With the new year, and changes to my blog come a few new features. I'm really excited about this one, and I'm calling it "Make Something Monday". It's going to be a monthly series in which I give video tutorials on different hand made projects. I've created my own "handmakerofthings" YouTube channel, so please feel free to subscribe!
Here's the first tutorial: Glitter Earrings. I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to share.
love, emmy-ray
The count down continues, this time with bridesmaids bouquets. Some people see the bridesmaids bouquets as a less fantastic version of the bridal bouquet. However I see it as a chance to make a statement that will make each member of the wedding party feel special. Here are my favorites from this year in no particular order:
Leah and Andrew, May 2010. A perfect little garden bouquet with a mix of purples, magentas, whites and greens. My favorite thing about this one is the mix of textures, and also the little purple pom poms that I used as an accent on the wrap. So fun!
Carolyn and Rich, December 2010. My most recent bouquet for a friends New Years Eve wedding. Beautiful spring flowers are available right now like these little white tulips (one of the brides favorite flowers) and these dazzling red peonies. Aren't they gorgeous?
Joanna and Andy, June 2010. Although I'm always partial to color, with Joanna's simple palette of green and white really let the texture of the different types of flowers stand out. I used dusty miller and lambs ear in these bouquets and I think the contrast of mint and lime green is subtle and lovely.
Heidi and Zeb, August 2010. As I said in my bridal bouquet post, Heidi gave me a ton of creative license with her wedding. Something I've always wanted to try with bridesmaids bouquets is a different color, or flower for each girl. And since every member of the wedding party was wearing a different kind of dress this idea was a perfect, keeping the bouquets simple, but complimentary.
And last but not least
Brian and Ellen, September 2010. This was my first wedding using a "fall" color palette. Ellen and Brian got married at a country club, so she wanted to compliment the decor by using plaid as her theme. The dahlias were beautiful, and the other flowers like scabiosa pods, cockscomb, and deep red roses added to the richness of the textures.
I hope you've enjoyed my favorite bridesmaids bouquets of 2010. Next up, arrangements!
love, emmy-ray
Ever since I was a small child I've been obsessed with anything sparkly. When I used to go shopping with my mom I'd always pick out those old lady sweaters for her to wear that were covered in as much sparkles as possible. Now that sequins and glitter are a huge fashion trend I find myself overwhelmed with amazing options. Chances are that if something has sequins or glitter on it, I'm going to want to buy it. Here's a few favorites that I found on Etsy:
Gold Sequin Structured Clutch via IndependentReign
Vintage Disco Diva Sequin Butterfly Top via TwirlVintageCo. I actually have one of these in different colors (surprise, surprise), but haven't ever had an official occasion to wear it.
El Corazon Loteria Pillow via longoriagirl
POW comic inspired headband via janinebasil. GENIUS!!!
pink berry sparkly vintage fruit via whichgoose. My grandma had a whole collection of these when I was growing up.
Shoe porn alert...
Prettiest Star shoes from taylorsays. I die!
1940's Wool Felt Cloche via quebueno. Aside from the sequins I'm also loving the cut of the felt on this little beauty.
I hope you've enjoyed my little collection of all that glitters. Monday I'll be doing a fun jewelry tutorial that's all about adding a little shine to your accessories. Stay tuned...
love, emmy-ray
In the next week or two I'm going to be showing a round up of some of my favorite floral designs from 2010. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm new to the floral business, but 2010 was 4x busier than 2009, and I can't wait to see what 2011 will bring!
Today's category is bridal bouquets. I worked with lots of different brides this year, some were friends, some were strangers, but all were fantastic to collaborate with. I'd like to take a moment to thank each and everyone of these ladies for choosing me for their weddings and supporting my small business.
Here they are in no particular order:
Ellen and Brian, September 2010. Ellen's bouquet was beautiful and sentimental. She requested to carry white roses, and white stephanotis, the flowers that were in her mother and mother in-laws bouquets when they got married.
Tracy and Chris, May 2010. I'm a big fan of color, and these flowers were some of the most beautiful I had an opportunity to work with this year. With one bloom more beautiful than the next including peonies, ranunculus, and huge roses.
Joanna and Andy, June 2010. Joanna gave me total freedom with her bouquet, and it's one of the most textural I created. The lilies were fantastic and dramatic, the dusty miller and amazing scabiosa's added a little sweetness, and her bouquet was wrapped in a little ostrich feather trim to match her dress.
Laura and Aaron, August 2010. I'm pretty sure the color on this pictures been tweaked a bit, but this was by far one of the most saturated bouquets I created this year. Cool colors like purple and blue were a big trend this year, and this one color bouquet came out full and dramatic.
Claudia and James, May 2010. There's not a whole lot that needs to be said about this beauty. Claudia wanted something soft and romantic, and loved peonies, and this bouquet included all of these elements.
Heidi and Zeb, August 2010. Last but not least, Heidi was the funnest bride to collaborate with this year. She was super enthusiastic about all my ideas and willing to experiment with out of the box ideas. The dahlias for her wedding were to die for, and the color palette, a mix of purples, blues, and whites was to die for!
Thanks for looking at my favorite bridal bouquets of 2010. Next up, boutonniere's!
Love, emmy-ray
I know, I know, I'm way behind posting something Christmas related, but hey I'm still in the spirit of the holidays so bear with me. I love decorating for holidays, and not just Christmas, but I didn't go all out this year like I usually do. Thankfully this year was super busy with jewelry orders, so it didn't leave me too much time to decorate. However here's a little peek at our Christmas home.
Tiny tree with vintage ornaments. This was Matt's only Christmas decoration when he was a bachelor.
Ornament and yarn wreath. I made this puppy a few years ago and I still love it.
Christmas Cards!
In our house the tree isn't just for decoration. It's a bit cluttered, but in the best way with ornaments in all shapes and sizes that all have memories attached to them.
Here's a few of my favorites:
and this awesome working vintage tree topper that I found last year at a flea market. Score!
Love, emmy-ray
image via
"Tell everyone you know: “My happiness depends on me, so you’re off the hook.” And then demonstrate it. Be happy, no matter what they’re doing. Practice feeling good, no matter what. And before you know it, you will not give anyone else responsibility for the way you feel—and then, you’ll love them all. Because the only reason you don’t love them, is because you’re using them as your excuse to not feel good."
-Abraham Hicks
I stole this from my friend Alissa's lovely blog, mostly because it really spoke to me. There's something about a new year that makes me feel like I have a fresh start. I'm excited about making positive changes, in my attitude, my life, and my business and I think this quote sums up a lot of those feelings.
Here's to 2011, and whatever adventures it may bring!
love, emmy-ray
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. Mine has been great with lots of laughter, gift giving, and memory making. I can't wait for 2011 and all the exciting things it's going to bring. Thanks so much to all my readers, and loyal customers who help my business grow. I couldn't do it without you!
Love, emmy-ray
