There are so many options when it comes to wedding favors. No matter what you choose to give your guests, having a cute way to package the favor is an important detail for your special day. Lily & Val printable favor tags can be used as tags or stickers and are the perfect way to add a personalized detail to your reception.
This first idea includes using the letters from our monogram favor tag download. Simply print and cut out your letters to spell ” LOVE” or print them onto World Label‘s WL-5375, Round Labels, for an easier and quicker application. Layer your letters nicely on your bag to create a decorative front on your bag.
Another great idea with a modern twist is to add a little decoration to your bags before finishing them with a custom label. To make a terrazzo inspired favor bag, simply use watercolors that match your wedding colors and paint a few varied shapes all over the bag front. This takes a little time but once you get the hang of it it is super fun an quick. Enlist a friend or two and have a craft night! Finally, add one of our printable favor tags in your new monogram. If you want your monogram to be in gold or another coordinating color, print the plain favor tags and add your own initial or phrase.
A simple variation is to use our printable Thank You or Love favor tags with your DIY painted bag. What a great way to thank your guests with a special treat as they leave your celebration.
Give one of these simple ideas a try for your wedding or really any get-together! Your guests are going to love their favors in these cute custom bags.
For this month’s Pretty Ordinary Friday #101, we’re documenting snapshots of our month. While our pictures may not be the prettiest or the most interesting, we enjoyed each instance and want to remember them! These are the behind-the-scenes, in-between moments – the small peeks that would otherwise be forgotten. Join us as we use this series to scrapbook the unedited, memorable happenings at Lily & Val and what is inspiring our team!
The team says:
1. “I do not need another chalkboard, but I couldn’t resist this beautiful framed board from Michaels! Love the combo of elegant with rustic!” – Valerie, Founder and Creative Director
2. “Babymooners! We spent a wonderful, unplugged weekend at the Omni Bedford Springs. We did manage to grab a hotel selfie before dinner one night.” – Valerie
3. “Behind the scenes at our Spring Kitchen shoot!” – Valerie
4. “I took a quick day trip to D.C. for an event with Anthropologie and the Crafter’s Box! I had some extra time to be a tourist, too!” – Valerie
5. “Incredibly inspired by my friend Georgianna’s book “Paris in Bloom”. This is a photo of one of the pages, which is also fueling my bee obsession!” – Valerie
6. “Itty bitty chalk florals on my desk!” – Valerie
7. “Gave my studio a print refresh for Spring!” – Valerie
8. “A new design in the works inspired by my favorite tea – Harney & Sons Vanilla Comoro!” – Valerie
9. “This pink magnolia is one of the prettiest faux florals I have ever scene!” – Emily, Creative Coordinator
10. “We set up Nubbins’ crib…mostly so I can start filling it with nursery decor.” – Emily
11. “I’ll take 8 of each please! These reproduction Jadite bowls are so lovely at Hobby Lobby.” – Emily
12. “Picking linen colors for the baby shower!”- Emily
13. “Tea time! And check out this faux peony centerpiece.”- Emily
14. “Took a road trip with my mom to Harrisburg to pick up her new baby – meet Piper Willow!” – Nicole, Shop Assistant
15. “Our little Shamrock is going to finally be a big brother! We rounded out the L&V team with another baby on the way in October!” – Nicole
Spring is in the air…we can just feel it! If you’re looking for a quick way to refresh your wardrobe, adding some colorful accessories will do the trick. These handmade makers offer some beautiful options to add to your warm weather outfits.
Feel like getting something special for Easter? These adorable bunny earrings are super cute and a little on the nose, but they maintain their classy look in this small all gold style.
These beautiful personalized hand stitched bandanas at a festive floral touch to a classic and very versatile bandana. Use as a neckerchief, head scarf, bracelet, or tie to your favorite purse to add a little color to your outfit.
You know how popular bees are around here, so these gold bee earrings are just perfect for any spring outfit. We love how dainty they are.
Bring back that youthful look and add a big hair bow to your look this spring. These chiffon layered hair bows come in some beautiful colors!
If you really want to add something unique to your wardrobe this spring, check out the amazing selection of vintage spring clutches on Etsy shops like the ones seen here.
We hope you enjoy adding some of these items to your spring and summer outfits this year. Happy Shopping!
Our Lily & Val Loves Series contains affiliate links. That means a little bit of your purchase through these posts helps us just a little too! This changes nothing about your purchase price, and we are not asked to feature these items. These are just things we carefully pic because we love them and think you will too! Thanks for helping spread the love! xo
The clocks have sprung forward, the days are longer, and I’m in a Spring Cleaning state of mind (let’s face it, it could also be the nesting)! Especially during this time preparing for baby, I was shocked to find out what’s hidden in a lot of our everyday products. So, I’ve been on a mission to slowly rid our home of toxic cleaners and cosmetics. When I set out to research natural cleaners, I quickly realized it’s much easier and simpler than I thought to make your own! I wished I had been doing this all along!
So, to start my foray into homemade cleaning products, I thought I would share what I made – a DIY nontoxic counter spray cleaner that is very versatile! Apparently, natural “orange cleaner” has been a Pinterest sensation for a while, but this was my first time hearing about it! If you, like me, haven’t given it a whirl yet, this post is for you!
To make the cleaner you will need:
A mason jar (I used a large 16 oz. jar to make my first batch and it yielded enough cleaner for my two spray bottles)
Citrus peels (feel free to mix lemons, grapefruit, oranges, clementines, but for my batch I used clementines)
Essential oils (optional, but I used about 10 drops of clove oil in my batch. I want to try rosemary next time!)
It’s as easy as this:
Fill your mason jar with as many citrus peels as you can fit. Then top it off with vinegar to the brim! Seal the jar.
Now we wait… The mixture will take about two weeks stored in the cupboard in order for the citrus oils to infuse with the vinegar and create a cleaning concentrate. I set a reminder on my phone for two weeks later so I wouldn’t forget.
After the two weeks, strain the vinegar into a pyrex with a spout (this just makes it easy to transfer into your bottle.) It should be a bright yellow color.
Mix one part vinegar solution with one part water. I just eyeballed half my spray bottle with the solution and then topped it off with water. Add your essential oils and shake.
I was able to fill both of my spray bottles and instantly ordered more bottles because I want to try other concoctions! The marker that comes with the chalkboard labels works well with a couple layers of inking. A chance to add some pretty hand lettering to your kitchen supplies – love it!
I’ve been using this cleaner for a couple weeks now and I think it works great! It leaves behind a pleasant smell despite the vinegar. I use this as a counter spray, but it really is an all-purpose cleaner that you could use for any number of tasks! A little disclaimer: I did read online that you should exercise caution when using the spray on granite or marble countertops, stone flooring, hardwood floors, and painted surfaces as it is an acidic cleaner. (My countertops are a faux marble, so it works great for me!)
I can’t wait to try my hand at other cleaning solutions like a dusting spray! I’ll be sure to share if I do. Let me know if you try this and what you think!
The print pictured here was just released with our Spring Kitchen print collection! Find the prints here to give your kitchen art a Spring refresh, too!
Happy March and almost Spring, friends! I’ve been working on spring cleaning lately and getting my house decluttered & refreshed. Nesting is definitely in full swing and watching Marie Kondo on Netflix has certainly added to this! Anyone, else?! So, for this month, I wanted to create a desktop download that also felt clean, simple, and fresh for Spring. I love these pretty pen and ink botanical wild roses and the neutral, calming look for your tech. I hope you enjoy!
To download for free during the month of March 2019 use coupon code: DDMARCH19
When the winter lull and cloudy skies get to you, a great way to beat the winter blues is to pick up a new hobby or skill. We have collected a list of some great DIY supplies and project ideas to help you tackle the long dark evenings. All of the supplies and kits below are from some awesome independent sellers on Etsy, so you can feel good about starting your new hobby and supporting a small business in the process.
Who hasn’t seen those chunky knit projects and thought “I wanna do that”. Make yourself a cozy blanket or pillow with this beautiful selection of merino super chunky wool yarn.
These jumbo knitting needles are perfect for so many chunky knit projects. Once you try these you will be hooked!
I personally LOVE pottery and antique glassware. Salvage some beautiful finds or some of your favorite heirloom pieces by embracing the imperfects with the Japanese custom of Kintsugi. This Kintsugi Kit has everything you need to make the imperfections into something beautiful with gold that highlights the cracks rather than trying to hide them. What a beautiful way to honor the history of a piece.
You have probably seen 1,000 uses for these cute little wool felted balls all over the place. We even did some tutorials on the blog here. If you are in to quick and easy projects, tackle a garland or add these to a plain curtain. They come in so many beautiful colors!
Cross stitching and embroidery are also great to learn because there are so many ways you can use these skills once you learn them. This plant embroidery kit for beginners is so simple and so cute. Start making these little gifts for all your friends and family.
Pressing flowers is a beautiful craft but also an amazing way to preserve and display petals that are special to you. I always collect and press flowers and leaves when traveling to use in a botanical frames or just keep in a journal. This flower press kit has everything you need to press the perfect delicate petal, plus you can have it personalized for you or as a gift for some other creative in your life.
We hope you find a little something to help you grow and learn this season. You never know how far a new hobby or skill may take you.
Our Lily & Val Loves Series contains affiliate links. That means a little bit of your purchase through these posts helps us just a little too! This changes nothing about your purchase price, and we are not asked to feature these items. These are just things we carefully pic because we love them and think you will too! Thanks for helping spread the love! xo
Friends, today we launched the long-awaited Lily & Val Wedding Collection. These products have been in the works for well over a year and to finally share them with you just makes me giddy. I wanted to show you some of the new items and also take a minute to give you a little backstory of why this collection, in particular, means so much to me.
A Little Backstory
I first started drawing chalk art in 2012 right after I got married and that’s where Lily & Val began! Back then, I was making every chalkboard in my garage using chalkboard paint (wearing my very unflattering gas mask) and painting custom signs. As I started this hobby I had no idea Lily & Val would even turn into a business, but my focus was primarily on two things – kitchen & weddings.
As I think back to those early days I realize that seven years later, A LOT has changed, but this core has not. My passion for creating in these spaces is still very much at the center of the business.
Once Lily & Val became known for chalkboard art and I had a growing business on my hands, it was more than I could have imagined. The verse Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” has come to define my life. Many times I’ve forgotten this, but I have to remind myself that His plans are bigger.
As time went on, I started feeling inspired and pulled to create more products and explore other mediums. I will be honest – fear often overwhelmed me and still does at times. I had just written The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering and I didn’t know if other products would be accepted and if Lily & Val could ever be more than chalk. Although I wasn’t abandoning chalk art, branching out was a very scary thing. I think anytime we pivot or explore new territory it is scary. It is unknown and risky. But despite that, I knew deep down that I had to try. I felt in my heart that what Lily & Val stood for (the nostalgia, sentimentality, thoughtfulness, celebration of simple pleasures) could be expressed in other ways.
This transition started with the release of our Keepsake Kitchen Diary in 2015, a recipe keeper combined with a journal for storing memories and stories surrounding each recipe. Mak and I took a HUGE monetary risk to produce this book and had no prior experience in making products, but I believed in it because it was something I myself wanted to own. This item is now the number one selling product at Lily & Val, another step in this journey that is utterly surreal to me.
Through manufacturing the Kitchen Diary, I came to realize that right alongside lettering and illustrating, producing meaningful, sentimental products tops my list of what fires me up.
After expanding our Kitchen line, my sights were set on Wedding. Again, back to the roots of Lily & Val. We first released our Wedding Guestbook in the Fall, a sentimental twist on a traditional guestbook that isn’t just your typical, boring list of names! This product took around two years from concept to completion. We wanted to make sure it was something we ourselves would want to own. So much thought and detail went into this book!
And now today, I’m so happy to release the rest of the collection to coordinate with our Guestbook and expand this category! Although the days of custom wedding signs are gone in this next iteration of Lily & Val Weddings, I still hand-draw & letter every piece (& every item we sell!) And although Lily & Val has branched out to more than chalkboard art, my sense of nostalgia for items that are simple and heartfelt has never been stronger.
It’s a true joy to share these things with you!
I just want to tell you guys again how much it means to me that you’re here- for supporting Lily & Val through the years. There’s much to the story in this post that I did not share – the failures, mistakes, and missteps (of which there are many), but your encouragement keeps me going. Your allowing me to put my heart out there in these products is a gift I could never express enough gratitude for. Bottom line is, I love what I do and you guys are the absolute best.
So, I introduce you to you, the Lily & Val Wedding Collection…
Filled to the brim with pretty, hand-drawn details, sentimental keepsake items, wedding gifts, love-themed art for your newlywed home, and our first ever printable collection!
For this month’s Pretty Ordinary Friday #102, we’re documenting snapshots of our month. While our pictures may not be the prettiest or the most interesting, we enjoyed each instance and want to remember them! These are the behind-the-scenes, in-between moments – the small peeks that would otherwise be forgotten. Join us as we use this series to scrapbook the unedited, memorable happenings at Lily & Val and what is inspiring our team!
The team says:
1. “We spent a beautiful, wintry few days in Bedford for our 7th anniversary! I couldn’t get over this view.” – Valerie, Founder and Creative Director
2. “While in Bedford, we held a little Gender Reveal Brunch for our immediate families. My mom made this teddy bear cake! Isn’t it adorable? It’s the same one she made for me when I was a baby.” – Valerie
3. “And the big reveal… we’ll be adding a little GIRL to our family!” – Valerie
4. “A day of taking my time and antiquing. My favorite!” – Valerie
5. “Behind the scenes shooting the L&V Wedding Collection! I can’t wait to reveal all of these products soon.” – Valerie
6. “Had a little late night watercolor painting session just for fun. I think I will hang this in baby girl’s room.” – Valerie
7. “Look what I spotted for the first time in Barnes & Noble! The brand new Newlywed Keepsake Kitchen Diary (along with a few of our other wedding items)! I was just a little excited.” – Valerie
8. “Playing with Spring flowers on these frigid, winter Pittsburgh days.” – Valerie
9. “Some flower inspiration from my antiquing adventures. Love these!” – Valerie
10. “Yep, we gave in and Marie Kondo-ed all of our clothes! It started with Mak’s drawers (shown here), and I was so impressed I followed suit. Organizing does not come naturally to me, but it does feel REALLY good.” – Valerie
11. “A beautiful Saturday morning breakfast at one of my favorite spots- Ace Hotel in Pittsburgh.” – Valerie
12. “We had the an amazing time taking pictures with my friend Soozie Harrison at home this month. At home photos are the best!” – Emily, Creative Coordinator
13. “I love styling our product photos…especially when that requires flower play!”- Emily
14. “Keeping track of this little bump has been so much fun! So happy we were able to finally share this amazing news with all our family and friends!” – Emily
15. “We call our baby Nubbins…and this antique find is for him/her! – Emily
16. “Hubby is restoring this 1956 radio/vinyl console for baby’s room. So in love with how he fixed anything!”- Emily
17. “Fell in love with these chairs from a Netflix prop sale recently…anyone watch Mindhunter?” – Emily
18. “It’s been so cold here in Pittsburgh, so I love cuddling up by the fireplace with my laptop and pup!” – Nicole, Shop Assistant
19. “I like to make actual breakfast for everyone on Sundays. French toast was requested and I obliged!”- Nicole
20. “Just my little pile o’ puppies.” – Nicole
21. “That will teach me to add the creamer to the cup before brewing…” – Nicole
We all try to make healthy choices, especially this time of year! Since this is usually about the time that those New Year resolutions get a little tougher to stick to, we thought some pretty products would help motivate you to stick with your healthy living choices.
This Leakproof lunch/ snack container with case is a great choice to help you stick to your healthy snacking and eating habits. Whether your are watching your budget or your waistline, this stackable insulated container is cute enough to motivate you to meal prep the night before.
Another item you may need to bring your favorite healthy foods along is this waxed canvas insulated lunch tote. Perfect for him or her, this tote is a great size for all your lunch and snacking options. The face that it looks so great to carry is an added bonus.
We all need to drink more water (especially all the pregnant mommas around here). This glass water bottle is pretty with a cute reminder to drink your daily dose of h2O. Your skin will thank you for using this bottle too.
We all want to cut harsh and dangerous chemicals out of our life. Deodorants are a tough place to make the all natural transition. But give your body time to detox from your usual antiperspirant, and you will fall in love with this all natural safe deodorant. It’s the best we have tried to keep you smelling fresh!
An easy place to cut down on unhealthy chemicals is by ditching your dryer sheets for wool balls . Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh clean scent in your laundry. I love to use lavender and peppermint together on mine.
Last but not least. If you are trying to make healthy choices for your home, try making your own cleaning solutions. There are tons of great tips and recipes online for how to use natural products to safely and effectively replace everything from surface cleaners to bug sprays. Keep your new cleaning supplies organized with this set of 3 tricolor glass spray bottles. You will easily be able to keep your solutions straight, and they are way more attractive to keep around your home than commercial cleaners. I hope you find something to help you make some healthy lifestyle choices this year, or at least make it a little easier to stick with the ones your have already started.
OUR LILY & VAL LOVES SERIES CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THAT MEANS A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR PURCHASE THROUGH THESE POSTS HELPS US JUST A LITTLE TOO! THIS CHANGES NOTHING ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE PRICE, AND WE ARE NOT ASKED TO FEATURE THESE ITEMS. THESE ARE JUST THINGS WE CAREFULLY PIC BECAUSE WE LOVE THEM AND THINK YOU WILL TOO! THANKS FOR HELPING SPREAD THE LOVE! XO
We are so excited about our new Lily and Val Canvas Pouches! This time around they got a little dose of color to make things more exciting!
Since a few of the cards from our Valentine’s day card collection looked so pretty with our new pouch colors, we thought we’d help put some sweet Valentine’s / Galentine’s day gift set ideas together. These ideas are especially perfect for letting the special ladies in your life know how much you love them.
Gift Idea 1:
“She is lovely when she smiles” is just such a sweet reminder for us all that beauty is found in all of us when we are happy. This pouch is perfect for any gal, but we especially love this gift set for the younger ladies on your list. Every young girl deserves a reminder of how lovely she is, right? The sophisticated lavender shade is just right for any age too. Add some cute accessories like a statement earring or cute pair of sunnies (since we are all just waiting for more sun this time of year!) and you have the perfect gift for a special friend or young lady you love. (Our BFF card goes particularly well with this pouch too!)
Gift Idea 2:
Our “Essentials” pouch is perfect for so many occasions. Just pack it full of some of your favorite travel size “essentials”. Here we added items that are great to keep around for a mid-day refresh like rose scented witch-hazel and a quality lavender scented lotion for those long stressful workdays. How about the colors of this gift set with the “We Stick Together” card? Too cute!
Gift Idea 3:
For the lady you love so much and want topamper, we chose this simple “Peony” pouch. Fill it with some pampering items like these amazing organic bath bombs and a little of your favorite essential oil and she will be so happy! Pair with the “Love you lots” card to make her feel extra special.
1. “I do not need another chalkboard, but I couldn’t resist this beautiful framed board from 
4. “I took a quick day trip to D.C. for an event with 
10. “We set up Nubbins’ crib…mostly so I can start filling it with nursery decor.” – Emily
13. “Tea time! And check out this faux peony centerpiece.”- Emily
