Hey there again, DIY lovers. For today’s edition of DIY Delight, we’re going to go into 2 advanced level projects for those with plenty of time, skill or both. While you won’t need to be genetically gifted at arts to be able to complete these projects, it does take more time and effort to complete compared to the previous intermediate level projects so we hope you do adjust your plans to accommodate for the extra time needed.
With that said, let’s get to it!
Rope Wrapped Centrepiece
This centrepiece has a subtle home-made feel that that will add a touch of chic to any reception table. Plus it goes well with most theme colours and the you can choose any flower to suit your needs.
Materials Needed:
- Glass cylinder vase, 12 in. tall by 5 in. in diameter
- Glass cleaner and paper towels
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- 3/8-in.-diameter sisal rope, one 50-ft. roll (enough for 1 centerpiece with 3 vases), available at most hardware stores
- Floral shears
- Sufficient flowers of your choice (for the example above: 5 heads of blue and white hydrangea and 1 dozen godetia flowers)
Steps:
- Begin this super-easy project by cleaning the outside of the vase with glass cleaner. Dry the vase with paper towels or let air-dry.
- While your vase is drying, plug in your glue gun so that the glue can start liquefying.
- Place a dollop of glue on the vase, near the bottom edge. Immediately place the end of the rope into the glue, parallel to the bottom. Be very careful! Hot glue is indeed very hot and can cause severe burning. Hold the rope in place for a few seconds to ensure that it adheres to the glass.
- Finish wrapping the rope tightly around the vase, adding a dollop of glue every 1 to 2 turns around the glass.
- Cut the rope with your floral shears when the vase is completely wrapped and secure the end with one last dollop of glue. The glue should hold the end in place and prevent the cut rope from fraying.
- Let the vase cool completely (the glass will retain heat from the hot glue for a while) before filling it with water.
- Trim the stems of your flowers to fit the height of the vase.
- To finish off the centerpieces, simply add water to the vase and insert your flowers.
And there, all done.
Let’s move on to the next project.
Embellished Raffia Fan
These work well as door gifts, and even as actual usable fans if you’re holding a wedding outdoors. It’s simple and yet stylish, perfect to add a touch of practical style to your big day.
Materials Needed:
- ¾-in.-wide silk dupioni ribbon
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and glue
- 10-in.-wide raffia fans
- Silk orchids, removed from the stems
Steps:
- Cut the ribbon into 18-in. lengths. Place a small dollop of hot glue on the front of the fan, just above the loop of the fan handle. Carefully press the end of one of the lengths of ribbon into the hot glue.
- Wrap the ribbon around the handle of the fan and secure the other end with hot glue when it’s covered. It’s worth noting that because the fans are handmade, each one may be slightly different. You may not need all 18 in. of ribbon to cover the handle.
- Once the ends are glued down, add another dollop of glue to the front of the fan, over where you began the ribbon wrap, and secure one of the silk orchids.
That’s all there is to it! It might take some time to get the ribbon wrap done though, so make sure you set aside plenty of time for it.
Related: Outfitting Your Flowergirl And Pageboy
So, what are you waiting for? Get some time freed up and try these projects out!