|
|
BrideStyle #9: More beaded bridal projectsby Stacy Werkheiser | Last week in BrideStyle #8, I showed you how to make easy pearl bracelets and chain necklaces for your bridesmaids. In my book, once you've got your own bridal jewelry AND your beaded bridesmaids gifts, the rest is just the icing on the (wedding) cake. Still, BeadStyle readers are forever telling us that they want projects, projects, projects, so here are four more beaded gift and accessory ideas for your big day. |
 Click to enlarge.
Your bridesmaids aren't the only ones who deserve a special thank you. Your stylist, florist, seamstress, personal attendant, musicians, readers, and cake cutters could all use a pat on the back. I designed these earrings with one such lady-in-waiting in mind. The hammered sterling silver chain is from Eclectica and the dangles use leftover pearls from my bridesmaids' bracelets. If you can make a wrapped loop and open an earring wire, you're set. For presentation, I made another recycled-paper card like the ones from last week's post. |
Purely ornamental
While trying on gowns at a local bridal boutique, I noticed a corner of clearance accessories. There I saw a beautiful bridesmaid holiday ornament - which was ridiculously overpriced even on clearance! I think bridesmaid ornaments are a very special way for your attendants to remember the holidays they helped you get through while you were simultaneously planning your wedding. Plus, they're easy enough to make yourself and will cost way less than the one I saw. |
 Click to enlarge. |
 Click to enlarge.
A few months back, my fiancé wished that he too could wear an engagement ring to discourage women from flirting with him and eliminate the awkward conversation that necessarily follows. So for Valentine's Day, I made him a beaded engagement band as a joke.
Then inspiration hit! Often during a marriage ceremony, the wedding bands are entrusted to a small child carrying a fluffy pillow, both of which pose numerous hazards to said bands. So why not give your ringbearer a pair of beautiful but decidedly less priceless rings to carry instead? I stitched the men's wedding band in peyote stitch, a new technique for me. If you'd like to give it a whirl, learn about peyote stitch from BeadStyle's sister magazine, Bead&Button. I used 11/0 cylinder beads in gold and silver for the band.
The women's band I made with wirework. Simply cut a generous length of wire, wrap it several times around a ring mandrel, then wrap the wire ends around the ring, adding 4 mm bicone crystals at the front. I used 22-gauge German wire for my ring, but had some trouble with work-hardening and breakage. I recommend using dead-soft wire if going with 22-gauge, or else using 24-gauge wire instead. |
 Click to enlarge.
When Steven James submitted his "vaselets" for BeadStyle's March 2009 issue, I immediately envisioned these beauties adorning vases at a wedding reception. Ring them around your table centerpieces, or around vases to hold your bridesmaids' bouquets. If you're really ambitious, whip up a bunch for wedding favors, or have guests assemble their own at a craft table. For full instructions, check your back issues, or else purchase the PDF for "Put on a happy vase."
Are you all beaded out yet? If so, I don't blame you. It's a long road to the altar, and I know for me there's only so many DIY projects I can handle before I scream, "Just buy it and be done!" But if you're still looking for more project ideas, next week's post is just for you. I'll be reviewing wedding jewelry design websites and books that will keep you beading happily ever after.
Coming next week...
BrideStyle #10: Wedding jewelry design resources
|
|
|
Look for this icon. This denotes premium subscriber content.
Learn More »
|
|