Walking the Ridgepole: Tea Party

Friday, June 17, 2011

"Bloom Where You Are Planted."

When I was younger, I didn't like this quote. I hadn't the maturity to think beyond the physical idea of it. I felt that it wasn't courageous or exciting...it was resigning yourself to a predetermined fate and not seeking new experiences.

Fortunately, I have found that having the strength, passion, and courage to do what you love or what you feel you should do brings about beautiful blooms.

Perhaps it is more about blossoming into the person you are meant to be or into what you are being led to do. It's much more than just "being happy" where you are or in your station in life.

These are pins / brooches my Mom (Yvonne) and I made for the Bridal Tea mentioned last post.

They will be available in our Etsy store and our website (links coming soon).

Some of them are all new materials.

But my favorites are those into which we incorporated vintage finds.

I really enjoyed studying the real flowers in my Mom's garden for inspiration.

Being the mother of two little princesses who really enjoy tea parties, I couldn't leave the children out.

With my girls' hair, hair clips are essential!

Many of these flowers are made in the ancient technique of Kanzashi and Tsumami.

It was such a fun method to learn. I am officially hooked. They produce such wonderful blooms.

Everyone was delighted to be able to pick one out to take home.

I have even caught some wearing them again! (Much to my delight and gratitude!)

Tell us what you think!

Heather

Finding Beauty in Small Boxes

I am a neurotic gift wrapper. Hey, they say the first step is admitting.

Yes...I use double-sided tape that does not show. Yes...I use artificial flowers, beautiful baubles, and fabulous ribbon. Yes...I crease the edges with bone folders and hide ends whenever possible. Yes...I have been known to use fabric, scrapbooking paper, and many other types of wrapping to achieve maximum effect.

Do they have a program for this? I hope not, because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I love giving gifts, but I really love making those gifts special to reflect how special the receiver is to me.

I recently had the opportunity to wrap over twenty little party favors for a bridal tea. They were wonderful little Victorian floral porcelain boxes that fit right in with the theme of the party. So, of course, the wrapping had to be just as fabulous. I was very happy with how they turned out.

It's all in the details.

We decided to personalize them since the tea was almost all family members. It reflected the closeness we all enjoy and will share with those we are welcoming into the family.

The tags were a lucky find at Michael's by my Mom (Yvonne). I actually found a Sharpie that was close to the same color! We included a little rhyme on the back thanking our guests for joining us.

Bridal Shower favors are almost as special as Baby Shower favors. They represent so much hope for future happiness and love. When they are for people you care deeply for, you want them to be as big as your heart.

My Mom teased that they would like the wrapping more than the gift. I think it just made them seem even more spectacular. Our guests were definitely appreciative and I have very great hopes for the beautiful couple.

In the spirit of the Bridal Season, here is hoping all you couples are finding all those details to make your day special. God Bless to you all!

Heather