Fascinators!

Everyone loves a posh little fascinator. Since the WillKate wedding, they have been a huge fashion trend. And they are super easy, fun, and versatile! So here's a quick how-to, to get you started.

You will need:

• Felt or fabric (a small scrap will do)
• A stiffening agent (I've used spray starch, iron-on interfacing, etc)
• A Needle and Thread (or glue)
• A barrette or hair comb
• Decorations (check out my instructions on how to make fancy feather decorations and some options if you want a veil.)

1. Cut your fabric into a small oval. If using interfacing, cut that to match, a half inch smaller than your fabric, and iron in the center.

2. Cut a slit to the center point of the fabric, where you want the back to be.

3. Overlap the edges of the slit about an inch (more for a stronger curve, less for a more subtle one). Sew the overlap in place.

4. If using spray starch, spray your hat now and let it dry. If using interfacing, wrap the edges of your fabric around the interfacing and sew or glue in place.

5. Attach your decorations over the sewn seam, covering it from view if possible. I sewed mine on, but hot glue or even superglue is also an option if you are not handy with a needle. (I went crazy and put on a veil and a bow and some sparkly bits and feathers)

6. Sew your barrette or comb onto the bottom of the hat.

7. Wear at a jaunty angle and bask in the glow of all the compliments you get!

Enchanting Floral Centerpieces

Wedding flowers are expensive, no matter how simple you want to do them. For my own wedding last summer, I wanted to really go all out and be a fairy princess. Fairy princess flowers were waaaaay out of my price range. However, with a bit of time and about $70.00 at the local Dollar Tree, I made 15 of these beautiful, everlasting centerpieces.

For each one, you will need:

• 1 glass taper candle holder
• 1 glass bowl vase
• hot glue gun
• wire cutters
• floral tape
• various silk/fake flowers (I went with a central rose, some colorful filler flowers, and some decorative grass, but you can get this same look with whatever flowers you like best)
• 2 bags glass gems
• 1-2 flameless led tea lights

Step 1: Glue the bowl vase on top of the candle holder. (The one in the picture is not on a candle holder stem, but for an idea of how it looks, check here.

Step 2: Pour glass gems into bowl.

Step 3: Use wire cutters to clip fake flowers to single stems.

Step 4: Arrange your flowers in a pyramid or cone shape, starting with the central flower.

Step 5: Wrap the stems of the flowers together, covering the bottom 3 inches or so. Use the wire cutters to trim any excess and adjust length

Step 6: Turn on tea lights and place in the bowl. Place flower arrangement into bowl. Enjoy your beautiful new centerpiece!

Feel free to add decorations, play with colors, etc! Make a big, lovely bow to add!

Disney Vacation Countdown Calendar

My husband and I are going on a second honeymoon/pre-kids Disneyworld trip in the near future. With him just finishing grad school, it helps to have something to look forward to through the long New England winter. With that in mind, I made this Disney vacation countdown plaque that is decorative and fun!

I should warn, it turned out to be a longer process than anticipated.

You will need:
A castle printout, scaled to the size you want - I googled Disney castle silhouette and found a perfect one
A wooden plaque
1 sheet Black scrapbook paper (I used the glitter kind because SPARKLES!)
1 sheet Fireworks-y scrapbook paper
Scissors
Modgepodge
1/8 inch ribbon
Tape
A sample countertop card from the hardware store (with a shiny finish)
Superglue
Paintbrush
Hammer
Picture Hanger

1. Trace your printout onto the back of the black scrapbook paper. Cut out your castle.

2. Trace the shape of your wooden plaque onto the fireworks paper, leaving a 1/4 to 1/2 margin for safety.

3. Mod-podge your fireworks background onto the face of the wooden plaque. Position and mod-podge your castle in the center of that. Allow to dry.

4.  Layer a few coats of mod-podge over your whole plaque, allowing to dry in between. Be liberal. (I literally poured it on.)

5. Wrap the edge with your ribbon to finish the edges nicely. Dot with superglue every few inches to hold the ribbon in place.

6. Tie a ribbon on the countertop sample card. Glue the end to the back of the plaque.

7. Hammer the picture hanger to the back of the plaque.

8. Hang on the wall.

9. Use a dry or wet erase marker to write on the sample card.

10. Enjoy your vacation!

Cage Veil, two simple ways

I love vintage styles, especially hats! I think there is just nothing classier than a lady in a flirty veil, so I recently learned how to make an old-fashioned birdcage veil.

There are two different methods: the band and the gathered puff. Those are not the "official" millinery terms, but it is what I call them in my head. Both ways can be as simple or detailed as you want to make them!

For either method, you need the same basic tools:

1. Scissors
2. 1/2-1 yard Millinery or Russian netting (I found it in a half dozen colors at JoAnn's, or you can use any large-weave netting from the bridal and special occasion fabric section. I use both and either look just fine, depending on your own personal tastes)
3. Thread
4. Needle
5. Decorations (like a nice flower or bow)
6. Bobby pins or a hair comb
7. Ruler

Band method (done in black 9" millinery)

This method comes out MUCH less puffy, and gives you plenty of options how to wear it.

1. Measure about 18 inches of netting, give or take depending on how far back you want to pin the veil. Try it out in the mirror before cutting.

2. Sew a line straight up each short side, a half an inch from the edge, cinching the netting up as puffy as you want it, and tie off.

3. Sew a bobby pin onto each side and add decorations if you wish. It is that easy!

The Gathered Puff method (done in green large-space netting)

1. Cut a rectangle about 18x24 if using mesh netting. Otherwise, cut 24 inches of millinery.

2. Fold in half.

3. Cut the top corner at an angle, away from the fold. Unfold.

4. Starting in the bottom left corner, sew around, about a half an inch from the edge, until you reach the bottom right corner. Gather the netting as tight as you desire. The tighter the gather, the more poof. Tie off.

5. Sew a hair comb or some bobby pins where the veil is gathered. Add flowers, feathers, or a bow if you wish! See my directions for making fun feather decorations to add here!

These can also be added to hats and hair bands and such for a unique flair - I suggest trying them on mini top hats!

Bows! And how to make them

Bows are some of the most versatile decorating staples. I like to use them in flower arranging and holiday décor, but they can also be added to hats, clothing, accessories, stuffed animals, anything you want to fancy up a bit. Once you know the technique, you can make them as big or tiny as your project calls for. And those expensive pre-made bows are simple and quick to make at home for much less money! Here's how.

Materials:

Ribbon (preferably wired)

Scissors

Floral wire or thin string (even heavy thread will work)

Directions:

1. Cut your wire or string to about one foot. Set aside.
2. Leave a tail of ribbon a bit longer than you want it to be in the end.
3. Make a loop and hold the ends firmly in one hand.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Twist the ribbon where the center of the bow will be.
   
   
   
5. Make a loop on the other side. Twist. Hold firm in the middle.
6. Repeat until you have as many loops as you desire. (Don't worry about squishing the loops, you can fluff them when you're done!)
7. Cut the other ribbon tail, again, an inch or two longer than you want it to be.
8. Take your wire and lay it across the middle of the bow.
   
   
   
9. Fold it in half and twist the two ends behind the bow. It helps to fold the loops over the wire.
   
   
   
10. The most important part of this is making sure to twist the wire good and tight.
11. Fluff your bow.
    
    
    
12. Trim the ends to the desired length, giving them fancy cut ends if you so desire.
13. Ta da! Done! Use the wire ends to attach to projects or trim short if you want to glue or sew the bow onto something.
    
    
    It seems like a bunch of steps, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to make these in a matter of minutes!
    
    

A to Z Challenge

To try to get back into blogging after a bit of a hiatus, I am attempting the Blogging A to Z Challenge. I will post 26 times this month, corresponding with the letters of the alphabet. I do have to admit, I am going easy on myself, and have simply assigned myself the topic of "craft stuff" but being that most are projects that I have to make as well as write up, I think it should be more than enough of a challenge!

I hope you all enjoy!

To those of you who are also engaging in the challenge, I look forward to checking our all of your hard work! Good luck all and thanks for reading!

Antique Leather Pirate Mask or Eyepatch

Leather masks can cost big bucks at renaissance fairs and online retailers, but you can make your own in a matter of minutes that looks just as great, and is formed for your own face.

You need just a few craft store items:

Leather scraps (I bought a bag of scrap suede for about $5)
Scissors
Glue
Ribbon or cord
Blow dryer
Craft sealer paint or spray (optional)

And you can make this project in about a half an hour or less. (Plus drying time)

Step 1: Cut a piece of leather a bit bigger than you want the finished product to be.

I made mine an eyepatch sort of style, so I cut a triangle, about 2x3 inches.

Step 2: Cut any embellishments you want.

For instance, I curved the sides in and cut some spikey sorts of designs on one side. For extra guidance, draw cut lines on the back if needed.

Step 3: Wet the leather, just a little. Pat off any excess water, and lay the leather across your face where you will want it to sit. Gently press it to form to the curves of your features.

I also chose to curve some of the edges up for style.

Step 4: **VERY CAREFULLY** blow dry the leather, while it is still on your face. Use the lowest heat you can, and take your time, making absolutely sure not to leave too much heat pointed at your eye for a long time. I cannot stress this enough! Do not burn yourself!

Step 5: Cut the eye hole. Again, if you need to, draw a cutting line on first, or have a friend help you gently outline your eye for the correct placement.

Step 6: **If you want a mask you can see through, skip this step** Cut a second, smaller piece of leather, of a different color, and form just to your eye with the water and heat method above. Glue it in place on the back of the eye hole of your main mask.

It is difficult to see in this picture, but the eye hole has a light tan piece behind it. This mask is for a villainous sort of character, and supposed to be a bit on the creepy side. I thought the light eye socket would do it.

Step 7: Wait for the leather to dry completely. String an elastic or cord onto it, and you are done!

Optional: You can also choose to paint the front of the mask with a craft sealer for better hold and molding. You can paint or decorate the leather however you desire. For comfort, you can also glue felt to the back of the mask. Go to town! Have fun! And if you really don't want to make one yourself, check some out in my Etsy shop - coming soon!

In the meantime, craft on, internet friends!