Wednesday, July 31, 2013

DIY Crepe Paper Roses

^^I made bunches of these for a bridal shower I helped design last week (can't wait for pro pics to share with you!) and everyone couldn't believe I done them myself!  They are HUGE (about 8-12 inches wide, depending on petal usage) and obviously don't die or wilt like real flowers-- perfect for any whimsical event!  While definitely time consuming, the end result is amazing and makes a big statement for around $1.50-$2.00 a stem.  I suggest breaking the steps up into days (cut ALL your petals one night, shape them all the next, etc.) and then it gets you into a great rhythm (although Duck Dynasty marathons definitely assisted-- anyone else loving the Robinson clan?).  Follow the steps below to make some roses yourself!
^^Not a whole bunch of materials thankfully!^^

^^First, you have to make your petal pattern.  As you may (or may not) see, the smallest was 4x8 inches, the medium 6.75x8.75 inches and the largest 8.5x11 inches (at their longest points respectively).  I just freehanded a teardrop/petal shape and cut them out.  You'll need about 5-6 small petals, 4 medium and 4 large to get the flowers I made.^^
^^Next, tack your petals with the straight pins on the crepe paper to cut out.  I folded the crepe paper over about 3 times (in the first two stacks) and twice (in the 3rd stack) to get maximum petals out of the crepe paper.  Your edges come out smoother when you cut multiple layers too!  I was able to get about 2 flowers worth of petals from 1 package of crepe paper.^^

^^After cutting them out, you need to shape your petals.  This is where the crepe paper (vs. tissue or regular paper) comes in-- it has a little bit of stretch it in that makes the cut outs look more like petals!  First, use your thumbs to push in the center of the petals, while the rest of your hand helps form and stretch out the outside. Then, turn the petal over and roll the paper around your pencil to give them that delicate feeling!^^


^^The difference pre and post shaping!^^

^^Take 3 wires and wrap them together with floral tape.  This stem is awesome since you can bend it into a base or just fold in half to make it shorter; plus you can always undo it to get that long stem back!^^
^^Take your first petal and just wrap it around your new stem.  Wrap some floral tape around the bottom to secure.^^

^^Take your second petal and wrap around the first.  I usually like to do this on the opposite side that the first was one.  Make sure your edge curl is facing out!^^

^^Now your third petal.  Place it on an unused side again, to mimic the rose's natural formation.^^

^^Continue on with the remaining 3-4 petals until you finish your inner bud^^

^^At this time, start adding your medium petals around the perimeter, placing them opposite sides again.^^

^^Last, add your largest petals around your beautiful flower to complete.^^

^^A 3 bunch bouquet that's 2 feet wide!  Can you believe you made this?^^

I hope these make their way into a celebration you're holding soon!
xo, Elissa



















Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Something Blue: Birdcage Veils

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My love for veils has been highlighted before here and here, but birdcages have been making way into my heart as well.  For the vintage or glam bride, this simple accessory will allow your face and hair to completely shine through its weaved fabric.  Feeling spunky?  Try a blue hued one for your "something blue"!  No one will miss that little detail-- just see for yourself below!

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Wearing a birdcage yourself?  Bold enough to don a blue one?
xo, Elissa





Monday, July 29, 2013

Monogrammed Wine Barrels

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I'm currently in the heart of Willamette Valley so of course wine is on my mind!  I often think of those beautiful vineyard weddings the west coast gets to greedily hog, I'm continuously inspired by representative elements and monogrammed wine barrels take the cake!  Maybe in tribute to that first glass you drank on your first date or that special bottle that was broken out upon your engagement- wine seems to always signify something very special (just like your wedding!). As a guestbook, escort card holder, or even to do its job holding wine, you can't go wrong with any of these options.

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Wine not your thing?  Substitute it for whiskey!  To DIY or not to DIY-- that is the REAL question here!
xo, Elissa



Friday, July 26, 2013

Fab Pic Friday: Flowerless

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While I am a HUGE flower fan (the more lush the better!), I have had a bride who (in the best possible way) pushed me past my boundaries for amazing, breath catching decor that doesn't involve any floral pieces.  This picture says it all- with the beautiful uplighting and those AMAZING candles lining the aisle (and altar!), you don't even miss the flowers with this beautiful enchanted ambiance that was created.

Sometimes out of the box is the best way to go!
I hope your weekend and upcoming weeks expand your horizons as well :)
xo, Elissa

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Sunflower Power

With a best friend who loves this bloom (and just started a new job! You rock M!) and a brother who loves its seeds (seriously, you can usually find at least 3 different flavors at my house), it's no surprise that sunflowers have been on my mind, especially during this summer season!  They brighten up every room- nonetheless every person!- they encounter and just emit a happy and bright demeanor.  They can often be a hard flower to incorporate into events, but I have found incorporating them with various blooms gives them an effortless look without being too event defining or informal.  See some inspirations below that would definitely make it into my Sunflower event!

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but if you truly are all about sunflowers, don't let anyone--even your favorite wedding planner ;)-- change your mind!  Actress Nikki Reed rocked a pure sunflower bouquet when she wed and you can too!

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Have a sunny day!
xo, Elissa

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Something Blue: Union Jack

Note: the funny thing about this post is that I wrote this last week with the impending royal baby's birth!  Shout out to Kate (and the newest 3rd in line) for timing it PERFECTLY for me!

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No secret that I'm a royal fanatic, so with this future king/queen coming, all things British have been on my mind.  Thus, the union jack flag is perfect for any bride trying to honor the motherland!  There are tons of ways to incorporate this distinct design into your event, the more unique the better!  The fact that it's reminiscent of the royal wedding doesn't hurt either :)  As big as a fan of the UK as I am?  Get some inspiration below on how you can show your love too!

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^^A unique way to display place cards^^

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^^Cupcakes are always necessary!^^

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^^Union jack bunting?  Yes please!^^

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^^Treat bags are always a hit!^^

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^^Rock out your footwear, and not just traditional heels^^

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^^Perfect for any pup-- especially the Queen's favorite corgis!^^

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^^Or worse comes to worse, just grab a flag and go!^^

Convinced to show some English spirit on your big day?  Or representing another country?  Tell me about it!
xo, Elissa