I've been slacking on posting lately... I promise I've been working on stuff! I've also come up with a possible centerpiece that doubles as favors. We sh

Ring Bearer Bird Nest

Alright, so I have another project done!

I got the idea from reading the DIY Bride Countdown. It's a really good book, and if you're stuck for ideas I highly suggest flipping through it. (Check out the DIY Bride link on the left.)

For this project, you'll need

• wire - silver, gold, black, bronze, whatever color you want
• wire cutters
• jewelry pliers (very handy for making the perfect size loops)
• beads (make sure the holes in the beads are large enough to slip on the wire)
• small scrap of fabric (to sew a little pillow for the middle)
• patience!

I ended up using about 10 yards of 22 guage silver wire I bought at the local craft store. It's pretty difficult to work with such a large amount of wire. The first thing to do is wrap the wire in a little circle for the base of the nest. Then, you start bending the wire in a way to work the nest larger - being sure to weave in and out of the base so you don't end up making just a giant wire coil. Every so often, slip a bead on to add some bling to your nest. My hands ended up getting pretty dirty from working with the wire, so don'twear your fav clothes when making this! I used red and black beads, so it would go with my wedding colors.

Once you're finished making the nest as large or as small as you want, pick out some fabric and sew a little pillow for your rings to 'nest' in. ;) I haven't decided if I want to add some black ribbons to mine so the rings will be secured to the nest itself.

I also added a dangle to the very bottom using a headpin with a few beads on it. This is wear the jewelry pliers come in handy.

Rating
Difficulty: 8 out of 10 - The length of the wire really frustrated me at times!
Cost: very cheap to make

Here's a super helpful video I found on YouTube showing how to use a headpin.

Engagement pics

So J and I are having our engagement pics done today! Yay! We decided to have them done at Newport Beach, CA. Thank goodness for 80 degree beach weather in November. ;)

One of my photog friends - Fernando Guiterrez, will be taking them for us. I'm pretty excited!