Happy Valentine’s Day : Lace Trim Veil

Krystal’s Wedding Day April 25, 2015

Greetings!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.  I got a sweet flower bouquet from my husband and carnations from Little J.  He bought them from a Valentine school fundraiser.   Mr. T & I did not celebrate a typical Valentines date but we had a lovely time.  We spent time scouting out the next location for his future dental office and possibly a new home.  I do enjoy Real Estate shopping and dreaming;)  We also took the children out on a family date after dinner to get boba & play connect four.  My daughter organized a mini connect four tournament and I was the champion.  Go Ann! – of course no mercy for Mr. T and the children;). Well, we are starting to plan for the next season of life.  Although we do not know what the future holds, we can only work towards it and plan it the best we can.  I’ll be honest, it is exciting!

Lace Trim Veil handmade by Krystal Longnecker, Photo by Becky Keeley

Because an aspect of my job is social media, I am seeing many of my past Brides start a special season in their lives – having children.  It is such a beautiful stage to witness.  Well, my Bride Krystal Longnecker & her husband from Pomona, New Jersey just had a new baby to add to their 4 girls.  Congratulations to your growing family!  They got married on April 25, 2015.  She purchased my DIY Lace Veil Kit and followed my tutorial to make her beautiful veil.  She wanted her veil to be an heirloom for her daughters.  One of the other beautiful Valentine gifts I got were photos of her children in the veil.   Isn’t this adorable?!  Thank you Krystal for sharing!

To read Krystal’s experience of creating the veil, you can click HERE.  I can’t wait to see photos of them them actually walking down the aisle one day wearing the their mother’s handmade veil.  Well, I hope Krystal inspired you to create something EXTRAordinary.  Thank you for visiting and may you have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs,

Ann

ps. Here is the tutorial Krystal used to create her veil.

Guest Speaker & Teaching Classes

Greetings!  I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend.  I recently came across this photo below when I taught a Bow Tie Class at Francescas main office.  It made me reminisce about the times I taught classes or was invited to be a guest speaker.  I thought it would be fun to share some of the experiences.  Here are some photos along with the tutorials.

The photo that started it all….

Francescas Main Office – Houston, TX

Francescas Main Office – Houston, TX

Sewing Fashionistas – Katy, TX

Sewing Fashionistas – Katy, TX

I had the opportunity to teach at Joann Fabrics and showed students how to make the Birdcage Veil & the Camryn Fabric Flower.  This was a lot of fun because I got to see students choose their own unique fabric to make the flowers.  They are so creative!

Joann Fabrics – Sugar Land, TX

Joann Fabrics – Sugar Land, TX

I got to speak at Elsik High School’s Fashion Department.  I shared how I started Youtique Bridal & all the hard work to make my dreams come alive.  The Fashion Design Students also learned how to create the Fabric Flowers.

Elsik High School – Houston, TX

Elsik High School – Houston, TX

Elsik High School – Houston, TX

I was invited to speak to the Fashion Department of the Art Institute of Houston. It is always an honor to share my experiences of how I started my business.  This was actually around the time I started expanding to Lifestyle Designs.

Art Institute of Houston

And below are the cutest students I ever had.  It was a Mommy & Me sewing session where the children learned how to make a little satchel.  Their mothers shared that some used it to carry their dolls and others their library books.  They were so darn cute!  I do not have a tutorial for the satchel but I had to share my youngest students;)

Well, I hope you enjoy your weekend.  Take care & I hope you got inspired to create something EXTRAordinary! 😉

Hugs,

Ann

DIY Rhinestone Sash : DIY Guest Angela Li

Greetings!

What makes my day?  When someone is inspired by my tutorial and share what they created.  I recently got a message from Angela Li via Instagram all the way from the Philippines – that will make a Texas girl happy;)

Angela Li was inspired by my DIY Bridal Sash tutorial.  She created a sash for her mother to attend a relative’s wedding.  I had to share what she made and asked her a few  questions in hopes to inspire you to create as well.

 

Interview with : Angela Li, Philippines

1. YB: Which video were you inspired by?  Angela: I got inspiration from your video Bridal diy sash
   

2) YB: Why did you decide to DIY?  Angela:  bec i found the perfect dress within my budget and i want to make it dressier since my mom is attending a wedding of a relative. To add that evening formal look

3) YB: Who and what event were you creating it for?  Angela: wedding of relative
4) YB: General steps you took to create this. Angela: bought the dress, source the rhinestones appliqué since the appliques are not available in the Philippines, I sourced it from China. Also the available ones are specifically for weddings. With front only rhinestones and white sash. Sash is tricky since my dress is colored, this means i will have to find the exact shade Ribbon. Plus i feel that it will move around since my dress is smooth fabric with slim silhouette.
Also mostly in the market is the chunky type of front rhinestones. Or half yard. I want the rhinestones to be all the way to the back. So i sourced it overseas.
Angela shared with us the link she purchased the dress at: https://www.evernew.ca/victoria-wrap-dress-254652?colour=teal+ribbon

5) YB: The pros and cons to create your sash. Angela: – pros, I get the look I wanted.
Cons, creativity in sourcing and technical skill to get it done. I actually sewed it in two lines, one on upper part and another is lower part. For the front with pleats, i actually did not sew the lower part on the pleating as it might affect the movement of the fabric. Also making sure the appliques is aligned.

6) YB: what was your favorite part of the process?  Angela: – conceptualizing, Sourcing and execution.
7) YB: How long did it take you? Angela: it took a while to get the rhinestones but once they are here, its easier since I had it planned out
8) YB: Is there anything else you would like to add?  Angela:  originally I would like the rhinestones to be optional, meaning I can put it on or not go with it as the event dictates. But since that route is tricky and I cannot find a tutorial, I opted to sew it on

Thank you Angela for sending the photos and for answering the questions.  All of this means a lot to me😊 and it makes all the hard work worth it.  I hope Angela inspired you to create.  Well, I hope you have an EXTRAordinary day!

Hugs,

Ann

More Bridal Sash Tutorials

Happy Valentine’s Day! DIY Earrings for the Red Lace Outfit

Happy Valentine’s Day!

What a great way to conclude my Red Lace Outfit Series since it is also a perfect outfit for Valentines Day:)

I had put together an inspiration board to help give me direction on the earrings I was looking for.  These were all inspired by the Dolce&Gabbana Fall 2013 Fashion Show.

I knew I wanted something gold, big (proportional to me), sparkly, and a touch of pearls.  I had gone to at least 5 different shops and did not find earrings that “felt” right.   So guess what I decided to do? DIY them! I hope you enjoy the process:)

I purchased 3 separate earrings that would bring all the elements together.  They were all gold.  One had the size, the second had pearls, and the last had that touch of sparkle.  I was really happy with the result and got to wear it with my Wedding Guest outfit.

DIY Earrings

Wedding Guest

Did you ever have to create an accessory to match your outfit?  Feel free to share your experience.  Thank you for visiting and I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXO,
Ann

David+Linda : Happy July 4th!

Photo by Stephen Chea

Thank you David and all the #servicemen and #servicewomen stationed across the world to allow our way of life to continue. #happy4thofjuly

Her bra cups were too high and the sheer fabric at the center bodice did not lay properly

Linda is my #hurricaneharveybride. I remember clearly where I was when I received her text. I was in the middle of helping a friend move his parents’ belongings out of their home to the side of the road. They had lost everything during the flood and we were trying to help clean the aftermath. So many people were affected, including the bridal salon Linda purchased her dress from. At this point, she was responsible for her own alterations. Linda resides in Hawaii but had visited Houston to finish some of her wedding responsibilities. Can you imagine the worry when your custom designed gown doesn’t fit the way it was suppose to?

*I knew this was going to be an all night project since we needed to get this done before her flight back to Hawaii. I recorded the process to help others who might need to make this type of alterations. I used all the lighting I had to work through the night. I felt like I was getting ready for an emergency surgery 😬😅😜.

I also got to create Linda’s custom cathedral length veil for the church ceremony. She wanted something simple, elegant and timeless so I designed the drop veil for her special day. She had always imagined a long veil for her wedding and I wanted to make her dream come true.

To see how to bustle the Veil and Dress, feel free to view it below:

 

I am humbled at the opportunity to serve Linda+David.  Thank you for visiting and Happy 4th of July!

XOXO,

Ann

Photo by Toan Nguyen Photography

 

54″W LUXE DIY Veil Kit Launch : Dream Weddings Bridal Show

It was an exciting weekend for Brides, Grooms, and vendors.  Couples got to explore their wedding options as Vendors got to share their passions.  As a vendor at the Dream Weddings Bridal Show, I was excited to launch the LUXE DIY Veil Kit 54″W.  The kit includes all the high quality items needed to make your very own veil.  I showed Brides up to 9 different veil styles created from one veil kit.  I am happy to announce the launch was well received and a success.  To view more photos, click here.

 

You can purchase your LUXE DIY Veil Kit 54″W for $32.99 and use the 10% Off Coupon Code PERFECTWEDDING10 at checkout.  Visit YOUTIQUE BRIDAL SHOP.  Create the veil yourself and you can use the savings toward other wedding projects.

For $32.99, the LUXE DIY Veil Kit 54″W includes everything you will need to create your very own veil and you will have exclusive access to the step-by-step video tutorial.  Watch the promo video and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

What inspired me to create the kit?  There are many little life lessons that came together in this kit.

First, it was inspired by my Lace Trim Veil.  Like the Lace Trim Veil tutorial, I wanted Brides to have more than one option to design the veil.  The Lace Trim Veil came with 3 options to design but the LUXE DIY Veil Kit came with up to 9 design options.  The Kit gives you a basis to the design and you can go further by embellishing the veil yourself.  With your imagination, it is possible to come up with more designs.

Second, When I taught classes on how to create my Camryn Flower, I realized many students did not know where to purchase each of the items so I would help them shop for supplies right before class.  Many wanted to skip the shopping if there was an option and go straight into creating.  This inspired the “KIT” idea.

Finally, most Brides I worked with was on a budget.  If Brides could create a quality veil themselves, they would save money.  As a designer, I understand the cost of time & labor and have the most respect for a Designer’s time and talent.  But what if I can teach a Bride how to create her own veil with an easy step-by-step tutorial?  She would be able to save money and use her savings toward other areas of her wedding.

All these ideas came together to create the LUXE DIY Veil Kit.  Thank you for visiting and I hope you get inspired to create something EXTRAordinary.

Hugs!

Ann

Valentine’s Love to My Blog : Rustic Ring Bearer Pillow Tutorial

It has been a long time since I last posted on my blog.  I have been wanting to do it but when writing is not your strongest suit, it’s hard.  Well, enough of making excuses!  I decided today on Valentine’s Day that I will show my blog some love and update my readers, if I even have any;)

I will start with the most recent tutorial, the Rustic Ring Bearer Pillow.  This was fun since I asked my community what style Ring Bearer accessory they would like to see – most voted Rustic.  The choices were Rustic, Formal, or Steampunk.  So here is the Rustic Ring Bearer pillow:)

The process was fun and the embroidery work connected me to my childhood.  In August 2017, my best friend Cathy texted me the photo below during her Hurricane Harvey mandatory evacuation.  I couldn’t believe she still had this coin purse I handmade for her from the 4th grade.  This touched me on so many levels.  First, I was surprised she still had it after all these years and second, it meant that much to her to evacuate with it.  Now talk about feeling the Valentine’s love:)  So her text was the main inspiration behind my Rustic Ring Bearer Pillow.  I knew I was going to somehow incorporate embroidery work since the last time I tried it was the fourth grade.

Well, thank you for reading and Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXO,

Ann

Spring Flowers $15 Challenge: DIY Flower Bouquet, Pomander, Boutonnieres, Corsage, & Flower Crown

Greetings!

This is a fun challenge I created for myself before my next big project.  I gave myself a $15 budget to purchase flowers & supplies to see how many different wedding accessories I can create.  To save time you can buy all these supplies at one location.  However, I wanted a certain color so I did not mind exploring my options.  Feel free to view the video & let me know which is your favorite accessory.  What else can you create with these supplies?

Here is the video break down:
{0:35 }*Ordinaries
{1:53}*Pomander Ball
{3:09}*Boutonnieres
{4:47 }*Corsage
{5:36}*Wrist Corsage
{6:21}*Flower Crown
{7:48}*Veil Flower Crown Look 1
{8:00}*Veil Flower Crown Look 2

***********************************************************
Here are the items I purchased (price-not including tax, place)

Dollar Store ($1.00each):
1 Mini Roses
1 Small Contrast yellow
1 Small white Flowers
1 Green Filler

Walmart
2 Main Red flowers: $0.97/each Walmart
1 Bag of Floral Wire: $0.97each
1 Floral tape: $1.00

Hobby Lobby (50%off):
5/8″ Ribbon: $1.50
1.5″ Ribbon: $2.00
Pins: $1.00
1- 3″ Styrofoam ball: $2.14

Supplies Grand Total: about $14.55
*******************************

I hope you got inspired to create something EXTRAordinary;)

Hugs!

Ann

  

Also, check out my IG at: https://www.instagram.com/youtiquebridal/

 

Happy 2017 New Year! : Undergarment options for a Sweetheart Neckline & Low Back Wedding Dress

Photo from http://www.hug2love.com via Pinterest

Happy New Year!  I hope you had an awesome New Year’s Celebration.  Did you come up with some new goals for 2017?  Since one of my goals is to get over my awkwardness of talking into a camera, I’m working on a video to share my ideas & projects for 2017 with you. I’ve been practicing so hopefully it’s not too awkward.  Yes, I have to practice;)  Coming soon!

So let’s get started on the topic today – bra cups, bustier, or braless.  If your bridal gown has a sweetheart neckline & a low back like my Goddaughter’s gown below, there are 3 options for you.

The 3 options are:

1. Sew in Bra cups.  If you would like an extra lift, I recommend asking your seamstress to sew in bra cups for extra padding.  I like to keep things simple so if I don’t have to worry about an extra item like a bustier on my wedding day, I’d go for this option.  Also, you would save time not having to put on a bustier.
2. Seamless Bustier.  My Goddaughter wanted her waist to be more cinched in and a little extra lift so I recommended a seamless bustier like the one below.  It has the sweetheart neckline as well as a low back.  I like the fact that it is seamless so there will not be visible lines going through your dress:
   

   Here is the Felina Women’s Essentials Seamless Hidden-Wire Bustier

   You can shop for it here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iMmhCN

3. Braless.  If you don’t need the extra lift or cinch, go braless.  Most Bridal gowns already have padding in them so if you’re comfortable not wearing an undergarment, you are set.

Well, I hope this was helpful.  If you have any comments or questions, feel free to share it in the comment section below.

Have a wonderful day!

Ann

  

I had put together a tutorial for my Goddaughter’s Bridesmaid on “How to lace a Wedding Dress Corset,” feel free to view it below:

DIY Birdcage Veil & CAMRYN Fabric Flower {Updated Version}

Greetings Everyone!

Hope you guys had a great Halloween celebration.  I get spooked easily so Halloween can get a little eerie for me.  I do adore the cute & creative costumes people put together for their children and it does get the neighbors and families together to trick-or-treat.  I do find joy in that aspect of Halloween — and the candy too of course;)

Well, I just updated two very old tutorials I created back in 2011, the CHRISTINE Birdcage Veil & the CAMRYN Flower Fascinator.  After creating the new tutorials, I was tempted to delete the old ones since I cringe when watching them.  After giving it some thought, I decided to keep it up on the channel.  As much as it is painful for me to watch them, in a sense, I still am very proud of them.  It is a reminder of why I started and how I taught myself to edit a video, even if it was elementary.  I put a lot of hard work, sweat & time into each tutorial I create so why not keep it uploaded?  Well, I hope you enjoy the new tutorials…

 

…and the old ones too;)

CHRISTINE Birdcage Veil , CAMRYN Flower Fascinator

Here is the CAMRYN Fabric Flower Pattern:

https://youtiquebridal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fabric-flower-pattern.pdf

Thanks for watching & I hope you get inspired to create something EXTRAordinary.

Hugs,

Ann

DIY Guest Tina Scarlatella :First Communion Veil & Dress

Ella and her best friend Erin

Greetings!  Hope everyone is doing well.

As the season of First Communion celebrations come to an end, I just want to thank my DIY Guest, Tina Scarlatella, for sharing her First Communion designs with me.  I get so excited when someone understands the concept as to why I create my video tutorials.  When Tina mentioned she didn’t create the exact same veil as the one in my tutorial but was inspired by it, I was super excited.  Yes, That is the point!  I just want people to get inspired and start creating, not necessarily make a duplicate of what I created.  I had to invite her to share her work and I hope it will inspire you.

Ella

Q) What inspired you to create your daughter’s mantilla veil and dress?  TINA: Joy, Love, and Hope.  I receive so much JOY from seeing my children’s face when they wear things I make for them.  They are still at the age where they get excited and they don’t mind being measured, poked, and pinned.  Even my son!  I also love how they show off my creations to anyone who would look and listen to them.

I want them to FEEL my LOVE for them.  Ella has thanked me for taking time to make her veil and dress.  She has seen me work long hours and even heard me poke my fingers a couple of times.  I truly hope my kids will understand how much love I have for them while making these one of a kind outfits for them.  I put so much of myself into these creations (literally sweat and blood sometimes).  I try to make sure each child feels special and loved.  

I PRAYERFULLY HOPE that my children will cherish all of these memories that we spend together.  I hope they will see this as one example of how a mother shows love to her children.  ( I remember wearing clothes that my mom made me and how I know I was loved).

Q) How far in advance did you start to ensure you will be complete by your daughter’s First Communion Date?  When is her First Communion Date? TINA:  I started working on the veil and dress on April 18^th about 1 month before the First Communion Date of May 15^th.  I am a procrastinator or should I say “creatively inspired when deadlines are near”.   I am happy to say that I am finished with both veil and dress ahead of schedule!  

I was pretty surprised that I finished the veil in 1 night (about 3 hours) even with me hand sewing 52 bead to the veil it didn’t take as long as I thought it would.  Dress took about 2 weekends to work on.  

Q)  What were the pros and cons of creating the veil yourself?  TINA:  I always knew that I wanted to make Ella’s veil and dress and was so happy to see that you had made a tutorial.  Like you had read my mind!  I followed your tutorial 95% – I could not pin the lace around the circle so I ended up making the trim a circle first and then pin it on to a square piece of tulle.  I cut the tulle into the shape of the circle afterwards.  I wish I had chosen a softer lace – but I loved the lace trim that I found for the veil.  It doesn’t lay as well but I still think it’s perfect.

I’m still learning different techniques so the dress isn’t perfect – the bottom part is actually off centered. Eek!  I love how I get to include mine and Ella’s personality into the veil and dress.  Luckily we both love pink and sparkly things.  So I add touches of pink to both veil and dress.  I even personalized her dress with her name.  What makes Ella’s dress even more special is that the materials are from my sisters wedding dress (one of her wedding dress I should say).  

 It’s probably more expensive for me to make Ella’s veil and dress but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  

Thanks for encouraging me every step of the way.  It helped tremendously.

Tina also upstyled Erin’s First Communion Gown

She did a wonderful job don’t you agree?  Great job Tina!  Thank you so much for sharing your unique creations.

Back view of Tina’s creations

Here is my tutorial that inspired her:

Congratulations to all the children who received their First Communion!  Thank you for viewing the post and have a wonderful day:)

Hugs!

Ann

First Communion DIY’s, April & May Updates

Greetings Everyone!

If you are living in the Sugar Land area,  I hope you are enjoying the gorgeous weather we are having today.  I had the opportunity to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine and warmth of the day.  I am now back at the home office excited to share all the beautiful things happening this month.  So are you ready?…

First, I will start out by sharing the First Communion Tutorials I completed.  Please keep in mind that these tutorials can be scaled up for the Brides.  Enjoy!

How to make the Flower Crown Veil

How to make the Headband Veil

How to make the Mantilla Veil

Thank you to my Goddaughter Camryn, One of my Best Friend’s Daughter Soledad, and my Custom guest Elysia for being my First Communion models.  They are just a joy to work with.  Sweet Elysia actually received her First Communion last year and helped make her very own Flower Crown.  She was responsible for creating the flower sets and I am so proud of what she can do.

My Goddaughter Camryn, my son Little J, and Little J’s best friend Dylan will be receiving their First Holy Communion soon. I just want to congratulate them and all the children receiving their First Communion this season.  What an exciting time!

I have several sewing projects in the works right now.  Feel free to follow these hashtags on IG or FB for my following projects:

(1) #Megspromdress2016.  With some inspiration photos she sent me, I will be custom designing & custom fitting a prom dress for my cousin Megan.

(2) #youtiquefuschiadress2016.  Using some couture techniques, I will be designing a gown for myself to attend the annual Elsik High School Design Contest.  I have been invited to host the judges this year so I will be working behind the scenes.  The event is on Saturday April 30th and I will share more information in the coming weeks.  I hope you can join us!  Below I am combining and modifying some old muslin patterns to create my fuscia dress.

(3) Hemming a Lace Trim Dress:  I am working on a series for how I hem a lace wedding gown.  I have  recorded the scenes but it has yet to be edited.  If you are interested in how I alter a lace wedding gown, be on the look out for it sometime in May or June.  Below is the intro:

Well, feel free to join me on my April & May adventures.  Thank you for reading!

Hugs!

Ann