By Dara

Today, let’s talk bouquet.  Like everything else in your wedding, the bouquet also plays a big part in your special day.  In today’s modern world, many brides are trying out new things.  Some have shell bouquets for their sea side wedding instead of flowers.  Some have silk flowers instead of real flowers.  No matter how unique or traditional you want your bouquet to be, adding ribbon always finishes it off with an elegant touch. 

 If you haven’t notice yet, I love ribbons.  That is probably why I end up at M&J Trimming.  I think that ribbons can make a big difference on almost everything.  Something plain can turn into something exquisite just by adding ribbons. 

 If you want to save a little on your wedding, you can try making your own bouquet.  It’s probably a good idea in this economy.  Select some flowers that match your theme and wrap the stems with silk satin ribbon.  Finish it with a bow or Swarovski rhinestone buttons.  You can’t go wrong with a little sparkle from the rhinestones.  If you have any ideas you want to share, please do. 

By Dara

Okay, I’m a little early but early is better than late.  What am I talking about?  Well, I’m talking about getting ready for Christmas.  I’ve already kept my eyes open for gifts and decorations.  Besides purchasing decorations from department stores, I also like making them myself.  It’s one of the best time of the year to spend with family and work on a fun project.

This week, I decided to create a miniature Christmas tree out of wired ribbon.  This is really fun and it’s great to do as a family or teachers can use this for school projects also. 

Materials: (1-800-965-8746)

• Two and half yards of 1″ green wired edge ribbon (#40930)
• Two and a half yards of 1 1/2″ green wired edge ribbon (#32776)
• Size 4″ velvet ribbon
• 8 1/2″ round crafts stick.  You can get this at any crafts store.  If you can’t find 8 1/2″, you can also cut it from a longer stick.
• Styrofoam
• Your choice of rhinestone button
• Star shape nail heads or dome.  Which ever you prefer.
• Multiple colors and sizes of flatback rhinestones
• Any size of pearls you’d like
• Gem-tac glue
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Using the scissors cut 6 inches of the 1 1/2″ ribbon.  You’re going to need five pieces of this.  Then five pieces in 5 inches, five pieces in 4 inches, and five pieces in 3 inches.
2. Once again using the scissors cut 6 inches of the 1″ ribbon.  You’re gong to need six pieces of this.  Then six pieces in 5 inches, six pieces in 4 inches, and 3 pieces in 3 inches.
3. Now take the craft stick and place it into the styrofoam.  The styrofoam will be the base. 
4. Remember the 6″ of the 1 1/2″ ribbon you cut earlier?  There was five pieces.  Take the ribbon, add glue to 1/2″ of the ribbon on the edge and wrap it around the stick towards the bottom.  Do this with the rest of the ribbon.  It’s okay if you overlap the area that you already placed the ribbon. 
5. Once you’re done with those five pieces.  The next part is to do the same with the six pieces of the 1″ ribbon.  From then on, you pretty much just have to wrap the ribbons around the stick; switching between the 1″ and the 1 1/2″ ribbon.  Go from the largest cut ribbon to the smallest.  Such as from 6″ to 5″ to 4″ to 3″.
6. Once you reach the top, you can glue the rhinestone button on as a star.
7. Then start shapping the wired ribbon and decorate using the rhinestones, pearls, nailheads and gem-tac glue. 
8. After you’re finish, wrap the base with the velvet ribbon and you’re done.