite green ideas:
A99761_win03_sberrymad2_xl

Green tip:

Choose seasonal flowers, if possible. Not only is this a greener choice, but you'll also save money. You can find seasonal items even in the Winter months, like these pretty winterberries...

Green tip:

Skip petroleum based, toxic parrafin candles. Everytime you light them, you're basically breathing in burning petroleum. Yuck! Soy and beeswax candles are readily available, so make the switch.

A100771_sum04_candlestamp_xlGreen Tip: 

Give your guests favors they won't toss in the trash...these sweet little fabric flowers can be worn by men and women, or they can add a little flare to a home. Skip the personalized favors...Trust me, only your Grandma will use the picture frame with your name and wedding date on it.

A101141_win05_flowers_l
Green tip:

Let your bridesmaids and flower girls choose their own dresses that they will wear again after the wedding. Designate a certain color (give them each a fabric or paint swatch as a guide.) It's also a good idea to designate a certain fabric--this will help all of the dresses coordinate. Another way to tie the looks together is to add a little embellishment, such as these pretty little butterflies.

Dress_win99_detail_l
For more green wedding ideas, pick up  copy of my book. Be sure to check with the Style. channel for when they will be showing the Martha Stewart Weddings Special: Gorgeous and Green again.
xo

*all photos are from Martha Stewart

anna maria horner + huckleberry karen

Srapblog916
I love Anna Maria Horner's designs, and she has great bundles of fabric that you make good use of. Maybe you could sew some sweet little pouches for your friends, or use them as colorful napkins on your tables. The beautiful little favors with paper flowers were featured at a wedding shot by Huckleberry Karen.        Studio Fat Stacks   
*this is a "studio fat stack" from Anna Maria Horner.

{pinks + yellows} eco gold + paper flowers

Pretty is as pretty does...and not only are these items pretty, they are all fair trade, eco, and ethical...

Pinkfin
Sources from the top:
Invitation...Paperwink
Bridesmaid/or Rehearsal dinner dress...De Sentino
Bridesmaid/or Bride's shoes...Form + Fauna
Plates...Terra Keramik
Pencil favors...Remarkable
Candle stick....Terra Keramik
Wedding band...Toby Pomeroy
Handmade paper peonies...Martha Stewart

martha stewart weddings: decoupage gift plates

Wsum08_weddings_cov_m I just looked through the current issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, and there's a fantastic decoupage idea in one of the featured weddings. What a wonderful idea for a table setting that can also be a gift for your guests. Decoupage (from the verb decouper, "to cut out") became all the rage in 17th c. France. Marie Antoinette is said to have been a fan of the technique...so let your guests eat cake and keep their plate ;)

Decoupage is a fairly easy, but if you do go with this idea I think that you should make chargers (so that the actual plate goes on top of the charger). In general, a charger is about 11.5 to 13", but they can be larger if you so desire. You can find used charger plates online, or maybe someone in your family has a few they wouldn't mind giving away.

Lovebirds_lg    Leaf_lg

Flora_lg     Yellowbird_lg

*These lovely decoupage pieces are by Lorena Siminovich of Petit Collage. Each print is available for $140, and would make a nice addition to your wedding registry.

For more ideas and techniques check out: 
Handmade by Allison

contact: orders@handmadebyallison.com



{a little peep from me} celebrate fiber arts + learn how to make paper

Just a couple of little things from me...still buried under my book project...first...

Fiber_biennal
If you happen to be in Philadelphia, maybe you can go to the Fiber Biennial at the Snyderman-Works Gallery. Artists such as (from left) Kari Birch, Susie Brandt, and Nancy Herman exhibit their work, and express the many transformations and applications possible with materials...from felt, to beads, to paint. And then...

Emmeline Apron Side OneMischievous Gnome Messenger Bag Picture

















Take a look at the lovely Montessori by Hand, and perhaps purchase one of her sweet aprons, or buy yourself a pattern and make it yourself. And, she has a fantastic tutorial about how to make your own paper...another example of how to transform fiber goods and extend their usefulness.

{diy weddings} blue skies and daisies lets you design your invitations and more

Blue Skies and Daisies is a Vancouver-based design studio with the most delightful wedding invitation and web site designs...

modern wedding invitations andstationery
                           

You can choose your colors...

                   
Choosingyourcolors

You can choose from an assortment of  "Ready2Wear" designs...
passport wedding designornate pattern wedding designbunny love photographs wedding design
illustrated wild flowers wedding designdestination wedding designindian stamp wedding invitations
arts and crafts wedding designsketches of flowers wedding deignlotus flower wedding design
funky wedding invitationsmodern and clean wedding designevergreen trees wedding design
cherry blossom wedding designorganic floral wedding invitationmodern and bold wedding invitation
west coast wedding designpolka doted wedding invitationsimple roses on a vine wedding invitation
art nouveau wedding invitationart paint splashes and monogramdoodle wedding invitation

Or choose to have Blue Skies and Daisies create a customized design...

They will help you with your web site, invitations, menu cards, programs...you can have everything online, or or else you can opt for a print version too.

more invitation and paper ideas for you here...
Recycled and Handmade Paper
Nantaka Joy
Mel Lim

Great paper resources:
Invite Resources