Why do Flower Girls Throw Petals While Walking Down the Aisle?

Regardless of why they do, it's quite a lovely tradition, isn't it? I've read various musings about how the tradition started and why it even exists. Perhaps the sweetest is that, by preceding the bride while dropping colorful flower petals, the flower girl is ensuring that the bride's final walk as a single woman is a cheerful and beautiful event.

Some cultures also feel that, by decorating the aisle with rose petals, the flower girl is bestowing upon the happy couple the blessing of many happy children.

Many, many lovely items have decorated wedding aisles but I'd only just learned of delicate little paper snowflakes being gently tossed by the flower girl. And - even prettier - sparkly glittered snowflakes! A new friend asked me to make her hundreds of small, glittered paper snowflakes in the colors of her wedding decor. First of all, I am overwhelmingly flattered to be a part of such a special occasion. But I also think this is the most darling idea I've heard in ages!

Imagine the beauty of sparkly little snowflakes as they catch the light while gently floating to the ground. Too lovely!

Sweet wishes to you ♥
~windypoo

Butterflies that sparkle? Yes, please! How to make your own hand-glittered paper ~

Butterflies cut from Handmade Glitter Paper

I just finished crafting 800 (yes, I said 8 HUNDRED!) of these darling little Butterflies in sparkly, rich gold. I can't wait to see how the lovely lady who purchased them intends to put them to use. 

What makes these little guys so especially gorgeous? I make my own glitter paper and you can, too! Here's how: 

• Clear a large work surface because this can get messy! 

• Start with a thin, white cardstock or flexible NON-glossy photo paper.

• Using a large soft paintbrush, apply a VERY THIN coat of non-toxic glue over the entire sheet of paper (white school glue works perfectly). 

• While the glue is still wet, sprinkle your favorite extra-fine glitter over the entire surface of glue-coated paper.

• Gently - with a very light touch - rub the glitter into the wet glue using circular motions. This is why you want the layer of glue to be very thin: thick glue + glitter = gloppy glittery porridge.

• After the entire sheet is covered with glitter, carefully shake off loose glitter, then quickly rub in a second layer of glitter.

• Place the wet, glittered sheet of cardstock/paper between two pieces of wax paper (cut larger than your paper) and press under a large book or heavy object overnight.

• When you are certain that your glitter paper is completely dry, have fun using it any place you want a boost of sparkly goodness. I've used paper punches as tiny as 1/2" on this paper with no problem. 

Lots of work? Yes! But worth the effort? Absolutely!! I am yet to find a 'glittered card stock' in craft stores or online that brings this much sparkle, giving each little cut-out a genuine hand-glittered look.

Go ahead ... try it! We both know you can do this ♥
~windypoo