Perfect for spring, summer or outdoor garden weddings, these are our new layered ceremony programs with diecut butterfly.
This design features our pattern based on a traditional Indian print. We’ve started using our own designs as decorative paper so brides and party hosts can have more freedom on color choices. See more handmade designs in our www.KembaCelebrations.etsy.com shop.
Butterfly wedding motif
Layered panel ceremony program
I love being part of the Etsy wedding team. Usually it’s just because I’m inspired by the wonderful designs and crafts that my fellow team members create for beautiful weddings.
But recently we’ve banded together to donate our items to raise money for Haiti Relief. From now until Feb 12, this Friday, the team has donated items for sale, and not just for weddings. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross. Visit the team shop: www.etsywedteam.etsy.com for more info.
Here are some of my favorite items from the Etsy Wedding Team Haiti Relief shop. Get them before they’re gone…and it’s for a great cause.
10 Modern Indian Wedding Designs from Etsy
Today Justin and I are surrounded by beautiful red and gold handmade paisley paper for these layered Indian wedding invitations we are working on for a bride.
Indian Paisley Invitation
And that has gotten me thinking about other Indian wedding design. I love the colors and patterns with Indian design. So I went looking for more! Here are 10 modern and beautiful Etsy finds for modern Indian weddings or Indian theme celebrations.
Indian print purse
The Clutch. For a modern take on traditional Indian prints, look for a tighter, more geometric pattern with few colors. This purse with Indian print has a very modern, sleek look. {handmade by www.BrianaEdelmanDesigns.etsy.com}
Indian silk ring pillow
The Ceremony. I love wedding items that can live beyond your wedding day. And I can see this ring pillow at home on a sofa or a favorite chair as a reminder of the day you got married. {handmade by www.karenyee.etsy.com}
Gold necklace
The Jewelry. Gold jewelry is an important part of traditional Indian bridal wear. For brides who aren’t going to don the full traditional jewelry, a necklace like this, with an intricate gold pendant can be a modern and elegant choice. {handmade by www.eluniaBride.etsy.com}
Indian lotus save the date
The Stationery. For a cohesive wedding design, announce your theme or style as early as possible…starting with the save the dates. This is actually a new layered Indian wedding suite design of ours. It’s inspired by Indian architecture and the lotus, which we’ve turned into a custom pattern.
{handmade by www.KembaCelebrations.etsy.com}
custom wedding flutes
The Toast. Again, these champagne flutes with Indian pattern are a keeper from your wedding day. Great for re-toasts on your anniversary or special holidays. {handmade by www.Laserbird.etsy.com}
Indian cake topper
The Cake Topper. For weddings blending traditional Indian and American ceremony elements, an Indian couple cake topper can bring the styles together. {handmade by www.weddingcollectibles.etsy.com}
Paisley guest book
The Guestbook. The rich deep purple of this custom bound this guestbook is stunning. A beautiful keepsake for a lush, vibrant wedding. {handmade by www.EmersonBindery.etsy.com}
Sari favor magnets
Magnet Favors. How clever. These favor magnets made from Indian patterned fabric are a beautiful way to keep Indian design alive in the home of your guests. {handmade by www.tweedylane.etsy.com}
Mehndi favor bookmarks
Bookmark Favors. For style your guests can take with them, these mehndi patterned bookmarks are cute favors.
{handmade by www.tuccipaperco.etsy.com}
handmade Indian style card
The Thank You. How beautiful are these? As thank you cards, these are almost a second favor for your guests, some of whom just might frame them. {handmade by www.withanindiantouch.etsy.com}
For more Indian design inspiration, check out these pictures.
Lately, we’ve been seeing a lot of interest in our handmade diecut seashell beach wedding invitation.
Seashell and Seahorse Beach Invitation
Beach wedding planning season must be on. And so to help narrow down the many choices out there, here are 10 of my favorite handmade designs for beach weddings found on Etsy.
Beach theme save the date bookmarks
Save the Date. Not only does this save the date announce your theme early on, it’s a bookmark your guests can use again and again…maybe while relaxing on the beach with a good book. {handmade by www.SunshineandRavioli.etsy.com}
Wedding dress shrug
Dress Up the Dress. Beach wedding gowns are often light and airy. But if you want to add a little more va-voom…and still be able to walk easily on sand, this glamorous shrug could be your answer. {handmade by www.Countessa.etsy.com}
Handmade beach wedding signs
The Signage. Handmade custom signs point your guests in the right direction, in a fun personal way. {handmade by www.Funkifolkart.etsy.com}
Shell aisle decoration
The Aisle Decor. These shell balls are a beachy alternative to floral balls for the back of chairs lining the aisle. {handmade by www.magartsypartycrafts.etsy.com}
Handmade beach starfish guest book
The Guest Book. This map covered handmade guest book is a real heirloom piece, not just because of the guests’ words within. But also because of the hand bookbinding work, including coptic stitching.
{handmade by www.OliveArt.etsy.com}
Anchor wedding place cards
The Placecards. Anchors are a nautical alternative to shells and starfish for beach weddings. And these are very unique, very fun placecards. {handmade by www.TimelessPaper.etsy.com}
Starfish place card holders
The Placeholders. Real makes an impact. So as much as you can include real shells, starfish, anchors, etc. to your wedding decor, the more you immerse your guests in your theme. {handmade by www.seasidedesigns.etsy.com}
Handmade shell cake cutting set
The Cake Cutting. The cake cutting is often the signature event of the wedding (after the “I dos” of course!). Beach it up with elegant shell covered cake servers that become a memento of your special day.
{handmade by www.Beadz2Pleaz.etsy.com}
Fish glass sculpture
The Centerpiece. Wow. Forget ice-sculpture, this glass fish inspired centerpiece is elegant eye-candy you can keep. And can I say it again…wow! {handmade by www.ConfectionsInGlass.etsy.com}
Starfish favor tags
The Takeaway. Clean, friendly design makes these favor tags appropriate for a variety of beach weddings, from casual to elegant. {handmade by www.maidavale.etsy.com}
For more ideas for beach theme weddings and parties see this three-part celebrations guide on Polynesian-style beach designs.
Unique Corporate Gift
Even though you design something doesn’t mean you necessarily know how other people will use it. And that’s kinda fun. This week someone saw our chalkboard coasters as a holiday gift for her company’s clients.
Very surprising.
But when I stopped to think about it, very fitting. Handmade gifts can be an affordable, personal way to say thank you in a tough economy when each client kept and won is a triumph…and a gift.
Now, I’ve got to go wrap 88 coasters.
Our Gift Cards
Chalkboard Coaster Gift Set
Inspiration is a wonderful thing. And thanks to smart friends and new designers, I’m getting oodles of it lately.
So even though Justin and I started out designing invitations, we’ve been branching out into clothes, stationery, and now home and office decor. (And no, my head hasn’t exploded quite yet, but it might soon) One thing I’ve relearned along the away is that I love painting boxes!
Here are some of our new handmade designs, soon-to-be-seen in our www.CoolHot.etsy.com shop (and here on www.KembaCelebrations.com of course!)
handpainted jewelry box
handpainted wood trinket box
I’ll say it again: I love painting boxes. So putting our patterns on these wooden boxes was a no-brainer. Each one is painted and decorated by hand by me, and I love every second of it. Check out the beautiful necklace in the top photo. It was handmade by my mother-in-law. And it’s one of my favorite things!
handmade Japanese journal
handmade journals with world prints
In our home, I’m surrounded by papers. Every once in a while, I like to think of new things to do with them. The latest result was these journals. Read the story behind the Italian paper used in the handmade journal here.
Polish inspired paper cut stationery
handmade Korean inspired holiday card
Holiday cards and Stationery in 3D: Justin and I picked up a digital die-cutter a couple of years ago. Who could say no to cutting out your own designs on paper…we couldn’t. And yes it collected dust for a while, but no longer.
By the way, to make room for all these new creations, we are in the process of moving all our wedding and soon-to-be-created social invitations and baby shower designs to a new Etsy shop: www.KembaCelebrations.etsy.com. And the CoolHot shop will be for our handmade office and home decor, stationery and holiday designs.
When people think Scandinavian design, sleek modern furniture often comes to mind. But I’ve recently fallen for the shapes and colors in traditional Scandinavian folk art.
Whether it’s a dala horse, bird or tulip, the clean lines and simple shapes are so iconic that they remain fresh even today. And some of the handmade artists at Etsy have translated these traditional shapes into modern designs.
handmade Scandinavian style jewelry
Red and light blue is still a fresh, modern color combo.
Jewelry by www.margrietje.etsy.com
bird tags
Scandinavian birds and horses are popular for holiday decoration. These bird tags are made from wood instead of paper. By www.makalewakan.etsy.com
paper dala horses
An updated version of the dala horse, made up of paper instead of wood.
By www.ponypretties.etsy.com
Japanese folk fabric bag
This purse is actually made from Japanese fabric, featuring Scandinavian designs. By www.blackkawaii.etsy.com
Scandinavian style pillow
Traditional shape updated for the modern home.
By www.roddyandginger.etsy.com
For the last few days I’ve been deep in design mode, creating new designs, color palettes and products even. Crazy! And I’ll be posting the results here soon.
But as much as I’ve been designing, I’ve also been discovering new blogs to fuel my creativity. These are 5 of my new favorites places for new design ideas, cool artists and general creativity.
papercut art
scissors + paper rock!
For some of the coolest things you can do with paper, scissors + paper rock! is the place. This blog features really talented indie designers. And showcases everything from paper installation art to intricate papercuts done by hand.
http://scissorsandpaperrock.blogspot.com/
Designer DIY
Eddie Ross
Proof that great design doesn’t have to be stuffy or out of reach. Eddie Ross’ blog is full of tips for great style on a normal person’s budget, including entertaining, design, and yes, DIY.
http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/
Paper and Clothing Design
Made by Michelle Brusegaard
Not only does Michelle Brusegaard make some really beautiful handmade paper designs and clothing. She’s also writes like a real person as she shares her life, inspiration and new designs.
http://michellebrusegaard.blogspot.com/
decoupage inspiration
Mod Podge Rocks!
First off, yes it does! For those of you who have yet to discover this miracle in a bottle, Mod Podge is a non-toxic water based glue and sealer that lets you do creative decoupage with paper and fabric. And for great ideas on what you can decoupage, this site is inspiration heaven.
http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/
new indie designers
The Red Thread
A talented children’s art designer, Lisa Tilse has a knack for finding other talented, cool and unique artists. A great place to discover new independent designers.
http://theredthreadblog.blogspot.com/
Sugoi! (Japanese for “wow”) These truly were a find.
Tsumami Kanzashi is a traditional Japanese method of pinching fabric (tsumami) to make hair pins (kanzashi). Of course it’s less easy than it sounds, involving many steps, artistry and precision. I’ve included an instructional video below if you want to give it a whirl.
In the meantime just enjoy this wearable art, available handmade at Etsy. These would make for special bridesmaids gifts, a bridal hair design at weddings or just something to make you feel special everyday.
Japanese Tsumami Kanzashi Available from these Etsy artisans:
Part 2: Design Ideas
This guide is divided into 3 Parts:
Part 1: Hawaiian & Polynesian Celebrations: Culture
Part 2: Hawaiian & Polynesian Celebrations: Design Ideas
Part 3: Hawaiian & Polynesian Celebrations: Music & Resources
Kemba Celebrations wrote this celebrations guide to focus on culture, traditions and design ideas to help you create fun, unique and authentic weddings and celebrations. These ideas can also be used to spice up a beach wedding theme, destination wedding and Hawaiian or Luau theme party or event.
This is by no means a comprehensive guide. So feel free to add your own ideas by commenting below!
Hawaiian or Polynesian Color Schemes
Because of the diversity in art and nature, color schemes for a Hawaiian or Polynesian inspired celebration can vary from traditional to bold.
Green and Turquoise
Classic Color Combo
Seashell and Seahorse Beach Invitation
Brown and Green
Modern and Organic
Etsy Handpainted Cake Topper
Black and White
Modern and Graphic, use with iconic Polynesian tattoo or floral shapes to communicate your theme
Hawaiian Hibiscus Sticker
Orange and Aqua
Modern and Bold
Palm Leaf Diecut Invite
Hawaiian or Luau Invitations
Communicating your theme to guests starts with the invitation (or save the date!). One great thing about Polynesian or luau themes is that postcard response cards designed as real vacation postcards are absolutely perfect! Here are three different ideas for Hawaiian or Luau invitations:
Natural Beauty
For a classic look, incorporate flowers, palms or leaf designs on your invites. Make that more modern by using a bolder color scheme and more iconic shapes.
Cultural Design
Another option is to embrace Polynesian culture with invitations that are based on authentic Polynesian shapes and design. Going this route makes for a more unique invitation and a more engaging experience for your guests. We based this design on Polynesian textiles and decorative details found in Polynesian architecture.
Polynesian Pattern Invitation
Go 3D
For that “you are here” (or soon you will be!) feeling, incorporate 3D embellishments such as real shells, banana or palm leaves, flowers or feathers to your invitation.
Or just go all out. For this invitation box, we used green dyed wood shavings to keep the contents from moving. Inside guests received a diecut invitation, wrapped with ribbon and a seashell, a real reusable coconut cup with aroma beads that smelled like pina colada.
Polynesian Island Invitation Box
Polynesian or Luau Attire
Polynesian brides typically wear wedding pareos or sarongs, which are a single piece of cloth wrapped around the body. Pareos are dyed vibrant colors and often feature a flower print. But these days there are many options, including single colors and different patterns.
Women tie their sarongs as a dress, while the men tie their wraps as a skirt. Sarongs can be white silk for a bride. They would also make beautiful bridesmaid dresses. Or attire for servers or live entertainment at a reception.
And don’t forget the flowers! Because of the Polynesian emphasis on natural beauty, flowers are an important element in any Hawaiian Polynesian-inspired event. Leis are a well-known symbol in Hawaii of love, affection and respect. During a Hawaiian wedding ceremony, leis are exchanged with a kiss between the bride and groom.
Polynesian or Luau Table Decor
Etsy Shell Placecard
A Polynesian themed celebration has many opportunities for texture and dimension.
In addition to flowers, fruit and nuts, consider using textiles, such as woven pieces and block prints. Polynesian style sculpture can be grouped with flowers and candles for unique centerpieces.
Placecards don’t need to be cards at all. Write names on banana leaves or shells, or wrap around starfish. Table numbers can be written on distressed wood.
Unique Guest Books
Tahiti Wedding Tradition
Guests at a Polynesian-inspired event could sign the Tifaifai, (pronounced tee-fay-fay), a traditional Tahitian wedding quilt. During Tahitian weddings it’s wrapped around the couple after they say their vows. With guests’ special messages, it could make a meaningful and lasting memento hung in the newlywed’s home.
Guests could also sign rocks or shells, which can be later displayed in the couple’s home or garden.
Polynesian or Luau Favor Ideas
Hawaiian Kukui Nut Lei
Who doesn’t want to take a little bit of Polynesia home. The right favors allow you to give that gift to your guests. Some ideas:
Kemba Johnson is Creative Director/ Owner of Kemba Celebrations, an invitation and design studio. With her husband Justin Margulski, she creates unique, modern and handmade designs based on cultures and themes. 
