Garland, Garland Everywhere

In one of my previous posts, you can see some inspiraton garlands. I made the first one from vintage hankies, doilies, fabric and lace.

The garland I hung in the window behind the goodie table:

Yeah, pardon the crooked blind. I fixed it after I shot the photo.

A little one I threw together using antimacassars and home made tassels from my light colored burlap. I hung it on the fireplace mantel but this photo is when I first finished it:

And the Granddaddy of them al, the full length garland. I hung it on my patio, in front of the shade cloth, during the reception. Here it is in the doorway:

I enjoyed making them, and I think I will make a few more in the near future to sell. 

That is, if I don't get a full time job soon. 

In Remembrance of My Parents

I made a flower arrangement to honor my mom at our wedding. She passed away in 1998. Sad thing is, my daddy just passed away a couple of weeks before the wedding. He was 92. Now, we aren't young, but I still wanted dad to meet my husband. We are in Texas and he lived in California. 

I draw comfort from the fact that I had flown out to visit him in November. He knows I love him. I'm sure he always knew that, but it was good to hug him and tell him one more time.

I have loads of news and photos to share, it will be soon, I promise. Here's a photo of my parent's DIY arrangements. My dad's is on the left, and mom's is on the right:

Wedding Decor

             Here I sit with three shabby sheets, four yards of lace, a set of lace curtains, and two tablecloths for the reception. My dear fiancé is quaking in his boots already. He has no idea how much weddings and receptions cost, I am keeping a tally to show how much LESS ours will cost in comparison to an average wedding and reception.  I plan on making several garlands to hang around the house and backyard.  My plans are based on shabby garland made with doilies, lace, and fabric flowers. The ceremony is being held in a small chapel a few miles north of here, and it's a historic building so decor will be conservative with no candles. I am planning a floral arrangement, pew cones and a small arrangement in the lobby next to the guest book.

I have a board on Pinterest. It has the links to the items, many of them for sale on Etsy.

Wedding Inspiration Board on Pinterest

I am going to make will vary on where they will be used, but this is the inspiration:

This lovely will be across the fireplace mantle

And a shortie over the mirror in the powder room

Update: I've finished one garland and here it is:

A little tweaking and it should be perfectly imperfect! 

Wedding Boots

         In the interest of being thrifty, I am planning a (mostly) DIY wedding. The theme is Rustic Elegance with lavender, cream and brown. Everyone in the wedding party will be wearing boots. And wouldn't you know it, this native Texan has never owned a pair of cowboy boots! I went boot shopping with my friend (and future sister in law) Debbie last weekend. Here is what I found after trying on every freaking pair in the store  seven or eight styles:

                                         


Yes, that's me muffin topping the shaft. The store offers stretching I just want to be sure I can't stretch them by wearing them.

They are cow leather and python. Now don't be hollering about cruelty to cows if you've ever worn synthetic cowboy boots in the Texas summer heat, you'll know animal skin is better in this instance. 

Anyway, they're handmade partly in Texas and partly in Mexico. So I'm doing my part to stimulate the economy.