DIY SCHOOL-THEMED DECOR

Hello, lovelies!  It’s Emma here from Emmaline Bride and I am excited to share one of my favorite DIYs today.  It comes from a good friend and DIY expert Lauren of Lauren Elise Crafted.  With fall in the air, I thought it would be a great idea to share this fun DIY School-Themed Tablescape to add a handmade, personal touch to your next event.  Since Lauren is the genius behind this beautiful ‘scape, I’ll let her take it from here!

“Because I was a student not too long ago, fall reminds me of all things school. The pencils, the paper, the notebooks, all that inspired me while creating this vintage schoolyard chic tablescape. I absolutely fell in love with the idea of incorporating this theme into a wedding and I think the design possibilities are endless. You can include family heirlooms, elements that you have around your house, and even unique vintage store/flea market finds. Here is a list of elements that I used in my design and a possible starting point for you if you want to recreate this look for your own event.

Get Inspired:

{1} * Family Photographs & Heirlooms:  These are easy to obtain because you already own them. Your guests will love looking at grade school pictures of your families through the ages, old report cards, or even kindergarten art projects. All of these things will allow your guests to feel more connected to you. Include some fun toys or mementos from your childhood to make it even more personal.

{2} * Antique Store Finds: You can find some great deals on vintage school supplies at nearby antique stores or online on EBay and Etsy. Look for old books, a globe, composition notebooks, pencils, typewriters, or even a child’s desk. I have found so many little trinkets and toys throughout the years that would be perfect for an event like this and most of them would not break-the-bank either.

{3} * Lined & Graph Paper: To me, school paper is the best purchase because it is inexpensive and it can be used in countless ways. I made a few examples of some paper goods using lined, graph, and handwriting paper (the type with the dotted line through the middle). Cut paper into triangles and thread with string to make bunting. Fold the paper accordion style and make paper pinwheels. Cut out paper in the shape of a leaf, write guests’ names and table numbers, and pin into apples to act as escort cards (as well as a snack!). Or roll into a cone and fill with pom poms (or flower petals, bird seed, etc.) so that guests have something to shower you with as you come back up the aisle.

{4} * Library Cards & Pockets: I used the library cards as save-the-dates. You can either buy premade cards and stamp the details onto it or you can design your own cards (I used Illustrator). Library cards could also be used as escort cards, invitations, or place cards.

{5} * Pencils, Colored Pencils, Markers, Crayons, Chalk: These writing utensils can be handed out to guests as favors and used for signing the guest book.

{6} * Flash Cards: I designed my own flash cards and had them printed out so that guests could sign the cards, hang and display them, and have them become a part of the décor. You could also display vintage flash cards for a touch of old ephemera.

{7} * Chalkboards: Chalkboards can be hung as signs at the ceremony and reception but also work as table numbers or props in a photobooth. Buy a small container of chalkboard paint so that your guests can write chalk messages over all kinds of things.

{8} * Polaroid Composition Book: Buy a composition book to use as a guest sign in. If you have a Polaroid camera handy, guests can take snapshots of themselves and include them in your book. If you create a little photobooth area, guests can use props and backdrops to take silly pictures.

{9} * Note Folding Station: Passing notes in class is a big part of school and a note station would be a great way for guests to do something interactive and pass their own sweet messages to the bride and groom. Give examples so that guests will know how to do the folding. Leave out a bunch of colored pencils and markers so that your notes can become works of art for you to admire for years to come.”

-Lauren

These ideas are fantastic, Lauren!  I especially love the library cards and pockets (I’m a total book nerd) and the antique store finds… old books, a globe, and those composition notebooks steal my heart.  For more fab ideas and product by Lauren, visit her website.

♥

-E.

Emma is the editor of Emmaline Bride, a wedding blog dedicated to all things handmade.