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View Full Version : My DIY Bouquet....a work in progress.

delilah
10-28-2007, 12:17 PM
Just thought I'd post a few pics in case anyone else might be inspired to create their own beaded/found object bouquet.

Keep in mind, this is a definite work in progress. I'll keep updating as I get more completed.

Here is a pic of my inspiration bouquet...the top bouquet with the velvet handle.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/thatgirldina/vintage%20wedding%20dress/CrystalBouquet.jpg
Here is a top view
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/thatgirldina/vintage%20wedding%20dress/100_4689.jpg
And from the side...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/thatgirldina/vintage%20wedding%20dress/100_4688.jpg
I have oodles more beaded stems to add, as well as some vintage buttons that I pulled from both mine and my gramma's button boxes. I'm still trying to find the perfect bird brooch to pin to the handle.

So far, I think it's turning out even better than expected! I have a few more pics on my blog, but I'll keep posting here as well in case anyone is interested in a how-to.
heatherh321
10-28-2007, 12:26 PM
Very cool! Great job!
ger
10-28-2007, 12:28 PM
How very pretty! You have excellent talent! I can't wait to see the finished product!!!
Nekochanpurr
10-28-2007, 12:30 PM
Thats a really neat idea!!
WebLady
10-28-2007, 12:30 PM
Pretty cool :D
smileyone2002
10-28-2007, 12:48 PM
Oh my goodness...those are so cute! What a good idea:whoohoo: Those are going to turn out great!
delilah
10-28-2007, 02:18 PM
Awww! Thanks girls! You are too sweet!

I've got even more of it completed now, and I'm falling more and more in love with it as I go. I can't wait to show you what it looks like all done up!
bichonlvr
10-28-2007, 10:24 PM
SOOOO cool!

IT looks great so far!!!
BnB
10-29-2007, 04:47 AM
That is beautiful.
You did a great job.
Danielle9608
10-29-2007, 08:07 AM
Looking good. Great Job! :whoohoo:
Krimangel
10-29-2007, 09:44 AM
Wow, That Is Beatiful, I Would Have Never Thought To Add Feathers, I Love It! Good Job.
StarCoveter
10-29-2007, 11:58 AM
I'm loving the little feathers at the bottom. :hi:
sjk1431
10-29-2007, 12:21 PM
that is pretty great job :whoohoo:
delilah
10-29-2007, 12:23 PM
Thanks so so so much girls! I managed to finish it up last night and can't wait to post pics. I'm absolutely in love with it. Even Bob thinks it's pretty great.

I'm at work at the moment(...shhh...)but as soon as I get home I'll take a few happy snaps to share. :heart:
samantha01
10-29-2007, 02:57 PM
That turned out really good. You did a great job.
delilah
10-29-2007, 04:08 PM
That turned out really good. You did a great job.

Thanks Samantha.

I haven't posted the finished pics just yet. Stop by again tonight or tomorrow. I'm sure you'll notice a big difference in how it looks all done up.
sweets4ever
10-30-2007, 12:17 PM
Verrrrry pretty! I beaded, too. Takes forever!
septemberbride06
10-30-2007, 03:54 PM
so, where are the finished pictures? LOL :whoohoo:
delilah
10-30-2007, 04:30 PM
so, where are the finished pictures? LOL :whoohoo:

Good things come to those who wait sweet cheeks! :)

Just kidding! Actually I was going to post them late tonight around 10-ish. I'm stuck at work this afternoon, then I start my new saveeverypennyforthewedding part-time job this evening. I won't get a chance to run home inbetween. poo.
delilah
10-31-2007, 01:37 PM
Sorry I'm a tad late in posting these pics. I didnt' get home until way past bedtime last night and I was exhausted.

Please be honest and tell me what you think. I thought I was finished, but now, after looking at the photos, I still don't think it's "full" enough. These pics show 200 crystal stems and about 15 button stems. Do you think I should add a few more? I was thinking of throwing in some small beaded flowers, but now I'm not sure. Ugh...why am I always second-guessing?

Without further ado...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/thatgirldina/vintage%20wedding%20dress/FinishedBouquet.jpg
Krimangel
10-31-2007, 02:10 PM
I Think It Is So Beautiful, But I Have To Ask, Is There Some Reason For The Buttons? I Am No Loving Them.
delilah
10-31-2007, 02:24 PM
I Think It Is So Beautiful, But I Have To Ask, Is There Some Reason For The Buttons? I Am No Loving Them.

Thanks! :) I added the buttons and feathers and seed beads to match the little birds nests that we are using for placecard/favors and to try to replicate the look of our cake topper. They are both make with "scraps", found objects, and old mica glass glitter. I was thinking that just using all that crystal was going to make it look alot more sparklie and "glam" rather than "vintage-esqe", and I wanted to break it up a bit, hence the buttons and old pearls. I hope that makes sense?! If you are a reader of my blog, I'll be posting pics of the cake topper and placecards in the next day or two, so you'll be able to see them all together.
Krimangel
10-31-2007, 02:28 PM
Well In That Case It Makes Perfect Sense. I Just Love The Feathers And What Ever The Little Blue Beads Are. Love Love Love Them. I Think You Did An Amazing Job!
ger
10-31-2007, 02:41 PM
That is sooo pretty! I like it just the way it is..but I liked the first pic too. So, don't put too much store in my opinion. lol I think it is beautiful, though.
StarCoveter
10-31-2007, 06:31 PM
LOVE it. :bbmrgreen:

It makes me think of the 1920s.
heatherh321
10-31-2007, 09:42 PM
Super cool and you did a great job!
heatherh321
10-31-2007, 09:52 PM
Super cool and you did a great job!
June_Bride2008
11-01-2007, 11:31 AM
Those are really neat!!!! HOw did you make them??? I'm not that crafty...,.but those are really cool.
Tiffany83
11-01-2007, 03:17 PM
Wow! I'm amazed! That's so pretty!
NicksBride
11-01-2007, 03:30 PM
Thats awesome!!! Great job!
delilah
11-01-2007, 04:19 PM
You all are so sweet! Thanks so much for the compliments. :kiss:

It really wasn't all that hard to make, just required ALOT of patience and a high tolerance for pain. I kept pricking myself with the wire. Here is the mini-how-to. If you need a few visuals, that are a couple more pics on my blog.

I basically started with a small green styro florist cone (about $2 at Walmart). I cut 12 2" strips of the ribbon, folded it in half to make a loop and stuck 10 of them around the top of the cone with straight pins to create a ruffled edge. Then I used the other two to cover the bottom of the cone, creating an "x" pattern and pinning then down. I started wrapping the length of the ribbon from the botton to the top, making sure to go high enough to cover the straight pins holding the "ruffle", so that they wouldn't show. Then I pinned the loose end into the cone. Handle complete!

I then took ivory turkey feathers and twisted them onto a bit of wire and stuck them into the perimeter of the cone.

The crystals, seed beads and buttons and such are just threaded onto 26ga. and 30ga. florists wire that I picked up and Michael's. After I had made about 200 or so, I grouped them together into sets of 10 and twisted them all together to create sort of a mini-bouquet. I took the mini bouquets and twisted them onto florists spikes, which I then inserted in to the top of the cone until I thought it looked full. I then added a few more wired feathers to fluff it up a bit, bent the crystal stems to fill in any holes. I tied a small bow to the top, pinned it on and added a brooch. Voila!

Here's the cost breakdown:
Wire $4
Cone $2
Ribbon $8
Florist Spikes $3
Buttons: FREE
Seed Beads $3
A buttload of various Swarovski crystal: $165
Brooch: FREE
Straight Pins $1

It did take me about 2.5 days of constant working to complete it. It's a very tedious and time consuming job to wrap all those crystals by hand. I think there is a wire twisting machine you can buy that might help save some time and fingers, but in our dinky town, I couldn't find one. All in all, I think it was worth it, since the inspiration bouquet in the photo was about $800!
twu
11-01-2007, 11:57 PM
That's gorgeous! Normally I don't like all the wire that shows in beaded bouquets, but you did a lovely job of using different materials to make it work. I love it :hi:
delilah
11-02-2007, 07:33 PM
That's gorgeous! Normally I don't like all the wire that shows in beaded bouquets, but you did a lovely job of using different materials to make it work. I love it :hi:

Thanks! :) I'm not usually fond of crystal bouquets, AT ALL, but I fell in love with some of the more intricate ones that used other materials as well. I really don't like the look of the wires either, but I think the other bits and bobs distract your eye and you don't notice the glaring shiny silver wire. I did try to find a different color, but had not luck. :heart:
EarlyBird
11-02-2007, 10:57 PM
dont think i have commented on nthis before, but i wanted to tell you (even if i already did) HOW MUCH I LOVVVVVE THIS... so elegant!!!
delilah
11-03-2007, 12:23 AM
dont think i have commented on nthis before, but i wanted to tell you (even if i already did) HOW MUCH I LOVVVVVE THIS... so elegant!!!

Thank you so much for the sweet compliment! I'm so glad to have received such positive feedback on it. I'm one of those girls who is always second guessing my ideas.
Jess
11-03-2007, 07:53 PM
Oh, wow! That is so pretty! It would be perfect for a winter wedding! I would have never thought of using anything besides flowers until now! You did a great job on it!
delilah
11-04-2007, 11:49 AM
Oh, wow! That is so pretty! It would be perfect for a winter wedding! I would have never thought of using anything besides flowers until now! You did a great job on it!

Thanks for the compliments Jess! We are, in fact having a winter wedding, your feedback is spot on!

Oh....I just was thinking, how pretty would this be in pale blues and creams?! I just might have to make one just for curiosity's sake! :lol:
twu
11-04-2007, 07:37 PM
Thank you so much for the sweet compliment! I'm so glad to have received such positive feedback on it. I'm one of those girls who is always second guessing my ideas.


I'm like that too--highly critical of myself. I'm usually the first person to find something wrong with food that I cook or an art project I make.

But this is really quite gorgeous. You have a great sense for design, and you use a variety of textures and bead/trinket sizes to keep it interesting.
delilah
11-05-2007, 11:12 AM
I'm like that too--highly critical of myself. I'm usually the first person to find something wrong with food that I cook or an art project I make.

But this is really quite gorgeous. You have a great sense for design, and you use a variety of textures and bead/trinket sizes to keep it interesting.

Thanks again sweetie! :kiss: You are too kind. I was really trying to make the bouquet have a variety of textures and soft, sepia colors.

Why is it that most of us are so self-critical!?! I really wish we all weren't so hard on ourselves sometimes. Ahhhh, the joys of being a girl....
erika85
11-05-2007, 12:46 PM
Sounds like a little too much pain to me (Wire and I wouldn't mix without thick leather gloves:geek:) lol

Looks great!
snu
11-05-2007, 12:58 PM
Beautiful and unique...I love it!!
delilah
11-05-2007, 01:09 PM
Sounds like a little too much pain to me (Wire and I wouldn't mix without thick leather gloves:geek:) lol

Looks great!

Thanks for the compliment and the giggle! It was a tad painful to put together at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing. All in all, I think it was definitely worth it! :)
Danielle9608
11-05-2007, 01:13 PM
Thanks for the compliment and the giggle! It was a tad painful to put together at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing. All in all, I think it was definitely worth it! :)

I'll bet it was! In college I had a sculpture class where I made a swallow entirely out of wire. I was bleeding for weeks.
s_r_d3
11-05-2007, 01:59 PM
I think its beautiful! You did a great job!
delilah
11-05-2007, 06:14 PM
I think its beautiful! You did a great job!
Thanks sweetie! :kiss:
BrideInCuffs21
11-05-2007, 07:51 PM
So delilah this is a stupid question but.... haha it is heavy? Like with all the wire, beads, buttons, ribbon?> It just looks like it would be heavy, prolly cuz the metal, but it is gorgeous.... cute cute cute...
delilah
11-05-2007, 09:19 PM
So delilah this is a stupid question but.... haha it is heavy? Like with all the wire, beads, buttons, ribbon?> It just looks like it would be heavy, prolly cuz the metal, but it is gorgeous.... cute cute cute...

Thanks Peaches! :kiss:

Great question! Actually, it's not all that bad. About the same as a floral bouquet of the same size.
70707Bride
11-06-2007, 07:40 PM
I love it, its different!
SouthernQueenBride
11-07-2007, 08:32 AM
Looooove It!!! It is so different!
You have done an awesome job! It is really beautiful!
delilah
11-07-2007, 10:33 AM
Thanks Girls! :kiss:

I'm trying to decide what we should use as an accent color, and may be changing out the ribbon handle for either a champagne color or a platinum grey. What do you all think? If you want to see the pics of my accessory choices, along with a photo of my dress, it's in the blog. Please stop by and tell me what you think. I KNOW I'm completely overanalyzing it, but it would be nice to get a few girlie opinions.
twu
11-07-2007, 10:52 AM
Thanks Girls! :kiss:

I'm trying to decide what we should use as an accent color, and may be changing out the ribbon handle for either a champagne color or a platinum grey. What do you all think? If you want to see the pics of my accessory choices, along with a photo of my dress, it's in the blog. Please stop by and tell me what you think. I KNOW I'm completely overanalyzing it, but it would be nice to get a few girlie opinions.


2 questions/points:

1) If the first pic there is your dress, is it going to be light pink like in the picture?
2) The picture link to the platinum accessories is broke
delilah
11-07-2007, 11:35 AM
2 questions/points:

1) If the first pic there is your dress, is it going to be light pink like in the picture?
2) The picture link to the platinum accessories is broke

Yes, my dress is the same pink silk. Funny about the platinum pic...it shows up fo rme. Strange. I'll have to re-load it. Thanks for taking a look! :heart:
twu
11-07-2007, 09:03 PM
They all look nice. I think I'd go for the chocolate because I like the greater contrast. The champagne is my second choice. What are you wedding colors?
HisMuse
11-07-2007, 09:29 PM
I already told you on your blog I like the darker color shoes with the dress.
exoduslaughin
11-07-2007, 10:10 PM
Wow, your bouquet is beautiful! I have never seen one like it!
delilah
11-08-2007, 12:43 PM
They all look nice. I think I'd go for the chocolate because I like the greater contrast. The champagne is my second choice. What are you wedding colors?

Thanks! I'm leaning towards the darker shoe/clutch as well. Although, that platinum bag has been taunting me. I might just have to buy it anyway! :)

We really don't have a set color palatte. Mostly just the pale blush pink of my dress, Bob's suit will either be brown or grey with an ivory shirt. There are hints of a slate blue in my bouquet and in our placecard/favors, but nothing that screams "this is our color scheme". I would like everything to look a tad faded, or sepia toned.
delilah
11-08-2007, 12:44 PM
I already told you on your blog I like the darker color shoes with the dress.

Thanks Peaches! You're the best! :kiss: I think we have alot of similar tastes.
delilah
11-08-2007, 12:45 PM
Wow, your bouquet is beautiful! I have never seen one like it!

Thanks for the compliment sweetie! You are too kind. :heart: I can't wait to be able to carry it and show it off. I'm just crossing my fingers that it photographs well and doesn't just look like a big sparklie mess.
exoduslaughin
11-08-2007, 01:34 PM
Thanks for the compliment sweetie! You are too kind. :heart: I can't wait to be able to carry it and show it off. I'm just crossing my fingers that it photographs well and doesn't just look like a big sparklie mess.

Well it looks great in these photos, so I'm sure it will look just as good in your wedding photos!
delilah
11-08-2007, 04:09 PM
Well it looks great in these photos, so I'm sure it will look just as good in your wedding photos!

I sure hope so! My photographer didn't mention it, and she's seen it, so I'm sure it's just another case of me second guessing everything.
Amanda&Jason
11-09-2007, 06:32 PM
I have made lots of these for friends weddings and I have found that the least painful way to do this is to use a drill. You do all the same stuff she said earlier except that you twist the wire using a drill. You take a standard drill and put one of those screw in hooks on the end instead of a drill bit. Hold the bead and then drill. You stop drilling about a 1/2 inch-1 inch from the bead and hand twist the rest. This goes quicker and you don't poke your self as much.
delilah
11-09-2007, 06:40 PM
I have made lots of these for friends weddings and I have found that the least painful way to do this is to use a drill. You do all the same stuff she said earlier except that you twist the wire using a drill. You take a standard drill and put one of those screw in hooks on the end instead of a drill bit. Hold the bead and then drill. You stop drilling about a 1/2 inch-1 inch from the bead and hand twist the rest. This goes quicker and you don't poke your self as much.

That's a GREAT idea! I wish I had heard of it sooner. :) There is still a chance I may be taking this bouquet apart, so I'll definitely be keeping your tip in mind if I do it all over again. Hopefully if anyone else wants to attempt to make their own bouquet, they will read this.

I'd love, love, love to see pics of your bouquets. Do you have any to share?
Amanda&Jason
11-11-2007, 03:21 PM
I'd love, love, love to see pics of your bouquets. Do you have any to share?
Ya know I never really thought to take pictures of the bouquets I made since they were for friends weddings. I haven't even started mine yet. Too busy with school this semester! I love the use of feathers in your bouquet, I might swipe that idea.:)
delilah
11-12-2007, 09:48 AM
Ya know I never really thought to take pictures of the bouquets I made since they were for friends weddings. I haven't even started mine yet. Too busy with school this semester! I love the use of feathers in your bouquet, I might swipe that idea.:)

Well poo. I love seeing other bride's DIY projects! You should post your own bouquet as you complete it...I know we'd all love to see how it's coming along.

I think the feathers were a great way to hide alot of the wire...and they look really soft, which is the effect I was hoping for.
EarlyBird
11-12-2007, 11:29 AM
so i have this weird feeling that i may make these for my girls... like im not positive yet but every time i look at this threa im inpiried... i thought i hated beaded bouquets, but maybe not :)

great job..dont take it apart :) i think its better then the inspired one.. did you use any pearls in there???
delilah
11-12-2007, 12:29 PM
so i have this weird feeling that i may make these for my girls... like im not positive yet but every time i look at this threa im inpiried... i thought i hated beaded bouquets, but maybe not :)

great job..dont take it apart :) i think its better then the inspired one.. did you use any pearls in there???

Thanks so much! Wow! Such a sweet compliment! :heart:

I did use alot of pearls...both new Swarovski and a few old peral buttons, as well as the pearls from a necklace I had that had fallen apart. I wanted to add as much texture as possible and the pearls and feathers, really give it a softer look.

You know, I'm not really a fan of crystal bouquets either, but then I stumbled across my inspiration bouquet and was smitten. I like how it looks so random, like it was made with scraps and found objects.