Sometimes you need a little inspiration

So we're making way in the nursery these days, but there is still so much to do. We have the bones of the room in place - crib, dresser etc. so I thought before I include before and after pictures I'd let you in on a few items which have inspired me thus far. I very much hope to complete this project soon but I probably have a few more weeks of chipping away at it here and there; it's too bad this whole pregnancy thing makes you exhausted!

I'd love to hear your feedback and be sure check back for DIY instructions as well as where I found stuff which will be coming soon.  But for now, a little inspiration...

This ain't your old lady brooch fetish

I've been busy over Christmas working on a new project involving many, many brooches.  Brooch bouquets are a unique alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet and they are becoming increasingly popular especially in your downtown/urban settings as many brides are looking for ways to be unconventional, hip and trendy - the whole old/new is all the rage here. 

I got the request for a custom order of a brooch bouquet back in November which didn't leave me much time especially for a project I have never tackled before.  It did require a lot of searching for good brooches and many hours of wiring and arranging - for sure a time consuming project - but in the end I am quite pleased with the result and am excited to see photos of what it looks like with the bridal gown.

For anyone thinking this would make a great DIY project let me give you a few pointers which I wish I could have found in all my internet research.

1. This is not an easy throw it together project - if you lack patience or are on a time crunch stay away!
2. All of the websites I looked at said to individually wrap each brooch in floral tape - this was a sticky mess which I aborted early on.  I couldn't get the clusters to stay together the way I wanted to and the end result was very heavy.  My suggestion - cut a small Styrofoam ball in half and attach a handle to the base.  Cluster through the ball allowing the circle to form your structure.  You can build on the original structure this way for a layered effect if you like however I really love the tightly woven look so I went with this option.
3. If you are going the purchase route remember brooches are expensive and since this is such a time consuming project the cost of making something like this is quite high.  Purchase in advance to allow adequate time for the creation for the bouquet and have a swatch of your dress ready to give out as well, this is very helpful in terms of brooch selection.

I always find the end result rewarding when it comes to custom orders but I am especially excited this time around as this will most likely be my last order before baby Potter arrives - I'll have to figure out how to manage the whole beading, small bits, wires and other not so baby friendly objects once I get used to being a mum.  In the meantime I am pumped to get back to nesting in our nursery - before and after pictures coming soon!