Raw Materials

stems, sprigs, foliage or "garnish" and I think I'll start calling it.

I'm participating in the #MarchMeetTheMaker Instagram challenge and today's theme is raw materials. My collection of materials has become pretty extensive over the years, since I've pretty much tried every craft project under the sun. But, I'm pretty proud of it.

buttons galore! aren't they beautiful?

Years ago estate sales and flea markets became my number one shopping choice. I scored loads of vintage buttons and fabrics. I once found the mother load of antique silk and paper flowers, along with rare and expensive branches and other foliage at an estate sale just down the road. I still have ribbon and bias tape from my grandmother (and friends' grandmothers), and lots of other special findings that make fairview place creations truly one of a kind.

all the bases to my accessories.

Now it's not to say I still use Michaels and other craft stores for some materials, but it's mostly for the brooch backs, elastic, and other accessory bases. I really strive to make sure no two pieces are ever alike - unless of course that is what is wanted :)

ribbon, bias tape and feathers for brooches and the twine for wrapping the bouquets.

Hope you enjoyed this little sneak peek at the materials I use. Follow along as I post all month for the #MeetTheMakerChallenge over here.

and last, wool felt of course!

Felt Flower Inspiration

Most people don't realize that so many of my flowers and bouquets are inspired by real flowers and photos. I love flipping through the pages of my wedding magazine stash and bringing those images to life - through felt. Sometimes it's the specific type of flowers, the combination of colors or the positioning, but it is already stunning, why recreate the wheel. I suppose I'm already doing that by handcrafting the flowers.

One of the headpieces in a recent post was inspired by an absolutely remarkable blog called botanical brouhaha. If you love flowers, or just anything pretty, this is a must-bookmark blog. Additionally, the remembrance bouquet from my wedding (made from my grandmother's wedding dress, above) was inspired from an arrangement I found on Pinterest and immediately fell in love with. One time at a craft show, I had a had a woman ask me if I could recreate her bridal bouquet from a photograph. Then added "that'd be a great anniversary gift from my husband!" BINGO! Nothing would make me happier than to preserve memories of weddings, childhood moments or special events through felt flowers.

#3 Inspiration Photos

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!