coffee filter flowers.

I got the idea for these from aunt peaches. I didn't like her method of dyeing, so I painted them instead.  This allowed me to get flecks of different colors of blue throughout the flower, and also allowed a quick drying time.  The basic idea is the same, however.

Step 1. Color some coffee filters in various shades of the same color.

Step 2. Fringe the coffee filters

Step 3. Gather them together 2-3 at a time, fold them into fourths and twist the bottom.

Step 4.  Insert the first bunch into a second bunch and twist.

Step 5. Insert all into a third bunch, twist, you are done.

Step 6. If you want them to go in a vase attach wire or pipe cleaner to the base of the flower.

Chiffon Poppies

I am hoping that none of my roommates come home before I can clean up the mess I have made in every single room of my house. My bedroom was already a mess, so I decided to cut up fabric in the living room.  In between cutting fabric and assembling flowers, I have been painting in the bathroom and melting fabric in the yard. Oh, and the mochas I have been making in the kitchen.  

My point, however, is that I feel good about today. I took some photos this morning in the park (an attempt to shoot hdr, which try as i might, i can not master.) About 30 minutes after sunrise the clouds took over the blue sky and I had to admit defeat. I got only one semi-decent image out of the ordeal; which initially made me feel like today might not be so productive.

After that, I cruised around youtube for a while and watched some vlog brothers videos, and then decided to actually sit down and figure out this flower problem I have been having.

First attempt at a chiffon poppy... Not as horrible as I might have guessed. Although I will be the first to admit my sewing skills are rather rusty.

More to come later. Maybe paper flowers, maybe more fabric, who knows?

On a completely different note, did I ever mention that I finally got my ring back from the jewelers? Here is a pic in case you are interested. This was taken before I got it sized down, so it is much more snug now.

women's expo / bridal show

So, I went to the women's expo and bridal show in Grand Rapids today, and it was a serious disappointment. I did have fun, but really just at the booths shopping. There was only 1 dress vendor there, 3 djs, a bunch of photographers and a few hotels. Also a couple catering companies. There were a few salons in the women's expo, but not what I was hoping for. I really wanted to see dress options, flowers and possible locations.

My major problem right now is finding a ceremony site that can just be used for a ceremony. Most of the places I am finding are ceremony and reception together, are too small, or are churches that you have to be a member to use.  I wish someone would plan all this for me and just let me make the decorations and pick out my dress.

paper poppies... try #1

Well, I attempted to make some paper poppies today. I saw them on the Martha Stewart site.
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/giant-paper-poppy-flower-decoration?backto=true

The first one was a little bit rough. I did not use her template, I kind of just made my own,  I made it smaller than what she recommended, but I still think they turned out too big. I think if I make the next bunch about half the size it would be perfect. Also, I don't like the center. I need to get better at fringing a circle. Oh well, its not as bad as it could have been. Here's a picture of the finished product.

my first blog

Okay, so here we are, a little over a year to my wedding day. At the moment, I plan on using this blog to store links and photos of inspiration from around the web. In the future, I plan on using it as a place to showcase what I have accomplished. I am a pretty crafty person, and any good ideas I have, or cute decor I manage to make will be posted on here. I am also a little scatterbrained, so I might end up posting things that a lot of people won't care about like book reviews or snippets about my day.

That being said, I do work a lot, so I'm a little bit worried about having the time to pull everything together.  We will be paying for most of our wedding ourselves, so I intend to make anything I possibly can to cut down on the $$$ we have to spend. Also I am a little bit of a control freak, and I tend to think most store bought decorations are cheap and tacky. I also have a very specific style and I won't accept similar or almost. I know what I want, and I intend to get it.