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Sweet Things are clever & creative little things that people do, to add a personal touch to their weddings. At a wedding this summer Shawn and Owen asked their guests to contribute to a painting instead of signing a traditional guest book. They wanted to have a piece of art for their home that would remind them of their wedding day and all the special people who came together to celebrate with them.

They asked their friend Kathleen
to act as the "art director" for the project. Kathleen selected an image of sunflowers to sketch on the canvas. Once
the sketch was complete she drew a grid on the canvas over the image.
At the wedding each guest was asked to paint one square of the grid. On
the cute art table, there was a variety of paints,brushes and directions that explained the art project in detail. While Shawn and Owen sneaked off for photos, they had a lovely cocktail
hour planned in the side yard at their Aunt’s house. Owen’s brother
played acoustic guitar while their guests nibbled on seafood and
painted away. Kathleen kept an eye on the progress of the painting
and encouraged guests who were shy about picking up a brush. After the wedding she filled in the blank spots and then delivered the colorful painting to the happy newlyweds.

I asked Shawn and Owen for their thoughts on the completed project. They love the painting and always see new details when they look at it. They said if they were going to do it again, they may limit the amount of paint color choices. I think their bright painting matches their cheerful spirits and home perfectly! I was excited about this project and decided to do it at my friend Cory’s wedding. I asked our talented friend Janice to be the "art director". She did a great job taking on the project. We decided the painting should be the view of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound from Cory’s Cabin. Janice went to the cabin and took photos of the view from different angles. She then worked her magic on the canvas, sketching the detailed mountain scene. We picked a limited palette of blue and green paints. There was a photo of the view available for people to reference while painting their square. After the wedding Janice smoothed out the squares and added her own artistic touch to the painting.

To see more "Sweet Things" for your wedding click HERE and scroll down.

I took a quick trip to Bargain World to find a treasure to transform. I spotted a little jewelry box that reminded me of one I had when I was a little girl. I remember staring at the ballerina twirl and filling my box with fake pearls and jelly bracelets. I couldn’t resist. A few hours later, with paint and glue on my fingers and a big mess on the table this little gem emerged. Looking at this box with a modern update fills me with nostalgia and wonder. I couldn’t decide what I would put inside. Perhaps this is where I can hold my dreams, this could be my dream box. I’ve really needed one but didn’t know it until now.

I think a thoughtful little gift is always a Sweet Thing! At a wedding we photographed this summer Margot and Stephen gave a classy gift. Each guest received an engraved wine opener. The centerpiece on each table was a basket full of old corks and the wine openers. I love the photo above of one of their little guests with his hands full of goodies. I am sure this little guy wished the centerpiece was filled with chocolate or something sweet, but the adults loved the gift! I really appreciate the simplicity of this vino theme. Add a couple bottles of wine to the table and you have a simple yet elegant dual purpose centerpiece. While reading a post over on the Bridal Buzz titled Wine-O-Weddings I saw the perfect detail to complete this vino theme, wine cork place card holders. The photo below is from Plum Party where you can purchase them. Although I think these place card holders could easily be a DIY wedding project.

A couple bottles of wine, engraved wine openers, wine cork place card holders and old weathered corks sprinkled around. Voila! A perfect Wino-O-Table!