I honestly made this necklace in 20 minutes and then felt really proud of myself. This necklace is so super easy to make it kind of blew my mind. On top of how easy it was to make, it only cost me about $10 and looks really beautiful. I’m so happy with it and I am considering wearing it for my wedding, but either way it will be a great go to piece for any girl’s jewellery box.

Things You’ll Need:

• Vintage Rhinestone Brooch – $7.  I got my brooch from EBay – not real vintage but looks great anyway.

• Loose Pearls – $2.  I also got my pearls from EBay and of course they are not real but I don’t really care about that (I just care about real diamonds!) I won my auction for $0.01 and paid $2.00 for shipping. Great deal!

• Soft Flex Jewelry Wire – $0.50 a yard. I got my wire at Bead Works in Cambridge Mass. You can find this type of wire in any craft or bead store. You could probably use fishing line as well, but it won’t be as durable as the soft flex.

• Crimp Beads – $1.50 for 10. These are essential because they are the best way to keep your beads in place.

• Jewellery Clasp – $2.00 for 50. The jewellery clasps I got were from Michaels and they are great because they come with the pinch clasp and the loop that will connect the necklace together.

Things You’ll Need From Home:

• Needle Nose Pliers

• Scissors

• Super Glue

Step 1:

Flip your brooch face down and super glue the pin closed. This is to secure your brooch from opening because the pin is where you will be connecting your pearl strands to.

Step 2:

String your loose pearls or beads onto the soft flex wire. Measure the length you want for your necklace. I used one strand 9 1/2” and the other 5 1/2” long because I wanted my brooch to be asymmetric. Take one of your strands and allow for an extra inch on each end. String on one of the crimp beads and wrap the flex wire around one end of the brooch pin. Loop the flex wire back into the backside of the crimp bead and when it is tight crimp it down with your needle nose pliers. On the other end of the pearl strand string on one of the crimp beads and the clasp, loop the flex wire back into the other side of the flex wire and don’t allow for much slack between the last pearl and the crimp bead. Once you feel the beads are secure crimp down on the crimp bead with your needle nose pliers. Repeat this on the other strand except instead of the stringing on the clasp, string on the jewelry connector that the clasp will connect into.

Step 3:

You’re done! The greatest part of this necklace is that you can totally change the design to custom fit your mood or change the style for different occasions. I love my quick and easy vintage pearl necklace and I hope you will love yours too! Also if you have a hip Mum or Grandmother with tons of costume jewellery grab one of their brooches and make your necklace an heirloom.

This is a simple-ish birdcage veil tutorial. When I say simple-ish I mean this should be simple but for me getting the netting just right took longer than expected.

Items You’ll Need:

• Small piece of felt or a stable piece of fabric – $ 0.50

• Feathers – $2.00 from Michaels or craft store

• Fabric Rose Clip – $1.00 from Forever 21 or you could make one, but come on a buck for a cute flower beats making one any day!

• French or Russian Netting 9 inch at $4.00 per yard from Etsy. I had a really hard time finding this type of netting in my local Boston fabric stores so my next best bet was Etsy. You won’t need a whole yard but it might be good to have extra if you mess up.

Total Cost: $7.50 (WHAT! You can’t go wrong with that price!)

Items from home:

• Scissors

• Needle and Thread

• Mirror

• Glue Gun

Step 1: Cut the Netting

When you cut the netting use the factory edge as the edge that will sweep along your face. This edge should be what will be seen and the other sloppier edges will be tucked away so that they are less noticeable. Also be aware that wherever you cut the netting with scissors will look unfinished.

Step 2: Cut the Felt

I cut my felt into a leaf shape with the length at about 4″ long. This will be the base that you glue your feathers onto and sew the netting onto as well.

Step 3: Glue on the Feathers

Take the leaf shaped felt and start hot gluing feathers on to it. Fan them out the way you want them to look and leave the tip completely open so you can have an area to sew the netting onto.

Step 4: Fit / Shape / Sew the Netting

Take the non factory side of the netting and fold the netting as shown in the photos below. Then sew the folded netting to the felt base. This is the tricky part. I found it best to sit in front of a mirror and actually shape the netting on my head the way I wanted it to look. Keep repeating this method till you get the shape you desire.

Step 5: Clip the Veil into Place

I got a store bought rose from Forever 21 which already was attached to a hair clip. So this step took me about 5 seconds to do. I simply took the veil placed in my hair where I wanted it to be and clipped it in with my rose hair clip.

Step 6: Look Chic

If you make this veil right no one will know it cost less than $10! You can say you got it at a fancy bridal store and keep the price to yourself or brag about how savvy your are…like I did!

What You’ll Need:

• 2 Wooden Eggs – craft store $1.50 each
• 2 Wooden Balls with Flat Bottoms – craft store $ 0.75 each
• Pearl Stickers – craft store $2.99
• Acrylic Paints – craft store $5 for a set of 12 colors
• Set of Small Paint Brushes – craft store $3 for a set of 5
• Netting for the veil- craft store $2.99 for a large pack
• Black of felt or black paper – had at home
• Buttons – had at home

Items You’ll Need From Home:

• Drill with a 1/16” wood drill bit
• Elmers Glue
• Scissors
• Glue Gun
• Q-Tip
• Black Felt Marker

Step 1:

Drill a hole at the top of the wooden egg where the wooden head will be placed. Be careful to not put to much pressure on the drill, not to let the drill slip and hurt your hand. If you feel more comfortable place the egg in a vice and then drill the top. The hole at the top of the egg should be about a ¼” deep.

Step 2:

The egg heads that I got from a craft store had flat bottoms. The flat bottom has a small pre-drilled hole in it. But if you can not find wooden balls with pre-drilled flat bottoms then you must drill a hole yourself. Again using a vice will help you avoid injury.

Step 3:

Cut the ends off the Q-Tip and stick one end into the hole you drilled in the wooden egg body with some Elmers glue. Then put the other end of the Q-Tip into the pre-drilled hole of the wooden head. Keep cutting the bottom of the Q-Tip till it is the correct length and the wooden head sits nicely on the top of the egg. Put a dab of hot glue around the edge of the egg’s hole. Then put some Elmers glue into the wooden head then place it onto the egg and firmly press down. The hot glue will help stabilize the head faster so you can continue working with out waiting for the Elmers glue to dry.

Step 4:

Paint the bodies and heads of the toppers. For my groom I did a traditional tuxedo painting the egg all back except for a white “V” that represented his tux shirt. For the bride I painted her egg body with an ivory color and used the skin color to make the dress appear to be sweetheart dress. For the hair I used brown paint and tried to mimic the hair styles my Fiancé and I would wear on our wedding day. Note: Don’t be afraid to mess up….you can always whip off what you don’t like or paint over it. For the eyes you can paint them or try to draw them in with the black marker. Since I LOVE eyeliner I drew my eyeliner on my bride.

Step 5:

Details!!!! I used pearl stickers for details like the bride‘s earrings and detail on her dress, which I think made a huge difference. I used buttons for my bouquet which I glued together with the hot glue gun and then glued directly to the egg body of the bride. I also used a button for the groom’s boutonnière. I used a flower button and a small piece of netting to make a bride cage veil for the bride. For the groom’s bow tie I cut out of a piece of felt and hot glued it on to the groom’s egg body.

Step 6:

Enjoy your unique toppers and don’t forget to get loads of photos with them!

The night before the big wedding the bride needs her beauty sleep, right? This is a quick fun tutorial that will be a cute gift for any bride.

Items You’ll Need:

• Satin $5 a yard
• Felt $1 per sheet
• 13” of elastic $0.50. I used a lace ribbon elastic.
• Eye Mask Template – (Print portrait layout for best results)
• Fabric Flower Ribbon $2 a yard

Items From Home:

• Scissors
• Thin Marker

Optional:

• Brother SE 400 (Sewing and Embroidery Machine) $365. Best machine EVER!!! It’s expensive but totally worth it!

Step 1:

Note that if you don’t have a Brother SE 400 you can start at step 2.

Put the felt and the satin in the embroidery bed and place it into the embroidery arm of the Brother machine. Choose what you would like to write on the front of the mask and program it into your Brother SE 400.

Step 2:

Use the eye mask template to cut out two pieces of satin and one piece of felt. Make sure to draw the two outlines on the fabric as illustrated in the template, as you’ll need to sew along the inner line. Then cut the elastic ribbon to a 13” length strip.

Step 3:

Place the piece of satin which will be the top facing up on top of the felt if it is not already sewn together. Place the piece of satin that will be the backside of the mask facing satin side down on top of the top piece of satin. Pin the three pieces of fabric together making sure you pin the elastic in-between the two pieces of satin. So when you turn the mask inside-out the elastic will be sewn into each side of the mask.

Step 4:

Sew the edges of the mask on the inner line you drew from the eye mask template. Leaving a hole large enough to turn the mask inside-out.

Step 5:

Turn the mask inside-out, pin the remaining hole together and sew it closed. I used a zig zag stitch for the outside edge of the eye mask. Then hand stitch the fabric flowers onto one corner of the mask.

Step 6:

Get some serious beauty rest and look refreshed for your big day!

Let’s start with the beginning of things. How did you go from being a Boston grad to launching your own label ‘Doriano’ for the Chinese market in 1993?

Once I finished studying, I did as many Asian students do – and returned home. Back in Hong Kong, I was given the option of working for the family business, which manufactures garments for brands such as Donna Karen and Calvin Klein. However, I decided to choose my own path and started out with an internship at the Australian label Country Road. One thing led to another and when I noticed the Chinese economy starting to boom, I thought it was simply the right time to launch a line of good quality ladies’ wear.

Why didn’t you decide to join your family’s business?

The role of a manufacturer is very passive so by starting my own retail business I was able to actually create demand and dictate what would be designed. I utilized my family’s factories, which helped because the manufacturing business in HK was in a decline at that time.

You sold up Doriano and created your namesake haute couture line in 2001. Tell us how you managed to debut in Australia and New York in your first year? How does Dorian Ho compare to Doriano?

Doing a show in Australia and New York is very costly. However, I was lucky to have the opportunity to present my collection at both the Australian and New York Fashion Week with the help of the HK Trade Development Council.

The experience of Dorian Ho and Doriano is completely different, the two are like night and day. With Doriano, my collection had to be ‘safe’ as it catered to the Chinese market, so I had to work around design restrictions that limited my creativity. However, Dorian Ho is a designer collection; therefore, buyers were looking for something new and exciting so the design possibilities are always endless.

Dorian Ho Bridal is known for its feminine and classic designs that are accentuated by hand-stitched detailing. What, to you, makes a Dorian Ho Bridal dress stand out?

Ladies always want to look stunning and most of them care how they appear to their husband’s eyes, especially on their wedding day! Wedding gowns designed by a male designer, using a man’s point of view are usually thus more persuasive. And with the high quality fabric like silk taffeta or brocade, our designs can bring out the bride’s unique characteristics.

You have showrooms in Sydney, Hong Kong and New York. Is Europe next on your list? Do you think you will be able to achieve a similar form of success there, even with the spectre of the Made-in-China label?

It is every designer’s dream to get into the European market. However, being a Chinese designer and knowing the mentality and the consumer power of the Chinese market, it is always easier to operate in the Asian region.

The made-in-China label is not a big problem with our customers, because our quality rivals those made anywhere else in the world.

What is your inspiration when creating your bridal line or even a one-off bespoke piece?

Inspired by both classic and modern elements, our bridal collection is a tribute to the past and a celebration of the future. Each season heralds a myriad of styles, textures and color that scream for attention because of their original design. Perhaps more important is the universal tale of love that each dress tells: the tale of two people, brought together by great odds on this one day, in celebration of their history, friendship and new life to come.

What are your personal preferences, in terms of design? E.g. absolute favorite silhouette, fabric etc.

Well, the trend changes, but not as frequently as the ready-to-wear. In past seasons, the ball gown silhouette has been my favorite, but now it’s a bit more classic with a touch of detail, such as ruffles, feathers and raw edged trims. My personal favorite is simple silhouette in silk peau-de-soi and a touch of beading.

The best compliment you’ve received?

It was definitely at the Bangkok International Fashion Week 2007, when I received the “Recognition Award” that was presented by the Royal Princess of Thailand. Among the recipients of this award are Jimmy Choo from London and Khoon Hooi from Malaysia.

The most challenging/unusual design you’ve created?

A customer came to us with a very expensive vintage lace; and our task was to design around the lace. As there was barely enough material, we had to be very precise and accurate or else we would have wasted the lace and ruined her dream dress.

Give us your 5 top tips for brides when choosing/designing her dream wedding gown.

Theme – Stick with the theme of the wedding, no matter if it is pink or a floral wedding, match the dress with the theme!

Venue – The venue of the wedding affects the style of the bridal gown. If it is a resort wedding, choose a flowy dress like chiffon; if it is a church wedding, choose an elegant A-line bridal gown like Duchess Satin.

Body figure – This is a very important point as everyone wants to look stunning on their big day. Choose something which can strengthen your best assets and cover up your weaknesses.

Budget – If there is a budget for the wedding, stick within your limits when choosing your bridal gown. There are lots of choices for different budget ranges out there in the market.

Trust in yourself – A lot of brides tend to seek advice from different friends, but you must always trust in yourself. No one knows you better than yourself!

# Interview by Alia Soraya and courtesy of Wedding Guide Asia.

Grooms are getting in on the wedding ring action too.

What’s hot in ring trends for men? Men are going for the unique, sleek and stylish rings made of Mokume-Gane, steel and titanium. Even though, Mokume-Gane goes back to 17^th century Japan, the traditional wood and grain effect has endured. I love that similar to the grains in actual wood, Mokume-Gane is also highly unique. This type of ring is definitely ideal for the rugged and outdoorsy man.

(Above images via Andrew Nyce Designs)

If you think the wood grain is not modern enough, why not go for titanium, steel, platinum, iron, brass, bronze, nickel or silver….to name a few.

{Above images via Mens-Wedding-Rings)

If your man has a love for the industrial, then steel and titanium are the way to go. I have found many men fancy steel and titanium. It must have to do with the “man of steel” idea! Steel and titanium seem to symbolize strength, resilience, durability and power. These great metal alternatives are also edgy, sleek, cost-conscious, and technologically advanced {they are actually very lightweight}.

So whether your man is the burly adventurer or more of the metrosexual city dweller, traditional or modern, there is definitely something for him. Spoil him with bling, sparkle or color!

Author Claudia Endler.

In welcoming 2011 we also welcome some new and exciting trends in wedding flowers, floral styling and wedding décor.

Bold colours will be huge for 2011 – the days of the shy and retiring bouquet are long departed! Fuchsia, orange and cherry tones contrasted with splashes of lime green and yellow will dominate as brides follow trends emanating from Europe and the US. Over-the-top colours add glamour against dark bridesmaids gowns add oomph to wedding photos. Combined with the ongoing popularity of daring coloured wedding shoes, brides for the new year will embrace colour daringly and celebrate nature’s most vibrant blooms with gusto.

The lust for vintage and rustic-chic will continue beyond 2011.  Fluffy, feminine flowers in muted tones of musky pinks, creams and silvers will also remain popular. Embellishment of bouquets with jewelled brooches, buttons and other quirky relics (be it from Nanna’s drawer, a family heirloom or a thrift shop) will grow with brides seeking to add details and personalisation to their big day.

The more classic vintage look will see bouquets and centerpieces with masses of single species blooms with an emphasis on shading and soft texture – peonies, hydrangea and ranunculus will feature heavily. Rustic-chic inspired brides will request looser and more free flowing designs with an emphasis on organic and unusual details such as twigs, nests, berries and mosses.

As an extension of the ongoing trend of mis-matched bridesmaids dress I believe more progressive brides will seek to have mis-matched flowers – varying bouquets from the same ‘colour story’.

To the brides of 2011 my closing words of wisdom are these; trends are fun to observe and always interesting but choose what you love. As Yves Saint Laurent famously said, ‘Fashion fades but style is eternal’ and this couldn’t be more true. Your day should reflect your personality and be a celebration of you (and your fiancée’s) personal style. Happy planning!

Author Sally Thompson.

{Bouquets 1-3 shown are the original work of Sally Thompson from Blushing Blooms Floral Studio; Images by Cathy Crawley of Beautiful Moments Photography} {Wedding flowers 4 via Martha Stewart Weddings}  {Wedding flowers 5 via Pretty Chicky Wedding Blog;mage by Carl Zoch Photography}

Many woman dream of a day when they’ll be draped in jewels and for most women that day is their wedding day. After a decade of working with couples and brides, I’ve found that a few jewelry pieces have become standard: the ring, the earrings, the necklace and the bracelet. In that order too, weddings are still all about the rock!

Well I am here to let you know about the other amazing jewelry accessories available to brides. However, a word of caution, bear in mind your wedding style, theme, location and your body type so that you don’t go overboard. You don’t want the jewels to wear you. After all, a bride is the greatest gem on her wedding day.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to shake up the Wedding Industrial Complex (WIC), all the while remaining bedazzled. Whether you are wearing a veil, fascinator, tiara, or nothing at all, bling is always available to top your look off. You can’t go wrong with rhinestones, pearls, crystals, and jewels on your head or headpiece. Plus, no matter if your hair is styled up, down, or in a bun, jewels work!

{Above images via EuphoriaCouture}

Bracelets are not the only thing that can go on your wrists either. Do you all remember that Carrie Bradshaw wedding moment, in the Sex and the City movie? Cuffs! Cuff bracelets are a great way to give your wedding look instant edge. If your style isn’t like Ms. Bradshaw’s, I suggest looking for modern vintage alternatives.

{Above image via Bridal Fashion Mall}

And girls, when it comes to bejeweling your feet, shoes from Jimmy Choo or Martinez Valero are sure to inspire.

{Above image via Jimmy Choo}

Author Claudia Endler.

Florist Sally Thompson of Blushing Blooms shares expert tips on flower selection by ‘the calendar’…

As a florist, one of the questions I am most frequently asked by brides is about flower availability.

In Australia we are quite spoiled, our mild climate is conducive to wide availability of many species and our proximity to Asia allows for easy importing of specialty exotics such as orchids and roses.

Despite this, some flowers are truly seasonal and only available in certain months.

I recommend that my brides select flowers that are truly ‘in season’. There are a number of reasons for this. Choosing a bloom that is naturally available in any period ensures vast supply, excellent quality and greater affordability.

Summer

Agapanthus, Belladonna Lilies, Buddleia, Calla Lilies, Christmas Bells, Dahlia, Delphinium, Frangipani, Freesia, Garden Roses, Gardenia, Ginger, Grevillea, Hydrangea, Larkspur, Lavender, Lisianthus, Peony, Pineapple Lilies, Queen Anne’s Lace, Stephanotis, Singapore Orchids, Tuberose, Vanda Orchids, Water Lilies.

This white rose and white lisianthus wedding bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings makes for a gorgeous display embellished with a unique black and white textured bow.

Autumn

Brunii, Cymbidium Orchids, Delphinium, Garden Roses, Gardenia, Hydrangea, Lavender, Lisianthus, Privet Berries, Stephanotis, Stock, Tuberose, Tulips, Water Lilies.

San Fran florist’s Birch created this beautiful display photographed by Meg Smith using white hydrangea. Simple, elegant and chic.

Winter

Anemone, Camellia, Daffodil, Daphne, Earlicheer, Hyacinth, Jonquil, Kale, Poppy, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Rosehip, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Violet, Wattle.

Maida Vale Invitations featured this lovely daffodil inspiration board on their blog. Golden, fresh and delicious it just makes me think of sunshine, perfect for a winter wedding.

Spring

Arum Lily, Azalea, Blossom, Camellia, Daffodil, Delphinium, Erica, Gardenia, Garden Roses, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Pansy, Peony, Poppies, Rhododendron, Stephanotis, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip.

This tulip bouquet is fresh and crisp in green and white tones. Designed by Glasgow florists Mood Flowers – it’s elegant simplicity celebrates the natural shape and movement of the flower.

All year round

Alstroemeria, Anthurium, Asiatic Lilies, Freesia, Gardenia, Gerbera, Gladioli, Glasshouse Roses, Iris, Lilium, Longiflorum Lilies, Oriental lilies, Phalaenopsis Orchid, Protea, Singapore Orchids, Succulents.

This icy cool succulent inspired board showcasing ‘all year round flowers’ is from Tulsa wedding florists, The French Bouquet. What makes it so elegant is the perfect blend of minimalism, quirk and whimsy.

Author Sally Thompson.

So 2011 is here and with a new year brings talk of what’s hot for the next 12 months. One of the trends that I’m anticipating for this year is a growth in popularity of Australian native and wild flowers.

Largely overlooked for the last few years, 2010 saw some more edgy (and patriotic!) brides choose natives and I believe this trend will continue to grow. The ongoing popularity of rustic, country chic as a theme means natives are sure to become blooms of choice with Australian brides as the earthy tones, unique textures and rich variety of hardy stems makes them a desirable choice.

The gorgeous bouquet (pictured below) from our own studio is a true celebration of Australian flora. With natural stems this original design showcases the best of our native blooms within a willow brand grid.

I love the warm tones and how it contrasts so beautifully against the golden light in this photo. How lucky are we as Australians to have such amazing and unique species available to us?

{Floral Design: Blushing Blooms – Flowers by Sally Thompson}

{Photo: Beautiful Moments Photography}

For brides who’d like to embrace natives but with a more girly, softer pink hue this stunning bouquet was featured in South African wedding e-magazine Splendid Affairs.

This amazing wedding was photographed by Louisa Bailey and it is chic, hip and truly Australian in their floral and decorating choices. Take note of the cute jam jar vases for table centres – not only rustic and cute but easy to achieve for any DIY bride!

And for something more bright, dramatic and bold this fabulous bouquet was the wedding bouquet of blogger bride ‘West Aussie Wedding’ who wanted her nuptial styling to be ‘fun and Australian’. Perfect huh?

{Photo by Filip Welna.}

Author Sally Thompson.