Special Guest Ginger White @gjnj_white with @planoasg will share her early journey of learning to sew. She will talk about how she started sewing, her sewing challenges, goto patterns, and so much more. 😁
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I want to make sure I thank everyone of you who make Youtique Bridal & Lifestyle possible. Also, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays although all the shops skipped right over it and went straight to Christmas. This blog is a way to take a snapshot of where I am today & how grateful I am to those who support me. Thank you to my kind, caring, creative, & inspiring community who…
And I can never say thank you enough to those who take their time to share their creative journey with me and tell me you were inspired by my videos. It makes all the behind the scenes work worthwhile. So thank you to everyone!
Today I want to also thank Emediong all the way from Port Harcourt, Nigeria for sharing her birdcage veil & fabric flower with me. She said she was inspired by my videos so she knew how to make this Texas girl happy & thankful;) I had asked her a few questions and she kindly took the time to reply. Well, I hope you get inspired by Emediong to make something. Enjoy!
1)Your name & where do you reside? My name is Emediong and I reside in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2)Why did you decide to DIY?I decided to do DIY because I love creating something beautiful with my hands.
3) Who and what event were you creating it for? I was creating it for myself for a marriage ceremony to adorn my hair with.
4) Your social media sites & links: Instagram: @busyhands_creations
(FOR THE FABRIC FLOWER)
5) Pros and cons of the project: Pros: Very beautiful, versatile Cons: The challenge of cutting the pattern/template out on organza as the material is very sheer
6) What was your favorite part of the process? My favourite part of the process was seeing the flower coming together as I was sewing. I was smiling as I saw this happening🙂. It made me feel like wow, I am going to make something beautiful and gain knowledge of how to make this flower first future projects.
7) how long did it take you? The cutting out of the template was what took the most time but the sewing and assembly process did not waste time at all. Maybe about 20mins for everything or slightly more.
8) anything else you would like to add? ADDITIONAL NOTES: The tutorial was very detailed and simple enough to understand. There was no way one could have problem replicating the flower. Also, it was very nice to have the free template made available too, very nice. Thank you
FOR THE BIRD CAGE:
All answers remain the same minus those below: 5. PROS: The bird cage was very lovely. CONS: The bridal face net here is different from the one there so it was a bit challenging sewing through.
6. My favourite part was seeing the pattern followed to have a perfectbird cage look because up till then I’ve always just thought of crunching up the face net at the edge to create the look but was excited to learn this technique.
Thank you Emediong! I hope everyone got inspired by Emediong because I sure did. May you all have a wonderful creative Thanksgiving Holiday Season! I believe there is always something to be grateful for whether it be something small or big. What are you thankful for? Many blessings to you!
Hugs!
Ann
If you would like to create the Birdcage veil or Fabric flower, feel free to view the tutorials below.
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! 😉
I was tagged on IG by Carolyn Nealen @bugsnbeauty from Bozeman, Montana (originally from Michigan). She created her own Infinity Veil with the guidance of my DIY tutorial. Thank you Carolyn for sharing your beautiful veil! This completely makes my day. Seeing her work & others who are inspired by my tutorials inspire me to do better. Thank you!
I asked her a couple of questions because I know she will inspire you;)
1. What inspired you to create the chapel veil? I was inspired to create the chapel veil because I already had purchased an infinity veil, which I love. I’ve been sewing for a while now so the idea of making my own veils appealed to me.
2. How long did it take you? It took 45-60 minutes to make a veil, depending on the intricacy of the edging being stitched on.
3. Pros/cons of making one? Choosing your own lace or mesh allows you to customize a veil based on your style. I have so many different options in mind for the future! Honestly, I don’t think that there are any cons to making a veil yourself, though some may say the construction process is one. Frankly, veils are one of the simplest, most straightforward sewing projects I’ve done.
4. How did you find my tutorial? When I decided to try making my own veil, I came upon Youtique Bridal’s tutorial in a Google search. The clarity of instructions and different options were what drew me in.
5. When and why did you start veiling? I started veiling during Lent. Several of my friends had adopted this practice and I had done a little research. Another friend posted a detailed article on the practice, in a Catholic moms group. I read through the article, felt that God was nudging me, and now veil anytime I am in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
6. How long you have you been married? And do you have any marriage tips for young couples? My husband and I have been married for eight years. It takes three to make a marriage: you, your spouse, and God. Make sure that you take time to pray individually and together. Remember also that you are different but equal, with individual strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, a sense of humor is so important. Not everything is going to go as you planned and you have to be ready to laugh at things!
Congratulations on your recent Anniversary!
7. A little about yourself. I am the oldest of four children and grew up in a loving, Protestant family. I’m an unashamed nerd/geek and love anything to do with science…okay, not physics or astronomy. A teacher by trade, I taught third and fourth grade for a number of years, but middle school is my niche. I am a convert to the Catholic faith and met my husband on Catholic match. After getting married I took time off teaching to kick cancer’s butt, raise our son, and run a small business. With our son in school full-time this year, I started substitute teaching and, in a few weeks time, will have completed my masters.
8. Anything else you would like to share? My current favorite place to buy lace online is Fabric.com and I always order at least 2 yards.
Thank you so much Carolyn for taking the time to answer the questions and sharing a little about your inspirational life. May God continue to bless your journey.
Thank you for visiting & may you be inspired to create something EXTRAordinary.
Love,
Ann
To create one, feel free to view my tutorial below. Have a wonderful day!
I have a DIY project I want to share because it was originally inspired by one of my tutorials, the Lace Trim Veil. Tina Scarlatella is a returning guest and had initially made her older daughter’s First Communion Veil & Dress back in 2016. You can visit the original blog post by visiting : Gabby’s First Communion Veil & Dress. She had restyled Gabby’s dress to pass it on to Isabella.
Below is the beautiful Scarlatella family & Isabella is wearing the new & restyled dress. Isabella’s First Communion was held at Saint Faustina Catholic Church on May 19, 2019. Congratulations to Izzy and all the children who received their First Communion!
Scarlatella Family-Isabella’s First Communion
Here is my video tutorial for the First Communion Veil
Of course I had to ask Tina some questions in hopes to inspire you to create as well;)
1.What inspired you to reuse Gabby’s dress? I thought it would be special to have the girls share the same dress
Isabella – Gabby
2. How did you modify it? I took the skirt part from Gabby’s dress and made Isabella’s dress. I added a new beaded sash. I used Gabby’s sash and turn them into shoulder straps for Isabella. I added some embellishments onto the top of Isabella dress.
3. How long did it take you to create the new dress? The new dress took me 3 days from start to finish
4. Pros and cons. Pros: re-use fabric; special
Cons: I wanted to make an ao dai but since I re-used Gabby’s dress, the materials didn’t allow for an ao day design. (*Ao dai is a traditional Vietnamese Dress)
5. What was your favorite part of the project? Seeing Isabella twirl in her dress. She loved the designed of it.
6. Anything else you would like to share? I enjoyed pushing myself to create something one-of-a-kind for my girls. It wasn’t perfect but it was perfect for her and her special day.
Thank you Tina for taking the time to answer the questions. Well, I hope you got inspired to create something EXTRAordinary! Here is a playlist of more First Communion ides to help spark your imagination.
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
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!
I hope you are all doing well. Today I have a DIY Fabric Flower from Harry Let who resides in Ghana. I remember my heart feeling overwhelmed with joy when I received her message and photos via Facebook. I actually teared up. Really, I couldn’t believe someone far across the world had viewed my tutorial and created something from it. She even took the time to share it with me. O how I LOVE my work!
As you may know, I love to ask what inspires my DIY Guests to create. Feel free to read Harry Let’s answers on why she created the Fabric Flower:
What inspired you to create the Fabric flower and what was the occasion? I needed a hat to match my dress for a friend’s wedding but couldn’t find a flower which matched my dress color. So I went on youtube to find out how I could make a flower from the fabric I used for the dress
How long did it take you?I had more time because my brother helped me cut the patterns and i sewed them together the next day.
What are the pros and cons of creating the fabric flower? PROS: It’s Easy to make and you can make as many as you want to match a particular dress. CONS: The edges are not smooth which i think depends on the kind of fabric you choose.
What was the easiest part of creating and what was the most challenging? Sewing them together was the easiest part. Cutting the fabric patterns was difficult for me that was why I made my brother do it.
Thank you Harry for taking the time to answer my questions and I am truly grateful that you shared your creation with me.
If you would like to create my Fabric Flower, please see the tutorial below (new version):
I wanted to share Cynthia Alsop’s DIY Birdcage Veil she created using my tutorial. Isn’t her work stunning?! She is a makeup artist from Fredericksburg, VA. Thank you Cynthia for sharing your creativity with us. I love asking my DIY Guests questions on what inspired them so feel free to read Cynthia’s answers below. Also, make sure to check out her talent on IG @cynthia.alsop
1) What inspired you to DIY? The thought came when a photographer and I decided we wanted to do a photoshoot to showcase the beauty of our community for weddings. We specifically wanted to highlight that couples in our area could still plan a dream wedding right here in Fredericksburg, VA for less than $200. Of course, I knew in order to make that happen, I would be diying a few aspects of the shoot. I decided I wanted a vintage yet elegant theme and started making a list of the elements to include. Veils were at the top but when I started pricing them for purchase I was shocked at some of the prices I was quoted or had seen. That’s when I knew, I wanted to create my own veil.
2) How did you find my tutorial? I found your tutorial via YouTube and Pinterest. When I started, I didn’t know exactly what type of veil I was looking for. I knew it existed but just couldn’t pinpoint the exact name of it. I started by typing in the term “veils” into Google and it became a rabbit hole situation after that. I saw so many photos from your videos on Pinterest coupled with the term “diy veils”. So naturally I clicked on all the photos and it took me to your videos. When I found your channel, I was amazed with the number of tutorials you had. I can say I binge watched them for a day straight trying to generate ideas. Eventually, I figured out what I wanted and it was called a bird cage veil.
3) What was the easiest part of creating the Birdcage veil, what was the most challenging part? I found that the easiest part of the whole process was how you explained the construction of the veil. Your videos made me feel comfortable enough that I could recreate one on my own.
The most challenging part for me actually was finding the materials. You did a great job listing the materials for the project at the start of each video. I saved a photo of the supply list and took it to my local sewing supply store but didn’t have much luck in the beginning. Russian (or missionary) netting is hard to find where I live especially when I needed the veil for a shoot that was scheduled to occur in less than a week.
4) Was it rewarding? I’ve always felt that making something on my own was so much more rewarding than purchasing it from a store. It’s why it was important to me to try and source the materials myself. I found some lovely birdcage veils on Etsy but knew I could make them at a cost that was more affordable and inline with our photoshoot theme. In fact, with coupons for the supplies, I was able to make 4 veils for the cost of one veil that I saw online.
5) Feel free to add any comments or suggestions. Since my June shoot, I’ve subscribed to your YT channel and started following you on IG. I love sharing your page with my brides when we’re collaborating on a look for her wedding day. Of course, it’s always great seeing what you’re up to in the wedding industy. After watching all your YT vids, you’re definitely a source I go to for bridal inspiration.
Thank you Cynthia for taking the time to answer my questions and I truly appreciate you sharing your work. Your words are very encouraging for me:)
If you want to create the birdcage veil, here is my tutorial:
Thank you everyone for visiting! May you have an EXTRAordinary day and get inspired to create something EXTRAordinary;)
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.
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 18th about 1 month before the First Communion Date of May 15th. 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:)
My best friend Cathy was right when she stated that last month was “May Madness.” There were so many events to attend and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Congratulations to all those who got married, graduated and received their First Communions;)
I have a guest DIY Bride today, Krystal Longnecker from Pomona, New Jersey, who got married on April 25, 2015. She is a resourceful DIY Bride who created many of her own wedding decor & accessories. After watching my tutorial on “How to make the Wedding Veil with Lace Trim” tutorial, she was even inspired to create her own lace wedding veil. She put in the order for the DIY Lace Trim and created a special heirloom for her daughters. She sent a beautiful message to me that I just had to share:
“I had so many people say how lovely my veil was but when they heard I made it myself after seeing your youtube video (you made it look so easy) they were in shock! I can not thank you enough for giving me the wisdom, confidence, and affordable pricing for the material to make an heirloom for my girls to use on their special day, and pass on to their little ladies on theirs! You truly are a blessing”
Krystal, thank you for your kind words and may your beautiful veil made with love be passed on through many generations!
Photo courtesy of Krystal Longnecker
I asked Krystal a few questions to find out about her DIY journey and got the opportunity to hear about her unconditional and unconventional love story. Feel free to read…
Q) What inspired you to create your own lace wedding veil?KRYSTAL: Since I have 2 daughters of my own and am raising my 2 neices I wanted something I could pass on to them. Also, I couldn’t come to terms with spending $250 on a Mantilla veil that had no love, passion and finger pricking pain in it! 🙂
Q) How far in advance did you start to insure that you will be complete the veil by your wedding date? KRYSTAL: I started the day I got my veil kit February 11, 2015. I finished the day before my wedding April 24th, 2015. The only reason my veil took as long to finish is because I put it aside for about a month as I made my wedding album, centerpieces, and programs.
Q) What is your wedding theme/colors? KRYSTAL: Our wedding theme was Rustic and our colors were Mint and Burlap. We really used lots of colors, the pastel color wheel was our inspiration.
Q) How did you meet your husband? KRYSTAL: It’s a funny story actually. I met him in high school when he picked me up to go out on a date with his best friend. A week or so later he picked me up from high school again so I could go out again with his best friend and that’s when he touched my hand and said “You really deserve better than him. I really wish you would go out with me sometime.” My immediate response was “Do you see this?”, as I pointed my finger over me, “You have no chance of ever dating me!” Well I found out a week later my boyfriend was cheating on me. Fast forward 2 years later… I am living at a friends and just found out 2 weeks before I am 19 weeks 6 days pregnant with my ex’s baby. I was on MySpace and up pops a message from Nicholas asking my AIM Username so we could catch up. We talked for a couple days and he asked me out to eat. I responded with, “Listen I am 5 1/2 months pregnant.” He responded, “And? What you don’t like to eat?” All I could think is no boy would date someone because she is pregnant with someone else’s baby…but a man would. We went out for the first time on Easter night 2006 and officially became a couple April 21, 2006. I guess the Lord had different plans than I did in high school and a great sense of humor.
Wow! The groom was very persistent in courting his Bride. He did not let anything stop him from chasing the woman of his dreams. Despite all the challenges, there were 2 beautiful blessings (Krystal’s daughters) and a husband who would do anything for his Bride. I wish you the very best on your journey of marriage.
Below is the lace veil tutorial that inspired Krystal…
If you would like to see more photos from Krystal’s Wedding, you can click {here}.
youtiquebridal.wordpress.com 