2o13.11 – DIYs – ribbon blooms – part 2

Ribbon blooms  had demonstrated the basics of a simple 5-petal ribbon flower. Over the past two weeks, I have taken the time to experiment with various techniques and materials to optimize the amount of time to make each bloom. (That is my technical brain kicking in. Process Optimization!) Here are some of my notes:

• There is a difference between grosgrain and satin ribbons. I would recommend grosgrain ribbon for more casual items because of the pattern on the ribbon; just does not provide the same type of polish look as satin ribbons.
• For ease of work, always try to acquire double-sided satin ribbons. You can work on multiple petals without even looking up.
• Learn how to tie knots quickly! If you have any professional seamstress girlfriends, ask them how. My mom had been trying to teach me this trick since I was a toddler, and it took me over twenty years to master it. Somehow, during the course of this DIY, I manage to finally figure out the technique. Also, it will save you lots of threads cutting.
• Buy quality thread! More durable and less likely to rip the unfinished ends of the petals.
• Stack two identical sized 5-petal ribbon flower to create dimension than decorate the center with another smaller (darker hue) 5 petal ribbon flower or embellishments (pearls, hot-fix crystals , tulle, etc.).

2o13.1o – DIYs – ribbon blooms – part 1

Something about the autumn brings out my DIY mood, must be the burden of impending holiday shopping activities.

So this year the plan is to make personalize hair accessories for my girls. All ten plus of them. Hence the plan to learn to ribbon flowers.

Trial one: ribbon petal blooms

Materials:
Grosgrain or satin ribbon (5/8″ to 1″ width)
Scissors
Matching thread and needle
Beads/tulle/etc. for decorating the center of the finished flower

Directions:
> these are so self explanatory, I made a little collage instead …

Here is one of the finish product:

Hope you enjoyed it … More to come soon~

2o13.1o.22

On a very dull Tuesday evening, I decided to play around with a piece of 24″ scalloped-edge lace. I have been watching lots of YouTube videos on making different types of fabric flowers. Roses, peonies, etc.

Nothing like just playing around randomly. With my sewing needle in hand and a couple of tv shows to catch up on, I just started stitching along the scalloped edges randomly. Sadly I didn’t take a picture at every step, and that was only because I have no idea how it was going to look. The final result is quite self explanatory:

Next: attach to floral wire to create an actual flower …

2o13.o9.28

TO Vintage Show @ MTCC – North Wing 

After a hectic morning of errands, I took on the traffic-jammed highways to attend this show. It is mainly a composite of vintage retailers from around ontario. My main objective was to score some sparkly brooches. Took me a good long walk around all of the vendors. Touching and checking every piece that I can find for the right level of sparkle and … PRICE! 

In the end, I bought two pricey pieces (over $20 each) and than I score some good deals at the sales bin! All items were $5 each! How I dug through that little tray for right pieces … and here is the result:

 

My ultimate goal is to produce a beautiful brooch bouquet on that very special day in my life. Although no date is set and no sparkler in sight. I am hopeful and patiently waiting. 

 

2o13.o9.24

hair extensions project

purpose: to make hair appear fuller and longer for events

materials:
> hair wefts
> wig clips
> needle
> matching colour thread
> seamstress measuring tape or string or yarn

materials purchases trip:
> Location: CJ Beauty (in B.town)
>> A friend of mine got a hold of this place from another friend. Ask around for best location and price. There will always be someone you know who wears them. The first time purchase should always be done in store. My friend heavily suggested that I understand the texture difference between the different qualities of human hair.

> Hair type: Choose the quality of the hair extensions based on your usage, but always stick with human hair. I purchased 14″ straight hair with layers because that matches my cut closely. I did not purchase virgin hair only because I was not planning to wear these on a regular basis. One set of these will most likely last me for a year or so until my own hairs grows out to the desire length.

> Colour match: My hair was last dyed back in May, so it took a bit more time to colour match to the undertones of my hair (which have been faded due to weather elements). My dark chocolate brown shade matched with colour #4. There are variations between brands for the same colour code (some may have light highlights already built in, some are solid colours). Do take a look at the various brands to see which one works best. This is when a good friend comes in handy. I tried a total of 3-4 brands before finding a good match.

> Quantity: I only purchased half a package of hair wefts. The sale associate was super nice to do the math for me and it was suppose to yield at least three tracks.

> Wig clips: These come in a three sizes. I was recommended to use medium size as it will conceal best with my fine hair. Purchase a minimum of 12 clips.

instructions:
1. Using the measuring tape, measure the back of head. I choose to measure this at the location right between crown and temple. This is going to be the location of your longest piece. Do request of help from a good friend or family member if required.
2. Plan the length of each piece:
A tip from the sales associate at the store: the space between each clip should be approximately three finger widths

*** 1st track @ crown – 10″ in length with 4 clips (14″ from temple to temple; minus 2 inches from each side so it won’t show at the edge of my hair.)
*** 2nd track @ temple – 8″ in length with 3 clips
*** 3rd track @ nape – 6″ in length with 2 clips

Note: I end up doubling each weft as I have close to double the quantity of hair wefts remaining. I did not realize this in my initial planning, otherwise I would have sewn the wefts together first before attaching the clip.

Total time required: approximately 3 hours from measure to finish.

Total cost of materials: approximately $30 ($20 for wefts & $5 for clips … than of course HST)