bridesmaids accessories

Here are some photos of a few of the bridesmaids accessories that I made for Denise's wedding featured below. Each is unique and completely customizable to match any dress color. The sashes double as both a belt and headband, and can be worn with a ton of things like a cardigan for a casual look, or with a dress to add a dainty touch. The brooches double as a hair clip, and can be attached to anything from purses, to jackets, to headbands and more! These particular pieces were made from a combination of silk organza, taffeta, and tuille netting. I added guinea feathers for a rustic, organic look, and adorned the flowers with gemed centers and glass beads.

real bride: denise

Several months ago my childhood friend and makeup artist Michaela Yee asked me to create some wedding accessories for her boyfriend's sister's Fall nuptials. Without hesitation I happily agreed. Denise was such a lovely and easy bride to work with, entrusting Michaela with all her wedding decisions and design.

For the bride I created a dupioni silk gardenia flower fascinator accented with white goose feathers and a Swarovski pearl cluster center. This fascinator attached to a russian netting birdcage veil which was worn during the ceremony, and later removed for the reception. To adorn her neck I created a multi-strand pearl necklace joined by a vintage inspired jeweled clasp with a coordinating bracelet.

Since all the bridesmaids wore different dresses I created something a little different for each of the ladies but made sure to still retain the theme. Some wore their piece as a belt, or head band while others could wear their's as a brooch or hair clip. All wore pearl bracelets which matched the bride's.

Not only did Michaela plan and coordinate the wedding seamlessly, she also did the beautiful hair + makeup for the bride and the rest of the wedding party, not to mention her own as a bridesmaid as well! Impressive!!

Gorgeous photos taken by Lydia Chen Photography display how much thought and love went in to this wedding. Congratulations and best wishes to the beautiful bride and groom!

macaron madness

I have attempted to make french macarons way more times than I'd like to admit, and have been struggling with achieving success. So you can imagine my delight when a couple of friends invited me to take a macaron class with them. I was so proud of my macarons that I just had to share the end result!! Now, I just have to practice re-creating them...

french macarons with lemon buttercream, white chocolate pistachio, and chocolate ganache fillings.

doggie bag

Last week was my favorite nephew's 1st birthday. Kona is the silliest labradoodle ever with the sweetest personality. His favorite activities include cuddling, licking everything that comes near his mouth, and playing ALL the time! Being the spoiled pup that he is, I didn't want to buy him another toy or anymore snacks, so I decided to make a bag to tote around all his stuff. I found this great project on my idol martha's website.

This is a very simple project to do, and makes a lovely gift. I made mine a bit differently than how martha suggests, but either technique will work.

Supplies you will need:

• canvas tote bag
  
• fabric of your choice (size determined by size of desired image)
  
• double sided interfacing/ paperbacked adhesive such as pellon's "wonder under"
  
• iron
  
• scissors
  
• profile photo of your pet

Since my photo of Kona was a digital image, I went ahead and adjusted the contrast levels and size directly on my computer before printing. It helps to also grayscale your image, making the silhouette more clearly defined. If you don't have a photo editing program, you can always print your image, and resize and darken it on a copy machine. The size of the image is your choice. Take the paperbacked adhesive and iron it on to the back of your fabric, making sure to iron on the correct side (the fabric store will usually give you instructions along with your interfacing). Once the interfacing is completely adhered to your fabric you can tape or glue your printed image to the back. (Note: your final image will be the reverse of your original, so plan accordingly). Now just let your scissors do the work and cut away! After the silhouette is all cut out you can peel the paper backing of the adhesive and iron on the image to the to canvas bag. And... tadaa! You have a lovely, personalized tote bag.

Get creative and embellish. I added a bow to this tote, but you can use all sorts of ribbons and notions to make your bag unique. I hope you give it a try. No sewing required, I promise!

to each is own...

One person's junk is another person's treasure. The saying couldn't be more true.

Several weeks ago I made a trip to the navy base and headed to the Alameda Antique Fair. I was amazed by the endless rows of vendor booths and large crowds that followed. It was a gorgeous spring day with a clear view of the city. With an assortment of vintage textiles, jewelry, and accessories, I was lucky enough to bring home a lovely gemmed antique bracelet for $5! In addition, they have the most beautiful furniture ranging from french country, shabby chic to retro and georgian.

It is also a wonderful place when planning your own rustic chic wedding. With rows of colorful mason jars, boxes of vintage french lace, and a medley of dreamy milk glass vases, it's a DIY bride's dream come true!

The antique fair is a really great place to spend a Sunday morning. Some tips when visiting: leave after 9am as admission is only $5; go on a nice day, since there will usually be more vendors; wear comfortable walking shoes; and make sure you have plenty of time!

The fair is open on the first Sunday of every month. It's definitely worth checking out!

happenstance photoshoot

Several months ago, a group of friends and I got together for a photoshoot. With talented makeup artist Michaela from Makeup Design by Michaela, her skilled photographer friend Paul Bothwell, and my beautiful model Alison, we teamed up and had a great time! Everyone worked so hard, and it really shows. Many thanks to these talented artists!!

Here are a few of my faves:

egg hunt

With Easter and Mother's Day just around the corner, these wire wrapped bird's nest rings are the perfect gift. Hand made with love and care each ring is crafted with a trio of Swarovski crystal pearls and gold filled wire.

ringing in the new year... one button at a time!

I know the new year is well on its way, but I couldn't help but use that title! I've been a bit behind on my blogging, but had to rush to post this before January ended. : ) I've been creating button rings for quite some time now. I love how something so small can add so much to a look. It is a little known fact that you can find beauty in the least expected places, and buttons are a favorite to find such prettiness.

A medley of buttons I've collected over time.

With a little bit of love, care, and wire bending... ta da!!

the right cup of tea

I've aways felt that jewelry is the special element that completes a look. It should be personal, beautiful, and just right. Like the perfect cup of tea. It should complement your best features, and enhance your less noted ones. Especially on your wedding day. The day every woman should feel her most beautiful, elegant, and confident.

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is doing custom work. It gives me a chance to create something personal and meaningful for someone on one of the biggest days of her life. It is something that will be seen in photographs by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and future generations to come.

It's truly a wonderful feeling to know that you've in some way helped make someone feel their very best on such a special occasion.

Custom made pearl cluster drop earrings with swarovski crystal balls on gold filled french hooks. The bride wore a matching pearl bauble bracelet, hair comb, and flower dress clip.

classic, romantic, organic

With wedding season arriving just around the corner, I've been working hard to create new looks to suit all the different bridal styles out there.

Traditional, classic bride

I designed this piece with the classic, traditional bride in mind. With its understated elegance, this haircomb has just the right amount of sparkle and charm to add beauty to any look, without taking the focus away from the bride. I especially like the way this piece looks like a family heirloom, but I love the possibility of it becoming one even more!

Romantic, rustic bride

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love delicate, feminine, rustic elements. I adore the whimsicle way these white peacock feathers gently move in the wind. A handmade pink, rosette bloom and white coque and peacock feathers, makes this piece the perfect addition for a romantic, rustic bride.

Organic, modern bride

These chiffon pom pom blooms are fun and cheerful, and bring a smile to my face everytime I clip one in my hair. Its clean lines, symmetric shape, and hint of guinea give this hair clip a modern, organic feel.