#craftfeathers

Weddings are huge events.  Every hour of from makeup application to cutting the cake is documented by photographs.  Look back on your wedding day and the photographic proof feeling confident that you looked your best.  If your wedding is in the planning stages then we have some must have bridal accessories to choose from. 

Modern Veil- Long train veils are a thing of the past.  Lose the extra weight on your wedding day with a contemporary veil.  Netting covering only to the chin line and a thin layer of tulle are great substitutes.  Retro and vintage accessories are in style for weddings and make for interesting accents.  A vintage wedding hat with a netting veil could be the perfect pairing combination for your stylish ceremony.

Crystal Headband- Tiaras are out unless you are planning a princess themed wedding.  They give off a dated and imaginary vibe. But if you really like the idea of accenting your “crown” with sparkle and bling, consider a crystal accented headband.  Many accessories purchased at a bridal store can be extremely overpriced.  Shop around at your favorite stores to find a headband at a fraction of the cost.  You may always add a layer of lace or tulle to the underside of the headband to create a veil.

Hair Accessories- Due to the duration and activity involved in most weddings many brides opt for fancy updos.  Hair pinned up will hold style and volume longer than even the most heavily sprayed hair style alternative.  Incorporate a gorgeous accessory into your stylized hair such as a flower or crystal accent.  Feathers accessories are very trendy this year.  If you don't find an affordable feather clip, then you may choose make your own.  Add white goose feathers, craft feathers or most popular, ostrich feathers to your store-bought accessory to make a stunningly dreamy piece.

Bracelet/Necklace- You may have heard the wedding saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?” Jewelry is a great way to incorporate these items.  A family heirloom necklace or a newly purchased diamond collar given to you on your wedding day from your fiancé can be meaningful accessories that will add to the sentiment of your special day.

(Photo Credit- Fresh Home Ideas)

To make this cute turkey, you will need-

-Pine Cones

-Brown Pipe Cleaners

-FEATHERS! Almond Ringneck Pheasant Feathers

Start by placing the pine cone on your work space. Lay it on its side, with the top pointing at you and the bottom pointing away. Cut a 3 inch piece off the pipe cleaner, this will be the turkey’s neck and head. Jab one end of the pipe cleaner in the front, upper part part of the turkey. Bend it downward a little to create the look of the neck and head… Next place your pheasant feathers in the back, stick them down into the pine cone.

For the actual name card pard, thats up to you. You can print the names from your computer on cardstock, use a label making program. Then cut them out! 

Posted by Allison on 10/24/2012 to In The News

 Christmas is right around the corner and it is time to rethink those old boring decorations.  Year after year families stock the same store bought decorations in their garage that adorn their homes and make Christmas truly special.  This year, be creative!

With crafting on the rise and with so many creative websites to choose from there are countless ideas to spruce up your Christmas tree.  Whether you favor the ease of an artificial tree or you purchase a newly cut pine to fill your house with the savory aroma of nature, there are some amazing modern decoration ideas that will breathe new life into your family’s tree.

(Photo Credit: Real Simple)

Top 5 Coolest Tree Decorating Ideas-

1.       Feathered Ornaments- Feathers have gained exceptional popularity in 2011-2012.  Perhaps we can learn from the fashion and decorating world and creatively incorporate their use into our holiday décor.   Taking the cue from feather hair extensions, a single feather placed inside a delicate clear ornament sphere can make a large impact.  Choose from craft feathers or peacock feathers to add a stylish update to your tree.

2.       Color- You likely see this gorgeous contrast of white and color in your local department store Christmas display.  A white tree, either artificial or flocked, with brightly colored ornaments is a show stopper.  It draws attention and seems cheerful and whimsical.  Purchase ornaments with teal, orange, pink and reds to gain the most impact for your tree’s new look.

3.       Candy- For a traditional take on the time honored favorite peppermint the candy cane, recreate your tree with red and white embellishments.  If you, like most, are in favor of reusing decorations over various years, purchase faux candy canes to hang from your tree.  This will reduce the risk of them breaking or being stolen off your tree from children looking for a minty snack.

4.       Ribbon- Over decorating is only acceptable when it comes to Christmas trees.  In usual home décor it is important to keep décor simple and uncluttered so that your home takes on a soothing atmosphere.  When it comes to your tree, the more packed the better.  Fill every inch of your tree with ornaments and seal in any empty space with large 2-3 inch width ribbon.  Choose a color or ribbon pattern that has metallic accents and that compliments your ornaments and weave it around your tree tucking it behind ornaments.

Although there is much debate over the origin of where stockings were first placed in expectancy of the delivery of small gifts, the tradition has been adopted by countries all over the world.  Some countries, such as Holland placed wooden clogs full of straw as food for Santa Claus’s reindeer, others may place a sock or shoe out to be filled with goods.

America embraced the stocking hanging tradition centuries ago.  Whether you have a fireplace or not, are wealthy or not, or even “believe” in Santa Claus, countless Americans adhere to the stocking ritual at Christmastime.  If you are the “Santa” in your family we have some of the best options for stocking stuffers this year.  Get creative, and fill your stockings with inexpensive items that your family will enjoy that are more appropriately given in a fuzzy sock than wrapped in a present under the tree.

(Photo Credit- Stylish Eve)

Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas:

Coins- Kids, teens, and even adults are attracted to money.  Take some money to your bank a few days before Christmas Eve to exchange for some more rare coins and bills.  Half dollars, silver dollars, Sacajawea Dollars, and two dollar bills all seem special and extraordinary as opposed to our usual currency of nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar bills. 

Feather Hair Accessories- Feathers have been a style staple of 2012.  Give your wife or daughter a special feather accessory to adorn her hair.  Rooster feathers and peacock feathers are especially popular.  A feather embellished headband or feather hair extension are inexpensive and small enough to fit in a stocking while giving her a big style update.

Candy- While candy canes are the trademark peppermint sweet for the Christmas season there are many other petite candies that are packaged specifically for the giving holiday.  Chocolate Santa shaped candy bars, wrapped snowman cookies, and jellybeans are all great treats for stocking stuffers. 

Toothbrush- To clean off all of those sugary treats, purchase a toothbrush for each person in your family.  Christmas is the perfect reminder to replace old toothbrushes and with their slender size they are a perfect fit for stockings. 

Health/Beauty Items- Christmas is such a remarkable holiday that holds many memories for families.  Make this Christmas the day to remember giving your tween son his first bottle of shaving cream and razor, or your daughter her first “real” necklace or tube of lipstick.