I am so excited- I have made a start to my jewel bouquet. I've heard so many horror stories about these so thought I would start early to give me plenty of time if it takes several goes.
On Wednesday night I made two french seeded flowers and on Thursday I made a further one and started to wire a few pearls. Last night was the biggy- OH and I were doggysitting so I took my beads and managed to get through 80 pearls and 2 brooches (OH did about 20 of the pearls and is so chuffed with himself!).
I've been a busy bee today and my collections now boasts:
* 3 french beaded flowers * 4x pearl and diamante brooches * 3x diamante peacock feather brooches * 10x clear butterflies * 4x fabric butterflies * 20x ivory flowers (10 with pearl centre and 10 with iridescent centre) * 20x daisy flowers (5x pearl with pave crystal centre, 5x pearl with iridescent centre, 10x iridescemt with pearl centre) * 6x Catherine Wheels * 12x 20mm pearls * 80x 8mm pearls * 1x letter J (both our initials are J but he claims the one on my charm bracelet is for him so thought I would add this for him) * 2x large blue beaded thistles (not really thistle but I've shaped it so it's my ode to the thistle) * 2x small blue beaded thistles * 14x iridescent blue crystal cut bead * 6x iridescent bead with blue square
I am still waiting for 5 brooches to arrive- one of which I hope will be the centre of my bouquet and another 4 which are diamante and pearl.
I made a few of the pieces myself including the daisy flowers and Catherine Wheels as it's so easy to do and I figured by grouping the beads I would have less wire stems than doing it individually and I think I may need to start building my biceps in anticipation of this bouquet!
I'm undecided yet on whether I will add the blue elements to the bouquet but it was a broken necklace that had been lying in my glovebox for two years so thought I had nothing to lose by wiring them except a few extra layers of skin on my fingers!
If I can get my phone to connect with my computer I will add photos to my albums if anyone wants a wee nosey.
CommentAuthorJules81
Oooh I'll be keeping an eye on your progress - can't wait to see what it looks like with your collection! x
CommentAuthorPrincess2be
Sounds like your going to be busy!! xx
CommentAuthorRosyF77
sounds really good what you have chosen to put in it. Would love to see it when its finished or even half done x
CommentAuthorMrshb2b
Wow. They are great. How did u make the diamante peacock feather brooches? and the fabric butterflies? Also what is the letter j did u make that? I love seeing other peoples diy projects as Im doing all my own flowers so get many great ideas from this site.
I have ordered a styrofoam ball for my first attempt at putting it together. It actually comes in two parts and is hollowed so figured it would be easier to get the wires through that way. If that doesn't work I've also bought hydrangea flowers and might also order a wire collar. I just plan on having a go and seeing what will work.
I ordered the peacock brooches from the bay of e- think they were around £3 for three of them. The butterflies were a cake decoration although would be really easy to make- squares of material gathered and then jewels added to disguise the wire. The J again was a cake decoration. I just snapped the wire from the bottom of it and then wired it from the back.
I can't wait now for my other brooches to arrive and then to have a go at putting it all together. I have loads of pearls and things left but didn't want to wire anymore until I see what's needed.
CommentAuthornatalie2614
Just had a peek at your photo album thats going to look amazing when its done x
Married my best friend 05.04.2013
CommentAuthorNot_so_reluctant_Jin
edited
I've made a first attempt at the bouquet even though I don't have all my brooches yet as I just couldn't help myself (pics in my album). I didn't find it difficult to put together but I'm not sure that 6 inches in diameter is big enough. My OH thinks I am too small for the bouquet to be any bigger (I am 5'2") and likes it the way it is and thinks I should just finish this one with blue ribbons and the pearl bouquet holder I am planning to make.
You can't see it in the pictures but it sparkles beautifully when the light touches it.
Any opinions? I found it really difficult to hold it and take pics!
CommentAuthorMrsC
Just looked on your wall, its beautiful as you have it. All those gorgeous little elements are lovely. As for the size, I guess its your choice. Will the effect be lost if you try to make it bigger? Its delicate and pretty as it is.
If you get bored I'm pretty sure a few brides on here could keep you busy with new things to make!
Proud to be a Wife and Mum
Married 4th May 2013
CommentAuthorShelleyM46
just had a look its lovely well done : )
cant wait to marry the love of my life
my soul mate and my best friend
CommentAuthorNot_so_reluctant_Jin
Thanks! I think I'll finish this off with ribbon and then see what I think. Not sure if I'm just disappointed as I have lots of things which can't fit on this one. I may use them to make a cake topper though!