Black Friday Deals!

Visit my shop www.AmericanTart.Etsy.com for special deals this Friday (black Friday)! I will post new items and coupon codes that will be good throughout the weekend while supplies last.

Retro Suitcase "Guestbook"

I came up with this little idea one day when I browsing at Michael's Craft Store- a favorite past-time! I was contemplating what to do about a guestbook for our wedding. I kind of loathe traditional "guest books". They're just not my thing. So, I looked up some other cool non-conventional ideas online. There were some great ones but they just weren't quite "US". So, when I came across this little white tin suitcase at Michael's I immediately had my vision. Truly it came to me like a bolt of lightning...now if a million dollars would just fall on me like a bolt of lightning that would be great.

So, I bought a can of spray paint. I chose silver, but you can choose ANY color you want at Lowe's or Home Depot for about $3. I also bought a box of sparkly gold alphabet letters at Michael's for $10 (and I still have left overs for all kinds of projects). I decided to use the word "Wishes" on our suitcase. I sprayed the suitcase (covering the handles with painters tape), attached the letters with my trusty glue gun, and added a perfectly 50's yellow polka dot ribbon. Perfecto! After the pretty stuff I enlisted the help of my engineer dad to cut a slit in the top of the suitcase so guests could simply slide their wish into the suitcase without having to open it. Last, bought a pack of multi colored blank cards at- you guessed it- Michael's and we had our very own one-of-a-kind "guestbook"!

I fell in LOVE with the suitcase idea because it was very real and romantic to me at the same time. Our wedding is the beginning of our travels together. And on that road we want to stop and look back at the kind words, love, and advice from our closest family and friends. So, what was more fitting than "wishes for our future road together" and a little suitcase to carry them in.

xoxo,

American Tart

Our Wedding through the lens of: Chris (our wonderful photographer)

During the course of our wedding and planning process we were blessed with many things. One of those blessings was our photographer Chris . You can find him through Amore Wedding Photography He is VERY talented, and a really wonderful guy. My husband and I really felt as though we were in the hands of a friend rather than simply a professional photographer we had hired. Chris and his lovely girlfriend Jennifer came out to shoot our wedding day on Catalina Island. He just posted a beautiful blog post of some photos from our wedding. Feast your eyes! Chris is a truly genuine guy who wants to get the best shots possible. He is a true artist. And if you are uncomfortable in front of the camera, like me, he will still be able to make you look like you stepped out of the pages of The Knot Bridal Magazine! He is that good!

Here is just a sample, but please check out his blog and Amore's website (above) to see more!

Veil and hairpiece, boutonniere, and wishes box by: me! (American Tart)

Check back for some DIY tips at the end of the week!

I'm Married & Life!!

Ok, no I did not fall off the face of the earth. I simply have been through some crazy life changes in the past 3 months. My hubby and I are now married (just under 3 weeks now!), and we have also gone through some unfortunate losses just before our wedding.

I am now back, and with a vengeance. I am getting back into the creative zone and I will be posting new items in my Etsy shop this weekend 7/17/10 & 7/18/10. Please check them out and check back because I will be blogging regularly again!

New Vintage Items!!

Just a quick blog to let you know I have posted several new vintage items. Including this gorgeous wool swing coat with black fox fur collar AND this lovely ladylike sailor dress! Please visit my Etsy shop at www.AmericanTart.Etsy.com for more!!

Spring Deals!!

Life has been a bit rough lately. The economy is a real drag and lots of things seem to be spinning out of control. But, there is ALWAYS something to celebrate. Spring has arrived and I would like to welcome this new season with some wonderful deals for my wonderful readers. Please visit my Etsy shop www.AmericanTart.etsy.com on Tuesday March 21 for some great prices on vintage and vintage inspired accessories and clothes. I will have some lovely surprise items!!

The Wife Blog

What do you call a blog posting about another blog? A smorgasblog?? Anyway- I am so crazy about this blog called The Wife- right here on Blogspot! I can't get enough of the kind of anti-woman's lib view. But it's really not anti because it is OUR choice to be a lovely stay at home wife and mother! Ah- I can't wait for those days... are you reading this hubby-to-be? ;)

Unique Favor or Bridesmaid Gift

For the ladies perhaps?

For the strapping gents!

I plan on giving these beautiful mugs as gifts at my wedding. This could get pricey if you are having an average to larger wedding. But, if you are having a small wedding like us (50 people!) then you may want to spend a few hundred dollars to get your guests a nice gift! You may be able to find less expensive versions on websites like Etsy, Ebay or Poppytalk Handmade.

I dream of clutches!

As I am in the midst of planning my nuptials, I am coming across more beautiful things than I can possibly use in one day! Which is why I am so happy to share them with you! As you know, I live for vintage and retro fashion beauty etc... So, on my big day I plan to carry a gorgeous vintage clutch. Here are just some of the beautiful pieces I would recommend to any other bride to be with a retro or unique flair. I personally love the first two for a wedding for their un-bridey look! You can wear them anywhere and everywhere after your wedding and always be reminded of that wonderful day!

Find these first two bold beauties on Etsy made by Briana E. Fabrique a la Main!

Get this lovely lacy number on Etsy by Percy Handmade!

Find this bubblegum dream on Etsy made by Mermaid's Dream!

Succulent Centerpieces

With the new year comes new weddings. As I am planning my own (5 months to go! YAY!) I am coming across more and more unique wedding ideas I want to share with my fellow retro lovers. These beautiful plants are chic and green...literally as well as environmentally. Succulents are a wonderful centerpiece alternatives to flowers that will die within several days. These are both colorful and guests can take them home as favors! I love the subtle retro vibe too- they would look unbelievable in a Palm Springs wedding location! Find these little gems at Greenwaredesign . This etsy artist is very talented.