Tag: DIY Wedding

DIY: Wedding Bouquet Jewelry

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By Blerona

Bouquets! What can we say about a wedding bouquet other than they are the second or third most important part of your wedding day accessories. There are always so many new trends every season that go away as quickly as they come and some that always stay with us. Like wedding bouquet jewelry, where pearls or Swarovski elements are placed in between or in the middle of a flower itself. And the look is well, Glamorous and Beautiful without looking tacky. While looking online for bouquet jewelry I realized they can get a bit pricey, so I decided to make my own DIY versions.

Bouquet jewelry usedSwarovski Pear shaped sew-on jewel, 8mm faux pearl, ss20 Swarovski flatback (crystal) -Directions for each below

Materials:

Optional Swaroviski elements and pearls

Learn How to make this eco-friendly vase, same bouquet jewelry as photo above


Directions For flat back rhinestones, & H.F. Swarovski Pearl:

  • Step 1: Take straight pin and dip the flat end in E-6000 glue and stick it to the flat surface of the rhinestones or half pearl.
  • Step 2: let it sit for about 20 minutes before placing in flower.

Directions For Swarovski pear sew-on jewel:

  • Step1: Measure and cut a piece for cardboard foam that fits exactly behind the sew-on jewel.
  • Step2: Stick two straight pins in the cut cardboard foam and place glue ontop of the straight pins and cardboard then stick to the back of the pear sew-on. Let it sit for 25 minutes before placing in flower.

Directions for Faux Pearl Strand

  • Step1: Take a straight pin and dip it in E-6000 glue about 1/2″ on the flat tip. Then take one pearl from the strand.
  • Step2: Take the straight pin and slip it threw the hole in the pearl. Clean the pearl for extra glue and let it set for 20minutes before placing in flower.

Magnetic Save The Date Cards!

By Kristin

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You just got engaged, congratulations!  Now time for some fun and planning your big day, but not before picking the date.  Once you have your special day picked out, make sure your guests will know far enough in advance to save the date.  Save the date cards are important to remind your guests so that you can work on the invitations and send out final details later.  This is a great time to express who you are as a couple, fun and quirky or romantic and serious?  Use these traits to personalize your card. 

 My brother used a really neat trick to make his cards for his San Diego wedding, refrigerator magnets!  You can pick up magnet business cards from any office supply store (I suggest Avery brand #8374, you get 30 for $12).  You can make a simple card that states the date with the bride and groom’s name.  If you are really creative you can use a photo editing program to make a custom design using an engagement photo or make a monogram to put on the card.

So how does M&J factor into this?  Try embellishing the magnet with a simple ribbon loop at the top, some new refrigerators won’t let a magnet stick, and some people just don’t like magnets on their refrigerators (like my mother).  The loop will allow them tack it on a cork board for safe keeping.  Make a little loop at the top and glue it down with some e6000 glue, add an SS20 rhinestone for that ‘Bridal Bling’ and you are done.  They are a super easy project that can save you a little money in the long run.

The magnets are light enough that one postage stamp should suffice, but just to be safe, take one to the post office and have it weighed.  While there be sure to check out their wedding stamps that they offer every year.  Congrats, and have fun planning!

The Perfect Wedding Cake

Besides deciding on the flavor of your cake, most brides and grooms are also concern about the appearance of the cake itself.  After all, it’s one of the most important part of your wedding day and your first anniversary.  Leave the flavor of the cake to your taste bud because I’m pretty sure you’ll know what you like.  As for the adornment of the cake, that’s the important part.  Of course you want something memorable and matches the theme of your wedding.  This can easily be done by using satin ribbons and Swarovski rhinestones.Just use colors that best matches your theme.    For instance, the cake above used 5/8″ and 7/8″ satin ribbon in baby blue and black.  The flowers on the cake were also embellished with Swarovski flatbacks.  Who would have thought that ribbons and crystals can make a big difference on a cake that leave memories of a lifetime. 

You can also use crystal sprays on top of the cake.   If you’re really like to customize your cake, you can add a personalized printed ribbon.  It can have your names and the wedding date on it.  Then embellish it with some rhinestones. 

DIY Bridesmaid's Dress

By Kristin

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As many of my loyal blog readers can tell, I’m a pretty crafty person. Some of you may not know I’m an avid seamstress too. For this week’s blog I decided to make a Bridesmaid’s dress and embellish it with items from M&J. Granted, my best friend isn’t using purple in her wedding.   My Sister-in-law probably won’t either, but at least I made a pretty little dress I can wear again. You don’t even need to make the dress, you can buy something simple off the rack and go from there.  It’s a more cost effective (and more custom) alternative to Box Store Bridesmaids’ dresses.
I used McCalls #4460, view C. For the dress I used a Purple/White cross woven Silk Dupioni. Not shown is the black tulle along the bottom.  You could even use a jazzy black lace along the hem instead! I used a 24mm Silk Satin Ribbon in Black for the belt, and Rhinestone Buckle #32367 in Jet/Black Diamond/Gunmetal.  The top of the dress is edged in the 15mm Black Organdy Ribbon with a 9mm Black Silk Satin placed in the middle. I simply used Unique Stitch glue on the ribbons and it holds really well.

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If you want to take a store bought dress and embellish it, pick a simple dress with very little details already on it. You can add a ribbon belt as I have, use a beaded trim around the top or on the waist, add Sew on Rhinestones or use a silk flower.

Unity Candles

By Kristin

 candle

My husband and I were originally not going to use unity candles, but I thought it would be a nice thing to incorporate into our short ceremony.  Unity candles are used to represent the love of the two families for the Bride and Groom coming together as one happy family.  Usually there are two taper candles and one pillar.  The parents of the bride and groom light the tapers and in turn the bride and groom light the pillar candle with the tapers making the union complete. 

I used a pretty taffeta ribbon that has a great sheen to it and accented with a coordinating rhinestone button.  You can pick any ribbon/button combo you like, I just happen to love purple colors, so that’s what I used here.

Note:  Before you look into having a unity candle, be sure to ask your venue if you can have live flames from candles.  Some places will not allow them.

 

Materials Used:

 Tools:

 Direction

Wrap the ribbon around the pillar candle and tie into a bow.  Sew the rhinestone button to the middle of the knot.  The same technique can be used for the taper candles as well, the rhinestone button can be left off the tapers and just a simple small bow tied towards the bottom.

A Touch of Gray (DIY Bridal Shoe Clip)

By Kristin

The hottest trend it seems lately is that brides are heading towards shades of gray for the new accent color.  They are incorporating into everything ranging from the invites to the wedding dress itself!  I decided to create a simple pair of shoe clips done in this hot new shade to show how versatile it can be. 

 Shoe clips were at their most popular during the Victorian era, they were used to dress up your shoes, but could also be clipped to hats, scarves, and bags.  I’m a huge fan of shoe clips, I usually make my own using mostly buttons and ribbons, but I do have a few vintage pairs too.  Why not try to make a pair today, you’ll quickly see how addictive it is to own a ‘new’ pair of shoes!

 

 

Materials Used:

 

Instructions:

  1. You will need 2 pieces of ribbon measuring 8 inches and two measuring 3 inches.
  2. Fold the ends of the 8″ ribbon towards the middle and glue in place with Unique Stitch Glue, then take the 3″ piece and fold over the ends about ¼” and glue in place.  Wrap the small 3″ piece around the center of the long folded piece to cover the seam, glue in place.
  3. Take your needle and thread and sew the shoe clip to the back of the ribbon.  You can use E6000 as well, but I find that the thread holds up better over time.
  4. Take your rhinestone button and clip off the shank back (the small metal loop on the back).  Clip it as close to the back of the button as you can, a little extra remaining is okay, so long as the button lays flat.
  5. Glue your button to the middle of the front of the ribbon.
  6. Let everything dry overnight. 
  7. Clip on and look gorgeous!

Mother's Velvet Ribbon Wedding Corsage

By Kristin

 

 

 

The mothers of the bride and groom are just as important as the couple, if it wasn’t for them, you probably wouldn’t be the person you are today.  Why not give your mom something she will be able to use again?  Corsages are a great way to get crafty.  I made one from 50mm Velvet ribbon in Scarlet with Moss leaves.  This was very easy to make and only took about 20 minutes.  I then sewed on a pin back (item #32247) to anchor it to a 16mm velvet ribbon wrist tie.  This way, after the wedding, the rose can be worn on a jacket, pinned to a pillow, or added to a purse!

                       

Materials

·      1 yd of 50mm Velvet Ribbon – Scarlet (flower)

·      Two 6” pieces of  50 Velvet Ribbon – Moss (leaves)

·      1 Pin Back #32247 – 1 ¼” Nickel

·      ½ yard 16mm Velvet Ribbon – Scarlet (wrist tie)

·      Needle

·      Matching threads for ribbon colors

 

Instructions

  1. Start by threading your needle with the flower colored thread.  Make a knot on the end.  Start threading through the bottom edge of the length of the ribbon until you reach the end – about 1 stitch every ¼’.  Pull the ribbon down the thread until it is scrunched up all the way, knot the thread securely.
  2. Simply roll the ribbon into a flower shape and sew the bottom together to keep it’s shape (from the underside).
  3. The leaves are a little trickier.  Start by threading your needle with the leaf color thread.  You have to take the ribbon in the middle top edge and pinch it to a point, sew the point down.  Now you have to gather the ends and shape them with your fingers to create the leaf shape.  Sew the ends to secure.You are ready to sew the leaves onto the bottom of the flower.  Sew the ends of the leaves to the middle of the flower.
  4. Sew the pin back to the middle of the flower.
  5. Pin the flower to the wrist ribbon.  You can pick a pretty keepsake box to present it to her   in so she has somewhere to store it for years to come.

Do-It-Yourself Bridal Package (Customize Your Own Hot-fix Rhinestone Motif)

By Kristin

 

This weekend I’m throwing a surprise engagement party for 2 of my very good friends.  I decided to make each of the brides a tote bag filled with supplies that will help them plan their big day.  Since I wanted to make something they could use after the wedding, for trips to the green market or beach, I decided to gear each one towards their unique personalities. 

For Cristina I chose the Swarovski Rhinestone Peace Sign iron-on motif and a 12mm Square Sequin Trim in Silver to decorate an eco-friendly cotton tote.  I started by ironing out the tote to get rid of the wrinkles and then ironed on the hot-fix rhinestone motif.  I then used the Unique Stitch Glue  to glue the sequin trim around the edge of the bag and on the handles.  I used the Unique Stitch instead of the Sobo Craft Glue because it is washable.

Deciding what to fill the tote with was a challenge.  It’s not a bridal shower, so home goods were not something I wanted to include.  I decided to instead add some helpful planning books and a t-shirt personalized with their new to-be name. 

I looked around for places that customize t-shirts with rhinestones and designs… they were expensive!  I then remembered that M&J Trimming had these new Heat Seal Films  for the Swarovski Hot Fix Rhinestones!  I picked up 1 small pack of SS10 Crystal and one 13.5″ x 6″ Heat Seal Film.  I then printed out her new name on plain paper to use as a template.  I used a tweezer to place the stones one by one (stone side down) on the film until the design was done.  After you have finished your design, you can just iron it on like any of the other appliqués that M&J Trimming offers.  *Remember, when doing designs for a template; make sure the image is mirrored so when you iron it on, it isn’t backwards.

This was a really fun project for to make for friends, and I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they arrive at the party.  Congrats to my friends Sam and Joey, and Cris and Mike!

Bridesmaid Organza Beaded Necklace

By Kristin

 

Your flowers are picked, the tuxes are rented and the invitations have all been sent out.  You thought you were finished with the wedding plans when you remembered that you need gifts for your attendants. 

Like most brides, I gave my girls jewelry to wear on the day of, but made sure it was something they could wear again and again over the years.  It seems that a lot of web sites offer jewelry you can buy, but I find it all looks the same after a while. 

This week’s blog is devoted to making a custom necklace that your bridesmaids will love.  It’s fast and easy to make and perfect for a summer or fall wedding.  The colors are also very easy to change according to the colors of your wedding.  I just chose green because it was so pretty and vibrant.  Use this tutorial to make a necklace inspired by mine, or copy it exactly, the options are endless!

 

Materials:

 

Hardware:

Instructions: 

  1. The first step is to glue the rhinestone into the center hole of the flower charm.  Dab a tiny amount of glue into the hole using a pin or toothpick, and then drop the stone into it with the tweezers.  Let this dry for 10 minutes.
  2. Once the rhinestone is dry, you can glue the charm to the center of the shell pendant.  Put a little bit of glue on the back of the flower (not too much or it will ooze out the sides), and stick it on the shell.  Let this dry while you work on the ribbon necklace.
  3. String a bead onto the ribbon 2″ from the end, and make a knot on either side to keep it in place.  Make a knot about 1 ½” – 2″ away from the bead you just did, string on a bead, make another knot on the other side of the bead, repeat until you have all the beads knotted and strung leaving 2″ on each end of the ribbon.
  4. String a clamshell clamp on the end of one of the ribbons and make a double knot right at the end, dab a little glue here and let dry, repeat with the other side.  When the glued ends are dry you can clamp the clamshell closed.  This will give a nice finished end to the ribbon so it doesn’t fray over time.
  5. Using the pliers add an open jump ring to the cent of the ribbon and add the pendant, close the jump ring.
  6. Use the pliers to add the closure to the end clamps as well.
  7. Wrap up your completed necklace in a pretty box for your bridesmaids to wear on the big day.