Mar

06

Swarovski Wedding Princess Comb

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It’s no secret that we go weak in the knees over glittery, sparkly projects here at the DIY Bride offices. Among our favorite ways to bring in a bit of sparkle and romance is to add crystals and, of course, no mention of crystals is complete without giving a shout-out to Swarovski. If you’re not familiar, Swarovski® is the manufacturer of the world’s most-recognized and respected brands of crystals. Their products? Luxe. Gorgeous.

We’re excited to share this Wedding Princess Comb from the Love is in the Air by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.


(Scroll down to download the PDF instructions.)



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May

03

Makeup Monday: Covering Tattoos

Makeup Monday is our weekly Q & A session for those who’re interested in doing their own makeup for the wedding. Question from Helene: Hi DIYBride! I have a small tattoo on my shoulder blade that no one in my family knows about. (They’re very conservative. My dad would K-I-L-L me if he knew!) The tat is partially exposed by my wedding gown. Thoughts on how to cover it? DIY Bride Says: While our generation barely bats an eyelash at tattoos anymore, there are still situations where flaunting inked skin can cause unwanted attention. The cosmetics industry got the memo and have turned out some products that are made for camouflaging tattoos. We got to test out Tattoo Undercover by Ferbs Cosmetics. Included was a bottle of foundation and Alibi Setting Powder. The set retails for $29.99. How It Works: You apply thin layers of foundation over the tattoo, allowing each layer to dry before moving onto the next. Once desired coverage is achieved, apply the setting powder. That’s it. The Pros:

  • Easy to apply
  • Coverage for our heavily-inked test subject was 3 layers.
  • Natural-looking color/coverage
  • Great for areas that don’t rub against fabric.

The Cons:

  • A good foundation brush is needed. Our sponge wedge applicator was ok but moving to the brush made a world of difference.
  • Our tester wore a tank top that rubbed up against the foundation-covered area. The foundation held up pretty well but needed touch-ups. The foundation was difficult to launder out of the garment the tester was wearing – but it did come out. Beware if your wedding gown will be in contact with the covered area.

Notes:

  • The foundation is very heavy and heavily pigmented. Having a brush really helps control the amount that goes on for each layer which will make for more natural coverage.
  • The setting powder is essential. Don’t skip it!
  • Have the kit on hand during your wedding day for touch-ups.

Ferbs has a great how-video – and, yes, it really is this easy to apply!



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Apr

21

Nailing Down Something Blue

That whole “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition seems to rattle already frantic brides. Many of us get gifted with a blue garter or other piece of lingerie and that’s cool. But maybe you’d like to publicly display your something blue without violating state laws. So what’s a cheap ‘n’ easy solution to give a nod
to tradition? Nail polish. That’s right, for a few bucks you can get a rockin’ manicure and display your blue for all to admire.

For you peacock-themed hotties, I suggest Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri in Blue Streak. It’s a pearly peacock-turquoise that costs about $5.00 at your local drugstore. On a whim I picked some up at my local Walgreen’s and gave it a whirl. Insta-Dri doesn’t exactly dry instantly but it does dry pretty quickly compared to regular polish. You’ll need 2 coats for rich coverage and color. (FWIW: the brush on this is a bit different than other nail polishes; it’s wide and flat. I rather liked it but it took some getting used to.)
DSC 4078 Nailing Down Something Blue

Not feeling the peacock blue? (Ugh, that sentence is just wrong somehow.) No prob! Blue is a hot color this season so polish brands have a ton of shades on the market from demure pale blues to deep, dark navy.

{ The Unnecessary Disclosure Disclaimer: The product in this post was purchased from my own funds and was in no way paid for or provided by any company. }



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Apr

12

Product Reviews: Jelly Pong Pong

Not too long ago I received a lovely little package of cosmetics from UK-based company, Jelly Pong Pong. Made in Italy, Jelly Pong Pong products are made with environmentally-conscious formulations and cruelty-free testing practices.

DSC 38991 Product Reviews: Jelly Pong Pong

Shadow Taffy: The packaging on this is adorable but what about the actual product?  The cute little birdie sits atop a lid over creamy eyeshadow in two shades, candyfloss red and iridescent gold. As a very pale and rosy-complected lass, I was a bit hesitant to put even more red onto my skin. To my utter surprise, candyfloss red didn’t go on red at all; instead it brightened and enhanced my green eyes without any redness. The gold was equally subtle but would definitely work better with a tan or different skin tone than I rock. (UK Price: 15.00)

DSC 3904 Product Reviews: Jelly Pong Pong

Lip Orchid Duo: These two glosses are paired together in a clear plastic box. The two shades, Bouquet (a chic coral) and Petal Pink (a posy pink) add just the lightest tint of color and shine without feeling goopy or heavy. I’d like them to last a bit longer on the lips but they are really pretty and would make a nice gift to your maids. (UK Price: 12.00)

DSC 3908 Product Reviews: Jelly Pong Pong

Venus Magical Pearls: Magical Pearls add a dash of color of sparkle to your eyelids, cheeks, or wherever you’d like to add some magic. Just swirl your finger over the pearls and swipe across your skin. Available in five shades: Ambrosia, Aurora, Goddess Skin, Immortal & Worship. Goddess Skin was a bit too dark for me (again, I’m nearly sparkly vampire pale) as a bronzer or blush enhancer but it looked fab as eyeshadow. (UK Price: 20.00)

DSC 3903 Product Reviews: Jelly Pong Pong

Wakeup Makeup: This was my favorite of the bunch, a portable kit contains: Eye Brightener (just tap onto any dark circles you see, on brow bone & outer corner of eyes), Face Brightener (“apply a small amount on your face & neck to invigorate dull complexions”) and the Eyebrow Grooming set with 3 superior eyebrow powder shades, tweezers & brow brush. The Eye Brightener rocks my world! My sleep-deprived eyes immediately looked refreshed when I used it. *LOVE IT* (UK Price: 18.00)

The bridal products are available at a 50% discount on purchases of GBP 300 or more (those bridesmaid gifts add up quickly!). Jelly Pong Pong products are available in the US and via JellyPongPong.com.

Disclaimer: The products in this review were provided to DIY Bride by Jelly Pong Pong.

Photography by: Jason Taboada



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Mar

25

Coming Soon: DIY Bridal Beauty

Hey DIYers!

I am thrilled to announce that we’re adding a new do-it-yourself feature to DIYBride. We’ll be covering hair, makeup, and beauty/skincare topics on a regular basis beginning April 01.

To help kick off the new feature, please let us know what your most pressing DIY beauty questions are by popping into the beauty forums and speaking up.



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Dec

30

15 Ways To Repurpose Your Mom's Gown

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Dynasty-Dynasty-TV-series-003

Ah, your mom’s wedding gown. You know – that 1980′s polyester monstrosity with poofy shoulders so large they’d darned near swallow your whole face that’s lurking in your folks’ basement? Yeah, that one.

Well, kiddo, she kept that for you to wear on your big day. That’s right. Just for you! While the thought of a full-on Dynasty-themed wedding, complete with appearance by Joan Collins in her glorious Nolan Miller-d glory, makes you giddy for a split second, we all know there’s no way your beloved is gonna go for it.

Or maybe mom’s gown isn’t so bad. You actually love it but it’s too small or too short and can’t be altered to fit you. Maybe it wasn’t properly preserved and it’s now damaged and irreparable. Don’t fret. There are creative ways you can use mom’s gown in your wedding. While these suggestions mean cutting up her gown, you will be creating new heirloom pieces that can (hopefully) be used for generations to come.

  1. Hello, ring pillow. Wedding gown fabrics make fabulous ring pillows. Ring pillows are also terrific beginner DIY projects. Check out the ring bearer pillow from vintage lace tutorial at CraftStylish.
  2. Hankies and pocket squares. Depending on the fabric of your mom’s gown, hankies and pocket squares for the wedding party are easy, elegant ways to repurpose the dress. Cotton is best for hankies; silk for pocket squares. Consider adding a bit of embroidery, beading, or ribbon trim to add a bit o’ pizazz.
  3. Bouquet wraps. Strips of fabric from a beaded bodice look stunning rapped around the stems of your bouquet.
  4. Harvest the lace and incorporate it into your own gown or veil.
  5. Make a garter. Download our easy garter instructions here.
  6. Hair accessories! Cover inexpensive plastic or wire headbands with the fabric, lace, and embellishments. Use buttons and embellishments to create one-of-a-kind hair pins (see my new book, The Crafty Countdown, for hair pin instructions).
  7. Make fabric flowers. Perfect for headbands, bouquets, corsages. Tutorial coming up soon!
  8. Cover the front of an album, guest book, scrapbook or book of faith.
  9. How about a purse? Check out Better Homes and Garden’s instructions here.
  10. Incorporate pieces into a chuppah.
  11. How about something for the flower girl(s)? Line or cover the petal basket. If there’s enough fabric, how about an entire dress or skirt for your girls? See my new book, The Crafty Countdown, for a fabric flower girl basket project.
  12. Cover vases or votive holders with fabric and lace for stunning centerpieces. Check out Martha’s version here.
  13. Make a sash for your gown.
  14. Bib necklaces are super hot right now. If your mom’s gown has embellishments grab them and create your own, a la Vera Wang, and save $800.
  15. Cover boxes for use as card holders. Project Wedding has a fab tutorial here.



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Dec

30

15 Ways To Repurpose Your Mom’s Gown

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Dynasty-Dynasty-TV-series-003

Dynasty Dynasty TV series 003 300x195 15 Ways To Repurpose Your Moms GownAh, your mom’s wedding gown. You know – that 1980′s polyester monstrosity with poofy shoulders so large they’d darned near swallow your whole face that’s lurking in your folks’ basement? Yeah, that one.

Well, kiddo, she kept that for you to wear on your big day. That’s right. Just for you! While the thought of a full-on Dynasty-themed wedding, complete with appearance by Joan Collins in her glorious Nolan Miller-d glory, makes you giddy for a split second, we all know there’s no way your beloved is gonna go for it.

Or maybe mom’s gown isn’t so bad. You actually love it but it’s too small or too short and can’t be altered to fit you. Maybe it wasn’t properly preserved and it’s now damaged and irreparable. Don’t fret. There are creative ways you can use mom’s gown in your wedding. While these suggestions mean cutting up her gown, you will be creating new heirloom pieces that can (hopefully) be used for generations to come.

  1. Hello, ring pillow. Wedding gown fabrics make fabulous ring pillows. Ring pillows are also terrific beginner DIY projects. Check out the ring bearer pillow from vintage lace tutorial at CraftStylish.
  2. Hankies and pocket squares. Depending on the fabric of your mom’s gown, hankies and pocket squares for the wedding party are easy, elegant ways to repurpose the dress. Cotton is best for hankies; silk for pocket squares. Consider adding a bit of embroidery, beading, or ribbon trim to add a bit o’ pizazz.
  3. Bouquet wraps. Strips of fabric from a beaded bodice look stunning rapped around the stems of your bouquet.
  4. Harvest the lace and incorporate it into your own gown or veil.
  5. Make a garter. Download our easy garter instructions here.
  6. Hair accessories! Cover inexpensive plastic or wire headbands with the fabric, lace, and embellishments. Use buttons and embellishments to create one-of-a-kind hair pins (see my new book, The Crafty Countdown, for hair pin instructions).
  7. Make fabric flowers. Perfect for headbands, bouquets, corsages. Tutorial coming up soon!
  8. Cover the front of an album, guest book, scrapbook or book of faith.
  9. How about a purse? Check out Better Homes and Garden’s instructions here.
  10. Incorporate pieces into a chuppah.
  11. How about something for the flower girl(s)? Line or cover the petal basket. If there’s enough fabric, how about an entire dress or skirt for your girls? See my new book, The Crafty Countdown, for a fabric flower girl basket project.
  12. Cover vases or votive holders with fabric and lace for stunning centerpieces. Check out Martha’s version here.
  13. Make a sash for your gown.
  14. Bib necklaces are super hot right now. If your mom’s gown has embellishments grab them and create your own, a la Vera Wang, and save $800.
  15. Cover boxes for use as card holders. Project Wedding has a fab tutorial here.



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Oct

09

Fab Finds Friday: Garter Girl

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Fab Finds Friday is a weekly showcase of some of the fabulous resources available to the wedding community. This week’s wedding goodness comes to you from Garter Girl. Products and resources mentioned in FFF are chosen based on their merit and are never paid endorsements. xoxo.

Juilanne from Garter Girl posted this great tutorial for creating a knit garter for under a dollar. Yes, under a buck!

knitting wedding garter front view 300x199 Fab Finds Friday: Garter Girl

Knit garter from Julianne, The Garter Girl





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Aug

31

DIY Sash Tutorial

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2007-08-27-belt-2-200

2007 08 27 belt 2 200 DIY Sash TutorialAre you looking to make a sash for your (or your maid’s) gown? You’re in luck, you awesomely clever bride. The lovely Altered Cloth has posted a step-by-step for making a sash that can also be modified to make a scarf. (Hello, BM gift!) Tutorial here.



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Jul

19

Homemade Bath Fizzies

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Add this great little project to our DIY lip balm to create a spa kit for your maids or loved ones (or, hey, just for you!).

Makes 12 ice cube-sized fizzies. Package 2 – 3 per person.

Supplies Needed

 

  • 1/2 cup citric acid (found at health food stores, online, and at Whole Foods Market.)
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Epsom salt
  • 4 – 6 drops of liquid food coloring
  • About 10  drops essential oil
  • Silicone ice cube trays. (Plastic ones work, too. The silicone trays are easier to work with.)
  • A small spray bottle filled with water
  • An eye dropper or pipette
  • Glass mixing bowls

 

Directions

  1. In a glass bowl, stir together citric acid, baking soda, and cornstarch. Make sure there are as few lumps as possible.
  2. Stir in Epsom salt. 
  3. Add food coloring, a few drops at a time. Mix ingredients until color is even throughout
  4. Spritz mixture with the spray bottle lightly until you can pack mixture with your hands. The mixture should be slightly damp; not wet. If it gets too wet, it’ll activate the chemicals and fizz up.
  5. With an eye dropper or pipette, add essential oil, 1 drop at a time, until the scent is to your liking. 
  6. Spoon mixture into the ice-cube tray. Pack tightly.
  7. Let dry at room temperature for 1 – 3 days.
  8. Once the fizzies are completely dry, they’re ready to unmold and package. Easy!

 



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