DIY Fabric Flowers #1

In an attempt to flex my creative muscles, I searched some of my favorite "Do-It-Yourself" blogs and found a few tutorials for fabric flowers. These are the perfect projects for me because they are simple and I'm currently obsessed with the trendy, hair flowers for kiddos and trendy adults!

These could be a great addition for the trendy bridesmaids!

This tutorial came from Simply Vintagegirl Blog and was super fun! I'll admit, I was a little nervous about this project because it involved fire...but it was easy!

Materials:

Cardstock
Scissors
Fabric (a silky, synthetic fabric)
A tea-light
A bead (or button...really anything you like for the center of the flower)
Glue gun (or needle and thread, if you are more awesome than me!)
Hair Clip

First cut 5-6 circles out of the cardstock. You want the largest circle to be about 1/2 an inch larger than you want the finished flower to be and the remaining decreasing in size slightly each time.

Next, use the cardstock circles as a pattern to trace the circles onto your fabric with a pen before cutting them out.

To create the petals, cut 4-5 slits into each fabric circle. When I did this first one, I didn't cut deep enough into the circle. You want to cut about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way into the circle...this will help with the next step.

This is the "hard" part. You are going to use the tea light flame to crinkle the edges of the petals. Hold each circle approximately an inch away from the flame. Be very, very careful as it is NO fun when you burn yourself! Make sure to rotate the circle so it doesn't catch on fire.

When you have done that will all the fabric circles, you simply need to attach each of the circles together. I "cheated" and used a glue gun!

Lastly, glue your bead or button into the center of the flower, a small piece of cardstock to the bottom to stabilize it a bit and, finally, your hair clip...and BAM, you're done!

Of course, I had to try it out on our little model...but she wasn't too happy about it!

Sorry these photos are so horrible!

This is the last post where the photos come from my phone!
We are moving on up!

DIY From Green Wedding Shoes

I saw this post on Green Wedding Shoes this morning and I just had to share! It is a DIY project that will result in some fun, couture shoes for your big day! I love Green Wedding Shoes because they always feature the most creative weddings and parties. Check them out and you'll see what I mean! Enjoy!

You will need some comfortable shoes to start – she found these at shoebuy.com (Nina brand). I love Nina brand and have been luck at DSW. You will also need some nylon fishing line and some silk chiffon fabric in the color and/or pattern of your choice! I recommend buying a yard so you have extra.

Next cut two pieces of fabric. 15″ x 13″ in length. Then fold the fabric in an accordion style with the 15″ length longest.

Take the fabric and tie a lose knot around the front of the shoe. This is why it’s important to use a shoe the has a narrow middle part in the front.

Next, cut four pieces of fishing line about 30″ long. Then push one side in so there is a nice small bump and wrap the fishing line around where my fingers are below. Tie in a knot on the underside so you won’t see it. Wrap the fishing line around again and knot again.

Do that again so you have two small sections on each side. And then repeat on the other side.

Once you have the first shoe done, go ahead and repeat on your second shoe. Once you have your shoes done, trim the ends so they match each other in length.

How great is that! Easy, Affordable and Fun! Just had to share! If you end up using this guide for your big day, please share!

top left photo by Sarah Yates, all other photos by green wedding shoes

PURE by Justin Alexander

I'm a big fan of Justin Alexander so I was double thrilled to learn of the PURE collection, which features eco-friendly, organic and biodegradable styles. Apparently, this is the first major wedding dress collection to feature all organic fabrics in a modern style.

Not only are the fabrics entirely organic, the pure silks and cottons used to make the gowns are produced without pollutants, pesticides or chemicals. Furthermore, there are no harmful dyes or bleaching processes used to make the dresses.

Locally, you can find the PURE collection at Gabrielle's Bridal.

{Fabulous Find Friday} Bird Cage Veils

There are some truly fabulous finds out there...so every Friday, I'm going to share some that I've come across! I hope you enjoy!

Today, I'm lovin' these hair accessories and bird cage veils from Designs by Portobello. But after these photos, who wouldn't???

One of my favorite things...

I have a passion for shoes! When I see a chick with bright colors and patterns on her feet, it literally warms my heart because I see shoes as a piece of wearable art! With the perfect pair you can subtly (or unsubtly!) tell the world that you are fierce, brave, sexy, trendy or whatever! I love it!

My favorite new trend is that brides are doing just that...adding a spice of color to their big day wardrobe with gorgeous shoes! The tiny and well-planned details like this are one of my favorite parts about planning weddings!

This is my dear friend Mallory! She wanted to make an impression with these gorgeous stems and she did just that!

Photo by Studio Tran

I'm a little bias with these photos because these are MY wedding shoes! I love blue and wanted to show it!

Photo by Kase and Alli Photography

Here are a few randoms I found online:

Don't be scared to be different and daring! It's fun!