handmade – Details Diva

Planning a Party

August 21, 2014October 11, 2018 D. Jacobsohn Designs3 Comments

Sharing a special occasion with a celebration should be well thought about. As always, great presentation is in the details. Think about the location, setting, food & drink and don’t forget the decor. Decorations can be as simple as specialized cups, plates, napkins, signs, balloons and more. It doesn’t have to be ‘over the top’ to make the party special, just keep things simple and do them well!

Some simple and affordable ideas on what I’ve put together for parties or parties I’ve attended!

Invitations~ send them out and make them personal and reflect the feel of your party! Get them made by shopping Etsy.

Table setting~ this is what people usually see first, so make sure it is set and personalized.

Cups~ can be a lot of fun as there are so many great inexpensive options and don’t forget that you can embellish them! Here are the one’s I recently made using three different stickers. All the glasses don’t have to be the same and the guest of honor should have a special cup! Don’t forget the small cups~ they can be decorated as well!

Banners & Signs~ everyone enjoys signs, especially if they can be a photo backdrop. Again, handmade is best! Be creative!

Cake~ this is where you can really go all out! All of these cakes were handmade! There is nothing more fun than a theme cake!

Other ways to make the party special~ note tree, specialty drink, table signs-photos/quotes, silverware bundle with handmade napkins.

Endless ideas on making your celebration special! Contact me if you need any ideas!! The key is to keep things easy & fun!!

Thank You Gifts

June 25, 2014June 25, 2014 D. Jacobsohn Designs4 Comments

Give a gift that counts. It should be thoughtful, pretty and make sense. Think about the person you are giving the gift to and ask yourself if, ‘they would like and appreciate it’, if not then go to plan B. When I give teacher/staff gifts I want to say within a maximum budge of $5. We do go in on a ‘class gift’ for the regular teachers, but I like to give to the supporting staff and principals. I start thinking about gift a month before school ends. That way I give myself enough time to shop on a budget.

We tried planting Peppermint seeds, but they didn’t germinate in time, but still made a really fun gift to give. I found these pops just as they are at “The Christmas Tree Shop” for $3.99. I wrote “thank you” myself, added tissue & used a close pin for the tea bag.

Colorful tissue adds interested to the gift.

I like to use baskets to deliver gifts with the boys in school.

I found they great peanut shaped ‘Inspire’ dishes at Micheal’s for $1.99.

Collect all your items then figure out the best ways to put everything together. I like the give to be on display and not in a gift bag. Gift bags are expensive and I’ve found you don’t need them if you have tissue paper and ribbon!

I picked this canister up at Micheal’s for $2.99, added Red Sox peanuts for $1.99 and wrote “thanks for being our Healthy Nut”. This was for the Gym teacher!

I had already had tissue paper, “thank you” stickers and ribbon on hand, making this an easy gift to put together.

I picked up some of these bath goods at the local grocery store for $1.99 and the soap was on clearance at Micheal’s for $1.00.

I used tissue, ribbon and a sticker to put the gift together.

On some I cut out paper and used double stick tape to attach to the ribbon.

Just use what you have!

Be creative!

Make your own custom art

March 5, 2014March 5, 2014 D. Jacobsohn Designs2 Comments

I’m picky about what I’ll display in my home or clients homes. I do like rooms to feel personal and decided my mantle needed our last name initial. This DIY was pretty simple and recommend you making your own.

Supplies you need: Burlap, paint, pencil, font type, glue, and frame

The process: Find the frame you’ll be using first. Make sure it fits well on your mantel and I recommend using a glassless frame. If you use a frame with glass then glue your fabric on the glass.

Measure the area inside of the frame. Cut your fabric to size. No worries if you’re off a bit, as I was then just grabbed some trim I had and glued that layer on to cover my mistakes. You can use any kind of plain fabric. I like added texture, so went for burlap.

Find the font you want to use. There are so many fonts out there. Check out tootledoo designs, as they are amazing! You can write anything you want, a full monogram, entire last name, or just an initial. You may want to enlarge one of the fonts and copy it, make a stencil and trace on your fabric, or freehand it using pencil.

Once you’ve drawn your letter, go ahead and use a smaller brush to apply paint (any kind works) on the outline of the letter. Then fill in the entire letter with paint.

After the paint drys decide if your letter needs anything else. You may want to outline the letter in another color, or glitter…think about what makes sense with your style. Go ahead and use clear glue on the surface of your frame. Affix your fabric and let dry. Add any additional trim on the inside of your frame.

Fabulous DIY

January 17, 2014 D. Jacobsohn Designs2 Comments

Gift giving is one of my most favorite things Ever! I just love doing it, always have and I love getting gifts, well….when they are thoughtful. If you’re going to Give, then make it good. Just giving a gift is not good enough, make the gift count. It doesn’t have to be expensive if the gift is special. Here is one of the gifts I gave this year.

Start with this. . . .

To make this . . . .

I start with thinking about the person I’m giving this gift to…what is their style? Funky, country, earthy, rock n roll, etc. Keeping in mind your friends’ style and home decor while you shop for your frame. Also, the photo must be fabulous. . .a photo that makes you smile because of what is happening, the place and the people. Determine if the photo fits the frame well. Don’t put a sleek looking black and white photo in a pine frame. Do what makes sense.

Supplies you’ll need: glitter glue, super glue, letter or words, accents and tons of rhinestones.

The process: make sure you have some time on your hands, and don’t forget to start this project early to account for drying time. I layout the larger items along the frame first. The lettering may need spray painting, but if you buy pre-painted letters then you’re all set. Super glue works the best to glue the rhinestones on and I alternate colors and sizes. Once those are all down and dried, go back and fill in the left over spaces with glitter glue. You may want to add smaller rhinestones in these smaller areas as well. On a scale of DIY projects this one is pretty simple, yet so chic and awesome!

Made the birthday girl H*A*P*P*Y ! ! ! ! !

Giving a thoughtful gift actually in turn gives back to the gift giver. It’s very rewarding for someone to enjoy a DIY gift that you created yourself. It can be as simple as a poem that you wrote and added in an embellished frame! Or a hand drawn picture or you’re own art. I love quotes, so why not frame an amazing quote in a beautiful complimentary embellished frame! Go For It! Think, Plan and Do! Happy DIY-ing!

Holiday Gift Guide Etsy

December 11, 2013 D. Jacobsohn Designs2 Comments

When it comes to giving a gift why not give something handmade. When someone is taking their energy to create a handcrafted good, I call it Art. There is nothing I find more beautiful than when I know someone handmade a great gift.

Birch bark Journal by Three Trees Bindry

Leather Candle Wrap with Layered Wooden Crosses Encrusted in Swarovski Crystals

Layered Wooden Cross Candle Corset by Fine and Funky Designs

Linen napkin set of 8 for Christmas day gift finds - gray white green or red natural linen fabric 18x18

Linen Napkins by Pillow Link

Drops Gold Necklace- Leather Necklace- Statement Necklace- Pearls Pendant- Fashion Jewelry- Hand made Jewelry- FREE SHIPPING

Gold, Pearls & Leather Necklace by LiatGiladJewellery

Gold Zag Tray

Gold Zag Try by Up in the Air Somewhere

Original Watercolor Painting- Birch Tree Painting "Skeleton Birches"

Original Watercolor painting by Pine Tree Art

Organic Hand knit Wool Blanket by Good Bye 1979

Ceramic Bowl by Inaeent

Crystal Cascade stained glass panel window

Crystal Stained Glass Panel by Barbara Stained Glass

OMBRE DUCK EGG blue antler geometric contemporary modern chevron arrow painted decorative stripe bone taxidermy decor art piece

Ombre painted antler by Zoo K Shop

18x18 Wolf Brown Black Faux Fur Decorative Pillow Set 2pcs.

Faux Wolf fur Pillows (set 2) by Salvani

Tips on giving the perfect gifts

November 5, 2013 D. Jacobsohn Designs9 Comments

I’ve found that if you can plan for creating or finding the perfect gift to give it is so much more meaningful than picking up that last minute gift. Here are things to think about when you want to give the perfect gift.

1. Think about the personality of your friend. Are they more fun, serious, foodie, athletic, country…etc. Don’t shop for yourself, think about what they would like.

2. Start early. Give yourself enough time to either make or find a meaningful gift.

3. You could get one large gift or a collection of smaller gifts. For example if you want to give a pamper theme gift, then why not put together a local handmade soap, bath bomb, mixed with lotion, cuticle cream and nail polish, nail files, and so much more. I would place all these items wrapped in tissue in a pretty toiletry bag, which is wrapped in a box. I would tie it all off with a pretty ribbon and ornament that gives a clue as to the theme.

4. Find something they don’t already have…who wants one more candle if they already have the perfect one? Think outside the box. If your friend enjoys jewelry and they have a lot already, then give them a special glass monogram box that they can place their special jewelry in, even better if you add a piece of jewelry!

5. Spend within your budget. You don’t have to break the bank to give a great gift. Some of my favorite gifts to give have been meaningful photos in a frame, framed computer made art, photo books and home baked goods.

6. Be creative when it comes to your gifts…if you can make it then add something store bought that pairs well with your gift. For example, I made a sign on my computer and printed it myself and spent my money on the frame.

7. For me the gift is the entire package, meaning the gift, wrapping and card~ they must all be fabulous and meaningful. Don’t skimp on the delivery of the gift. There is nothing more tacky than getting a great gift in a random gift bag. If you have a theme gift then make sure there is a common thread through the entire experience.

Vintage Wedding Boys

September 11, 2013September 17, 2013 D. Jacobsohn DesignsLeave a comment

My boys were ring barrier’s in their brother’s beautiful wedding on September 7. The bride and groom wanted a vintage wedding vibe, so not only was the decor vintage but the wedding party wore suspenders and caps.

I had my boys hats, ties and suspenders handmade from Etsy.

Their outfits fit right in & they LOVED being part of their brothers’ wedding!

Caps by Averylee Kids

Suspenders & Ties by Tiny Tots Clothing

Shirts by Gymboree

Khaki’s by Joe’s Jeans

Shoes by GAP

I know I’m a little bias but how cute are these boys? I think their outfits worked really well. The only thing I may have done differently is to make their ties a tad darker…I love to know what do you think?

Party Cards

July 29, 2013 D. Jacobsohn Designs2 Comments

If you are planning a wedding, shower or any party and want to welcome cards, create an inviting place for your guests to place them. Cards are always welcome in my book. You never know what you’ll find inside a card!

I used a store bought box that is made to look like a vintage suitcase. You can use just about anything to hold cards, but make sure you can keep it open for your guests.

I made the ‘cards’ mini banner on a vintage local map, glitter glue and glued it onto a pretty ribbon.

The suitcase was a tad big, so I added a small bud vase, lined with tissue draped an old doily off the corner for added interest.

The doily was white, but I made a tea bath and soaked it for a couple of days.

A couple of the guest who couldn’t make the party, mailed cards, so I went ahead and added them before the party.

I love real flowers, but using a silk flower is just as inviting and pretty.

Invitations set the tone

July 17, 2013 D. Jacobsohn Designs2 Comments

Recently I threw a wedding shower and I believe that the way to throw a good party is to start with a stunning first impression, the invitation. I’m a bit old fashioned and adore getting personalized notes and cards in the mail. It mean so much more when people actually take the time to hand write anything. The same goes for the invitation.

I’ve done all kinds of invitations but mostly ones that I get designed then print myself. Printing yourself cuts costs and I like to actually pick out my own paper. In order to get an invitation personalized, you must make sure to give yourself plenty of time to research, communicate, wait for drafts and then sit though changes and mailing of the invitations. For me, if the party is important, I like to get an invitation in the mail eight weeks in advance. For a smaller casual party, you can go anywhere from three to six weeks. Summer is tough as schedules get filled quickly, so earlier the better!

I find Etsy to have the best premade invitation designs that you can personalized, meaning pick your colors and any other important details that need to be printed on your invitation.

Here is the invitation that I purchased for the shower

This adorable invitation is by Sunshine Printables

I wanted to add a bit more detailing to this invitation by using the pink paper doilies and vintage ribbon it gave a shabby chic feel. The doilies are from The Salvage and the ribbon is from Laces and Trims for You.

The outside of the envelope can make a big presence as well! Think about the stamp, return labels and ink color you use.

I fell in love with these heart, “Yes, I do” floral stamps! I bought inexpensive return labels from Vistaprint.

I added a note, handmade lace money envelope and a ‘wishes’ card along with this invitation. When printing the notes make sure to use paper within your color scheme.

The customized “Wishes” card came from Event Printables

Your invitation really does set the tone on how the party should feel when guests arrive. There is nothing better than being invited to a fabulous party!

Cheers, let’s party

June 11, 2013 D. Jacobsohn Designs2 Comments

I love hosting a party, and even more so in the blooms of summer when everything is bright and sunny. Hosting a garden party is my idea of girly perfection. When I think of garden party I think of…..china, pink, flowers, cake, linens, doilies, refreshing drinks, colorful table covers, mason jars, freshly cut flowers, hanging lights, desserts, fruit and vintage anything! Here are some of my inspirations. Jealous? Then start planning now!

photos: pinterest