Pretty Organza Posies

These organza flowers are absolutely gorgeous. I can just see a bunch of them in cream and pale blues sitting in an ironstone pottery bowl on my dining room table. They would be fantastic pinned into a bridal or prom up-do, attached to a classic headband, or pinned to a lapel to brighten a dark winter’s coat.

The handmade set in red wine by supplier (shown left) would be stunning for a winter wedding.


Handmade Organza Flowers in Red Wine
by supplier

Pin a couple in the bride's hair, one for each of the bride's maids and one for both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom. And at a very reasonable price, you may be able to request larger quantities to outfit the flower girls as well. (how adorable one of these would be pinned at the shoulder of the dress)

Another way to wear these are as clips on a pair of peep toe shoes, as shown by Clark and Diversey (shown right) or by jurgitahandmade (shown below).The clips add new life to the shoes and give them a very sweet and romantic look.

Ivory Bridal Shoe Clips with Rhinestones
by Clark and Diversey

                           "Mary" Ivory Organza Shoe Clips
                           by jurgitahandmade

The addition of pearls and rhinestones to the centers of the flowers give them that extra sparkle and make them oh-so-much-more glamorous.
Hmmm . . .I have a beige pair of heels not unlike the style shown left that would benefit by adding a couple coffee colored concoctions to.

Whether structured like the ones by supplier or David and Diversey, or more flimsy and whimsy like the ones by Reese Dixon or jurgitahandmade, these little beauties are sure to add interest to your existing wardrobe without a huge investment. Just attach . . .  and be prepared for the compliments.

Super crafty and wanna know how to make them yourself? tutorial here by Reese Dixon

Chukar Cherries

It’s no secret that I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this treat is when it is used to cover other yummy things like dried fruits such as apricots, blueberries and cherries. So imagine my delight when my mom and I came across Chukar Cherries in the Pike’s Place Market in Seattle.

Based in Prosser, WA, Chukar Cherries began in 1988 from a family cherry orchard and uses no preservatives, no sulfites and no gluten. Essentially, their mandate is nothing artificial. Not only does Chukar Cherries specialize in chocolate covered cherries, but also in mixed nuts and dried fruit mixed which incorporate . . .cherries.

They also make all kinds of other gourmet treats such as Curried Cherry Chutney (trying saying that a few times fast!), and Peach Cherry Salsa, as well as a variety of fruit fillings and preserves. All the items feature beautiful and well thought out packaging (always something I’m attracted to)such as reuseable baskets, jars and tins and are perfect for gift giving. Perfect for Valentine's Day. My favourite is the Grand Assortment, which has Amaretto Rainiers, Classic Dark, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Black Forest cherries . . . all in dark chocolate.

. . . Hello Yummm!

Sweet and Pretty

Romantic purple lilac flower and silk necklace by zsb creations

Did Someone Say Shoes ?

Gorgeous Red Hot Sexy Shoes dubbed "The Tango" by Parisxox

Apartment Green Space

One of the drawbacks to living in an apartment is a reduced amount of garden space. Enter GreenWallNL and these unique and interesting living wall sculptures.

Based on the larger Vertical Garden designs by Patrick Blanc that are appearing around the world, the Netherlands based designer built her own small scale version in her living room and began experimenting with different plant types, water levels and required lighting. After much positive feedback from friends and family as well as being featured on HGTV, she decided to create DIY kits for people to build their own at home.

The wooden black frame comes ready to be planted. Instructions are included with the kit. Choose you own plants from your local garden store (suggested plants include ferns, ivy, and asparagus . . . but it's up to you - as long as the roots don't grow too deep). The frame is easy to water from the backside; just remove the frame from the wall and add a tiny bit of water when needed. The bottom of the frame is made watertight, but to be safe keep the frame down from the wall for half an hour to ensure no water spills.

These would look great hung in a series of three or four, staggered and in various sizes. Or, switch them around from time to time to keep it interesting. Sort of an interactive living art work sculpture.

Fabric Finds - part 2

Oh, the things I could design and make using these glorious fabrics . . .

I got myself into a little trouble this past Saturday. While at my pattern drafting class, it was mentioned that our local fabric store was having their 50th Anniversary sale and everything in the store was 50% off. I admit I went a little overboard on the good stuff . . . dupioni silk at $9.00 a meter, an adjustable dress form for $65.00. When all was said and done, I needed to catch a cab because I couldn't carry everything the five minute walk to my door.

The silk and taffeta fabrics I will use to make dresses for little gals. The tulle I will use to make the underskirting, edged in delicate lace. I also bought a whole bunch of dark denim to make pull-on jeans for toddlers.

So stay tuned . . .many new children's designs are on the way.

TuTu Chic

As a designer and a lover of pretty fabrics, I have always been intrigued by tutus and the world of ballet couture. While the stiff and formal performance tutu demands a certain amount of respect (it's construction being formidable), the longer bell-shaped tea-length tutu is graceful and romantic. Think of all those Sugar Plum Fairies in The Nutcracker, or the myriad of swans in Swan Lake.

TutusChic is based in Palo Alto, CA and will be featured in Martha Stewart's Wedding Magazine Spring 2011 issue.

The creations of a former professional dancer turned designer, the tutus are constructed with the dancer's body and movements in mind. However, this does not exclude a non-dancer from purhasing one to wear around the house while vacuuming . . .

Have a look at this beautiful long tutu skirt in chocolate and cream by TutusChic. The skirt is composed of four layers of cream tulle topped with a light and frothy layer of chocolate tulle. The waist band is a decadent caramel chocolate satin.

This tutu skirt would be wonderful for attending a late spring or summer wedding celebration. Or for sipping tea and nibbling on petite sandwiches and enjoying strawberries with cream in the garden. Or walking along the beautiful shops in Paris. See how it has been paired with a long sleeve henley style shirt and a pair of flip-flops in the photo shown right. (model photos appear courtesy of Lucy Snowe Photography).

What I'm saying is that tutus are not just for attending the ballet. Nor are pointe shoes required.