Yay for three-day weekends—they were made for wedding planning. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a whole lot of crafting done this time around—but I did tackle one project.
But first—Potion Gals, don’t read this post!
We’ve been struggling with what to give our bridal party as gifts. Mr. Potion doesn’t really want to go the traditional route of alcohol-themed gifts, and I don’t really want to go the traditional route of ugly jewelry gifts.
And then I saw this amazingly simple tutorial on Offbeat Bride for homemade bookmarks and it hit me.
Books!
(And personalized bookmarks!)
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I found this pack of pre-cut strips of textured paper at Michaels in a variety of bright colors, including the wedding colors. I also picked up some packs of embroidery floss in our colors and decided to put those stamps and ink pads to use again.
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I used different color combinations and stamped each girl’s name onto her bookmark.
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I decided to cut each bookmark to fit each book, rather than making them all the same size.
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Then I followed the tutorial’s directions to attach tassels in the same color as the ink I used for the names.
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Confession: I did not know this hole punch was heart shaped when I bought it. But isn’t the effect adorable?
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Another confession: I’ve only actually read two of these books-–Northanger Abbey and Ender’s Game. The others are all definitely on my must-read list, and I know enough about the authors and plots to know that the girls I bought them for will enjoy them. (And then maybe they can loan them to me?)
What did you give your bridesmaids? (Also—who is your favorite author? What are you reading right now?)
This is a truly amazing gift, and so unique to each person. Please don’t mind as I steal your idea 
I’d be interested in knowing your thought process behind giving which bridesmaid their book. I know each of my girls’ personalities, but I have no idea what they might enjoy reading
Just have to say, LOVE that there are John Green books in there. That and the Hank Green video you posted before, are you sure you’re not a nerdfighter?
What a sweet gift idea, I love how personalized they are!
“An Abundance of Katherines” is excellent — I read it in high school and loved it. I just finished “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” (Jane Austen meets Harry Potter, basically) and now I’ve picked up a book from my fiance’s mom called “Spirits in the Wires.” Yes, I’m a huge fantasy nerd.
AWESOME book choices. I still need to read Beauty Queens, is it good? As a librarian, I have way too difficult a time just picking ONE favorite author. Right now I’m re-reading 1984. Still one of the best I’ve ever read.
What an awesome unique idea! (And I would love receiving this!)
What a great idea! Definitely something I should bear in mind – thanks for the tip
Such a sweet gift – I love how each is personalized and a different book
OMG I love that idea! Too bad I’ve already got my girls taken care of. DH and I decided to make survival packs for our peoples. His are more end of the world themed and mine are more realistic emergency related. All wrapped up in cute little bags.
@Highness: Um, that’s a freaking hilarious and AWESOME idea. Love it! Any chance you would PM me the details/contents?
That’s a great gift idea! I’m a bookworm and would have loved getting something like that!
Libba Bray is one of my favorite authors. While you’re waiting to borrow ‘Beauty Queens,” I suggest reading the Gemma Doyle trilogy. Its been out for a while, so I’m sure you can find it at the library.
@radishtime: DFTBA, honey, I’m definitely a Nerdfighter!
@Lacelibs: I didn’t want to go in-depth on why I chose each book but basically, as I love reading, I’ve surrounded myself with friends that love reading, and as such, I’m a little in-tune with their favorite genres and authors. I’m pretty confident that each girl will enjoy the book I picked for her, even if she wouldn’t have picked it for herself
@mholden: “Jane Austen meets Harry Potter” sounds like the plot of my next favorite book! I’m gonna have to check that one out!
@sweetducks2230: I haven’t read it yet- I’m hoping to borrow it- but the plot is basically “Lord of the Flies” with pageant girls and it sounds VERY interesting. I picked it for Katie because in our 10th grade English class when we read “Lord of the Flies” my friends and I always said we were going to re-write it with all girls and call it “Lord of the Butterflies” and everyone would live and get rescued in a week
@Lau1007: I LOVED the Gemma Doyle trilogy and that’s why I like Libba Bray
Awwwww what a lovely idea to give your girls those books! I love the bookmarks!
Mrs. Potion, Herndon, VA Age and Occupation: 23, IT Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Sales Engagement Date: November 26, 2011 Wedding Date: November 2012 Venue: St. John’s Catholic Church / SpringHouse, Alexander City, AL About Me: We are two complete and total geeks that met at engineering camp, of all places, and after several years of being in love long-distance, we’re finally at the beginning of a lifetime together. We’re working with a modest budget to plan a long-distance wedding full of handmade details, Harry Potter references, and, most importantly, lots of love. I could spend an entire afternoon watching Food Network while shopping for shoes online, while he’d prefer to pwn some n00bs on Halo while blasting Deadmau5 on his stereo. I taught him how to swing dance and he taught me to appreciate Tolkien; he introduced me to LOST and I introduced him to the BBC’s Sherlock. I’m a Gryffindor, he’s a Ravenclaw, and we can spend hours discussing and debating the finer points of Rowling’s masterpiece. We’re so excited to be setting out on this adventure and I can’t wait to share all the details with you!
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