Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses hold a lot of sentimental value, and many people want to preserve them as keepsakes. One way to do this is to use scraps of fabric from the dress to create ornaments. This can be a simple craft project, with the ornaments hung on a Christmas tree or displayed elsewhere in the home. The ornaments can be further personalised by adding details such as the couple's names, wedding date, or other mementos from the wedding, such as ribbon or pins from a bouquet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Scraps of fabric from a wedding dress, including lace, silk, embroidery, netting, satin, beading, appliques, and ribbon |
| Tools | Scissors, glue gun, tweezers, needle and thread |
| Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Complexity | Easy, suitable for beginners |
| Customization | Can be personalized with tags containing the couple's names, wedding date, or other decorations like glitter |
| Purpose | A way to upcycle a wedding dress and preserve memories |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
- Type of Fabric: The type of fabric you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of your ornament. Common fabrics used in wedding dresses include silk, lace, satin, netting, and embroidery. Consider using a combination of these fabrics to create texture and visual interest. For example, you can pair plain silk with delicate lace or embroidered pieces. Thin, wispy fabrics can also be used to add volume to your ornament.
- Pattern and Design: Consider the pattern and design of the fabric. Look for intricate details, such as beading, appliques, or embroidery, that can be showcased within your ornament. Cut around these designs, being careful not to clip any stitching, to create focal points for your ornament.
- Colour and Sheer: The colour and sheer factor of the fabric will impact the overall aesthetic. If you want the ornament to have a delicate and ethereal look, opt for sheer fabrics with intricate details. If you prefer a more solid and opaque appearance, choose fabrics with less sheer. Consider the colour palette of the wedding dress and how different colours can be combined or contrasted to create visual appeal.
- Amount of Fabric Available: Assess the amount of fabric available from the wedding dress. Consider the size and number of ornaments you plan to create. Ensure you have sufficient fabric to work with, allowing for any potential mistakes or adjustments. If you have limited fabric, you may need to be more selective in the sections you choose to feature in your ornaments.
- Condition of the Fabric: Inspect the condition of the fabric. Look for any stains, tears, or discolouration that may impact the final product. Choose sections of the fabric that are in good condition and free from any noticeable flaws. Well-preserved fabric will ensure that your ornaments maintain their integrity over time.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, choose the fabric that speaks to you and aligns with your sentimental values. If you have a particular connection to a specific part of the wedding dress, such as the train or bodice, consider incorporating fabric from that area into your ornament. Personal preference plays a significant role in fabric selection, ensuring that the final ornament holds special meaning for you.
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Cutting the fabric
The first step to making an ornament from a wedding dress is to cut the fabric. It is important to carefully select the portions of the dress you want to use. Cut around the designs on the dress, such as embroidery or lace, without clipping the stitching. Separate the fabric into 5 to 7-inch pieces. If the dress has thin fabric with embroidery, it is ideal for this project. You can also set aside some plain wispy fabric from the dress.
If you are using a combination of materials, such as satin, netting, beading, and appliques, consider how they will work together on the ornament. For example, you might need to cut the appliques into smaller pieces to fit the ornament.
If you are using lace, cut it carefully to preserve the intricate patterns. You can also use the lace as a backdrop for other decorations. Try to cut the fabric into a shape that will fit inside or on the surface of your chosen ornament.
If you are creating multiple ornaments, cut the fabric into equal portions to ensure consistency. You can also mix and match the fabric with other materials such as ribbon or pins.
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Using tweezers to shape the fabric
Firstly, gather the necessary materials, including scraps of fabric from your wedding dress. Look for pieces with embroidery or lace details, as well as plain fabric that can be used to accent and support the decorative elements. Cut out the desired sections, being careful not to clip any stitching that may affect the integrity of the design. Separate the fabric into manageable pieces, approximately 5 to 7 inches in size.
Now, get your tweezers ready. Take one of the embroidered or lace fabric pieces and use the tweezers to carefully place it into the ornament. Ensure that the design is facing outwards and use the tweezers to adjust and position the fabric exactly how you want it. This may take a little practice, but with patience, you can achieve the perfect placement. Make sure there is no fabric obstructing the opening at the top of the ornament.
The plain wispy fabric can now be used to support the embroidered piece. Gently push the plain fabric inside the ornament, using the tweezers to guide it into place. This will help hold the decorative piece in position and create a neat overall appearance. You can adjust the fabric as needed until you are happy with the result.
If desired, you can add further embellishments at this stage. Consider adding a tag with the couple's names, the wedding date, or other personalised details. You could also incorporate other wedding mementos, such as ribbon or flowers from the bouquet, to enhance the ornament's sentimental value.
Using tweezers to shape and position the fabric ensures that you have control over the smallest details of your ornament. It allows you to create a precise and delicate keepsake that captures the beauty and memories of your wedding dress.
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Adding personal touches
There are many ways to add personal touches to ornaments made from wedding dresses. If you're crafty, you can make the ornaments yourself, incorporating your own designs and ideas. You can also send your dress to companies like Unbox the Dress™ or Marang Studios, which offer personalised design consultations and can help you add finishing touches like jewellery or accessories.
One idea is to cut out pieces of the dress, especially those with embroidery or lace, and use them to fill clear plastic or glass ornaments. You can also add other items like invitations, ribbons, or bouquet pins to the ornaments. If you use glass ornaments, you could etch them with your initials, last name, or wedding date.
If you're making an ornament for someone else, you could add a tag with the couple's name and wedding date. You could also make small dove ornaments, which can be treasured for years to come.
Another idea is to use the wedding dress fabric to cover a photo album or a photo frame for the cover of a wedding album. This adds a personal touch to your photographs and can be a unique way to display your favourite photos.
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Attaching the ornament to a ribbon
Prepare the Ribbon
Cut a length of ribbon that is suitable for your desired hanging length. Consider the height of your Christmas tree or the display area, and cut the ribbon accordingly. Ensure the ribbon is strong enough to bear the weight of the ornament.
Secure the Ribbon to the Ornament
You can attach the ribbon to the ornament in several ways, depending on your preference and the materials available:
- Gluing: Use a hot glue gun to apply a generous amount of glue to one end of the ribbon. Press and hold it firmly to the inside top of the ornament for a few seconds to ensure adhesion. This method is quick and effective for most ribbon types.
- Knotting: If your ornament is made from fabric or has a loop at the top, you can create a loop with the ribbon and tie a secure knot. Ensure the knot is tight and secure by pulling on it gently. This method is simple and does not require additional materials.
- Stitching: For a more permanent solution, especially for delicate ornaments, use a needle and thread to stitch the ribbon to the ornament. Sew a few sturdy stitches to attach the ribbon to the top of the ornament, or to any sturdy structure within the ornament that can bear weight. This method is ideal for ornaments with fabric or textile components.
Finishing Touches
Once the ribbon is securely attached, you can add some final embellishments to the ribbon itself:
- Leaves and Beads: If you have leftover ribbon with decorative elements like leaves or beads, you can cut out these individual elements and glue them onto the hanging ribbon for added detail.
- Glitter: For a glamorous touch, apply glue along the edges of the ribbon and sprinkle glitter over it. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the ornament to avoid smudging.
By following these steps, you can confidently attach your ornament to a ribbon, creating a beautiful and personalised decoration.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use scraps of fabric from the dress, such as lace, silk, embroidery, netting, satin, and beading. You can also add in other materials like ribbon, pins, and glitter to decorate the ornament.
Cut out the pieces of the dress you want to use, separating them into small sections of around 5-7 inches. Be careful not to clip any stitching.
You can use plastic or glass ornaments, but keep in mind that glass is more fragile. You can also use other materials like wood or fabric to create a unique ornament.
Use tweezers to put the fabric into the ornament, making sure the design faces outward. You can add other materials or decorations at this point. If using plastic or glass ornaments, simply close them up once you're happy with how it looks. For other materials, you may need to sew or glue the ornament shut.
You can add a tag with the couple's name, wedding date, or other special details. You can also etch the ornament with the couple's initials, last name, or wedding date.
