Weddingbee Blog

During one of many recent internet-shopping-splurges, I snagged a box of 12 plain parasols, the idea being that I would paint them, and then use them for props or shade throughout the wedding day. Even though our wedding will be indoors, we’ll still be taking pictures outside, so I think they’ll get some use.

A big fan of the “thank you” parasol, which can later be used for thank you cards, I decided an expression of gratitude would be a good place to start.

I printed out some letters, and after roughly cutting them out, I taped them to the backside of the opened parasol. Although, of course, shortly after starting the project, Sewing-Mom asked - “Why didn’t you write “mahalo” instead?”

Yeah, I’m pretty sure my mind just checked out completely. Oh well. Let’s continue.

I traced each letter onto the front side of the parasol, using a dull-pointed pencil. I may have poked a hole in the thin paper anyway though, it’s tough!

Now it’s painting time! I used simple acrylic paint, and a way-too-cheap plastic paintbrush.

The bristles really did not want to behave, hence the splattery lines on the top of that “a”.

With a little patience, I managed to go back and try to smooth the lines out. Sewing-Snake was getting curious by all the action.

And… done!

It’s fun, but I think next time I would not try and arc the letters around the parasol. I’ve looked at some pro-parasols, and it seems that the words are usually written straight across. It’s much less awkward that way. And, I’d also invest in a higher-quality paint brush.

For kicks, I tried to free-hand some sakura flowers. It didn’t come out so hot though, again, mainly due to the fact that the paintbrush hated me.

There are a lot of parasols left - though I haven’t figured out what else to paint on them. We gave some of the parasols away, too. A couple to a friend of mine, one to my sister—there’s just no way I have time for all 12 of them.

Are you planning on utilizing parasols for some decorative shade?