The moments that lead up to a wedding and the ones that follow are something most couples treasure throughout their lives. Some frame their wedding invitations, flowers, or even décor, while others hold on to their wedding attire and pass it on to the next generation. But one special keepsake that couples treasure is their wedding guest book. These books help couples personalize their big day and revisit and cherish those memories on anniversaries.
Design
Couples can design a wedding guest book in several ways. For instance, they could visit shopping websites to source personalized wedding guest books that include pictures of their liking. That said, there are a few essential tips to follow while designing the book.
A great way to begin is by writing the couple’s name, wedding date, and other details on the first page, like the lyrics from their first dance. While other information can follow, the pages should match the wedding colors or theme that is being planned. Moreover, the book’s design should complement the couple’s home, where it will be kept after the wedding. For example, if a couple wants to keep the wedding guest book on their coffee table, they should design it to complement their home décor. Most importantly, the book should have sufficient pages for the guests to write, doodle, or paste photographs as they prefer.
Presentation
Correctly presenting a guest book at the wedding is the key to getting the maximum number of guests to participate in the activity. One tip is to display the book near the reception entrance so guests can sign it upon arrival. But sometimes, the venue layout may make it difficult to do this. In such situations, couples can place the wedding book in an open space where it is easily visible. This location should be spacious for family, friends, and guests to hang out comfortably without being rushed or cramped for space to sign the book. Another way to get guests to sign the book is to dress the table with decorations to make it visually appealing. If possible, the couple should also designate a close family member to remind people to sign the book as they pass by.
Popular wedding guest book ideas
Traditionally, a wedding guest book is a bound book where friends, family members, and other guests sign their names and sometimes leave well-wished or inspirational messages to motivate the wedded couple. Using a bound book is still lovely, but couples have started personalizing this wedding detail. Doing so makes it much more fun and memorable for the newlyweds and the guests. Here are six non-traditional wedding guestbook alternatives to try:
Thumb impressions
Thumb impressions are among the most creative ideas for a wedding guest book. The couple draws a giant tree with several branches to set the idea in motion. During the wedding, the couple or the person in charge places an eco-friendly ink pad next to the artwork. Now the guests press their thumbs against the ink pad and make an impression on the tree’s branches, creating the leaves. They sometimes also sign over the imprint so the couple can identify who it belongs to.
Jenga set
Implementing this idea could make playing Jenga way more fun. The couple purchases a blank Jenga set (or two, based on the expected number of people at the wedding) and has their guests sign the blocks. Each time the newlyweds have friends and family over in the future, they play the game and revisit the wishes scribbled into the set on their special day.
Beach and nautical keepsakes
Couples who enjoy spending time at the beach love this idea. They use objects like a surfboard, a model sailboat, stones, oars, a wooden anchor, or seashells to collect signatures and written wishes from guests at their wedding. Some couples get friends, family members, and guests to sign on parchment and then put the paper in a bottle.
Signature tree
A signature tree is among the prettiest guest book ideas. Couples create a tree using craft paper and shape the leaves as hearts or another object of their choosing. At the wedding, guests sign on the leaves or write well wishes. Once the event is over, the couple frames the tree or hangs it on a wall to cherish it forever.
Wooden sign board
This type of signboard is a beautiful guest book DIY idea any couple could use. The craft requires the couple to purchase a large wooden board of a style they prefer and inscribe their wedding details. With guest signatures on it, the wooden board serves as an attractive piece of wall art at the newlyweds’ home.
Music records
Using records as a medium for a wedding guest book is ideal for newlyweds who are all about music. Couples create this keepsake by purchasing circular MDF boards from a local craft shop in a suitable size. Next, they paint the boards to make them look like music records and get their guests to sign them. The record labels include details like their wedding date, favorite lyrics, and the names of special dances.
The first thing that comes your mind when someone utters “Home Improvement” is your favorite design magazine filled with the hypnotic photographs of your potential dream home. This thought is immediately followed by the assumption, that must have cost a fortune!
But that the common misconception with home renovation, that it is expensive and time consuming. Taking up small home improvement projects frequently will not only help you transform your space, but will also teach you how to intelligently manage your financial resources. Here are some spaces in your home that you can transform easily using simple DIY arts and crafts ideas!
The front door
Your dull front door can be altered into a completely different space. And all you need is some paint.
Adding some color, can change the mood, and also integrate some freshness to the space surrounding it. You can use turquoise, chrome yellow, bright reds, or any other shade that elevates your home’s personality. You can add some lighting and plants as well to further beautify it.
The balcony/ the backyard
The easiest way to transform an outdoor space is to make it into a social space. All you need a few chairs and a table and some paint. Remember you don’t need to spend a lot of money to beautify it. If you already have furniture, that’s amazing, but if you don’t, relax, you can find a lot of options in thrift stores fitting in a decent budget. You can then paint the chairs according to the kind of vibe you want to create. You can color them all with different hues or with one. You can also make your very own plant stand using a ladder! This addition can make your balcony or backyard space even more inviting and refreshing! If you enjoy the presence of birds with your early morning beverage, you can also build a bird bath using an old saucer or pot.
The wall
Designing photo wall is a great way to personalize a space. If you happen to notice that your wall in the living room or the bed room looks far from exciting, you can add your memories to it. Handmade photo frames using buttons, pencils, laces, Washi tapes, or if you have a simple taste, some plain frames with different colors will be a great addition. If you want it to be ultra-contemporary you can print out some pictures of your favorite travel destinations or artists or thoughts and style it in vintage, monochrome, or as Polaroid frames and decorate the whole space. Stenciling your wall is also a great option if you have a minimalistic taste in colors and elements.
The couch
If your couch looks like it has no life, add some colors and cushions. You can change the cushion covers by sewing or painting on the covers. You also add handmade patchwork quilt to give it a homely and cozy vibe, by using some old fabric at your home. If you are skeptical about experimenting you can check out tons of video blogs that will guide you about using novel techniques
Arts and crafts in 21st Century cannot be merely translated as a fun pastime for children. Our approach towards education has significantly evolved, now it cannot be just reduced to math science or languages. Like athletics, arts and crafts are also a form of mental exercise for children. So, if your child shows an increased curiosity in arts and crafts, pay attention and motivate her/him.
Arts and crafts as a children’s activity is an essential inclusion for their cognitive development. It is important to raise a child with brilliant academic abilities but it is also necessary to recognize their creative energies so that they can be transformed into a talent. If you’re wondering what advantages arts and crafts can add to your child’s holistic development, here they are.
Creativity and Learning
As adults, you will often notice how children come up with simple yet inventive solutions with ease. To sustain this quality, you should encourage your child to take part in activities involving arts and crafts. It will not only allow them to be visually creative but will also hone their agility and grasp over techniques while they are learning.
There are no wrongs
Every academic subject has its own set of rules, discerning what’s right from what’s wrong. And that is beautiful as well as needed for fields involving their use. But the magnificence of art is that nothing is wrong. Arts and crafts are the best way for the child to decide what works for her or him. The key is to give them an idea that alternatives are a possibility. In a few words, the methods to find an answer are innumerable.
Independence
Giving kids an opportunity to choose and experiment provides them with a sense of achievement. It makes them realize that they can decide for themselves. This will help them in other areas of life as well, giving them control over few things, ultimately inculcating the root of independence.
Expression
Arts and crafts can be a healthy medium for them to express their ideas as well as feelings. It opens channels for communication between you and the child. It’s always great to spend some time with your child while they are creating art, and have a heart to heart conversation with them about their ideas on paper or otherwise.
Fine Motor Skills
Apart from the apparent intellectual stimulation, your child’s artistic growth can contribute to polish their motor skills. This can be eating food without any help, holding objects, assigning dominating functions to a particular hand, brushing teeth, tying shoes laces or rewriting alphabets and numbers.
Raising a kid is a ridiculously tough task but a rewarding experience as well. They key as a parent is to listen and comprehend what inspires them. Not only to give them the resources to achieve it, but to watch them make something extraordinary out of it. And if arts and crafts happens to spark a light in your child’s heart, pick up a crayon and color their dreams with them.