DIY: Ribbon Pomander

After I found out that we were going to have a smaller number at the reception than I thought, I decided we would have a designated table of fun for the kids to hang out by throughout the night.  I'm not sitting anyone at it during dinner, but it will be there for after with coloring books, games, toys, etc.  It also needed a centerpiece =]
So I made a cute ribbon pomander...with a bit of a twist.  I had started a tulle pomander and never finished it because I changed my mind three different times for the flower girl.  So I used that and added ribbon to it.  I stuck it on a balloon stick and stuck it into a pail that I also thought would be for the flower girl at one point.  Here's what it looks like:

It's not as full as most ribbon pomanders, but the tulle makes up for the other space.  I really like the way it turned out.  I don't have a tutorial for it, but all you have to do is cut strips of ribbon and loop it.  Then use a straight pin and pin through the ribbon and into the styrofoam ball.  Then repeat MANY times.  Be sure to use lots of different widths, textures, and colors of ribbon.
It's a really easy project, it's just a little time consuming.  I was able to do it with all things that I already had, so there was no cost associated with it.  It was a great way to use up extra ribbon that I didn't have a use for anymore.  And I got to use the failed tulle pomander as well!

What's your favorite project that came about from failed projects or leftover supplies??

Kids' Table: Activity Books

One of the things I'd really like to do for the kids at our reception, is to provide them with a goody bag full of fun things to do instead of giving them a favor.  They're not going to have any use for an "adult" favor, and I'd like to provide them with some things to keep them occupied so their parents can enjoy themselves during the rest of the reception.
An activity book is one of the things I'm thinking of doing.  I started doodling up some rough drafts for pages that will hopefully keep them occupied.

(source)  

 I will admit that I'm "borrowing" a few ideas from Heather at We Met in a Bar.

So here's what I've come up with so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the pictures I found just by googling things like wedding coloring pages, etc.  I drew up a few things like the cake, or the connect the dots and matching pages.

I'm planning on just printing these out on regular computer paper and folding them in half.  I really like how simply they are binded in my inspiration picture, so that's probably the way I'll go.

Kids' Table

I've read a lot lately about people have kids-free receptions, and while that might be nice for some people, it just won't work for us.  I kind of like the idea of having a fancy, formal reception without kids present, but at the same time, it wouldn't be us.  We both love little kids, and neither one of us feel like it would be right to not have them present at our wedding.  Kids bring so much happiness and fun to wherever they are, and heck, we're both kids at heart ourselves.

Mr. T and I are both at points in our lives where our cousins and other family members are having babies and raising a family.  To tell them they can't bring their babies and little kids, doesn't make sense for us.  And it wouldn't be logical either.  Almost everyone will be traveling from out of town, and they would either have to leave their kids at home, or at the hotel.  I think that if we did that, most of them just wouldn't show up, because it wouldn't work out for them.  And it just seems a little silly.
Our reception venue has kids' meals for only $7 so its not like it will be a burden on us to have them there.  By early estimates, I believe we will have about 30 kids under the age of 12 at the wedding and reception.  I plan on having them seated with their parents for dinner, but I'm also planning on having a separate kids table full of things to do for after dinner, to keep them occupied for the remainder of the reception.  I've got grand ideas for fun activity bags instead of favors, and all sorts of good things for the table itself.  We'll see how many of them actually come to life, but I do think it's pretty important.  Here are a couple examples:

(source) - Activity books, to make not buy

(source) - Tutorial - Crayon Rolls

(source) - Games to play

(source) - Candy Centerpiece

Etc, etc.  There are so many different options, I just have to pick some, and remember not to spend too much money!

Will there be little kids at your wedding?? If so, what are you doing for them? If not, how come?