I am very excited to report that this NAH tutorial was featured on Rustic Wedding Chic January 31, 2013!

My husband and I got married this past October.  We made it a point to keep our vows a secret from one another and, although mine ended up being significantly longer than his, I am so glad that we did!  I was moved by his tender, thoughtful words, and amused by his clever wit in his expression of devotion to me.

We had an intimate ceremony in our home.  My Father-in-law-to-be officiated and offered guidance and insight about the bond of marriage.  I wanted to create something to memorialize the loving words that my husband and I shared on our special day along with this benediction.  So, today (only a short three months later…) I finally did!

Mine is a very simple framed collage using burlap fabric and white lace from my wedding, but I encourage you to get creative and add a few dried flowers from your big day or other souvenirs that remind you of that special time.

Step 1: Get Married (ha!)

Step 2: Assemble your materials.  For this project you’ll need the following:

• A frame large enough to display all of your items
• A photo of yourself and your partner on your big day
• Your vows, any other writings or poems that were shared that you want to include
• Fabric from your wedding or decorative craft paper to use as a background
• Glue Gun (a heavier tape, such as masking, could also be used)
• Scissors
• Scotch Tape
• *An iron may be necessary for background fabric

Step 3:

Create your background using the piece of cardboard or glass that comes with the frame.   Place the glass/cardboard on top of your background fabric and outline with a writing utensil that will leave a mark that you can easily see and cut out.  My frame measured 8×10 and my burlap needed to be trimmed to fit the frame.  Iron out your fabric and/or ribbon if necessary.

*If you are using decorative craft paper and you find that that one page is not enough to fill up the entire background, use an additional sheet of the same paper to overlap the first.  You should be able to cover up the seam when you add your mementos.

Step 4:

Trim the vows and photo, if necessary, to ensure that everything will fit in your frame. Experiment with the placement of your vows, photo, etc. to see what layout you like the best!  Once you figure this out – it is time to seal the deal!

Step 5:

Attach your background items first using a glue gun to make several small dots along the edges and pressing.  (I use my scissors to press the fabric down on the hot glue so I don’t burn my fingers.)   I added a strip of white lace to each side of the background.

Step 6:

Affix vows and photo to the background – I used scotch tape for this.  Carefully place the entire piece into the frame.  Double check to make sure that nothing has shifted out of place before closing up the prongs on the back of the frame.

Step 7:

Enjoy your treasured memories in style!