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| FALL WEDDING CRAFTS |
| Me and my imagination! All I wanted was a fall theme; you know, things like mums and autumn leaves--and NO roses? What should be so hard about that? Yet it quickly appeared evident, at least locally, no one had ever done a wedding where roses weren't a part! 'Fine then', I thought to myself. I'll just craft the items myself-or find those individuals out there who are willing to make just what I want! Despite a few mishaps along the way, I believe I managed to do exactly that. Never made bouquets before, but after oodles of internet research, a little blood and sweat (not to mention the occasional tears--and words--of frustration!), and the dining room looking like a floral shop explosion for more weeks than anyone cares to recall, the silk corsages and bouts were complete, as were very beautiful--and quite unique--bouquets for my Maid Of Honor, Jr. Bridesmaid, and myself! (Ultimately, I 'cheated' and purchased a second bridal bouquet to be used specifically for the bouquet toss...I confess: I simply couldn't part with the one I made!) Each item was made using various mums, with some having fall leaves, ribbon, and/or gypsum accenting them. A buddy of my fiance's had a garage full of off-white princess florists baskets gained as part of his winnings at a local auction. This guy didn't want them taking up his precious "manly" space. In a not-altogether-altrustic measure of goodwill, I took them off his hands; certain they'd be of use to me! I'm no stranger to basket decorating-Dad used to say I was the posterchild for an old saying about handbaskets (which shan't be repeated here). It took me a while to get the right look-but I did it! Sheer ivory wired ribbon bows were tied around the handle of the basket on each side. Then, silk daisy mums backed by their burgandy-tipped leaves were wired to the middle of each bow. Finally, each basket was filled full of leaves clipped off DollarStore fall swags (and in some cases, from real trees) and wah-lah! Instant centerpiece, for VERY little $$$! The burgandy/ivory satin flowergirl basket and ringbearer pillow (my one real splurge; wanted something extra special for the kids to have as a keepsake)-I had a small hand in making. They were custom sewn by a fabulous lady who auctions them on eBay and had great feedback. I glued silk leaves and ivory beads onto them to match our theme (after removing the silk roses she'd used...ooops!) As another special gift for each of my children, I bought small teddybears from the local Goodwill store for $1 each. For my daughters, I created tiny dresses--made from the same fabric as the girls' dresses--and added tiny beaded necklaces, fall headpieces with streaming ribbons (similar to theirs), and bear-sized floral bouquets. My son's bear sported a nifty navy blue suit coat, white shirt, a little bow tie, and an itty-bitty boutenierre just like his! Oh! The guestbook and guestbook pen! Can't forget that...No plumed pen and boring ol' white or cream colored store-bought book for us. No siree! (That's far to 'typical', thank you very much LOL) We had a personalized album, pages, and pens...With an empty terracotta pot, greenfloral tape and hotglue, flat-top pens and left-over fall silk flowers, I'd set to work creating a flowerpot of pens to set by the guestbook. The guestbook itself was a batting-filled, cloth covered photo album with a frame in coordinating faric in the center of front cover to insert a wedding invitation. (I finished making the album the DAY of the wedding, and wound up burning myself on the iron as I was rushing to flatten out fabric and still have the scar!) The inside pages for our guests to sign were created by Roger--my wonderful, creative, husband-to-be--and contained the same cute little kissing couple that was on our invitations and our wedding cake topper. To read some of our wedding-planning mishaps, visit TO DRESS A BRIDE Or, go on back HOME |
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