Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Taco
more by Mrs. Taco (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Taco
Mrs. Taco's Picture
Mrs. Taco, San Francisco Age and Occupation: 29, writer/editor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 37, editor Engagement Date: May 13, 2009 Wedding Date: August 2010 Venue: The Green Room at the War Memorial Veterans Building About Me: I like laughing and talking with good friends over good food and good drink, be it wine, cocktail, or brew. I write and edit things for fun and profit, but I rarely "write" these days without a keyboard and high-speed internets. Favorites include Mr. Taco, my Boston terrier, San Francisco, getting out of town, and the Roaring ’20s. I was kind-of planning a wedding since roughly 2006, when I discovered "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" on the WE channel. I ran and didn't look back with a theme I called "urban vintage," and it culminated in the most magical day a taco could ask for.
About Mrs. Taco

DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy

March 22nd, 2010 @ 2:48 pm by Mrs. Taco

Etsy.com has saved my life. And my sanity.

Shopping in actual (i.e. not online) stores for something specific (like, say, a birdcage veil or a fascinator) kind of gives me a headache. It involves a lot of traveling around, a lot of touching, head-tilting, then ultimately deciding it’s not exactly what you’re looking for. It also requires patience, which isn’t something I’ve got in spades.

DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy :  wedding san francisco veil Fascina fascinator

DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy :  wedding san francisco veil Veil 28 veil

images

So instead of schlepping around from boutique to boutique trying to find the perfect thing, I’ve been finding some really awesome stuff on Etsy. It’s especially perfecto for the little things: hair accessories, jewelry, veils, and little touches for manageable DIY projects.

“Manageable” DIY projects is key for me throughout this process, too.

I love me some handmade, especially when it cuts out the middleman. I’ve seen some very cool DIY weddings, including that of bridesmaid A, that came together beautifully. It’s a little more than I’m willing to do, personally, though. I figure that since I spend so much time worrying about things in general, it would be nice to leave the details to someone else.

I’ll stamp the envelopes with my Etsy-direct handmade stamp, and I’ll make my own signs and gift table decor where I can. I can buy some supplies at the local craft store and whip up some barrettes for the bridesmaids. I’ll even attach a new alligator clip to my own fascinator. But making 140 invitations by hand or designing, creating and then storing and transporting 20 large centerpieces might give me a brain aneurysm. Those out there who are looking for the in-between might find some solace this way.

Do you love the handmade look but don’t have patience for a lot of DIY? Where do you go (besides Etsy) to find handmade items for your wedding?

Tags: san-francisco, veil |
advertisement below
Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Taco
more by Mrs. Taco (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Taco

9 Responses to “DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy”

1.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Lace (message)  702 posts, Busy bee

I’ve been making things where I can to save money. :) I made my own sash for $3 instead of the $50 + they are charging on Etsy. Although I am buying other stuff on Etsy!

 
2.
tea
Member
tea (message)  7,288 posts, Bee Keeper

i make what i can if i know i can do it for less money and make it look as fabulous as the original inspiration. if i can’t do either, then i have no problem buying it

 
3.
Miss Giraffe
Bee
Miss Giraffe (message)  4,216 posts, Honey bee

I like to hand make things myself, but we’ll see if I still eel that way when it gets close to the wedding. hahaha

 
4.
Member Icon
Member
missvintage (message)  571 posts, Busy bee

I am pretty much buying everything on Esty or Ebay
Etsy: STDs, invites, table signs, escort cards, chair signs, hair flower, jewelry
Ebay: dress (yes!), shoes, napkins,

I am DIY disabled.

 
5.
Member Icon
Member
crayfish (message)  4,844 posts, Honey bee

Anything that can be designed on a computer I have done myself (invites, cake topper, STDs, menus, programs). Besides simple Manzanita centerpieces, though, I trust other to make my wedding day amazing :). I’ve gotten my bolero, headpiece, flower girl sash, and ring bearer tie all from ETSY. Loooove that site!

 
6.
MerryMary
Member
MerryMary (message)  109 posts, Blushing bee

I went to a local farmers/artisan market to find handmade details that I have no personal desire to DIY. I’m all for learning new skills, but not when I’m already under a crazy amount of stress. My DIY was all related to things I already knew how to do, like simple sewing and beading. The farmers market worked really well for me, because I was able to see things first hand, and talk to vendors face to face about products, custom orders, etc. This past Saturday I met a woman who makes the most lovely cards, using scrapbooking and quilling techniques. It’s beautiful work that I know our bridal party and wedding elves will appreciate, and I love the fact that I’m supporting a local artist.

Another option in a similar vein are artisan boutiques. Places where many artists gather to sell their goods, and you can usually score a business card or contact information as well.

 
7.
Member Icon
Member
eimersc (message)  235 posts, Helper bee

I am hoping for the BEST with my DIYs…but have not quite started yet. Yikes.

 
8.
Miss Argyle
Bee
Miss Argyle (message)  2,516 posts, Sugar bee

Haha - me and DIY do not really mix. I LOVE Etsy for this. And Miss Star’s headbands.

 
9.
OctPumpkin
Member
OctPumpkin (message)  593 posts, Busy bee

I think you have to really pick your DIY battles. Ultimately, I put it to the fun test. Am I going to have fun doing this? Am I going to save money? If the answers to both are NO, than I am the first to whip out the plastic!

 

Leave a Reply


You can also just...

Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Taco
more by Mrs. Taco (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Taco

Visit our sister sites eHarmony
Online Dating
eHarmony Advice
Dating Advice
Project Wedding
Wedding Songs
JustMommies
Pregnancy Calendar

Copyright 2004-2012, Weddingbee.com
 

Find your vendors on Weddingbee

Real reviews from brides in your area!

Favors by Weddingbee

  • Favors by season

Shop Now »

Mrs. Taco
Mrs. Taco

Mrs. Taco, San Francisco Age and Occupation: 29, writer/editor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 37, editor Engagement Date: May 13, 2009 Wedding Date: August 2010 Venue: The Green Room at the War Memorial Veterans Building About Me: I like laughing and talking with good friends over good food and good drink, be it wine, cocktail, or brew. I write and edit things for fun and profit, but I rarely "write" these days without a keyboard and high-speed internets. Favorites include Mr. Taco, my Boston terrier, San Francisco, getting out of town, and the Roaring ’20s. I was kind-of planning a wedding since roughly 2006, when I discovered "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" on the WE channel. I ran and didn't look back with a theme I called "urban vintage," and it culminated in the most magical day a taco could ask for.

Boards
Classifieds

Blog Calendar
February 2012
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
2930311234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
26272829

Weddingbee Bios
Wiki
More