Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Gala Gown: Embellishments

Embellishments are generally made and applied at the end of any creative process.

Last year, I did not end up painting my nails (horrors!!) because I was applying flowers and beads to my gown the day of the gala event.  Way to wait till the last minute, right?!


Well, I need a few items before I can cut into my fabulous fabric and start construction of my new project, so I thought I might as well get started on those embellishments!


Out comes the silk dupioni and my favorite leaf pattern.


To make myself a template, I used an old cereal box.  The cardboard is the perfect weight, not too thick and not too thin, and free!


I decided to go with a couple of different sizes this time around for variation.

If I end up not finding a place for them on this gown, they will certainly be of use in the future!  But the green matches back beautifully with the contrasting color in the jacquard, so I really hope I can find a use for them!


I know that I want to make some beaded flowers, but as I have never actually made a beaded flower, we shall see how that goes.

But perhaps I should focus on the actual dress at this point . . . Eve’s fig leaves are not going to cut it all by themselves!

3 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see this dress--I know it will be smashing! I've been loving all the recent posts, especially the vintage catalog ones. I wish all that loveliness were available today, but I would then be penniless! all the best!

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  2. The jacquard is beautiful! I'm not sure what type of beaded flower you're interested in making, but this type is pretty easy- http://dxkdul4cprxwx.cloudfront.net/f62ac4c6bdd84e828b42a49e472313f4_820x820.jpg It basically involves stringing a bunch of beads on wire and winding them in a spiral around a main branch. Dalene Kelly has two books out that your library might have that is very clear.

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    Replies
    1. Great minds think alike! I actually have a few beading books that I was looking at, and decided that I would try French beaded flowers. My book is by Arlene Baker, but it looks to be the same technique.

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