It has happened.
It happens to brides all the time, and I’m afraid I, too, have also fallen victim to that saucy little vixen known as Etsy. It’s like a drug, I’m telling you.
The only problem is that my bank account doesn’t exactly allow for frivolous purchases, especially ones involving adorably handmade wedding items that make it SO HARD to prevent myself from clicking that tempestuous “add to cart” button. Observe exhibit A:
Image via Etsy/ Seller Lollipop Workshop
Etsy seller Lollipop Workshop makes THE MOST adorable custom cake toppers (which other Bees before me have understandably purchased!) The only thing preventing me from placing an order is the $150 price tag–OUCH. But, being the slightly narcissistic crafter that I am, I started thinking that if Lollipop Workshop can create such fantastic little cake toppers, why can’t I do the same thing? So, that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Anyway, there’s only so much I can do with this project until it gets closer to the day, because there’s no way of knowing at this point what Mr. A and I will be wearing or how my hair will be styled, etc. HOWEVER, I did buy the necessary wooden materials (which came to a whopping $10, by the way) and the appropriate paint and painting supplies (another $5) which will more than likely be half the money I’ll be spending TOTAL to make this little sucker. Ok, are you ready for a little sneaky-peek? Gah, I’m SO EXCITED! Here we go!
Me and Mr. A, naked peg people version! (Photo by Miss Armadillo.)
Overall, I am SO EXCITED with how they’re turning out. Sure, they may be a little less polished looking than the Etsy version, but I definitely think going the DIY route has been the better choice for me (and for the pocket-book!) And the best part is that I can proudly proclaim to inquiring guests that “I made that!” I think Lollipop Workshop is an amazing artist, and I wish I could match the skills in terms of painting and general creativity. However, when working with a budget well under the $10,000 mark for the entire wedding, every dollar counts. I’ve found I can sacrifice some of the aesthetic appeal for the sake of doing some serious penny-pinching in the cake topper department.
What DIY projects have you been surprised to find come out as good as they did? Could you ever trust yourself to replicate a more expensive option of something to cut back on spending?
Go out and be DIY inspired! Who knows? You might even surprise yourself!
uniquelymebridetobe 
I also fell in love with lollipop workshop’s cake toppers but can’t afford one and want to try making my own.. where did you get the supplies from??
yours look great by the way!! =D
Hi Shanon,
I purchased all my supplies at Hobby Lobby (if you don’t have one of those in your area, I’ve heard Michaels is very similar.) Wooden balls for the heads, the clothespins(?) for the bodies, the wooden base for them to stand on, all the necessary paints, and some spray acrylic sealant was everything I purchased. I’ll have to go back eventually for the moss for the surface of the base and the fabrics for the clothing, but it’s bound to come out way less than what these babies go for on Etsy!
I hope this helps some–happy DIYing and thanks for stopping by my blog! 🙂
-R
These look amazing! I love lollipop workshop, but am definitely on a budget.
What size are the wooden ball heads? None of my local craft stores have them in stock and I’ll have to order it online. Thanks so much!
Hi there, your cake toppers are fab! Could I possibly ask what kind of wooden balls you used for the heads and did you have to cut off the existing small ball on top of the peg ? Xxxx
have you a picture of the finished product?