A Most Beautiful Woman - An Elegant Queen

I have always admired Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.  I have always admired her style.  

The elegant hats over the ages, and yes, I know this must have had a lot to do with a personal stylist, but she certainly had the grace to carry every outfit. 

Here is a hat that she wore when dating Prince (later king) Albert.  I love the style. 

Hoping to make a similar style, wouldn't it be darling?

Sewing Tips: Blog Post Number One - How to use a seam ripper!

Any one us who love to sew, equally hate to seam rip, especially when the stitches are very very small.   Sigh.   However, I am actually excited for my next rip job after watching the following video on Youtube....How to really use your seam ripper! Loved this video!   

Happy New Year Everyone!

2016

Winter Wedding Accessories -It's Official- Muffs Are In!

White Bridal Fur Muff

 The winter wedding dream, celebrate with the warmth of a cozy muff. 

Yes, a muff - isn't that a delightfully whimsical word?

 White Arctic Fox for the Bride and Tan Lynx Rufus for the Bridesmaids... faux of course.

All muffs product of Ash Tree Meadow Designs

Photo credits to Vincent Kember Photography (c)

A Stunning Winter Wedding 

The wedding party with muffs!

 

Deliciously warm and soft, Bridesmaid Muff

You can buy it here! 

Elegant warm, and white, Bridal Muff

You can buy it here!

white bridal muff, unique bridal accessories, victorian wedding ideas, wedding ideas, fur on weddings, traditional russian wedding, aristocrat wedding, posh wedding, winter wedding, shop wedding online, affordable wedding muffs, affordable winter muffs, fur muff, victorian muff, lady's muff, wedding that no one else has, Ash Tree Meadow Designs Wedding

Black Friday Sale! FREE SHIPPING until Saturday, 28th, at 11:59 p.m.

The Grand Prize

I realize this post is long overdue, however, the prize was shipped, and it was received by October 12th (more on that later.)  The prize included a black collapsible Victorian hat with a vintage styled cameo, sequins lace, and delicate burgundy and black feathers.  We also sent matching shoe clips, a buckle choker, and a burgundy toned fan with black lace (forgot to take a picture). 

These items were styled to the winner's general request, the prize is valued at $60. 

Another Steampunk Adventure Costume

Ladies' Steam Punk Victorian Times Remix

I must admit, I love upcycling! Taking gently used clothes and altering them, adding to them, and creating something the original wearer didn't see, is so much fun! And it helps to know that you are saving something from the land fill, at least for sometime! Well, this costume is a prize! The skirt is a durable woollen type material, with detailed embroidery outlining the hemline! The colors are muted, but clear - blueish grey, copper, and brass.  I knew just how to match it to this beautiful blouse! I added a vintage flower to the center of the brass medallion and stitched a ruffle of copper material that I had from a previous costume! I finished with an addition of black ruffles down the front, and accessorized with a little hand bag. You can buy it here on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/251860361/copper-victorian-steampunk-costume

Creative Steam Punk Victorian

Latest Costume - Resurrected from the Past

After several inquires, I have decided to bring back the Victorian Lady's Walking Costume. 

This lovely costume is functional, easy to wear, and looks authentic!  

You can read more about how we made the first one in this post :) 

http://asweetreminiscence.blogspot.ca/2011/09/picnic-social.html

Steampunk Costume, Victorian & Mod Time Altered

This unique costume is made from upcycled articles of clothing, 

each altered and embellished in their own way.  

The suit jacket and skirt have been washed, mended, and altered.  The suit has been embellished with a vintage brass button and has a silver key attached to one pocket.

The skirt is made on the diagonal with a gilded pocket that appears as a sachet.  Time has been merciful to these pieces as each is in new condition.

 High leather boots are going to look great with this one!

The neck choker is made of a vintage kerchief, ribbon, and embellished with aged chain, and a cameo medallion.  The choker tied behind the neck, creating a time-warped image of the victorian cravat.  Here the stylish cravat and the lady's choker have morphed into one.

Size S available on Etsy

The Scottish Highland Renaissance Costume

Introducing, The Bonnie Highland Lass 

~ The Professional Images ~

Well, I am sure I need not explain how delighted I am with these photos!  My sister did an amazing job, she truly is a talented photographer.  I love how the light dances on the taffeta.  As you can see, the skirt is grey taffeta, the blouse is a ivory cotton, with white tassels at the neckline. A black faux leather and elastic girdle encircles the waist.  I added a grey plaid sash to complete the look, however, if you are ordering this costume, you can request your tartan.  Contact me first to ensure your tartan is available.  Order on Etsy

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Today's project, IKEA Slipcover Makeover, and Next on the agenda

Today's project was to make a chair slipcover for a chair from Ikea that is no longer stocked.  

I received the old tattered slip cover, and was commissioned to remake it in a lovely pinstriped charcoal. (see close up below).  It was a enjoyable one, but a challenge, as I did not have the chair!  First, I took the old slipcover apart, numbered each piece, then used each piece as a pattern. I then numbered the underside of the fabric with chalk and piece it all together!

This is the picture sent by my customer, who was very satisfied.  Although, my perfectionist side is telling me that the wrinkles in the arms should be corrected. But, I suppose it is a slip cover, yes?

And what is next on the agenda for Ash Tree Meadow Designs?  Well, we have a series of costumes to show you - *drum roll* - the professional photos!  Yay!  

As for me, I will be crafting up a special gift basket for our giveaway winner, Lisa Bennett.

Who, when presented with a choice of gift basket, chose our Ash Tree Meadow Design Accessory Basket - and I am so excited!  Pictures, of course, to follow!

 

This is a close up of the new slipcover material

And this is the old, cut and marked :)

Day 40 of the 40 Day Design Challenge: Medieval Princess and the Grand Finale

And our very last design in this challenge is our Medieval Princess.  But don't worry, we will be making more! Just not posting daily, haha, that was a ton of work!

I hope you have all enjoyed our designs and our featured guests!

You Can Buy it Here

This dress is styled after the storybook princess.

It comes with a tall pointed princess hat, made by my sis-in-law, Isabel. 

Today is the last day to enter our Giveaway! The Draw closes at 12:00 p.m. midnight!

Thank you for supporting us during this challenge!

Day 38 of the 40 Day Design Challenge: The Italian Renaissance & A Custom Cake Artisan

The first unveiling of our Italian Renaissance Costume!

The costume is made of a satin bodice and satin skirt.  I choose dark forest green for the bodice, and plum for the skirt, both colors would have been available in a similar shade during the Italian Renaissance (of course, most likely in silk, not satin).  The costume with the bodice was styled from a museum sketch on the renaissance period.  It was a garment that a wealthy merchant's daughter may have worn.  The bodice is stiffened with foam, overlaid with a striped sheer fabric, and trimmed in a frilly fringe and embroidered ribbon.  As you can see, the bodice ties in the back.  The headdress can be worn a number of ways, here it is worn as veil.   I may post more pictures of how it can be worn in a later post, but now, it is time for our featured guest.... 

                             

 

Featured

 

 When I first saw Kāke coming up in my news feed, I was immediately impressed.  I had no idea that the amazing artist behind these awesome cakes my friend, Rosalyn. (Pictured, right)
You can imagine my thrill when I was directed first to her facebook page, then to her website.  Just look at these cakes!  They are incredible!

I naturally had to feature Kāke on my blog, and I hope all of my readers head over to her facebook page to see  the latest designs and be sure to like her page when you visit!

All of the cakes at Kāke are original, so expect to be wowed! She also makes and decorates cookies (above, left), so much creativity here.  And yes, this hamburger is a cake!

 To visit the Kāke website click the pictures above or at www.kakestudiobakery.ca

To visit her facebook page click the link or picture below

 
                                                 https://www.facebook.com/kakestudiobakery

Day 36 of the 40 Day Design Challenge: Natural Regency Bonnet And Beautiful Handmade Cards

A beautiful regency bonnet!

Natural color straw, silken forest green ribbon, dusky green flowers. 

I can't even begin to explain how excited I was when I finished this one. I had quite a bit of trouble with the stitching of the straw braid.  Yet, it all turned out well.  Love to hear your comments! 

Let me know what you think. :)

 And now for our featured guest, a friend of mine who makes beautiful cards!

Featured

I heartily encourage you to visit Julia's blog!  She has a lovely site and so many beautiful cards in her portfolio! Each card is so unique and beautiful! Buttons, twine, flowers, and clever sayings adorn these beauties! 

Be sure to visit her site, these make excellent gifts!

Day 33 of the 40 Day Challenge: Historical Regency Wedding Bonnet and Little girl dresses!

Well, today, I worked on perfecting my bonnet design. I began with a form and after forming the crown and brim as desired.  I trimmed the back to adjust for a neck, finishing the entire hat with a straw braid to cap the edges.   The hat is trimmed with white roses and primroses and ties with a white ribbon that ties under the chin.  This bonnet style is a completely new design.  And now for our featured guest who makes lovely little girl's clothing!

Featured

Sheena Cruz makes beautiful little dresses!  I love the ruffles and the pretty colors!  She has just began to create her line and sell.  But I encourage you to visit her facebook page to keep up to date with the latest designs!

www.facebook.com/cruzbysheenawhitlock

Day 29 of the 40 Day Design Challenge: An Arctic Star and a Star Photographer

Well, all this rain makes for great photos!  This is the Arctic Compass.  A white, waterproof base with fully functional auto mechanism, trimmed in delicate looped fringe and decorated with the arctic compass - It almost looks like a star! You can see it here on Etsy.
Featured

And now for our featured guest, this talented photographer!  Look at these cute babies, classic family shots, and romantic novel portraits!  I love her featured photo, the stream looks so real, as if I could reach out and touch it!  And little girls in white dresses....so beautiful!  Stop by and like her page!

https://www.facebook.com/alysiadaggphotography

Day 27 of the 40 Day Challenge: Steampunk Parasol and Great Banners and Signs

And now for something new, I tried my hand at Steam Punk!  Gears, and top hats, with black stripes: it seems like something out of the Alice in Wonderland book or movie!

I love how it turned out, and I added tassels to the top.  

And now for our featured guest!

Featured

This shop owner has a sense of humor, I love the toilet seat message!  For all the gals out there who want their man to put the toilet seat down, this is the perfect thing!  She also does great banners! 

Check out this great store for other great signs and banners!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SavorEachSecond