We're ringing in 2012, and with it, picking things back up on My DIY Wedding Day. To kick things off, we've rounded up some of our favorite recent posts all with engagement season in mind. Whether you're celebrating or hosting a celebration for someone else, here are some of our fave new party ideas from around the web.

1. Apple Walnut Cocktail. Face it: You're not going outside in this weather. If you're having an engagement party during the winter months, make sure your drinks match the mood: A warming whiskey cocktail pairs perfectly with warm apple cider doughnuts. (Home Speakeasy)

2. Birdcage Veil. Can you believe it? This really is DIY! We love the couture look of this pretty veil. (Remember: If you're making something that you plan to wear on your wedding day, give yourself plenty of time to get it perfect. In other words, start now!) (Adventures in Dressmaking)

3. Party Blowers. It's an oldie but a goodie. We love these cute party blowers (perfect for an engagement party) that you could easily make match your theme by switching up the paper patterns. (Martha Stewart)

4. Gold-Dipped Stemware. Step up your engagement party (or your next dinner party) instantly with these pretty champagne flutes. They'd also be perfect as toasting flutes during your reception. (Honestly WTF)

5. Cranberry Spice White Sangria. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to forgo all of your favorite summery drinks. You just need to modify the recipe a bit. (Backyard Bartender)

Images all via their respective blogs, except for #2 by: Studio 623 Photography.

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We're kicking off link love again with a gorgeous roundup of potential DIY gift ideas -- perfect for your bridesmaids and even a few options for the groomsmen. Check out these projects (and don't forget to let us know how it goes if you try one out!)

1. Burlap Bottles. Perfect for anyone in your bridal party, these stenciled burlap bottles can easily be modified to cover your favorite wine bottle or even a fancy beer bottle. Switch up the stencil to show the city where the wedding is being held, your monogram, or even your wedding date. (Projects by Jess)

2. Painted Votive Candles. French-inspired-Monet wedding theme anyone? These painted candles would look divine sitting on your reception tables at an outdoor evening rehearsal dinner, or be a perfect gift for your bridesmaids. Just add your favorite scented candle. (OnceWed.com)

3. Feathery Earrings. This project only looks tough. These cute earrings will have your bridesmaids looking chic (whether they wear them at the wedding or not!). (McLaughlin Designs)

4. Tiny Polaroid Magnets. We love this idea not just as a gift, but also as a great save-the-date. Tuck one into your paper save-the-date so you guests are sure to remember. (Ambrosia Creative)

5. Bling Leather Cuffs. For the bride who wants just a touch of urban edge to her wedding day look, these cuffs will do the trick. The sparkly details amp up the glam factor, but the leather keeps it casual. They're also a perfect gift for your besties. (Crap I've Made)

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This cute DIY thank-you card project comes to us straight from wedding and event planner Angela at Oh So Joyous. We love the personalized details, like the monogram stamp and wedding photos that she used.

This thank you pack includes an embossed card and the couple’s favourite wedding photos all wrapped in a pretty little pocket folder and finished off with a ribbon.

What you will need:
• watermark ink or embossing ink
• ink of your colour choice (I used black)
• thermal embossing powder of your colour choice (I used gold)
• rubber thank you stamp
• rubber stamp of your choice for front of card (I used a custom monogram stamp)
• heat gun
• cards and envelopes
• ribbon
• luggage tags
• pocket folders
• a selection of your favorite wedding photos

Here's what to do:
1. Using a thank you stamp, stamp the luggage tags with the regular ink and put aside.
2. Press the rubber stamp on the watermark ink and stamp the image on the card by pressing down firmly and removing the stamp quickly.
3. Shake the thermal embossing powder over the image until it is completely covered. To remove the excess powder tap the card over some paper and then empty this back into the thermal embossing powder container. Make sure the card has no flecks of powder by brushing them off.




4. Turn on the heat tool and melt the powder this may take a few seconds.




5. Once you have filled in the cards with your note and enveloped them you can insert the card and photographs into the pocket folder and seal it.
6. Put the ribbon through the luggage tag and tie it around the pocket folder, finish it off with a tie of your choice and voila!

All images courtesy of Oh So Joyous.

Like what you see? Check out her blog for more creative ideas.

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Looking for a fun wedding favor that will really set you apart? Try this: a homemade limoncello recipe. Limoncello is an Italian, lemon-flavored liqueur, sometimes served as an apertif (or you can serve it after dinner).

Start this recipe (which I used for our wedding) about six months in advance and you'll have a totally unique favor to hand to your guests at the end of the night.

Homemade Limoncello

What You'll Need

Step One
• one bottle everclear (at least 151 proof)
• one bottle vodka (80-100 proof)
• 15-20 large thick skinned bright yellow lemons
• large clear glass jar (to hold your mixture, something like this)

Step Two
• 3-4 cups filtered tap water or distilled water (not mineral water)
• 3-4 cups pure white sugar
• cheese cloth

How to Make It

Step One

Day 1
1. Pour the bottle of everclear and the bottle of vodka into the large glass jar.
2. Clean all of the lemon skins thoroughly with a vegetable brush. Dry the lemons. Use a peeler or zester to zest the yellow part of the skin off the lemons. You don't want any pith (the white part) to get into the mixture, this will make it bitter. Try to make the pieces as large as possible, it will make the straining process easier
3. Add all of your lemon zest to the jar and stir gently.
4. Cover the jar tightly with a lid and store in a cool, dark spot (not in the fridge).
5. Stir your mixture about once a week. Let the mixture sit for anywhere from 8 days to 40 days. The mixture should turn bright yellow and start to smell like lemons.

Next
1. Gently stir lemon peels.
2. Scoop out one of the larger peels and test the flexibility. Ideally, when the peel breaks like a potato chip, you know you're ready to move on to the next step.

Step Two

Day 1
1. Dissolve the sugar in the water and bring to a boil over high heat on the stove. Boil for 5 minutes or until the mixture is totally clear. This should make you 3-4 cups of simple syrup.
2. Set aside the simple syrup to cool.
3. When cool, add the simple syrup to your mixture. The more simple syrup you add, the lower the overall alcohol content you'll have and the more syrupy your limoncello will be. As you stir the mixture should start to feel more like a liqueur.
4. Return the infusion to a cool, dry place for up to 40 days (or for at least 8 days), and repeat the process of gently stirring the mixture about once a week.
5. The mixture should look bright yellow, and once everything settles, it should be fairly clear.

Next
1. Filter you limoncello using the cheese cloth and a funnel and strain into smaller bottles. Flip-top 80ml clear glass bottles (we used these) are an excellent size for wedding favors. Just make sure whatever bottle you pick can seal tightly.
2. Since it's homemade, your limoncello should be consumed within about 6 months for the best taste. It will get smoother with age.

• Notes: Depending on how much simple syrup you added, your limoncello will be about 45% alc/vol.
• Serve your limoncello chilled in a small cordial glass, a shooter, or in a lowball glass over ice.



Check out more signature cocktail ideas at TheKnot.com.

Image via MyRecipes.com.




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Even though it's still pretty cold here in NYC, spring is just around the corner, and for lots of brides, that means finding the right finishing touches. Check out these rustic and spring inspired ideas, all via Etsy.com.

1. Custom Favor Bags. Rustic custom monogrammed bags for favors like candy (or even a take-home bit of wedding cake). Where can we sign up? (Rhino Feathers, 50 for $29)

2. Vintage Teacups. These vintage floral teacups have just the right amount of woodsy-meets-girlie style. Use them for your bridal shower or for yoru midnight coffee and tea serving at the end of the reception. (Olive Vintage, $30)

3. Birch Bark Boutonniere. We love carved-tree-initials that this birch bark boutonniere inspires. Plus, we promise your ring bearer and groom would pick wearing this over a flower any day. (AprilHilerDesigns, $6.50)

4. Tree Slice Centerpiece.In case you haven't noticed, we're all about the customization here. Don't want your initials carved all over the place? Try table numbers or even table names instead. (And check out the other cool rustic ideas from these guys!). (BraggingBags, $16.99)

5. Wooden Wedding Sign. While this idea isn't totally new, we love the font used to write the couple's name here. Don't want your names? Then use it to point your guests in the right direction for dancing or cocktails. (TrueConnection, $30)

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Janice and J.P. decided to opt for a backyard wedding -- just not in their own backyard. They picked Lynn's Way House, rented on Block Island, Rhode Island for a wedding that felt outdoorsy, but still elegant and chic. "My mom was a big help with the DIY projects as she runs a business called Design & Details," says Janice. "We worked together on all the projects for the wedding." Lucky for us, Janice dished on how to steal her style.

Favors & Place Cards. (below, middle photo) Our place cards were our favors! Being that our wedding was somewhat of a destination, we decided to go with a travel theme and do luggage tags. We purchased blue and green tags for the guys and pink for the girls (we bought them at Michaels Craft Store). We tied each couple's tags together with ribbon. My sister-in-law is a graphic designer, so she printed the inserts for each luggage tag; and my mom bought an antique-looking wooden baker's rack from which to hang them. (Total project time: 2 hours)

Centerpieces. (bottom row, right photo) We needed to choose a flower or plant that was resilient since we brought the plants over to the island with us. We chose Kalanchoe because you could plant them early and they won't wilt because they're a succulent. Since it was an outdoor wedding with a natural feeling, we decided to go with a plant versus a flower. My mom came up with the idea to purchase clay pots and paint them. (Total project time: 3 hours)

Guestbook. (bottom row, middle photo) We bought a book of Block Island photography and placed it on a vintage music stand that we found at a consignment shop. Guests could sign on a page of their choice. The book of photos along with beautiful comments from each guest now lives on our coffee table as a great memory of the day. (Total project time: 30 minutes for set up)

Check out the gorgeous photos below from Rose Schaller Photography, and see all of Janice's vendors at the end of the post.

The Basics:

June 12, 2010

Lynn's Way House

Block Island, Rhode Island

Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Debbie Evert of Design & Details

Bridal Gown: J. Crew

Bride's Shoes: J. Crew

Bride's Jewelry: M2 Designs

Bridesmaids Dresses: Martin & Osa

Bridesmaids' Gifts: from J. Crew and Target

Groom's Tux: Men's Warehouse

Groomsmen Tuxes: Men's Warehouse

Groomsmens' Gifts: from Macy's

Officiant: Ray Torre

Music: Marc Scortino

Catering: Block Island Gourmet

Wedding Cake: DIY by a family friend

Decor: Debbie Evert of Design & Details

Wedding bands: Blue Nile

Photography: Rose Schaller Photography

Rehearsal Dinner: The National Hotel

Honeymoon: Costa Rica

Want to see your DIY wedding featured here? Shoot us an email.

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After a bit of a winter break (hey, it's really cold up here, ok?!) Link Love is back in full force bringing you the best DIY wedding ideas from around the web. Are you newly engaged? Congrats! Don't forget to check out our other blog at WeddingChannel.com. Now, on to these gorgeous projects.

1. Quilted Wine Tote. For all you oenophiles, here's a cute idea for your bridal party or even your out-of-town welcome bags. Make the wine tote in your wedding colors, and tuck in a bottle that's meaningful to you as a couple, or something that will be served at the wedding. (Needle & Spatula)

2. Paper Hearts. The photo here doesn't really do this project justice. These cute paper hearts can sweeten up the room in the form of a cute garland to decor for a bridal shower. (Upon a Fold)

3. Paper Rose Pomander. How cute would your flower girls look carrying one of these paper rose pomanders? Sure, you'll need a little patience to twist all those flowers together, but it's well worth the effort, we think. (Hearts Hands Home)

4. Sugar Scrub. Just looking at this yummy photo makes us want to run home and take a long hot bath (especially during these winter months -- did I mention it's cold up here?!). These scrubs look like the perfect bridesmaid gifts. (Smart Bottom Enterprises)

5. Napkin Ring Template & more. We love these pretty napkin ring templates, plus that gorgeous table runner. Going for a rustic chic look? We just found your table decor. (NonPareilMag.com)

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So while I usually try to stick to mainly wedding crafts on this blog (for obvious reasons), I couldn't resist some of these cute holiday projects. Here are some great last-minute craft ideas for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list, or even for that Christmas Eve party your throwing. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

1. Pine Cone Garland. This simple garland easily completes a rustic holiday decor look (and if your pine cones are fresh, it can also make your house smell great too!) (Twig & Thistle)

2. Peace, Joy, Love Pillows. These easy-to-make throw pillows make a perfect holiday gift and you could even use the stencils for something else (like a runner or tablecloth) once the pillows are done. (My Backyard Eden)

3. Gingerbread House. Even if you're like me, who only once successfully constructed a gingerbread house that was anything close to edible, this project looks pretty enticing. Go ahead, give it another shot. (Honestly WTF)

4. Christmas Wreath. This isn't so much a "how-to" but rather an idea: try using branches from the Feioja tree for your next wreath. It's naturally got just the right mix of green, silver, and red, as shown in the photo. (Rummage)

5. Mini Gingerbread Houses. How inventive is this!? Assembling these mini houses so you can easily dip them into your hot chocolate seems like the perfect solution to a (albeit minor) holiday problem. Yum! (Not Martha)

And just in case you're looking for a last-minute ornament idea, try these retro holiday cupcakes from Bake It Pretty.

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Direct from the girls who started one of our fave letterpress studios, Hello! Lucky, comes this: the ultimate book for the crafty bride. Handmade Weddings features over 50 gorgeous crafts, each one with photos and step-by-step instructions. What I love are the ratings (easy, moderate, advance -- most crafts are either easy or moderate) and the classic-with-a-twist projects. Eunice and Sabrina of Hello! Lucky enlisted the help of top weddings stylist, Shana Faust, for the book, so each project feels homespun and beautiful.

The book hits stores in January, but you can try out this excerpted project right now.

Bride & Groom Cake Topper

With a little creativity, guy and girl doll blanks can be transformed into an adorable personalized cake topper. Simply follow the templates or sketch out your own interpretation (you may want to get a couple of extra doll forms in case of mistakes).

Materials

Makes 1 cake topper

• 3 1/2-inch tall male and female wooden dolls (available on Etsy.com or at craft stores)
• Acrylic paints (we used white, red, brown, and black)
• Thread
• 20 to 25 seed beads (we used red)
• Small piece of tulle for the veil
• Decorative button for the veil
• Decorative button or cabochon for the bouquet
• 6-x-1-inch Styrofoam disc (available at craft and floral supply shops)
• One 8 1/2x11-inch sheet patterned or solid text-weigh paper
• 1 yard 1-inch ribbon

Tools
• Pencil
• Paper plate
• Small square brush
• Small pointed brush
• Cup of water
• Paper towel
• Beading needle, or "sharp"
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Ruler
• Pin (optional)

HOW TO
1. Paint the figurines. Lightly mark your design on the figurines in pencil. customize the features to match both you and your fiance -- have fun! Squeeze a dab of each paint color onto your paper plate. Wet your brush in your cupof water, dab on some paint, test the brush stroke on the plate, and begin painting. If the brush is too wet, blot excess water on a paper towel, apply more paint, and try again. Use the square brush for large solid areas, such as the hair or clothing, and the pointed brush for fine details. Rinse your brush thoroughly in water before switching colors. let the figurines dry.
2. Add the necklace. Thread the needle, knotting the thread at one end. String the beads onto the thread until the necklace is long enough to just fit around the bride neck. Tie the loose ends around the neck in a firm knot and trim with scissors.
3. Add the bouquet and the veil. Cut a 1-x-2-inch piece of tulle (larger for longer or fuller veil). Accordion-fold it, and attach it to the head with a dab of hot glue. Add a button on top using hot glue. Attach a decorative button or cabochon flower for the bouquet using hot glue.
4. Decorate the base. Trace the styrofoam disc twice on your paper, and cut out both circles using scissors. Measure the height of your styrofoam base and cut a strip of solid paper that measures as follows: [height of base] x [circumference of base + 1/2 inch]. Note: Circumference = diameter x 3.14. Wrap the paper strip around the side of the base, carefully aligning the top and bottom. Affix with hot glue. Align a circle to the top of the base and affix with hot glue. Repeat for the bottom. Wrap the ribbon around the base, and pin or hot glue in place, aligning its seam with the seam in the paper strip. If desired, add a separate bow to the front of the ribbon.
5. Attach the bride and groom. Using hot glue, attach the bride and groom to the base. Be sure they are facing away from the seams in the paper and ribbon.

VARIATIONS
• Retro Homespun Cover the base in gingham or striped fabric. If desire, add more features to the figures. Or make your figurines out of wooden clothes pins and dress them in tiny fabric outfits. (See www.thesmallobject.com for inspiration!)
• Found Cover the base in found papers, such as kraft paper, tissue paper, recycled gift wrap, or old maps.

Excerpt from: Handmade Weddings: More than 50 Crafts to Style and Personalize Your Big Day. By Eunice Moyle, Sabrina Moyle, and Shana Faust (Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 2010). Photo by Joseph De Leo.

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The holidays are nearly here! And with the cold weather outside, that means there's plenty of time for some DIY projects indoors. If you're in the midst of wedding planning, or you're just starting (congrats!) these projects would look great for a wintry reception.

1. Favor Crackers. Put a grown-up spin on these childhood favorites by dressing up your party crackers with a little lace and some gold stars. Have your guests pop them at the end of the night as you leave for a photo finish. (The Bride's Cafe)

2. Map Basket. Lots of out-of-towners? Give them this as a favor or as part of their welcome basket and make it out of maps of your city. It'll be a fun keepsake from your wedding, especially if you fill it with small candies or other goodies. (Craftzine.com)

3. Mango Body Butter. What better for your bridesmaids during those harsh winter months than some moisture rich body butter that smells like summer? This easy recipe makes a great gift and you can dress up the packaging to really make it stand out. (Bloom, Bake, Create)

4. Chalkboard Bunting. Using muslin and a little chalkboard paint, you can make this cute banner say anything you want (and then wipe it clean to say something else!) (The Scrap Shoppe)

5. Wreath Escort Cards. We're so smitten with these cute wreath escort cards we might just have to use them for a holiday dinner party. The added "snow" look made with glue and clear glitter is so creative! (Project Wedding)

And just for fun, here are a few more awesome holiday projects we love:

This homemade book wreath would spruce up any book lover's door.

Feeling a little Norwegian? Then try out this horse-pattern stocking.

And I'm still cracking up over the idea of making beer bottles into reindeer.

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