DIY Poms for garland or ornaments

DIY Pom

Easy DIY project for any crafter.  These poms can be tiny, huge, or anything in between depending on your project.  For garland I recommend 1 1/2 inch circles to 2 inch circles.  For kissing balls 5-6 inch circles.  The larger the pom the more circles you will need to cut out.


You will need:
1-2 yards of costume satin in your choice of colors.
Matching multi use thread
Needle
High quality Scissors
Ribbon (3/8 or 5/8)

Cut your satin into circles.  The larger the circle the larger the pom.  Approx 20 circles for this project.




 




Fold your satin in half the the shiny side out. 

Fold it in half again. 












Fold it in half one last time.










Thread needle and pierce fabric about 1/4 inch from the tip of the fold.   Push down the thread toward the end.  

Tie a knot in the thread to prevent the satin from coming off of the thread.

Do this repeatedly until you have a length that is about three times the width.

Tie the two ends of the thread together tightly.  Feed your ribbon through the center of the pom and tie in a knot or bow.

VIOLA!!

Use as a flower girl pomander/kissing ball, use green satin and add red berries for a mistletoe pom, make dozens of small poms and make a garland, make 3 inch poms for holiday ornaments, make dozens and glue to a wreath for the front door....limitless possibilities!

Enjoy!

Pink, pink, pink flower shoe clips.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62183829/fashion-fabric-flower-pink-and-white

These were so fun to make.  Three different fabrics and a rhinestone center.  Too cool.  I think these would look amazing with a white dress shirt and jeans!

McNalley wedding complete! Yippee!

This was a wonderful wedding to do.  Very large and detailed!  The super sweet bride wanted to honor her Mother with photographs in the bouquet and mermaids intertwined in special places.

Bouquets

Artsy shot

Grooms' party boutonnieres

Underside of bridal bouquet

Starfish - bridesmaid bouquet handles

Side shot of bridal bouquet with mermaid

Wand/ Septor for Avaleigh

Offbeat Etsy Weddings: Warm Hues For Fall Weddings

Offbeat Etsy Weddings: Warm Hues For Fall Weddings: "Gone is the need for the traditional white wedding, now is the time to splash a little color... a little you into your wedding. Fall is such..."

Isn't everyone blessed?

Dreams Rosary Necklace

John8eight

What makes John8eight rosaries and religious jewelry so unique? I start by taking jewelry that is broken, useless, unwanted and rejected.  I then take these pieces that society considers trash and use them for the service of the Lord. My rosaries are a reflection of what God does for so many of us. He takes what society considers outcast and rebels- the useless, broken, unwanted and rejected. Then God raises them above kings to glorify His name. -Michelle-

I could not have explained John8eight jewelry any better than Michelle did in her Etsy shop announcement so I have quoted her directly.

I recently had the pleasure of becoming (virtually) acquainted with Michelle.  She applied to become an Offbeat Weddings Etsy Team member.  Unfortunately, the team could not see a wedding connection to her rosaries.  I can tell you that I actually cried when the team voted no.  Personally I believe that any jewelry that has an emotional connection to an individual is a welcome addition to any wedding.  Rosaries are often wrapped around bouquet stems and I have witnessed them being used to bind a wedding couples' hands during the ceremony.  

I have no idea why Michelle's stories touched me or why I felt so strong of a connection to her.   Please take the time to visit her shop.  Read each item description.  Michelle has a talent that is so rare in this world.  She is authentic in her beliefs and her item descriptions are like Chicken soup for the Christian's soul.   I guarantee that you will be either inspired or uplifted.

To Michelle,

I am not a silly woman.  I don't cry at the drop of a hat.  It is often brought to my attention that I come off terse and too business like.  You have (if only for a while) turned me into a wilting, snot wiping, crying mess and I love you for it.

-Krissy

Chaplet of the Perpetual Cancer Can Kiss My Royal Butt Prayer Beads

Ruth 1/16 Prayer Necklace

Offbeat Etsy Weddings: Look at the details

Offbeat Etsy Weddings: Look at the details: "Possibly Maybe by Crankypants on Etsy I have always been a sucker for the little details that make something a WOW instead of just cute. ..."

Why the toss bouquet isn't dead yet - new twist on an old tradition

Toss bouquets have been a part of weddings for forever.  The bride winks at the single ladies all bunched together and then tosses her bouquet (or a stand in bouquet) to the seemingly desperate women.  Every single woman must want to catch that bouquet for her chance to be married next, right?   Doesn't sound very romantic or kind, does it?


The toss bouquet doesn't have to die. I have a new tradition for you.  

Fortune toss bouquets and best wishes toss bouquets!  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60227382/fortune-toss-wedding-bouquet-a-new-twist

The fortune toss bouquet is actually several (5-7) small bouquets that disperse when thrown into the crowd.  Attached to each bouquet is a personalized tag from the wedding couple.  Well wishes, fortune cookie sayings, favorite quotes, music lyrics, or personal notes of love are written on the tags along with the couples name and wedding date.


These bouquets are meant for every guest.  It doesn't matter is they are male, female, married, single, nine or ninety.  The recipient gets a wonderful gift from the newlyweds.  The newlyweds get great action photos from their reception and something to talk about for years.


I can create a custom toss bouquet just for your wedding.  Your wedding colors can be matched, or better yet why not go wild and do  patterns or metallics?   The only thing that will limit us is our imagination.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/60227382/fortune-toss-wedding-bouquet-a-new-twist

{make} Homemade Vanilla Extract for the Holidays

{make} Homemade Vanilla Extract for the Holidays

I am discovering how much I like food related treats and favors. This homemade vanilla extract recipe is perfect for a baby shower or wedding too. Customize your labels to your event.

Preston Bailey color tool

Awesome tool to help you decide on colors

I am like a kid in a candy store.  This link is to an event planners color guide.  It is interactive and will make you want to do it over and over again.  So much fun.

What makes personalization cool?

Personalization is a great way to express style. Unfortunately, it can go too far. It reminds me of young boys having their names sewn onto their underwear. I like a more subtle approach to personalization. I have worked with quirky brides that love to be unique. Now every time I see a penguin button or charm I think of Amy, or pastel water colors I think of Annie. The bouquets I create are 100% personalized but you won't find a monogram, you'll find childhood photos tucked into the flower centers or a quote from a favorite poet. I am particularly fond of animal photos. Fido is your furry baby that misses your big day. What better way is there to keep him with you?

I would love to hear your ideas for unique personal touches.

DIY Facials

A professional facial can be very expensive ranging in cost from $50.00-$300.00.  I have done some good Internet searching to find the best DIY at home facials.  They come in two types.  AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) for dry skin and BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) for oily and acne prone skin.  The most common form of AHA is glycolic acid derived from cane sugar.  The most common form of BHA is salicylic acid easily found in aspirin.  Either of these acids works by sloughing off the upper layers of skin cells to reveal the fresh new skin underneath.  If you are planning to do a facial before your wedding (highly recommended) do a dry run a 2 months or more before the wedding to prevent possible pictures of an allergic reaction.  If the peel goes well repeat one-two times a week for six weeks prior to your wedding.  Remember to moisturize after doing any peel.


Here are a list of DIY recipes for facial peels:

Fruit juice peel:
For combination skin

1/4 Cup lemon juice
1/4 Cup Apple juice
1/4 Cup Grape juice
1/4 Cup fine grain cane sugar

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Apply to face for 10 minutes.  Rinse with water.
This is a peel that can be done often but keep in mind that your skin will adjust to the acids and the peel will stop working after a while.


Apple cider vinegar:
Super mild for all skin types

1/2 Cup apple cider vinegar

Dip cotton ball into vinegar and apply to face in circular motions.  Leave on for 10 minutes.  Rinse off with water.  This can be your daily cleanser as well.


Aspirin (BHA Salicylic) peel
For acne prone skin

3 tablet aspirins
1 lemon

Place the aspirin in a shallow bowl or lipped plate and drip lemon juice onto the tablets.  About a teaspoon of juice.  The tablets will start to dissolve or soften.   Press on the tablets.  Add more lemon juice if still hard after 1 minute.  When they turn into mush apply the paste to your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes.  Rinse with water. 


Sweet mask (AHA Glycolic):
For dry skin

1/2 Cup plain greek yogurt
1/4 Cup fine grain cane sugar

Mix the two until you have a grainy yet creamy mask.  Apply to the face for 10 minutes.  Rinse with water.

Fall wedding food favors.

Caramelized Spicy Pumpkin Seed Favor

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds, washed and dried
• cooking spray
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons of sugar, the cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper, and set aside.
3. Place the pumpkin seeds on the prepared baking sheet, spray them with cooking spray, and sprinkle with salt to taste. Bake the seeds in the preheated oven until lightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, and stir in the toasted pumpkin seeds along with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook and stir the seeds until the sugar forms a coating on the seeds, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir the caramelized seeds into the bowl of sugar-spice mixture, toss to coat, and let cool.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 117 | Total Fat: 4.8g | Cholesterol: 0mg

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Caramelized-Spicy-Pumpkin-Seeds/Detail.aspx?src=etaf

To turn this yummy treat into a wedding favor:

Use a small brown paper bag or a plastic cone bag tied with colored raffia.  These are available at your local hobby store.

Stamp the small paper bag or a tie on tag with your Initials and give to your guests as a nice edible treat.

Daring dress in black and red.  Soft and feminine yet mysterious.  A hard combination to find.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53271131/picadora-wedding-dress?ref=tre-4c95256e2c528eefe72d7150-7

So excited to have my Misty Morning bouquet featured on the Front page of Etsy!

Traditional vs. Non Traditional

I say both of these styles are great if they reflect the bride. I can't imagine my uber conservative friends rocking fuchsia at their wedding. Just not going to happen. They love the crisp whites and soft pinks. I'm cool with that. My not so conservative friends (of which I only have a few) would not only rock the hot pink but would throw in a matching pink stripe in their otherwise blond hair. LOVE IT!

I am consistently amazed at how many people feel that they must fit into the "typical" box.  Do what you are!  Do not apologize for loving anything or anyone.

An authentic life.

I think that every person I know has at some point struggled with being true to themselves. I know I have. Keeping up with the Joneses is the American way. It is a very hard habit to break. I am trying to remember what makes me feel happy and fulfilled is not necessarily popular or even socially accepted; and that is okay. For years I have hid behind nice material things. The brand new house and cars, big diamond rings, the newest and greatest. You know what... Not one of those items makes me feel good about me. The "success" is a joke. I now have to work a 9-5 job to keep up with this crap when all I really want to do is raise my two year old and be creative. I have a thousand ideas that I don't have the time to attempt.

This post is a reminder of what not to do. If you are living your life authentically already than I admire your bravery.

My goal is to enrich my life with wonderful friends and family and build a business that makes the people I interact with happier.

Tell me what makes your life authentic or what makes it difficult to be true to yourself.