Weddingbee Blog

Among the many weird wedding rituals I’m trying to avoid in September is the traditional banging-of-the-fork-against-a-wineglass-in-order-to-see-the-couple-kiss madness. I think Mr. Caterpillar’s father was thinking the same thing, and has decided that we need shakers at the wedding.

I have no idea where the idea originally came from. Mr Caterpillar’s parents are very, very southern, and I can’t imagine there’s a lot of maraca shaking down there. In any case, Mr. Caterpillar’s mama is an absolutely amazing artist and has decided to make all 130 of them that we’ll need. I think they’re gorgeous. And they’ll keep glass breakage to a minimum.

You’ll need

• 2″-diameter kraft paper boxes; use larger boxes for larger shakers
• 1 tablespoon of beans per box (I enjoy lentils)
• White glue or glue gun if you don’t fear hot glue
• Optional handle (1 chopstick per box)
• Optional decorations (decoupage images, flowers, acrylic paint, stickers, ribbon)

1. For the Handle: Cut a slit through the side of the box base at the widest point for the handle. Cut another slit at the opposite side of the box. Slide the chopstick all the way through and glue into place. Let dry.

2. Fill box with beans. Glue shut. Let dry.

3. Paint box, or cover with stickers/decoupage. Tie ribbon on top and at bottom of handle. Keep embellishing or just let it go. They’ll look fine.