How to Make Unusual Placecards
If you want to show off your creative side by making your own special wedding decorations, consider making unusual leaf placecards. This is an elegant and inexpensive way to add a unique flair to your reception and also make it easy for people to know where to sit. With some simple supplies and a small investment of time, you can come up with a elegent design that you can tailor to reflect your taste and the feel of your event.
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Instructions
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Collect large batches of leaves that you can dry. Plan to get two or three times what you will need for placecards. Dry the leaves by placing each one between two sheets of waxed paper and laying the leaves in the pages of a heavy book, where it will stay for about a week or two. Or, microwave each leaf between two sheets of paper towel until it is dry. Check after about 30 seconds. Just keep in mind that successfully collecting your own leaves will be dependent on the season. However, variations of color and shape in natural leaves can add an interesting touch to your project.
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Buy a bag of already dried leaves if you prefer more consistency in the color and shape and want to save time. Look at arts and crafts store like Michael's (see Resources). Expect dried leaves to be sold in large batches and to come in rich shades. If some of the leaves are curled, flatten them for a few days between the pages of a large book.
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Buy silver or gold markers that have a fine point. You will use these to write each guest's name on a leaf.
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Invite your bridesmaids or close friends to come join you one afternoon to help you with this project. Clear off table space so everyone can work on a flat surface.
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Print out a list of guest's name so you will have the correct spelling in front of you.
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Write each guest's name on a leaf in neat print or script. For a fancier touch, you can even use calligraphy. Just be sure everyone helping is usually the same style and color of ink.
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Store all of the finished leaves in large zippered plastic bags so they will stay safe until the big day.
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Plan to lay one leaf on each plate at the reception. Or, punch a small hole in each leaf and tie a thin ribbon through so you can use it as a napkin ring. If you opt for the latter, make sure the leaf is facing forward so the name is easy to read.
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Attach each finished leaf to a candle if you want your placecards to have more substance than the leaf alone. This can be done by using some heated paraffin wax to stick the leaf on the candle. Paint a second finish of the melted wax over the leaf so it will set permanently. Make a few samples in advance to practice the technique and master the effect you desire.
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Sprinkle the extra leaves (without names) around each table's centerpiece.
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Tips & Warnings
Mount each leaf on heavy paper and put it in a small elegant frame instead of laying it flat on the table or mounting it on a candle. This will give a simple but elegant presentation.
Handle the leaves with great care, as they can crumble or rip easily. Bring some extra blank leaves and the marker to the reception, just in case any placecards get ruined in transit.
