Author Archive
Bridal Rhinestone Flip Flops
By Kristin
Getting married at the beach? No? Well, maybe you want a comfortable pair of shoes for the reception. Flip flops are the perfect answer! They’re cheap and can be decorated to match your dress very easily. I was able to pick up a pair at the local dollar store and decorate them in only about 45 minutes. M&J Trimming has this great glue called Flip Flop Glue (item # 37866). It’s made so that your decorations won’t fall off during regular wear and tear. You can decorate your flip flops with buttons, ribbons, sequins, or my personal favorite… rhinestones! I decorated my pair in Light Rose and Crystal AB. Why not try decorating a pair for your own big day, as a gift for the bride or maybe for your bridesmaids and flower girl. It’s a fun project and you will be able to wear them after the wedding during your honeymoon, or for a day out on the town.
1 comment August 13, 2008
Bridesmaid Organza Beaded Neclace
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:
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Size 3mm Organdy Ribbon - 20″
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Size 4mm Swarovski Beads - 10 beads
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60mm Dyed Shell Pendant - 1 pc
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Filigree Flower Charm - 1 pc
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Size 12 Flat Back Rhinestone - 1 pc
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2 Clamshell Clamps
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1 Closure
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2 Jump Rings
Hardware:
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Flat nose Pliers
Instructions:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Using the pliers add an open jump ring to the cent of the ribbon and add the pendant, close the jump ring.
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Use the pliers to add the closure to the end clamps as well.
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Wrap up your completed necklace in a pretty box for your bridesmaids to wear on the big day.
Add comment July 29, 2008
Dog-of-Honor (Ribbon Dog Collar)
By Kristin
In these times we all cherish our furry 4 leg friends as though they were our children. I have two ‘kids’ of my own at home named Leia and Pippin. Though only cats, I still spoil them with the best natural food and squeakiest mice I can afford. It only makes sense then, that couples today are feeling inclined to incorporate their pets into the ceremony and/or reception. Adam Sandler had his dog, Meatball, as the ring bearer; and Eva Longoria had Jinxie with her at the wedding. So many people today wouldn’t dream of their big day without their other ‘best friend’.
Some couples will dress their dog up in a tux, but I feel a simple collar can make a huge statement without looking silly or making the pup uncomfortable. Using many of fantastic ribbons and trims, there are endless possibilities for your pup’s look. Greek Key is a very simple design that will look good with a lot or even something a little more elegant and floral could work too. You can add rhinestones, buttons or charms to jazz it up. Maybe you can leave it plain and undecorated.
The example I made was very easy and took no time at all. You just need some basic sewing skills, a sewing machine and the materials.
Collar
- 1″ Metallic Jacquard Greek Key (White/Silver) #38993, 1 Yard
- 1″ Nickel D-Ring #10418
- Silver Square Clasp #30160
Leash
- ½” Metallic Jacquard Greek Key (White/Silver) #28550, 4 yards
- Nickel Claw Closure #35596
Other Materials
- Thread, Scissors, Straight Pins
How To:
- Measure your pooch’s neck, not too tight, but loose enough for comfort. Add one inch for the seam allowance.
- Thread the clasp onto the ribbon and fold the ribbon in half in the middle. This will double the ribbon for durability. Sew a straight line right next to where the bar in the clasp is.
- Place the D-Ring on one side of the ribbon (don’t put both through, just one side) with the loop facing out.
- Sew down each edge of the ribbon after the D-Ring (through both layers) and stop 1″ from the unfinished end. Fold the ends under ½” and loop over the other bar of the clasp, sew shut with several rows of stitching to secure extra.
- Viola, you have a custom made collar for your best friend!
Now, onto the leash…
- Thread the ribbon through the bar of the claw clasp until you get to the middle of the ribbon (just like with the collar). Sew a straight line next to the bar of the clasp to secure.
- Just like with the collar, sew down each end of the ribbon (both layers) until you get 1″ from the unfinished end. Fold in the ends ½” and sew the edges to finish. Take the newly finished end and fold it about 14″ in to create the wrist strap. Sew a small square to secure, sew over the square two more times. Clip leash onto the collar and your pup can walk down the aisle in style!
3 comments July 18, 2008
Bridal Money Bag
By Kristin
“Twenty- Thirty-grand. In small bills, cash. In that little silk purse.
Maron, if this was someone else’s wedding, sweet tonato!” - Godfather
Maybe you remember that line, maybe you don’t. Either way, it applies to this week’s bridal blog. While you are making your rounds talking to your guests at the reception, they are bound to hand you an envelope with a beautifully written card and sometimes a monetary gift inside. A money bag or money purse is a great way to hold those envelopes as you go table to table. It will make giving hugs, kisses, and handshakes easier as the cards get more numerous. When you are done greeting your guests, simply hand the bag to your Maid-of-Honor, Best Man, or parents to hold onto. At the end of the night they can then take that home with the other gifts for you.
The money purse is also a lot safer than a card box in that you don’t need to worry about a catering hall employee or party crasher stealing the cards. While you wouldn’t think on your happiest of days, nothing like that could possibly happen, it unfortunately can. Make sure you also inquire about wedding insurance, it helps for more things than just your location getting rained out or band not showing. Try Wed Safe at www.wedsafe.com
While researching a money purse for my own wedding, I was disappointed in the styles to choose from, all were very boring and too traditional for my more modern affair. I ended up not making one due to time constraints (I was still working on making my dress). I decided instead, to show you one based on a design for my friend and her San Diego beach side wedding.
Materials:
Note: Items can also be ordered by phone. 1.800.9.MJTRIM ext 377
- 16″ of ½” grosgrain ribbon (item #34377 in cream featured)
- 1 yd. 25mm imported organdy ribbon in Lt. Beige
- Button/tassel appliqué (item # 36930)
- 16″ of 1″ heavy apron tape in natural
- 1 piece 8 ½” x 22″ medium weight non-transparent silk blend fabric in a natural/champagne color
- 1 yd 2mm imported rayon twist cord in off white or antique
- Scissors, sewing machine, needle, cream/natural colored thread, straight pins, large safety pin
Directions
- Use a sheet of 8 ½ x 11″ paper as a stencil and trace 2 rectangles on your fabric. Cut out and lay on top of each other. Pin one 11″ side together and hem a ¼” inseam, backstitching at both ends. Open and press.
- With the wrong side up, pin down the twill tape about 2″ down from one of the newly created 16″ sides (this will be the top). Hem along both edges. This will later be used as a tunnel for your drawstring cord.
- With the right side facing up, pin down your cream grosgrain ribbon and hem along both edges. This piece is purely aesthetic.
- With right side facing up, pin organdy ribbon across widthwise and over where your twill tape is hemmed. This two is purely aesthetic but also will hide your twill tape if your fabric happens to be slightly transparent. Set aside the remainder of this ribbon for later.
- Fold fabric in half so your first hem remains unfolded. Pin the bottom and other side edges together and hem. On the second side hem stop and backstitch ¼ ” into the area where the twill tape and organdy ribbon meet. Restart hem ½ ” from there and continue to the end. Remember to backstitch each time you begin or finish a hem.
- Tie a knot at both ends of your twist cord to prevent fraying. Pin your safety pin into on knot and use it to jimmy your cord through the tunnel you created earlier with the twill tape.
- Turn bag inside out and press hems. Tie a bow with the remainder of your organdy ribbon and hand sew onto the center of one side of your stitched on organdy ribbon. Hand sew button tassel appliqué on top of bow.
- You are done!
3 comments June 17, 2008
Ring Bearer Pillow
By Kristin
In these times, most brides opt for the Best Man and Maid of Honor to hold the actual rings. The ring bearer is now just a part of the wedding that has simply become tradition. Usually between the ages of 2-5, it can be a nephew, son, cousin, or friend. Why not save a little cash and make one yourself that matches your wedding style. It could be something simple with a little ribbon and button, or a more elaborate one incorporating fine laces and silk ribbons.
Materials:
- 23″ of 1.5″ side pleated ribbon in ivory [34298]
- 23″ of 3/8″ sheer ribbon with satin edge in ivory (32691)
- 23″ of 1 3/8″ imported metallic lace (27769)
- 7″x14″ of silk taffeta fabric in ivory
- Sewing Machine, straight pins, double sided tape, needle + thread to match the fabric and the lace
- Loose pillow Stuffing
Steps:
- Cut two 7″x7″ squares out of your fabric
- Lay the side pleated ribbon along one of your squares so that the sheer pleated part is going towards the center and the edging lines up with the edge of your square. Pin down.
- Machine stitch where you have pinned.
- Cut one 7″ piece of sheer ribbon with satin edge and lay across your other square of fabric. Pin and give a quick machine or hand stitch on each edge to hold it in place.
- Cut the rest of your satin edged ribbon in half and line one end of each of the two pieces up with the other sides of that same square of fabric. Give a quick stitch to hold in place. Leave the loose ends loose; they will be used later to tie the rings onto the pillow
- With the same square that you just stitched the ribbon onto, create another square within it about an inch from the edge. You can use double sided tape to temporarily hold the lace down. Hand-stitch the lace using matching thread. You will have to stitch along both edges of the lace so it is smooth to the fabric.
- Lay the two squares of fabric together with the wrong sides facing out. Pin along the edges with your straight pins. Turn the square so that the side with the machine stitching from the pleated ribbon is facing up. Use that seam as a guide and machine stitch the two pieces together, leaving about 2″ unstitched.
- Turn pillow form inside out and stuff little bit by little bit. You don’t want it to be overstuffed because that will create lumps and highlight any imperfections in your stitching.
- Hand stitch the 2″ gap and you’re done!
- Now all you have left to do is wait for him to propose to you.
1 comment May 22, 2008
Tossing The Bride’s Garter Belt
By Kristin
The history of the garter belt is quite an interesting story. After the ceremony the couple would depart to the bedroom and consummate the marriage, with guests in tow as witnesses. Guests would try to snatch pieces of the bride’s clothes in hopes that they would soon to be the next to wed. Of course couples were not too happy with this ritual so the groom would toss the bride’s garter to the guests to distract them. Today, the garter toss is a bit more civil with the groom tossing it to his groomsmen and other single men during the reception.
The bride can use her garter to express who she is as a person, coordinate to her colors or surprise her new husband with a unique themed garter. For a more traditional look, you can use any one of the gorgeous laces that M&J carries, add some elastic, a simple satin ribbon and a button. Now you have a personalized garter for your special day. You could also use a blue ribbon as your ‘Something Blue’.
Whether or not you choose to actually toss the garter is up to you, but it’s became a standard item in the bride’s attire and can be a fun way to surprise your groom on the wedding night.
- Mother of Pearl Button #24078 23mm
- 1/8″ wide silk or rayon ribbon
- 1/2″ elastic #00477 in White
- Midori DF Satin Ribbon #37306 in Mink
- Organdy Ribbon #02138 in Mint
Add comment April 28, 2008
Spring Peaches
By Kristin
1. Satin Ribbon
2. Grosgrain Ribbon
3. Polka Dot Ribbon
4. Organza Ribbon
5. Hand dye silk ribbon
6. Double Face Silk Ribbon
7. Double Face Midori Satin Ribbon
8. Organza Ribbon With Satin Edge
Spring time is finally here and all the spring brides are putting the finishing touches on their weddings. While there are many popular colors year round, Spring seems to bring up thoughts of pastel colors. Peach is an excellent color for a spring wedding. Everything from your invitations, programs and favors can be decked out in this beautiful shade.
You could have a peach martini or desert to even tie the food into the color! Try wrapping the favors with delicate peach organdy ribbons and make your flower girl glow with a girly little peach satin bow in her hair. There are so many ways to incorporate this color into your big day, give it a try.
Add comment March 26, 2008
Toasting Flutes
By Kristin
Everyone knows that the toast is an important part of the wedding reception. It’s a time for those closest to the couple to express their feelings and let the rest of the guests know just how special the couple is. The Best Man/Maid of Honor, the parents or anyone else who is special to the couple could do the speech.
Now comes the hard part of finding just the right toasting flutes. This is a great place to express who you are as a couple or just make them simple to match the wedding theme. You could buy a simple pair of flutes for cheap at any store and embellish them with rhinestones, ribbons or a charm. They could have your new monogram or a simple design. These are one of the best things to make because they won’t cost a lot and will look gorgeous after the wedding displayed with your photo.
Try drawing your design out on a piece of paper and see how you like it. Change things here and there to get it just right. When you are certain you have what you want, it’s time to be creative! When you are done, you will have a one-of-a-kind toasting set sure to impress.
Add comment March 5, 2008
Wedding Favors
By Kristin
Picking out your wedding favors is one of the many exciting part of planning your wedding. I think using some handmade favor boxes is a great way to give your guest a special little “Thank you”.
A fun idea for using favor boxes is setting up a bar filled with your favorite candies and confections. You can pick candies that coordinate with your wedding colors or ones that remind you of your childhood. Place the candies in pretty jars, vases or bowls and have the boxes on the side for your guests to fill at their leisure.
You can also use the boxes as seating cards. Write your guest’s name and table number on a little card and tuck or tie it on top of the favor box. The boxes can be placed on tables and your guest will be sure to enjoy opening up their little gift from you.
The favor boxes are very easy to make and can be personalized in a variety of ways. Stamp your monogram on the side, glue on a photo or tie them with a coordinating ribbon, topped with a cute button or flower.
You can fill the boxes with anything you like such as candies, cookies or candle. I find edible favors to be the most popular and most enjoyed by guests.
1 comment February 26, 2008
Spring Wedding
By Kristin
While planning my wedding for spring of 2007, I was in a tizzy trying to get everything done and come up with ideas while keeping it cool with my soon to be in-laws. Floral arrangements, menu options, favors, gifts and attire were keeping me busy just about 24/7!
However, M&J made my life a bit easier since they provided such a wide variety in one place. The gorgeous silk ribbons and Swarovski rhinestones were just what I was looking for to add a little something extra special to my wedding day. I was able to glue rhinestones to all my accessories, but I had to stop short of bedazzling my cat in the excitement of it all.
I remember carefully arranging the rose stems and crystal sprays for my bouquet (while getting my hair done. Wrapping the stems with silk satin ribbon in ivory to match my dress. The result was just the way I wanted. It was a great feeling to tell my friends that I made the bouquet when they asked about it. However, I wish I had thought of using silk roses like my friend did for her bouquet. My poor bouquet that I had made is now all dried out and sad looking. Silk roses would have still looked fresh and new everyday as my husband and I grow old and wrinkled together.
Now that I work at M&J, it has been really fun and exciting for me to help soon-to-be-brides make their big day special. I’m able to lend advice on what I learned from planning my wedding and giving options on the choices they make. I look forward to making this blog helpful for all brides-to-be.
2 comments February 12, 2008
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