I have been receiving a few emails about my daughter's graduation cap I adorned last year with flowers.
Time to share my directions so you can make one too!!
Here are the supplies you will need to make your own DIY wreath.
Florist Wire 24 gauge
A roll of florist tape, white or green
Scissors or wire cutters
Measuring Tape
Colorful fresh cut small and meduim blooms
Greenery or Baby breath
Graduation Cap
Measure the portion of the cap that will fit on your graduates head.
Most caps should measure 20 inches at the smallest section.
Cut a piece of wire 26 inches long to start your wreath.
Cut several small and medium flowers aprox 2 inches long including, greenery or baby's breath. Line them up and inter mix colors of blooms and greenery.
Make sure you leave a couple inches of wire bare before you begin wrapping each flower on. One by one wire on each element with the floral tape. The tape will stretch and have a sticky feeling to it as you pull it off the roll. Try to angle your tape as you wrap and twist each flower on in a circular motion. Make sure you have 20 inches covered in your flowers and greenery on your wire when you finish wrapping. Bend wire into a circle and try it on your cap to make sure it fits.
I like to make fresh floral wreaths 24 hours before needed. Place into a ziploc bag and put it in the refrigerator over night. The day of graduation pull your wreath out of the ziploc bag, place on cap, and twist extra wire in the back. Cut off excess wire and your cap will be ready.
I hope this helps if you are in the mood to create your own wreath!
Another handy hint ... a few bobby pins will help to insure the cap stays on your graduates head.
Congrats to all the 2013 graduates!
Please send me a photo of your wreath if make one :))
Hiring a professional interior designer like myself can really help you not make costly mistakes in the details of a design project. Even if you are a (do it yourself) type person their are countless tricks of the trade I share when working side by side until a project is completed.
Many clients become overwhelmed with the little details and selecting a suitable countertop for bathrooms and kitchens. They are usually looking for something different... not what everyone else has and little unique for their surroundings. I enjoy explaining the process of how you go about selecting a countertop and stone counters are still the most popular today. I understand how a consumer can see thousands of stone slabs... marble, slate and granite stacked in a warehouse and feel overwhelmed the moment they walk in, but for myself it's just another day at the office.
I like to bring samples of wood, paint and tile when I am selecting a stone counter top for a client. The samples really help narrow down the search fairly quickly. I also suggest not to select your stone counter from a small 2x2 square sample. Many contractors get very busy an do not have the time to go into the warehouses with clients. You and your designer should be able to personally visit the granite yard anytime and tag each slab and make sure they all have the same dye-lot run number before purchasing. If the granite says book-matched that means two slabs will need to be lined up together with a pattern. You can have the warehouse display them so you can see if you like that look before making a decision to purchase.
Bathrooms or smaller surfaces may not require a full slab of stone... make sure and check out the remnant or "as is" section of the granite yard. Broken of slightly damage slabs can be found in this area. You will be quite surprised the selection you can find if you just take the time to look.
This counter top shown above came from a broken slab I found at stone yard. I was able to buy a broken piece for a fraction of the cost of a full slab and save alot of money for a very happy client.
A helpful interior designer can make a job run smoother in the world of contractors and warehouse purchasing. Even if you just need a few hours of assistance the knowledge and creative ideas you will gain are priceless!
I hope you gained some valuable decor 101 for your next shopping trip to a granite yard!
My part of speaking for this event was to encourge each women to find their own artful and personal inspiration.
I gave each guest a visual inspiring booklet that they could take home and really think about their own personal story, also inspirational ideas and thoughts in launching their business.
Here is a summary of the words and photos I shared at Launch Your Creativity...
What Inspires You?
I decided to share with you all today props/elements that express who I am and also expand upon creative ideas for business. It is important to make a statement, set yourself apart in an artful way. Their are endless creative possiblities.
Individuality
The seashell represent individuality in both business and your personal life, you are one of a kind.
Time Well Spent
Make a daily choice to set aside time for your business affairs, networking with those who promote your business and excite you about your passions.
New Beginnings
In the same way that a mother bird first builds a nest and then keeps it tidy and efficient, you should be going out into the world looking to discover new perfect twigs.
Open Doors
Vitually knock on every door you can for your business, internet marketing, community meetings, take a class, and look for artful events you can attend that will inspire you!
Proctection
The umbrella is very practical; it keeps you dry and shades you from the sun. It also reminds us to be equipped, ready for the storms that may come in each of our lives.
Attitude
Make sure to find joy in your business, no matter what is happening day to day. If you like what you are doing, you will always be successful.
Flexibility
The tape represents both our ability to stay the course and also our flexability. Can we stick to our business plan and also remain pliable, ready to adjust changes?
Wrapping
The wrapping or packaging of a product should capture the essence of your company. If you are shipping product make sure that there is something special in each package for your customer/client.
Serving
Plate
How full is your plate of responsiblities? You should be able to both evenly distrubute both your life and work, be sure your schedule is not over flowing.
Fork
Guard yourself from the prolonged negativity of others and ally yourself with friends and family who shall continue to support you as your business grows and blossoms.
Aha Moments
Problem solving on the spot. These are the moments when you yell "Bingo" Everything clicks. Your thoughts, actions and discussion save the day!
Photography
Camera
My first photos published in a magazine was taken with a Canon Sure-Shot-outside, in sheltered light, with the flash turned off. When you are first learning aspects of taking photos, this is a good way to go. As your techniques and abilities grow buy a camera with more options. Take your camera with you where ever you go. Nowadays even your iPhone is a great source of photographic learning. Practice makes perfect. Try different ideas in shooting. Landscape, close ups. product shots and vignettes. Shelter natural light works the best with the flash turned off. I said this point twice so you know it must be important! :) If you have a high end camera with settings and multiple lens you will have many more options for shooting inside and outside...but if you just beginning I would avoid taking photos inside; they tend to have a dull look, or washed out unless you have profession lights or amazing natural lighting in the space.
Join a club, or on-line group like Flickr or Instagram to discover the possibilities of capturing special shots of your product in the just the right light. Look at magazine layouts and of course Pinterest for ideas in styling your merchandise.
I have a section on my pinterest board dedicated to photography tips. I love it and refer to it often. Do not be afraid to start small and learn as you go.
Admit One
Ticket
The Admit One tickets represent the elements needed for creating an artful statement about your business. We are in charge of the success and continual growth toward our goals.
The challenge today is for each of you to create your own inspiration table, gathering elements that represent you and your business. Leave your project out on display where you can see it often.
This same concept can also be done on a bullentin board with inspiring photos.
You should refer to the elements often for inspiration and creative meanings that our important to your business goals.
My hope is this artful concept encourages each and every person in business in a creative way.
A special thank you to Sharon the founder of Launch Your Creativity! It was my extreme pleasure to speak, share and encourage women in business... a very special day for all of us.
