Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Been a naughty blogger... Tiaras

Hi all, sorry I've not blogged for aaaages!

As a tiara maker and seller myself I know how expensive it can be to purchase these lovely accesories.

If you're feeling creative and adventurous, and have the time to play with some wire and beads, it something I deffinately recomend to have a go at.

There are lots of bead magazines out there that can give you some pointers, and certainly lots of pictures of tiaras from which to draw inspiration, please check out a few pics on my ORNAMENTAL blog.

Also online there are some useful sites such as this one which gives some useful bits of info, and the opportunity to buy some essential items.

Happy creating!

Monday, 11 August 2008

You're invited...

Making your own wedding invitations is one of those fabulous ideas that could go so horribly wrong.

This is not said to deter you in anyway. Only to encourage you to research, plan and pay attention to detail if this is a route you want to go down, particularly if you aren't very experienced in the craft/card making arena.

Just wanted to share some simple pointers to get you started. I hope to share some practical tips and possibly some tutorials at a later date.

Look, look, look.
Flick through magazines, trawl websites, keep cuttings of textures, papers, pictures, and generally anything you like the look of. Maybe a piece of ribbon from a chocolate box, a flower from a birthday card or a font from an advertisement will catch your eye. It is worth storing these ideas in your head, but more usefully in a notebook.

Shop, shop, shop - but frugally!
Don't bulk buy items until you are sure what you want. Ebay is a good place to pick up some craft items at good prices.

Play, play, play.
Whether you're an experienced crafter or a novice, the time spent playing with possibilities will have its rewards. Not only can it be a relaxing pastime to play with paper, scissors, glue and some pretty titbits, it will help you determine your design and how long it might take to make all your invitations. When you have decided what you want, make sure you have enough supplies and some extra before starting. There's nothing worse than getting 90% done and realise that you have run out of some vital element.

Be realistic.
Whatever design you've opted for, it's usually quicker to break down the design of your card, and make it in a more conveyor belt like fashion. E.g cut cut cut... , fold fold fold... stick stick stick... and so on. If your design is somewhat detailed - maybe you've decided to hand embroider an entire coat of arms onto fine silk - then maybe its worth enlisting the help of friends, family and anyone else who you can find.

Have fun
Allow yourself time to play and also time for things to go wrong. If you have time on your side then you won't be stressed about a deadline.

Sunday, 10 August 2008

Welcome to wedding frugality...

Ok, so what make me qualified to write a blog about wedding money saving tips?

Firstly, I’m married, been blessed with nine happy years, and we were married on a budget, ok it wasn’t my budget, but the budget was budgeted - hope that makes sense.

Secondly, lots of my friends have got married and I’ve been there to help them. Whether it’s been making tiaras and wedding jewellery, decorating halls, flower arranging, making wedding invitations, sewing hems, washing dishes, clearing up, I could go on…

Thirdly, I worked for the bridal designer Hayley J, it was a really fun time in my life where I got to meet brides, design their dresses, order or make their accessories, `finish’ wedding dresses by hemming and embellishing them and then seeing them look amazing when they bought the photo’s in.

My aim is to bring you lots of tips and links for the bride who likes to be careful with her (or someone elses) money, who is not afraid to ask people to help and is willing to have a go and maybe make something to wear or give.

Welcome to the Artful Wedding.
 

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