Finished aisle runner!

Whew! My aisle runner is done and I am happy with the results. I got instructions from knottie heatherjk on her blog at http://roadtotheaisle.blogspot.com/2007/07/diy-aisle-runner.html
The only thing I did different, which was minor, was use a regular pencil instead of a mechanical pencil mentioned in the link above, thanks to knottie kim&josh. Here's my version of the diy aisle runner. I bought the paint and an assortment of brushes from Michaels, using coupons of course to save some cash. I purchased an ivory french lace aisle runner off eBay for $13.95. It is so beautiful I was tempted to leave it as is:

I took my monogram to Kinkos as a jpeg and had them blow it up to 36 x 36. I then traced the monogram on the aisle runner. First tape the blown up version down then the aisle runner on top of it like this:

I'm tracing away...Finally, it's ready to be painted. This is probably really light, so you can't see it traced on the aisle runner. You can see the blown up version off to the right of it. Pops took this photo for me. He's so helpful!

The next day, I started painting the trees first using the pink color. Make sure you tape wax paper down first, then tape the aisle runner over the wax paper, Mike made himself useful and took these pics for me:

I was rusty at first, but after awhile I got the hang of it. Here's one finished tree:

The trees were a PITA! I decided for the next one it was easier to trace the outline first and then paint it:

I did a total of two coats of acrylic paint on the trees. The finished trees:

Yesterday, I finished the aisle runner using the brown paint on our names and dates. The finished product:

I love how it turned out and it will be a beautiful decoration for the ceremony. I forgot to mention that Mike suggested the monogram be in the middle so I measured it out and put the monogram approximately between 23 and 27 feet. The aisle runner is 50 feet.

OMG!

Okay, I had no idea how tedious this DIY aisle runner would be. Lawd have mercy! I think it's much easier if you choose letter monograms and not some gigantic palm tree ;-)

I started painting tonight; I traced it yesterday. When I'm done, I'll post pics and helpful hints along the way if you choose to do monograms that don't just have letters.

Even thought it's a lot of work, I love how it's turning out so far. It's late and I'm tired; I've been working on the palm tree portion for 3 hours, with a couple of breaks in between. Time for bed. Goodnight ^.^

Added DIY project

I first saw the DIY monogram aisle runner on The Knot and immediately decided I would do one myself. Then I changed my mind, going for a more simple look. Once again, I have changed my mind and just placed my order for my aisle runner. I found an ivory floral lace runner on eBay for $13.95. It is 50 feet in length, as is the aisle I will be walking down. It also comes with the tape to secure it.

I went to Michaels today, and using my 50% off coupon and a 40% off coupon from AC Moore (they take competitors coupons) purchased the brushes and paint for my monogram. This is the monogram I am going to use:

My inspiration for the ceremony decor comes from Knottie Bridestarr, whose aisle was decorated like this:

I plan to have petals on the sides as well, either one or two colors mixed instead of separate like her photo. There will be a swag of tulle and the aisle will be closed off so guests will be seated from the outside. I can't wait until it comes in so I can get started. =)