DIY Upcycled Wedding Cake Stands

After spending weeks looking for just the right black cake stands for an upcoming wedding I decided that the only way to get what I want was to make it myself. I looked over a number of great DIY blogs and videos and took tips from all of them and now I'll share the process with you.

After a quick trip (with my very patient husband) to Sam's Warehouse, Bunnings and Spotlight I came home with the materials to get started.

 From Sam's Warehouse I picked up two heavy glass candle holders and two ceramic bathroom vanity cups (toothbrush holders) spending a massive $7.50. I wanted two different heights to add visual impact to the wedding display. I will be making a 5th stand this weekend that is higher still.

 Then it was a walk across to Spotlight to pick up some dinner plates. I love a good sale and these heavy plates were 40% off so again it was a grand total of $22.00. I decided to stick with the pairs thing but allow a little variation. By selecting two plain and two scalloped plates I could create 4 stands that were each different but still looked like they all belonged together.

 

A little drive across town to Bunnings to pick up Black Gloss Spray Paint and a bottle of glue. Luckily hubby is a bit of a DIY guru and found the perfect glue. Total spend $24.00

  After a wash and dry of all the parts I set them out on his work bench and let him do the messy glue work (unfortunately the adhesive smell gives me migraines so luckily he is always willing to help). I wanted the stands to sit flat on the table so we checked which was the best way to set them - the candle holders needed to be upside down and the cups right side up.

 After allowing the glue to cure for the full 12 hours they were ready to paint. Because the plates and ceramic cups matched, if I wanted cool white they would be ready to go.

 Two coats of black gloss to underside, then when dry we flipped them and gave the top two coats. and here they are...... for a grand total of $53.50 ( that's a tiny $13.37 each) I have 4 custom black cake stands.

Oh and thanks to my lovely friend (and cake pop addict) Jess who made me the crotchet 'Tart'.
You'll see the final display in April after the beautiful Emma and Aaron's wedding.

xoxo
Sugarpie.

Sweets for the Sweet - Mr & Mrs Campbell's beautiful wedding.

It's been a bit quiet here on the blog over that last month or so as most of my blogging time has been put to good use organising a beautiful vintage wedding for the lovely Karen and and her prince charming, Dylan. Well on Saturday all the hard work came together in one very beautiful day so allow me to share some photos of the all the pretty things and of course the Sugarpie Sweets Buffet.

The stunning  historical Gabbinbar Homestead was the location for one of the most beautiful weddings I have had the pleasure of seeing.

Cute little timbre signs from reclaimed fence palings directed the guests down a little hedged path to the ceremony. Another one hidden in the corner of the garden pointed the way to the croquet lawn.

 Another sign on the old gate declared the happy couples love for all to see.

Over in the homestead pretty white baskets held grey lavender pomander hearts (lovingly stuffed and stitched by the bride with a little help) and their little tags matched guests to their tables.

 Recycled glass jars (75 of them in fact) of all shapes and sizes made wonderful old fashioned centre pieces wrapped with lace, broderie anglaise, white, black and lavender ribbon and raw twine. The flowers were a fragrant collection of freesias (my own favourite), white and green carnations, Lisianthus and pinky cream and mauve roses.

 White chalkboard picks displayed table numbers.

 The soft glow of the tea lights as the sun set outside gave a pretty romantic glow. The tables were set with crystal glass wear and individual take home boxes with a special message from the happy couple ready fill at the Sweets buffet.

The glass conservatory doors were trimmed with white paper lanterns and soft tissue pompoms in white, lavender, purple and black mirroring the weddings colours.

Overall a very soft romantic look. Then there were the little extra touches.

 On the top of the black baby grand piano sat a collection of special family memories surrounding a lovely photo of the bride and groom were photos of their parents and grand parents weddings. A great conversation starter.

 Instead of the traditional guest book, family and friends were encouraged to sign tags and hang them on the wish tree.

 In the pink sitting room, an antique sideboard was dressed with timbre letters, white birdcages and flowers ready for guests to leave their gifts  and cards.

A long night was spent sewing all the ruffles together for a custom coloured photo background for the photo booth in the corner  - and of course I had to test it!

But the best part (in my own biased opinion) was the Sweets Buffet. Set on another of the homesteads beautiful antiques. A delicious selection of Honey and Lavender Macarons, Cinnamon Donut Cake pops, Guinness Fudge, Sugar Fondant cookies and purple and white Jelly Belly Beans.

 These cookies featured the bride and grooms initials impressed into the fondant.

And by now I am sure you would like to see the happy couple.....

Congratulations Karen & Dylan, may you have long and happy sweet life together.

XOXO
Sugarpie.