The One Where the Tiara Goes to the Prom

Date: 2010.03.11 | Category: Beading | Response: 2

My cousin is going to her first prom this spring and she requested a tiara to match her dress. Of course I jumped on the opportunity to make something new and to go shopping. This was my first tiara, so I had to do some research on this project. I pulled out my favorite beading resource (and I have looked at a LOT), The Make Jewellery Collection, by the publishers of MakeJewllery Magazine, edition 2009. If you want fun, modern ideas that won’t break the bank, this is the magazine for you. I purchased it at Barnes & Noble, I recommend a trip there today!

There were several tiaras in the magazine, but since I am not a big fan of tiaras, none hit me. Then I found THE TIARA on page 60. This tiara is modern, fun, and quirky. I had to make it!

Time to go shopping!! I started at Michael’s with list in hand. I bought teal swarovski bicone crystals, 6 mm and 4 mm and AB clear 4 mm crystals, for sparkle. In the bridal section, I had to get real creative on this project, I bought the small, clear combs to attach to the side for stability. I don’t want the poor girl shaking her groove thang and her hair piece falling out!

I also purchased Silver plated, copper wire 20 gauge and 26 gauge. After using this wire, I threw all of my other wire away! It stays shiny and looks new after bending! It comes in a variety of colors and sizes. I was not able to find head bands at Michael’s, hint, hint.

Onward to Hobby Lobby! They had two different types of hand bands, I bought both. For this project, I recommend the flat silver band, which gives stability to the piece. I can’t stress stability enough here.

Time to create. I pulled out my book and briefed the directions. Fairly simple… bend the wire haphazardly to prevent the beads from moving and to give the tiara fullness. Easy enough and it was!!

Cut a piece of 20 gauge wire 6-9 inches long, more than that will just drive you drink. If you are looking for a reason, then go for 20 inches!! I wrapped the wire around the head band a couple of times to secure it. Then placed a bead on the wire and began to bend the wire hapzardly. Tip… flat nosed pilers work well here, two flat nosed pliers are double good, which is bad English, but what do you expect from a Math major?

Also, I recommend being extremely careful to not scratch the wire with pliers. Once you have come to the end of the piece of wire, secure the wire again, 2-3 loops around the head band. Check the endings to ensure there are no sharp edges. Rinse, lather, and repeat until the tiara looks full. Make the tiara the height you want and the fullness you desire! I recommend trying it on several times, while you are working, to ensure you are happy with the results.

Tip… keep in mind the hair type and color of the person for whom you are creating. Curly or thick hair may need a taller tiara to be noticed.

Stability. This step is optional and was not included on page 60, but after shopping on the Bridal aisle, I saw combs were on the pre-made tiaras and thought it was a good idea. I used 26 gauge wire to attach the combs to the back side of the tiara. Again, a 6-9 inch piece of wire will suffice. Wrap the entire comb in the wire firmly attaching it to the band. Check the endings to ensure there are no sharp edges.

This project took about an hour, again I was a newbie at this, but a easy and rewarding project! I hope she has as much fun wearing it as I did making it. That is as mushy as I get!

Vows

Date: 2010.03.11 | Category: Photography, Weddings | Response: 0

Kayaks in Charleston, SC

Date: 2010.03.11 | Category: Photography, Travel | Response: 0