Make It Something Special

Make It Something Special

Creating Something Unique for Your Wedding Party

Story by Rebecca Harrison

People who go the extra mile to help make an important day really special deserve a unique and sentimental thank you in return for their efforts. Whether or not the giver is the bride or groom, giving to men or women, there is absolutly nothing like recieving a handmade gift as a form of thanks.

Handmade gifts are where inspiration, passion and affection come together in blissful matrimony. (Yes, matrimony, there is a theme here.) They provide keepsakes and trinkets that are as unique as the individuals they’re meant for.

These kinds of gifts are catered to the person for whom they are intended, taking into consideration their wants, needs and tastes. They create a sense of value that goes beyond dollars and cents. Handmade items can make the person feel cherished and seen.

Monogrammed, painted, sculpted, baked, customized or created-gifts like these are seldom forgotten.

So, in the spirit of making something unique for the special people supporting your big day, here are a pair of one-of-a-kind wedding party gifts that can be made at home.

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS - A Cup of J oy

What’s more unique than something you find only once? Thrifting up some special vintage teacups and saucers with a bridal party can be loads of fun. This sort of activity isn’t just a gift, it’s an experience! The result can create a gift that can be enjoyed for years. Even more so if you fill the tea cup with a beautifully fragrant candle wax, crushed flower petals and crystals.

Required Components:

Hot glue

Tea cup

Candle wicks

Beeswax

Fragrance

Any additions-petals, crystals, etc.

How To:

Use a bit of hot glue to secure the metal circle on the wick to the bottom center of the tea cup. Wrap the top of the wick around a pencil to keep it centered. Melt wax in a cooking pan over medium heat, until the wax is no longer opaque. The bag of wax will have specific instructions depending on the type of wax. Remove wax from heat, then add scent, if desired. This is also available in the candle-making section at the craft store. Let the wax cool just a bit, then carefully pour it into each tea cup. You want to let the wax cool a little so that it doesn’t “undo” the hot glue that’s holding your wick in place. I used a funnel to pour the wax in so that I didn’t splash it all over and make a mess. Let the wax begin to harden and add your additions before it sets up completely. Once it hardens, trim your wick.

FOR THE GROOMSMEN - Leather Balm

Whether it’s car seats, jackets, boots, hats or fancy bags, most folks in the south have something made from leather in their possession. This easy, homemade leather balm will extend the life of leather goods, and make them buttery soft. This versitile gift is great for anyone, and super simple to create. Pair it with something monogrammed in leather and you’ll have a match made in heaven.

Required Components:

Some format of sealable jar or tin

Beeswax

Coconut butter

Sweet almond oil

How To:

In a 1:1 ratio, add the beeswax and coconut butter together in a heat-safe bowl. If you need a measurement to start with, you can use 1/8 cup of beeswax and 1/8 cup of coconut butter. Allow them to melt completely. Keep stirring then slowly add your almond oil (1/4 cup). It will cool the mix causing lumps so add it slowly allowing the mixture to re-melt. Keep heating the mixture for 4-5 minutes making sure that it never boils. If you see steam rising from your mixture, reduce the heat and keep mixing. That’s it! All that’s left is to add it to the container you’ve chosen to hold your balm and let the mixture cool down.

This balm works great on lots of materials, but do not use it on suede unless you’re looking to slick it down. Enjoy!