Chronicle Books have released a brand new book and it’s quickly becoming one of my favourites for inspiring ideas!  Handmade Weddings, written by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle of Hello Lucky and Shana Faust is the newest DIY book to hit the shelves and I was lucky enough to receive a review copy.

What I loved about Handmade Weddings and what makes it different to some of the other crafty wedding project books I have read, is that the projects are attainable but incredibly stylish.  There’s everything from simple chalkboard paint table numbers to dyed coffee filter pom poms – nothing too glitzy, too hard or too glam, all just delicious little projects you can use to add your personality to your day.

If you’re a DIY novice, help is at hand. The book kicks off with ways of sourcing your own inspiration, tips on what you should DIY or buy, and a guide on how to use the book. There’s a glossary and time line included so you’ll be able to figure out the terms and timing without feeling the littlest bit stressed,

Handmade Weddings is broken up into six sections with the projects reflecting the style – ” Retro Homespun” filled with bright citrus colours and projects like Felt Bud Boutonnieres, hand stitched pocket squares and vintage plate table numbers.

“Girly Romantic” is all about the sweet and decadent with projects like fabric flower veils, ruffle roll purses sand teacup centrepieces. “Happy Graphic” taps into one’s love of bold pattern and features projects like decal table numbers and silk-screened place mats.

“Organic Minimal” taps into the rustic eco mood with rubber stamped confetti bags, and stylish Kraft paper menus.  “Modern Classic” is for the timelessly elegant bride – there’s calligraphy, ribbon drink flags and bow tie napkins and finally, there’s “Found” where up-cycling, recycling and creating items (including  fabric pennants,  flower paper wreaths and  peg-board seating charts) are included in each project.. Each brings with it a colour palette, suggested fonts and suggested styling ideas as well as a handy ‘pulling it together’ guide.

Each project has a rough guideline so you know how long before the wedding you might start it, a budget, time, and the difficulty level. it even notes whether the project is a solo one or one you can talk your girlfriends into helping you out with.

I love that Handmade Weddings is filled with attainable and modern projects – items that you see filling pages of magazines and wedding blogs are yours for the making – stylish and attainable.  The photography is beautiful and the styling guides? Well they’re just the icing on an otherwise inspiring cake! Handmade Weddings is a beautiful choice for a couple who is a little stuck with their DIY projects and wants some inspiration – or if you’re wanting more guidance on your DIY plans.

The girls put together this sweet little video for the book which is so much fun!

Handmade Weddings is available online or at your favourite bookstore now.

I have one copy of Handmade Weddings to give away! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favourite DIY project you’re undertaking for your wedding and why!

Entry closes January 28th 2010 5pm AEST. Entrants must be aged 18 or older. Competition is a game of skill, chance plays no part in determining the winner. This prize is not transferable.