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Miss Elk, City: Syracuse/Long Island Age and Occupation: 25, Medical Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Computer Engineer Engagement Date: November 22, 2010 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: The Old Field Club About Me: I’m a Long Island girl finishing my last year of medical school in western NY, on the road to becoming a pediatrician. When I’m not studying or sleeping at the hospital, I spend my free time watching bad TV (Vampire Diaries anyone?), playing with my pooch, singing incredibly off-key (to the annoyance of Mr. Elk ), and reading Harry Potter for the zillionth time. Mr. Elk and I are planning a secular wedding infused with both Irish and cultural Jewish traditions. Only a week after I become an M.D., I will get my Mrs. degree, too!
About Miss Elk

Tales from a Semi-DIY Bride

November 2nd, 2011 @ 6:23 am by Miss Elk

Hi, my name is Miss Elk and I am not crafty. There, I said it. For years I have been kidding myself into believing I was crafty, but attempt after attempt has failed to create a worthwhile product. After reading so many wedding blogs and seeing all the wonderful DIY results, I simply have to give it a whirl. I have visions of our guests oohing and ahhing at the marvelous DIY touches that will make our wedding that much more unique and special. Of course, I have a backup plan—Etsy. But for now I plan to share my trials and tribulations with all of you!

So without further ado, I present my first project: ruffle lamps. This idea was born from my love of lamp centerpieces such as this one:

Tales from a Semi-DIY Bride :  wedding decor diy long island Lampsha  Image via The Knot / Photo by Thorsen Photography

I then found a tutuorial for these bad boys and figured I could combine the two ideas and get a pretty unique little lamp to use on the tables during cocktail hour.

Tales from a Semi-DIY Bride :  wedding decor diy long island 2510732  Image via Design Sponge

So I bought small lampshades from the Christmas Tree Shop, and started cutting circles out of felt. It took a really long time to cut out enough circles for the whole thing! Then I folded each felt circle in half, and then into quarters, added a dollup of hot glue, and glued them randomly onto the lamp:

Tales from a Semi-DIY Bride :  wedding decor diy long island Stuff2

I found a hurricane glass from Michaels that fit perfectly under the shade, and added a large pillar candle.

Tales from a Semi-DIY Bride :  wedding decor diy long island Diy2b0

Tales from a Semi-DIY Bride :  wedding decor diy long island Diy2b001

So there you have it! I think they actually came out pretty nice, but I’m not 100% sold on the felt. I wonder what they would look like with other fabric and how expensive another fabric would be. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep receipts or track of how many sheets of felt it took me to make just one of these suckers.

So what do you think? Was my first DIY attempt successful?

Tags: decor, diy, long-island |
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18 Responses to “Tales from a Semi-DIY Bride”

1.
TheFutureMcBride
Member
TheFutureMcBride (message)  4,479 posts, Honey bee

I love it. Great job.

 
2.
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Member
morganmoyer (message)  67 posts, Worker bee

It is a really neat idea, but I would try a lighter fabric like a chiffon. Something flowy. The light may come through it better and the shade should look more whispy.

 
3.
stardustintheeyes
Member
stardustintheeyes (message)  874 posts, Busy bee

awesome! I would experiment with something patterned or more transparent just to see what kind of effect it has. What a neat idea!

 
4.
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Member
musictchr25 (message)  72 posts, Worker bee

Try using small coffee filters. I made a wreath with them once, and it looked beautiful!

See here: http://pinterest.com/pin/180487415/

 
5.
jessica.dirr
Member
jessica.dirr (message)  384 posts, Helper bee

I like this so much! How creative

 
6.
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Bee
Mrs. Pony (message)  4,171 posts, Honey bee

I like it! I’d love to see it with a more transparent fabric like others suggested, but I love the felt too!

 
7.
Laurengettingmarried
Member
Laurengettingmarried (message)  41 posts, Newbee

Wow, I’ve never seen something quite like this before, but I really like it! And you say you’re not crafty… It turned out awesome! I could see maybe trying a more transparent fabric if you wanted more light to shine through the shade, but I honestly love them as is.

 
8.
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Guest
JP

Looks great! I agree with your sentiment about the felt, but I wouldn’t necessarily scrap what you’ve made. Maybe you could mix and match with other fabrics. Either way, good job!

 
9.
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Member
bkieland (message)  66 posts, Worker bee

it looks like a very cool DIY…i agree tho, a satin or something shiny would look more elegant, but love it

 
10.
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Bee
Miss Sunhat (message)  865 posts, Busy bee

I’ve been wanting to make a wreath out of these circle felt pieces for a while. I think it turned out well!

 
11.
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Bee
Miss Doe (message)  540 posts, Busy bee

So awesome! I think I might have to make one for my house…

 
12.
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Bee
Miss Dalmatian (message)  480 posts, Helper bee

That’s awesome! I have never seen anything like that. I love ruffles on pretty much anything, and lamps is a great idea!

 
13.
MissCT
Member
MissCT (message)  76 posts, Worker bee

I really really love the felt. I think it gives it a wonderful homey feel, especially with the candle! Gorgeous. Great job!

 
14.
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Bee
Miss Honey (message)  1,069 posts, Bumble bee

Super cute…and unique! I’ve never seen anything like it!!

 
15.
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Bee
Miss Elk (message)  199 posts, Blushing bee

Thanks for all the advice- I’ll definitely consider trying a lighter fabric. I think the felt is both too heavy and kind of cheap looking? I keep trying to think of other things I can ruffle up with the same technique but I’m coming up short

 
16.
Member
mamanda (message)  5 posts, Newbee

I think it looks awesome and if you were doing a Christmas wedding I’d say “STOP. You’ve found the perfect fabric.” However, for a spring wedding I think the other posters are right to suggest experimenting with other fabrics for a breezier, lighter look.

 
17.
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Bee
Mrs. Parasol (message)  2,132 posts, Buzzing bee

This is really cool! I’ve never seen lamp centerpieces before, and I love the ruffles you added. They’re so fun!

 
18.
Mrs. Cinnamon Bun
Bee
Mrs. Cinnamon Bun (message)  1,100 posts, Bumble bee

To get more glow through the felt, I’d suggest going for an actual lamp with a lightbulb. As others suggested, maybe muslin or chiffon or something similar that is already a little sheer would work well?

If you like the felt look, but aren’t sure about the one you made, try ordering 100% wool felt online, I like the texture better on that than poly felt.

 

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Miss Elk
Miss Elk

Miss Elk, City: Syracuse/Long Island Age and Occupation: 25, Medical Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Computer Engineer Engagement Date: November 22, 2010 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: The Old Field Club About Me: I’m a Long Island girl finishing my last year of medical school in western NY, on the road to becoming a pediatrician. When I’m not studying or sleeping at the hospital, I spend my free time watching bad TV (Vampire Diaries anyone?), playing with my pooch, singing incredibly off-key (to the annoyance of Mr. Elk ), and reading Harry Potter for the zillionth time. Mr. Elk and I are planning a secular wedding infused with both Irish and cultural Jewish traditions. Only a week after I become an M.D., I will get my Mrs. degree, too!

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