Flower Power!...DIY Satin Flower

I thought I already did a tutorial on how to make a satin flower like the one I used for the tutu dress, but low and behold I let this tutorial slip through the cracks...opps.  Well these satin flowers are super easy to make, and they have this great soft, pretty look to them.  They are very versatile, and you can use them on just about everything anywhere from headbands, tutus, or even hair fascinators or clips (which I did for my wedding day...tutorial coming soon!).

Here's what you need to get started...
-less than a yard of satin fabric (the cheap synthetic kind found at Hobby Lobby or Joann's)
-needle and thread
-candle (tea lights work best)
-decorative button
-low heat glue gun (NEEDS to be low heat, the high heat will burn and warp the satin)

First off you will need to cut the satin (you can definitely add more/less circles depending on how full you would like your flower).  This is what I used...

-3 large circles (about 3" diameter)
-3 medium circles (about 2" diameter)
-3 small circles (about 1 1/2" diameter)

You do not have to cut out perfectly symmetrical circles, as you can see from my picture.  Then, cut five or six 1/2"-3/4" inch notches all around the circles, like so...

Then with the lit candle, singe the ends of the circle and the notches carefully with the flame of the candle.  You do this by lightly sweeping the satin circle over the candle flame.  Do not stay over one part of the satin for a long period of time, because this fabric burns easily. 



You eventually end up with this, and it only takes about a minute per satin circle...

Then, stack the satin circles starting from the largest at the bottom to the smallest at the top.  Use a dollop of glue from the glue gun to keep each satin circle together.  Make sure you alter the positions of the circles, so that the petals are not all lined up.  This gives it a more natural look.  See below pic.

Now the last step is to sew on the decorative button, and there you have it...

You can also leave the circles round without the notches and you end up with this...

Photo courtesy of http://www.makeit-loveit.com/

Breakdown of Price:
-Yard of Fabric: $2.99, but you only used a 1/6 of a yard or so -- $0.50
-Decorative Button: $1.00
-Needle, thread, candle, and glue gun--already had--$0

TOTAL COST OF PROJECT: $1.50

Ole!...DIY Fiesta Themed Wedding Shower Invites and Themed Decor

If you know me by now, you know that I absolutely love themed parties!  We had a small couple wedding shower a few months back at a Mexican restaurant here is Houston called Berry Hill's.  To go with the restaurant we decided on a Fiesta Theme for our wedding shower!

Let's first start with the wedding shower invitation!  Made by me!  I made envelope liners for these.  I used the same technique as our Save the Dates invites...

The finished product =)

Here are some other details from the shower made and decorated by my Maid of Honor and sissy...

Sign at the front of the private dining room

Some decor...paper Mexican flowers, candles, mini pinatas, and maracas

Bride and Groom ("El Hefe") Sombreros

Party Favors (Pumpkin and Apple Empanadas...yum-o)

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Everything's Bigger (and Cuter) in Texas...Our Texas Christmas Tree

After seeing so many cute themed Christmas trees at department stores, such as these...

Peacock Themed Christmas Tree

Wine Themed Christmas Tree

Princess Themed Christmas Tree

...I decided I needed to have a themed Christmas tree.  I wanted a theme that would not go out of style easily.  I decided a Texas tree was the way to go!  We bought our 7.5' Slim Virginia Pine Tree at Target.  I loved this tree because 1.) It was prelight (easy set up!), 2.) It was artificial (no mess!), 3.) It was slim (great as an apartment tree!), and 4.) It has pine cones (natural element and built in decoration!).  I purchase the ornaments from Hobby Lobby, Macy's, Garden Ridge, Texas souvenir stores and the San Antonio Mercado.  You also do not have to stick to only Christmas ornaments for your tree; I used mini Texas flags, mini sombreros, mini personalized Texas license plates, Texas license plate tree topper, and bandannas.  I actually recommend using unconventional decorations for your tree to keep it interesting =)

I found great inspiration and tips from Rebecca on You Tube, she's an interior designer and she knows her stuff!

First, I bought a twine like rope called Natural Sisal from Hobby Lobby.  I actually stumbled upon this, when browsing near the aisle next to the jewelry aisle (sorry I don't really remember which section).  A big roll of this was only $3.50 and I only used a little more than half to wrap the tree.  I began by wrapping the Sisal around the tree.  You do not have to make it perfectly aligned (actually the messier the better!).  I liked the Sisal because as you wrapped it around the tree it naturally spiraled.

Natural Sisal bought at Hobby Lobby

Sisal on the tree

Next, I added the "cheap/plain/boring" Christmas ornaments to the tree.  Like Rebecca said in the You Tube video (if you guys watched it) to not only put the ornaments on the outer part of the tree, but she recommends to put ornaments within the tree to draw your eyes in. These filled in the middle and inner part of the tree.

Plain/Boring Christmas Ornaments

Plain Christmas ornament tucked inside and behind the "nicer" ornaments

Then, I placed the nicer ornaments and larger ornaments on the tree.  I started with the big ornaments (such as the big starts, license places, signs, and roosters).  Then, I filled the surrounding area with the other smaller ornaments. 

Tree with some of the larger ornaments

Here are some of my favorite ornaments and decorations on the tree...



I bought thick ribbon (2"-3") to wrap around the tree.  I began wrapping the ribbon around the tree.  I used this type of technique.  Carol does a great job showing how to wrap the ribbon around the tree.  I then started adding other decorations that protrude out of the tree (i.e. red and white holly picks, mini Texas flags, and the dark blue bandannas).

Almost done tree =)

I initially bought a typical tree topper from Hobby Lobby, but then I saw a "I <3 TEXAS" license plate at the San Antonio Mercado.  I knew this would be the perfect topper and would complete our tree!

Here are some cool pictures I took of our tree...

Tree Topper!

Country Style Tree Skirt

Just to recap, here are some tips:

• Layer, Layer, Layer: put plain Christmas ornaments within the tree, alternate between ornaments, ribbon, twine, etc.
• Use Different Types of Textures and Sizes of Decor: use rough types of material such as Sisal/twine, use extra large ornaments or decorations
• Use Decoration That Are Not Typical Christmas Decorations: license plates, Sisal/twine, metal signs, mini sombreros, mini pinatas, mini flags, and whatever fits your theme (possibilities are endless!)
• Make Sure You Have Decorations That Protrude Out Of The Tree: mini flags, bandannas, or Christmas picks...this gives your tree dimension)
• Make Sure Your Tree Is NOT Symmetrical: when wrapping the ribbon, secure the ribbon on the tree sporadically and spread the ornaments/decorations randomly...this keeps someone looking at the tree interested and draws them to look at the tree longer, since each part of the tree looks different.

"Rough" Price Breakdown:

-Tree: $80

-Ornaments and Decor: $150ish

TOTAL: $230...priceless

Ain't No Party Like A Strong Party...DIY Personalized Entourage Gifts

Groomsmen Gifts:

I have always loved the idea of the "In Case of Cold Feet" socks.  I've seen them plenty of times on wedding blogs, and I just knew I wanted to incorporate that into the groomsmen gifts. 

Courtesy of The Knot

I designed the entire thing on Microsoft Publisher and saved it as a pdf file. I was able to print two on a 8.5 x 11 heavy weight linen paper.  The exact size of the wrap around label is 9 x 3.  I brought the file to the print shop that did my invites, and they printed and cut it for me.  Then all you need is permanent double sided tape...and socks of course!



We purchased purple and black argyle socks from Express.  I left the original wrap around Express tag on.

I stuck double sided tape to the back of the "In Case of Cold Feet" wrap around label and around the original Express label, and there you have an affordable personalized gift!

Here's an up close picture of the label...

Bridesmaid Gifts:

I also wanted to do an additional personalized gift besides the painted wine glasses.  I figured my future initials would be V.S. which so happens to be the same initials for Victoria Secret.  So I decided to do a Victoria Secret inspired gift =)  I started by creating a label on Microsoft Publisher and saved it as a pdf.  I chose a font that closely resembled the Victoria Secret font.  I was able to print two on a 8.5 x 11 piece of paper.  The actual size of the label was 4.25 x 4.  I also had it printed and cut at the print shop, and I used the heavy weight linen paper as well.  Here's a pic of an original Victoria Secret logo, and then my Victoria Secret inspired logo...

Then, you simply buy medium treat bags (you can find them at Hobby Lobby in the baking/cake decorating section).  You then stuff the bag with lip gloss, lotions, and other girly stuff.  Then, you fold down the bag and staple it shut (one staple in the middle is fine). 

Then you fold the label, and you then staple it to the bag like so...

Here's the finished product...



Toast to the Good Life...DIY Personalized Bridesmaid Wine Glasses

I really wanted to incorporate my Domesticated Diva touch to at least one of my bridesmaid's gifts.  I decided personalized wine glasses would be both beautiful and functional =)

I bought 6 wine glasses, and ensured I washed and dried the glasses very well prior to starting my crafting project.  Washing the wine glasses, ensures all finger prints, oils, dirt and dust are removed.  I bought craft paint specially made for glass, and I bought paints that match our wedding colors =)  This is the paint I bought...

I then printed my bridesmaid's names out to use it as a guide.  I used a font that would be fairly easy to use and thick enough to see. 

I cut the names to a manageable size, and taped it to the inside of the wine glass...

I then began painting their names.  If you happen to mess up, you can wipe it off with a wet paper towel and it should be fine.  I bought a fairly thick paint brush, if I had to do it again I would purchase a thin brush instead.  I painted their names once, and let it dry for about 30 minutes.  Then, I applied a second coat of paint, so that their names and purple color appeared clearly.  Here is a pic after I painted the names...

I then decided I would do a poke-a-dot design around the names, since that seemed to be the most easiest.  I also applied two coats to the poke-a-dot design...

Per the instructions on the paint bottles, you must bake the glass to set the paint.  Baking the glass, ensures the paint will not come off after it is used.  Baking it also seems to make the paint appear glossier.  Here's a pic after the wine glasses were baked...

I then washed the glasses again with soapy water.  To finish off the gifts, I decided to tie a ribbon around the stem of the glass like so...

Now, uncork that wine bottle and have yourself a nice glass of vino!