Bouquets for the 'Maids: Part II

Now that all of the bead "stems" were completed, we were ready to assemble the bouquets.  We had about 600 stems of clear beads and 100 of silver and each bridesmaid's bouquet was to have approximately 100 stems - at least that was the original plan.

MOB and I started out by making piles of 50 of the clear beaded stems so we could confirm we had made enough.  Then, for some reason, we started assembling the first several bouquets with 75 clear beaded stems and 15 silver beaded stems.  This obviously does not add up to 100.  We kind of spaced out about grabbing 10 more stems from the extras pile.  We realized our error after the 3rd or 4th bouquet but I was not about to unbundle them just to add 10 more.  We counted correctly on the remaining bouquets and added any extra leftover stems to the MOH's bouquet.

Supplies used for assembly:

• Wire cutters
• Thick work or gardening gloves
• White Duck Tape
• Tennis racquet tape
• Ribbon (color of your choice)
• Hot glue gun

After gathering 100 stems, we pulled and pushed the strands to different heights to add dimension and depth to the look of the bouquet.  When we originally added the beads to each strand, we should have clipped the wire ends with the wire cutters to make a clean and even bottom.  Because we didn't do this, the ends were all uneven and very "pokey."  MOB got stabbed more than once and the band-aids had to come out.  This is where the thick gloves come in handy.  We put on the gloves and bent the bottoms of the wires up to form a smooth, rounded bottom. 

The first thing we wrapped the handle with was the tennis racquet tape.  This tape was thick and had some cushion to it.  It helped bulk up the handle a bit and cover any sharp wire ends.

This tape isn't super sticky, so the next thing we added was white Duck Tape.  We sealed off the bottom of the handle and wrapped the white tape to cover the black racquet tape.  The Duck Tape is so much stickier so there was no way the racquet taping was going to come loose.

The next step was to add the ribbon.  I chose a silver satin to contrast against the navy of the bridesmaid dresses (which I have yet to show you!).  MOB got to be a pro at wrapping the ribbon.  She started at the top and wrapped down to the bottom, around the base, and then wrapped even tighter on the way back up to the top.  We put dabs of hot glue on the last several seams to prevent slippage and ensure a tight finish.

I didn't feel the need to get too fancy with our ribbon wrapping as the handle isn't the focal point of the bouquets.  I think they turned out pretty well and the tennis racquet tape really did wonders for adding some heft and cushion.

The bouquets needed a finishing touch of some sort.  MOB had picked up some silver, wired, organza ribbon and we mocked up a few bows.  I like a fuller look so we made a five loop bow and attached it with some scrap silver wire.  Viola!  The bridesmaid bouquets are finished!

My pictures don't really capture how pretty these turned out and how much they sparkle!  I'm really pleased with how this major DIY project turned out.  The crystal bouquet at the bridal show was selling for about $100 and we were able to make 6 bridesmaid and 1 Jr. bridesmaid bouquets for right around $100!  This is a HUGE savings from my original flower budget. 

I think the crystal bouquets will be a perfect fit for the winter season.  My bridesmaids will also have a nice keepsake after the wedding that they can put on display if they so wish.

What major DIY project are you taking on?

All personal pictures unless otherwise noted.