Two amazing projects, one crafter

This week, I came across two projects that are seriously in consideration for the final set of DIY activities. They both fall into the cheap, labor intensive and awesomely creative category - just my kind of projects!

This great idea comes to us from the be-all-end-all of wedding inspiration: Martha Stewart. Does anyone remember she was in jail? Nope, all is forgiven and her wedding mag is king. Currently, this great feature gives ideas for decorating a reception with paper. Paper! Can't get any cheaper or custom than that. What do you think of these place mats? Darling! 

The second project is near and dear to my heart. As many of you know, I was/am obsessed with colonial American history, and I remember doing this exact tin punching project in elementary school. The Vintage Glam blogger who featured this project is planning her own colonial inspired extravaganza wedding and I'm wicked jealous.

I just love projects like this that are taken from everyday life [I mean, who doesn't reenact colonial American household life on a regular basis?? In accurate period dress?] and applied to weddings.

So for the project, you collect tin cans, stencil on a design and go to town with a hammer and nail to punch out little holes. Place a candle inside and you have a beautiful, colonial-inspired table decoration! Rustic, chic, historic. Brilliant!

The B's just chillin at home. [Just kidding, it's at Ms. Livalittle's 2008 Halloween party. But yes, I do own that dress!]