Kanzashi Update

Hello my followers ^_^

If you have been worried that I have forgotten all about tsumami kanzashi then let me reassure you that I have not.

In fact I have been doing a lot of product development and here are the work in progress photos.

Lots of roses and for what you may ask.

Well to make a lovely bouquet.  I always wanted to make a rose bouquet as the real thing are so pretty and I wanted to create a tsumami version.  Each rose used 15 squares of white cotton lawn as I wanted the rose to have that lovely soft look you get from real roses.  Then I estimated I needed 19 roses to make my bouquet so after cutting, folding, and gluing 285 fabric squares which took two days to complete I finally had all the roses.  To my surprise, I actually only needed 17 roses for the bouquet so I have two extra flowers to use to make a kanzashi or maybe a boutonnière.

I still need to decorate the underside of the bouquet but that is my task for today.

Corsage brainstorming.

So I have been wondering about making corsages for a while but for some reason there was always a stumbling block. 

What do I do for the backing? 

Then it dawned on me, why don't I use chiffon or organza to create a soft fabric little nest for the tsumami kanzashi flowers?  Seriously why didn't this occur to me earlier? 

Anyway here is a quick peek.

 

Here I paired it with one of my white rose kanzashi but any kanzashi flower design can be use.  

I think a little bit more experiment is needed.  Maybe I could use some of my obi musubi techniques here.

Ivory Bridal Kanzashi Hairband, Wedding Hair Flower, Bridal Hair Accessories

A wonderful bridal kanzashi for someone who wants something different for their special day

--- Kanzashi Description ---

* Colour - ivory (alternative colours available please convo for details)
* Size - 8cm (wide) by 11cm (height) by 3cm (depth)
* Mount - metal hairband
* Suitable for all hairtypes and hairstyles
* Suitable for vegan
* Made to order

This kanzashi has been designed so you can position the flowers as high or as low as you wish on your hairband. There by allowing you to place it anywhere you desire in your wedding hairdo.

Available now here!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/150806289/ivory-bridal-kanzashi-hairband-wedding?ref=shop_home_active

Kanzashi bouquet - part 3

As soon as I have started a bouquet I get crafter's block!

Last week I had this in my hand.

It was pretty but it need something else.......maybe more flowers and made in a different colour as well.

Well I settled for teal because it is the one colour that went well with the dark navy blue that I had.  Then my mind went blank!

How was I going to decorate the bottom of the bouquet?  I didn't want to use lace as I didn't want to introduce another fabric into the bouquet and I really wanted to use the same white organza that I used to make the little dainty white flowers.  But how was I going to do it?

This sat in my mind for 3 days and it was very annoying.  I want it to be light and fluffy to contrast against the bold kiku that I made but everything I tried just didn't work for me.  Not fluffy and stiff enough for my liking but then yesterday it struck me!  Why not try some musubi folding techniques?

I spent so much time learning how to tie my obi that something must be suitable for finishing my bouquet and it came to me, make a series of round petal folds with the organza and voila!  

Well I am glad to report that it worked and here is the result.

I rearranged the original bouquet I found the rotational symmetry was not pleasing to the eye.  Normally a certain amount of symmetry is attractive but since all the flowers I made are all symmetric, I didn't want the bouquet arrangement to be the same.

A little bit of asymmetry adds a little bit of excitement.

I am also happy with the size as well, it is a nice round bouquet which will sit nicely in a bride's hands.

Here you can see how the organza round petals nestle the bouquet.  It makes the bouquet look softer.

And I can't resist a closeup of the flowers.  

This bouquet will be appearing in my etsy shop very soon and it is a truly one off piece. The chances of finding another scarf like this one is going to be impossible so whoever buys it will be acquiring a unique kanzashi bouquet.  I think I will be pricing it around the $300 if you are interested.

Kanzashi bouquet - part two

I have the main flowers for the bouquet but I need something else to fill in the gaps.

How about some little flowers!

They are not made using the tsumami technique because I wanted to add a little bit of "fluff" to the bouquet so I made pom-pom style flowers.

I tried to take a picture to show how large the bouquet is relative to my hand but unfortunately it didn't quite work out.  I had my hand spread out to support the kiku on the edge.

Now to think about adding a layer of leaf like creation along the bottom to set it off.  What should I do?

Kanzashi Bouquet

So tsumami kanzashi are synonymous with making flowers therefore the next stage in kanzashi making is always making bouquets.

Now this is not a new thing for me.  I made one for my own wedding just over a year ago.

Well I have been meaning to make another bouquet for a while because they are very pretty and I am a sucker for things that are pretty.

But what material to use?  

Then it dawned on me what to use.  A couple of years ago I went to a vintage kilo sale and brought 5-6 scarves for the purpose of making kanzashi from them.  How about making a unique bouquet from one of those scarves?  

So the scarf I choice a navy blue and cream dotty one.  

I was a little bit eager with the rotary blade so I forgot to take a picture of the original scarf but the black and white one shows you the size of the one I used.

Now I had to decided on the the type of flower to make.  Normally I make medium size five petal flowers but this time I wanted to go all out and make kiku or crysthanamum.  However not one large but seven little ones!

I had to find out what the seven kiku look like so I make a casually arranged them into a bouquet to see what they look like.  The look very pretty!

With some extra white flower and accents this will turn into a lovely unique bouquet!

Here is a closeup of one of the flowers.

Wedding Dress- Beyond The Sea by Yolan Cris

Time to hit the beach with this one!

Beyond The Sea by Yolan Cris

Why I love it!
It is such a carefree outfit and as I said above, perfect for a beach wedding or maybe a Mardi Gras themed wedding.

In addition, you can mix and match this dress with other accessories so you can change your outfit throughout your special day without taking the dress off.  Not too mention after your special day, you can wear any part of this dress again!

Not for me I think....
Although I love this dress I don't think I can pull it off.  For one thing, I do not have the arms to pull it off as mine are too flabby.  And not too mention if you have a slight belly this will show it off to the world however this could be remedied with a scarf around this area.  See accessories save the day!

Wedding Dress - Escape by Monique Lhuillier

More dresses and this one is definitely has the out of this world feel.

By Monique Lhuillier one just took my breath away!

Escape by Monique Lhuillier

Why do I Love It!

What drew me to this dress is the lovely veil-like cape that the model is wearing.  I don't think for one second that it will keep you warm but it give a lovely ethereal look and I can only imagine what this dress would look like in some dramatic photos.

Also it gives an attractive alternative to wearing a veil.  If you want to float down the aisle but don't want the fuss of having a piece of fabric covering your face and covering your wonderful hairdo then this could be an option.

But it is not for me.....

Without the cape, this dress would look lovely with your hair up or down.  In fact some lovely Hollywood curls would be lush.  However as soon as the cape is added, I can only imagine it with an up hairdo.  I suppose my reason for this conclusion is that with your hair down it will obscure the back of cape but if you have shoulder length hair this shouldn't be a problem.

Wedding Dress - ??? by Phillipa Lepley

When I saw this dress I just thought CUTE!!!!

??? by Phillipa Lepley

Why I love it!


Lately I have been thinking about making some aristocratic lolita dresses so I have been looking at some wonderful fabrics.  Therefore when I saw the lovely sheer fabric with those cute little flowers all over it I was giddy.

Those lovely cap sleeve are perfect for hiding any of those unsightly bulges that ones get around the armpit areas and provide coverage for brides who are concerned with exposing too much of their chest.  There is nothing like a little bit a security that a piece of fabric can give you.

Not For Me...


The dress it self I think will suit a lot of figures however I think it is the print or the flowers on the dress that will make or break it.

If you like dainty little flowers then this is great and even better if you are planning a spring wedding because it has that fresh look to it.

Wedding Dress - Sapphire by Stephanie Allin

Stephanie Allin has showcased her 2013 collection and I noticed this little number!

However it was not a dress that caught my eye but a trouser and corset like top outfit.

Sapphire by Stephanie Allin

Why do I love it!


Before I got in touch with my feminine side I was very much a trouser girl until I was probably 21 years old.  At that age, I refuse to wear a skirt!  Of course I had them for family weddings but I hated wearing them.  Therefore if I was still of that mind frame then this might have been something I would be looking for.

Highly practical yet very feminine and you can really show off your lovely shoes.  I always thought it was a shame that a lot of brides would spend a lot of money on a pair of Jimmy Choo or Louboutins only to hide them under their skirts.

Maybe not my thing actually


It is definitely not one for you girlies who are planning a fairytale wedding and although trousers are brilliant I am not sure about these one for girls who have large calves like me!  On the other hand if you can get parallel leg trousers then I think it would be perfect for me but alas skinny capri like trousers are not for me.

Wedding Dress - On A Night Like This by Stewart Parvin

I haven't posted a hippy style wedding dress so here is one from Stewart Parvin to address the balance.

On a Night like This by Stewart Parvin

Why I love it!

One of the things why I love hippy style wedding dresses is the carefree feeling that they give out and this number is perfect.  Designed to be worn off the shoulders this is perfect for brides who have a lovely pair to show off.

In addition, if you are feeling thrifty you could wear this dress again since it does not shout wedding dress.

Oh NO NO NO!

Yes I said it, the dress does not shout wedding which for some brides is a big NO NO.  

Then the actual dress, perfect for anyone with a slender figure who has a nice pair of shoulders.  So unless you are planning to spend some time in the gym making yourself look good for the dress, I would go for something more structured which will play to your good points.  However you could get away with wearing some supportive underwear which will help you look your best.

Wedding Dress - Deauville by Claire Pettibone

I have already shown one of Claire Pettibone dresses already.

http://kittykanzashi.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/wedding-dress-toulouse-by-claire.html

However I can't help showing off one from her 2013 collection!

Deauville by Claire Pettibone

What I love about it


It is a nice simple dress but with a dash of colour which I am loving.  It is perfect for a bride who wants a touch of vintage.

This dress will look great on a boyish figure because the drop waist will give the illusion of a waist and that lovely back will leave no one in doubt that you are expressing your feminine charm.

Oh No Not For Me.


Steer clear of this dress if you are a pear shape because what helps the boyish figure will not work to your advantage.  It is also not for the well endowed ladies because you will not be able to hide any supportive underwear under this dress.

I Love Kanzashi - Muted Green Kanashi Hairband and boutonniere

Here is another one that I made from my fabric stash that I have been building since 2008.

Muted Green Kanzashi Set by Kitty Kanzashi

This kanzashi set is made using the same principle as Candy Amore which I talked about a couple of days ago

Here is the link to the blog, http://kittykanzashi.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/i-love-kanzashi-candy-amore.html

We often see kanzashi being made using very girlie colours but I understand that not everyone can wear such colours so when I saw this piece of fabric, I thought why not use it to make a tsumami kanzashi.

I used the traditional ume or plum blossom flower arrangement for this one and in addition, I used some gold mizuhiki corde to finish it off.

If you are wondering what mizuhiki cord is then it is Japanese paper cord!  It is often used to make adornments for their cards and they come in all sorts of colour.  It is quite stiff to use has a nasty habit of unravelling especially if you are doing some knot decoration with it.

If you like this kanzashi then you can see it in my etsy store here.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/73387113/muted-green-kanzashi-hairband-and

Wedding dress - 9552 By Justin Alexander

Opps I forgot this week's wedding dress how forgetful I am.

We are all very familiar with the Grace Kelly's wedding dress and here is one that is almost a spitting image!  It is dress number 9552 by Justin Alexander.

9552 by Justin Alexander

What I love about this dress?

I would fall in love with this dress just for the detailing but what really tweaked my ears was the lace blouse.  Yes you heard right a lace blouse!  

Below is a picture of the dress without the blouse which is just a standard sweetheart neckline but in my opinion the blouse really makes the dress look stunning.  

Hmmm This is not for Me!


Okay with the blouse on, it maybe too modest for some brides and you could be mistaken for a giant lace doily.


And although I love sleeves, they are a mixed blessing.  Sometimes they can flatter your arms while other times they just show the world how big they are.  Overall I think this would work great for brides who are self conscious of their arms but there is a limit.  If you have very broad shoulders then the blouse may not work to your advantage.  

Wedding Dress - Trumpet by Lusan Mandongus

There I am looking through Lusan Mandongus 2012 collection and one dress stood out.  Actually it was the back of the dress that I was attracted too

Trumpet by Lusan Mandongus

Why I love this dress!

I mentioned that I was attracted to the back well here is a closeup of the back detail.

Isn't it gorgeous!  

It looks so decadent yet understated at the same time.  Really I love this little detail a lot.  Not to mention this dress would be perfect for a bride who wants to have a retro hairstyle on her special day.  This dress just oozes glamour puss!

Maybe Not.

This is tricky because like last week's dress, this one would work for many brides.  Although don't forget to to wear some slimming pants or hit the gym to tone up your legs and arms because this dress is unlikely to forgiving.

Wedding Dress - Style 11187 by Ellis

I'm in the mood for a flowing wedding dress and Ellis Bridals has come to the rescue.

Style 11187 by Ellis

Why I love it!

I know silk is made from the cocoon of silk worms which have to be killed in order to obtain the long silk filaments which is used to make the fabric but I love the stuff!

One of my all time favourite fabric is chiffon because it is floaty light and this dress is draped in chiffon.  Therefore the dress will have a lovely dreamy feel and I bet it would look lovely when photograph in a slight breeze.

The dress also has a retro feel to it even though I don't think it is and also rather then peppering the dress with sparkle, the designer has just added some crystal embellished straps.  I am very happy that strappy wedding dresses are coming back in fashion because I love the security that straps offer on dresses.

Oh No This Is Not For Me
I can see this dress fitting many female figures because it has such a flattering design.  However the only area of concern for me would the shoulder and upper arms.  If you have particularly broad shoulders or large upper arms, I can see those straps emphasising those area which may not be very flattering.

Wedding Dress - Facile by Cymbeline

I'm feeling very retro these days and as I look back through the ages there is one era that I seem to glance over.  The flapper era!

Facile by Cymbeline

Why Is This Gorgeous?


I love this dress because it is so cute!!!!!  This dress is perfect for a little beach wedding or if you are planning a whole day of dancing.

It is also a wonderful dress for you ladies who have a boyish figure.  I always feel that it is the dress that should make you look beautiful, not the other way round and this is a perfect example.  So what you do not have a hourglass figure, it does not mean you can not look girly and fab.  This is a light and delicate dress which clearly shouts femininity but doesn't not need the wearer to have curves.

I only wish I can wear a dress like this!

Oh no this is not good


As I mentioned above, this is a dress for someone who has a boyish figure because of the cut.  Not that someone who has curve can not wear it but I feel it will not play to your advantages.

And it is certainly not for ladies who have a wide hip, that sash detail will accentuate the width and possibly blow it out of proportion.

Wedding Dress - Toulouse by Claire Pettibone

Vintage style dress are back in the limelight so here is one for you to have a look at!

Toulouse by Claire Pettibone

Why I love it?

Of course you can't have a vintage style wedding dress without any lace however it is the little details that drew me to this dress.

First there are the little bows on the skirt.  How cute are they!  Not only they add details but the long tails will flutter nicely as you walk down the aisle.

And second, I love how the top part of the dress is constructed.  You can see that the material used on the sleeve is the same fabric as the side and back of the dress.  This adds a lovely continuity to the dress which shows off a little bit of the flesh without being too brazen.

NO NO NO NO NO!

Apart from having a flawless back to be able to wear this dress I think the only other issue would be the sort of legs needed to get away with the dress.  As the bows are situated around the thigh area of the dress this will draw attention to this area therefore if you are in anyway self conscience of your legs then either get to the gym (boring), get a pair of leg shaping underwear (ugly) or choose another dress.  The choice is yours.

How many of you would loss weight for your wedding day?

I have always said that it is the wedding dress that should make you look good!

By all means go the the gym and tone up your muscles but this article from the Daily Mail is just worrying.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2143866/Starving-way-alter-Every-bride-wants-look-slim-big-day-doctors-fear-risking-long-term-health.html

Why were these brides driven to starve themselves to look good for one day of their life?

Did they believe it was normal for bride to be to look slim for their day?

It got me thinking about my experiences as it was only a few months ago when I had my mother telling me to get to the gym because I would look better toned up for my wedding.  My mother keep telling me that I would look better if I lost a couple of inches here and there despite I was going to be wearing a corset and my skirt was going to be hiding any lumps and bumps on my lower half.

I resisted at all cost because I couldn't see the point of stressing about such a minor point and my husband himself said it was not needed as I will look good no matter what.  And on the day I don't think I look too big, my corset made my waist to a nice 26 inch waist.  This is my normal corseted waist so I wasn't in any pain if you were worried.

Where does this image of a slim bride comes from/?

I know every brides wants to look their best but please remember that looks is only skin deep and in the end of the day, you are marrying a person who will love you no matter how you look.

Wedding Dress - Astrid by Bruce Oldfield

He was one of the designers that were considered for the Royal Wedding and you can see why with this dress!

Astrid by Bruce Oldfield

Why am I dreaming it?

If we forget about the lace which is hard to do when there is so much of it, I love the mermaid skirt which works well with how the lace drapes.

And then there is the collar which I have not seen before.  It is a round neck upright collar which resembles something from one of the sci-fi anime that I have watched but this is good by the way.  It adds an interesting  twist to a dress which would have look traditional in every way.

No This is not the dress for me

I love this dress a lot but the only thing that makes me back off is the arms.  They are very tight which for someone who has large upper arms is a bad thing because this will make them look bigger.  Of course there is a high chance that this can be altered however the style of arms isn't something that I would go for.