Bloom Galentine's Day

This past weekend, we attended Bucks County's most decked out Galentine's Day event that's ever hit town (Leslie Knope would have been proud!)

The event was hosted at Bloom Flower co. and featured a great line-up of vendors who all contributed to the event. Roll call...

Florals: Bloom flower co. // Photography: Renée Nicolo Photography // Makeup: Anna Sky Beauty // Cookies: Snacky French // Jewelry: Marnie Lewis Jewelry // Balloon Installation: Peonies Events  // Vintage Furniture: Fox & Finch Vintage Rentals // Design & Marketing: Alisa Wismer Design // Cocktails: Boardroom Spirits // Charcuterie board & snacks: Down to Earth Cafe

The event was basically a go-at-your-own-pace style event, where we were free to mill around and chat as well as visit the vendor tables around the space. Anna Sky was mixing up some perrrrty lip colors and making gals look FABULOUS!

Flower cones with Bloom! Kelly always has the freshest, most gorgeous flowers in her shop, and this weekend was no exception! She's got a fun, modern take on floral arrangements and we can't get enough!

^That's her!

Thankfully we had some snacks from local Down to Earth Cafe, and delicious cocktails from Boardroom (which, going to be honest, were SOMETHING MIGHTY STRONG and delicious, but also strong– not complaining...) Both are Bucks Co. local, and offer a variety of events throughout the year. 

Marnie Lewis was here to help us make these super cute, simple charm bracelets! We were definitely tempted to choose the 'Wine & Coffee' charm, but reluctantly resisted (to hide our true identities)

Kristi from Snacky French is a baking master– she baked a ton of cute little heart cookies, and rolled out some fun colored fondant for us to stamp our own Galentine's cookies! We definitely loved the 'Leslie Knope 4Ever' cookies and, of course, the crazy cat ladies in us had to pay homage to our furry little friends...

The amazing balloon decor and this super cool paper backdrop wall were provided by the sweet ladies at Peonies Events! They actually HAND-CUT every flower on that wall– crazy, right?!

The CUTE vintage furniture was from the lovely ladies, Abby & Meg at Fox & Finch Vintage Rentals (those blue sofas really were the most comfortable things ever!)

Who let these goons into the party? Of course we managed to come out with some awkward shots, because, well... that's our thing, but we did manage to get one that portrays us as normal human beings just enjoying a fun gals day out. 

Ok, seriously so, so fun! Thanks to all the vendors and Bloom for hosting an awesome event that we can't wait to attend again next year!

AND shoutout to Renée Nicolo Photography for these killer photos! She captured everything so perfectly, and was kind enough to let everyone share and blog these photos, so thanks Renée!

#bloomgalentines
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Five DIY Valentines

Whether you're hard-core pro-Valentine's Day or 100% anti heart day, or somewhere in between celebrating Galentine's Day, we've got some fun last-minute Valentine DIYs anyone can whip up for their boo, gal pal or freshly-delivered pizza.



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1. Valentine Coupons





A modern take on those love coupons everyone used to give their mom when they didn't have money to buy her gifts– but you can personalize them with basically anything you want!

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2. Scrap Paper Valentines





Don't throw those random paper scraps away– use 'em to create some quirky little Valentines instead! Simply cut out some hearts, draw on your faces, and decorate to your heart's content!

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3. Wild About You



  

Probably our favorite one– I mean who doesn't love a DIY that involves mini plastic animals?! We grabbed some scrap card stock, a brush and some black paint and painted the zebra stripes, then added our little message at the top. Poke 2 little holes to string the twine through, and voila! A valentine fit for a king (of the jungle)

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4. We're a Great Match





This one's super easy– we just took a box of matches, cut a piece of paper to size, and wrapped/taped it around the box... so quick and simple! Write a little message on there, and you're good to go! Also how cute is this candle from Annie Seo?! Can't find the strength to burn it (probably ever...)

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5. Animal Envelopes





Can't get much easier than this– take some colored construction paper and cut out some ears (of course a cat was our first choice) then doodle on a face with a Sharpie, and you're done! Slip a little note or card inside, too!

There you have it friends, five easy DIY Valentine's for everyone on your list! Have fun making them, and as always tag your projects with #rayandablog so we can see what you made!

DIY (NOT YOUR TYPICAL) FELT BANNER

So you may be thinking, 'oh look, another felt banner.' Yes, this is a felt banner DIY, but it's next level. Why commit to one phrase when you can customize it to whatever you want whenever you want?! You may already have some of these supplies in your craft corner, but if not grab ten bucks and head to pick them up! In honor of February we used some cheesy love phrases.

M A T E R I A L S

+ Thick piece of felt 

+ Wooden dowel 

+ Felt letters

+ Sticky back Velcro 

+ Glue gun

+ Scissors 

+ Twine, ribbon or yarn to hang the banner

^ can you spot the kitty paw?

S T E P   O N E 

Cut the bottom corners of the felt banner making a point in the center of the felt. You may want to grab a ruler or something with a straight edge to help make this even.

S T E P   T W O

Saw or snap the wooden dowel so that it is sticking out a bit further than the width of the felt banner. Flip the felt banner over and roll the wooden dowel into the felt. Use your glue gun to secure the felt onto the dowel and hold down for about ten seconds.

S T E P   T H R E E

Using just the rough Velcro, begin to cut strips into squares to stick on the felt letters. The rough Velcro will stick to the felt banner while the softer strips of Velcro will not. Peel off the plastic on the back of the Velcro squares and stick onto the back corners of each felt letter.

S T E P   F O U R

Line up the letters onto your felt banner, flip over and press down firmly so the Velcro sticks onto the felt.

Switch up the felt banner as often as you want for celebrations, holidays, countdowns and more! The possibilities are endless. Share your banners on Instagram and tag @rayandablog - we would love to see them!

#morebangforyourbuck