Something Special This Week

Last week, I spent a lot of time posting about hair bows that I have been making. I love making them because they  really are a quick and easy project. Anyway, this week I am going to spend some time posting on something else I love to make: Bridal Bouquets!


Yes, I love to make bouquets to highlight a woman's special day. I have made several, including a couple made of beaded flowers, faux flower bouquets and ribbon flower bouquets. These make me so happy when I get them completed, maybe because I made my bridal bouquet out of crochet flowers that I spent months on. Maybe it's because I know that for a bride, having certain things done in just the right way can add those oh so special touches to their big day.


Anyway, later this week I will be posting bouquets of several bouquets. Most will be for sale, and one is a custom order and already spoken for. Hopefully, I've piqued your interest enough to come back!

Hair Bows, pt 3

After making so many little girl bows, I couldn't help but make some that older girls might want. These definitely have more of a rockabilly feel, and I have a bit of a weakness for the rockabilly style. These are bright colors and simple black plaid ribbon are sculpted into simple bows and attached to lined alligator clips.

The pink bow is a double bow with a total of four loops. It is so funky and fun. The second picture shows a set of six simple bows, two of each color, purple, pink and blue. I love the idea of selling sets of ribbons, mixing colors and patterns, so that customers can get a little more bang for their buck. Pay one low price and get accessories for multiple outfits. I love bargains - even the ones I create.

Hair Bows, pt 2

More little girl hair bows. These are so quick to make and I just love the almost instant gratification of making these. All of these about 2" wide and are mounted on lined alligator clips with clip liners for a little added grip when being worn

 

These clips will also be sold in sets of two pairs. That's right, four super sweet  little hair bows for one low price. I have lots more ribbon with adorable patterns that will make the cutest little bows. I can't wait to add more to the shop.

Hair Bows, pt 1

I finally got some pictures of the hair bows I've been making. These will all be listed for sale in my etsy shop, but you get a preview here! All these bows are about 2" wide and are on lined alligator clips (except for the the blue polka dot bows). They also feature clip liners which give the clips a little more grip in the hair.

The above bows are petite little bows, but I love the polka dots. These are attached to short bobby pins and are just too stinkin' cute.

The Sweet Treats bows pictured above are in light purple and pink. The pink bows have cute little cupcakes while the purple bows have ice cream cones. These will be so adorable over the summer with a cute sundress.

These are a little more dressy with the glitter vine design. I love the idea of these with an adorable little Sunday dress.

I love making these little bows and am already planning to make more for my shop. They will be sold in sets of two so you will get four adorable bows for one low price! I am really excited about these and hope others will love seeing them added to my inventory.

Side Tiara

Things have been pretty hectic over the last couple of weeks. I have a wedding coming up in June, a couple photo sessions booked and many things planned for my shop, and lots of projects around my house and in my garden.

One of the things I recently finished was this lovely side tiara. I made this for my June bride because she was unsure of what she wanted for her hair. Since I've been craving a reason to make one, I did as a sample for her to see. In the end she decided that it wasn't what she wanted. 

So for this piece I made two white satin, lollipop flowers, hand-stitched them together and added the clear rhinestone accents. One flower is larger than the other and they were set off center on a silver-tone metal headband.

To add a little glitz to the headband, I added a single row of cup chain clear rhinestones. I used both adhesive and wire wrapping to give it added strength and durability. Below you can see how it might set on a bride's head.

Since it was just a sample, I have put it up for sale in my etsy shop. Check it out here. 

Back Home And Ready To Go....

Last week was wonderful. I got to relax quite a bit and only did a little work on projects. The majority of my "relaxing" time was spent waiting for meetings and briefings to start so we could get all my hubby's retirement information. But it was nice to escape reality for a few days; no cooking, cleaning, or responsibilities of any kind!

I have quite a bit planned for this week, including trying to get a bunch of pictures taken and ready for etsy, and posted if I can swing it. Plus finishing up some wedding items, get pictures of the two adorable little softies I made last week plus lots of cleaning, laundry and baking.

But before I go lose myself in all the grown-up responsibilities, I wanted to share a few pictures from the trip. They are from Pt Defiance in Tacoma, WA, and that is my happy place.

Taking a Vacation (but not really...)

So I am on the road this week, taking a working vacay with my hubby. It is mostly his work and my vacation, but I'm getting a little crafting done here and there. Even though our schedule is kind of wonky, I had to share this cute little bird that I made for my granddaughters.

You can't tell me that's not completely adorable and a lot less work than a real Easter chick. I made up two these little cuties, one in pink and one in yellow. I also made up ten little felt finger puppets for their egg hunt. This little guy took less than two hours (and can probably be a lot faster if you don't have two toddlers constantly needing your attention). 


If you want to try one of these little cuties, you can find a template and instructions HERE. The only change I made was to use small beads for the eyes, rather than stitching the eyes in.


Anyway, have fun this week - I know I am!

Taking a Wedding Break....

So for the last couple of weeks, I have taken a break from wedding items to focus on the gift I am making for my granddaughter's 4th birthday this month.


This little sweetheart has decided that she loves cooking. She is always coming to tell me that she is "making soup" or "making my lunch" which is just adorable. So after searching online, I came across the patterns of a particular young woman that were amazing. CrochetNPlay Designs makes patterns for all children, whether it is cooking items, food, a shaving kit or a hairstyling kit, there is definitely something for everyone.


Now, I will always be the first to say I am cheap. When you live on a budget, you have to be! So normally, I will not pay for patterns because I know I can either figure out or find a free pattern online. However, these patterns are not that expensive and (the part that makes it really worth it) the designer gives permission to sell the finished product. You can not resell any part of the pattern, but if you want to make ten pots and pans sets and sell them, she welcomes you to do it.


As a crafter, having that permission from the beginning can be a really good thing. It gives you an opportunity to earn your money back. Realistically, the patterns are not that difficult and can work up pretty fast. I know my granddaughter will love them!


Anyway, I've got to get back to work. Check out CrochetNPlay Designs and see if there is something there you can't live without!