For every girl, a garter

This week I got the best e-mail ever. Want to know what qualifies as a best e-mail? One with pictures of an NPJ bride. Wearing her original NPJ garter! At her St. Patrick's Day wedding! Seriously, you guys, I might use up my weekly quota of exclamation points in this one post.

I know you understand, though, because you cannot look at this couple and not be excited. Sarah and Chris tied the knot, literally, on St. Patrick's day. Because they are just awesome like that.

Amazing wedding photography by Mozingo Photography.

I know, right?! They exude joy!  And that isn't even the half of it.  Just look at how her sapphire eyes sparkle against that red hair.  When I was a little girl I'd call it monarch butterfly hair and ask my mom every day if I could dye my stupid blonde locks. And that headpiece!

Genius bridal portraits by Mozingo Photography

Sarah contacted me in February about making her wedding garter.  I knew we'd get along just fine because she started her message with my four favorite words; "I love this garter!" She was referring to my Golden Years garter.

I really shouldn't put my own photos in the same post as a professional photographer's.

When I made this garter I knew it was only going to appeal to certain type of girl. Luckily, Sarah came along, and she is the very best type of girl. And she requested a toss garter.

So I made fair Sarah a toss garter and described it thusly. (That's right, I just threw a"thusly" in there.)

I don't actually know Sarah - I mean we've never met - but I think she might be a wood sprite. She asked me to make a toss garter. Something simple, she said, with ivory and amber, brown and olive green. Can you imagine an early spring wedding with golds, browns, and greens? It sounds like a dance of the druids, of dusk in the hollow, of woodland dreams come true!

I happily designed my secret elf bride and creamy, dreamy, band of ivory dupioni. I added lush olive green satin leaves with just a hint of gold, and a vintage beaded earring shimmering with the tawny shades of the earth.

Sarah responded enthusiastically and confessed that yes, she was rather woodland. I just knew she and I were meant to be, but she decided to go ahead and marry that Chris fellow.

I cried for a bit, but my mourning turned to tears of joy when Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pressley sent me these most lovely photos taken by the talented Michael and Meriah Mozingo.
 

 

 Chris and Sarah, you look positively exuberant!  I trust your happy wedding is only a sign of the many joyful years ahead of you. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of that loving and lasting happiness. Best wishes to you both.

Very truly yours,
J-

And the winner is...

Wow. I now know how the presenters at the Oscar's feel when it's their turn to open the envelope.

Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz presenting at the 84th Annual Academy Awards. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887525/84th-academy-awards-show-022612.html#storylink=cpy

I was so excited to see who will be wearing an NPJ garter in support of my mission at the Mud Crusade in two weeks. Not a bad way to start a Monday. Not bad at all.

Since I didn't have a way to track who voted when I couldn't just use a random number generator to help me pick my winner. So I went old school.

Oh yeah, those are initials on a sheet of paper, baby.

Then, I whipped out my scissors.  Don't worry - I first had the requisite amount of coffee demanded by intense activities such as cutting paper.

Paper pieces in a bowl.

Gotta keep it fair so NO PEEKING!

And the winner is...

Jenny Koonz!

I'm sorry Jennifer and Cameron weren't available to present your award.  I'll have to do.  Congratulations, Jenny!  Be sure you e-mail me to make sure I have your current address and thigh measurement.

Ack, I haven't even told you what you'll be wearing  on your thigh!  The winning phrase, submitted by Tiffany Champney and receiving 8 votes (one of them Jenny's) is...

Ever Hopeful, Ever Strong

Alright, I'm off to start designing! Thank you to everyone who participated. I love you for your support in teaching women to love themselves.

For every girl, a garter

Yesterday, I pushed through one of the hardest workouts I've done yet. Running, jumping, weights, situps - I'm lucky I can even feel my lower body today.  I take that back; I'm so sore numb is looking pretty good.

Yeah, sometimes the road to strength is a painful one. So far, though, it's been worth it; not least because work-out bloopers make for awesome party chit-chat.

Imagine to talk we could stir up when I wear a garter to run the Mud Crusade later this month! I'm hoping to make an impact, but I need your help. Three of my lovely readers each submitted a phrase she feels captures her pursuit of her truest self.

From Vienne: Resilience

From Carol:        Shine

From Tiffany: Ever Hopeful, Ever Strong

Now is your chance to weigh in!

In the comments below, tell me which phrase you think I should have embroidered on my Mud Crusade garter OR submit a write-in vote. I'd also love to hear the reason behind your choice.

Next Monday I'll announce the winning adage AND the commenter that will receive her own garter.

What are you waiting for? Get your vote on! Contest is now closed.

For every girl, a garter

Variations on a theme: Pleats in Tulle

What's your variation?

Communication is Key

Today, I was challenged to write about the thing(s) I do to give my garters that added something.  What is it that makes them so great - even awesome.

The absolute, honest truth is my garters are amazing because of the me part.

ta da!

Seriously.

When it comes to the actual garters, I still struggle a lot when it comes to calling a piece finished. Sometimes more details make the garter. But sometimes more is just more and less would have been stunning. For example, I recently messaged one of my brides suggesting a glam sequined fabric as the center piece for her bow-shaped garter.

For some girls, those sequins would be a dynamite addition.  This particular bride very sweetly declined and asked that we let the bow speak for itself just like the garter that originally caught her eye.

Pumpkin Spice Latte garter by Never a Plain Jane

My point is, I talked to my bride and, by doing so, I ma making this garter hers. I probably would have added the sequins if it were up to me, and that finishing touch would not have made this an awesome garter in the eyes of my bride.

Luckily, talking to people is my biggest talent. As a result, I've had a bride hug me on sight because she felt I cared about her wedding as much as she did (hi Michele!).  I've had friends of brides come back again and again to order gift certificates as a shower gift because they know I will take care of their friends (I'm looking at you Tiffany). I also have friends who tell me when I've strayed too far from myself trying to please a mass market (thank you, Amy. And Mom).

Will I be adding sequins to a future garter? Definitely!  Will I do it on a custom garter? Not without checking with my customer.  Because the best detail I can add to each creation starts with a simple "hello."

A vintage rustic fall garter

I cannot believe I never shared this garter with you guys!  I'm really slipping.

When Nicole contacted me I instantly knew I wanted to work with her.  She had an idea of what she wanted, but she knew what she didn't want: no lace, no bows, no froo-froo. Then, she sent me this photo for inspiration.

I love everything about this! Those gloves! That china! A RACCOON! After a little back and forth with Nicole, I came up with this.

This custom garter is made of sooty gray linen stitched into overlapping patches. I left the edges unfinished because, honestly, linen is like love - most beautiful when it is raw. The petersham ribbon brings a richness with its deep honey tones and makes for a tailored contrast against the grainy linen. Vintage buttons, and cream-colored baker's twine echo the vintage feel and weave of the bride's sweet wrist-length gloves.

This is, honestly, one of my favorite garters ever. How about you? Are you more vintage and less lace or do you go for something with a more traditional feel?

For every girl, a garter

In the last few weeks I have been busy busy with custom orders.  And I am not complaining! Okay, I'm complaining a little, but only because my sweet clients are claiming their one-of-a-kind garters as fast as I can list them in my shop so you guys don't really get a chance to see them.

Of course, the ladies I work with have exquisite taste and I've had a lot of fun designing for them. You, my lovelies, just have to see what been flying out of the Never a Plain Jane design studio.

Remember these fab vintage buttons with their adorable anchors? Well, that post was up less than 24 hours before a sailor's wife told me to "get 'em." She wanted a garter for a boudoir shoot she's doing - a gift to her deployed husband.  I was more than happy to oblige.

Knotted rope heart and vintage button detail on "The Sailor's Wife" by Never a Plain Jane Designs

"The Sailor's Wife," a unique, custom garter from Never a Plain Jane Designs

Then there's Jenn. After 30-something years her mother is getting the big wedding she never had. Jenn asked me to help her design a garter duo as her special gift to her mom. She described a woman who appreciates pattern, color, primitives, quirky jewelry, vintage, and handmade.  The only request was that I include peacock feathers. This weekend there will be a happy bride will be wearing this thoughtful gift from her loving daughter:

"Pretty as a..." keepsake garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

"Pretty as a..." toss garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

This must be the weekend for weddings because I had just finished Jenn's giftable duo when I received my first rush order - less than two weeks to go before this bride said I do! I work well under pressure, though, and there was no way I could refuse when I saw her dress.

Mina Gown, interpretation of gown from Bram Stokers Dracula by Romantic Threads, Photo by Le Mew Photography

Cristina has designed a Victorian/Edwardian-influenced steampunk wedding.   Don't you wish you were going? She asked for a garter duo  that incorporated vintage buttons and plenty of drama.  She also gave me permission to "bring on the feathers." In my vast button collection I found these brass beauties that reminded me of boot buttons.  For the keepsake garter I looped the biot feathers so they mimicked the scalloped lace often used to trim Victorian garmets.

"Mina" garter duo by Never a Plain Jane Designs

Vintage brass button and feather detail on the "Mina" keepsake garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

I love my job!

For every girl, a garter

For those of you following me on Facebook, you might remember me mentioning how great tattooed brides look in my garters.

And for my blog followers, well, you might remember the well wishes I sent out to NPJ bride Autumn after her April wedding.

After taking a few months to settle into her new, married life, Autumn sent me a few photos of her one-of-a-kind accessory in action! (You can also see the toss garter in her left hand.)

 Try to ignore the awesome dress for a second and let's focus on that amazing smile. She looks just beyond happy!  My darlings, this is what they mean when someone says a bride is glowing.

I adore that chunky, bib necklace!  I know Autumn is busy with, you know, life, but I am trying to find out more about that necklace.  The pinwheels garter sort of echoes the bold jewelry, which makes it sort of perfect.

Okay, now I'll let you focus on the dress. I am dying to know more, aren't you?!  And those shoes! Her entire ensemble is so edgy and elegant.  Her dark hair and vivid tattoos heighten the drama even more.

Really, my dears, I could not have asked for a more beautiful bride. How lucky am I?!

Thank you, Autumn, for letting me share your photos.  You are the most to-die-for bride in the history of brides. Ever!

Inspiration Found: Red Wedding Shoes

Remember these fabulous shoes for an upcoming Las Vegas wedding?

Red satin pumps from Payless

Well these shoes, along with their owner's dream for a "vintage, glamorous, Hollywood, Old Las Vegas, classic, shocking and beautiful wedding," were the inspiration for a custom-made garter. 

In case the shoes weren't enough, I wanted to whet your appetite for my creation by first sharing someone else's. Jill Fontaine of Stay Calm Cupcake left a comment on my Facebook page proclaiming red wedding shoes bring to her mind...

Red Velvet Cupcakes! 

Vegan Crimson Velveteen Cupcakes via Whisk Kid

Hmmm, Jill's suggestion is pretty tasty, but I think my garter is down right decadent. What do you think?

 

Michele garter custom made by Never a Plain Jane Designs

I used 100% black and red silks upcyled from a couple of blouses scored from a local thrift store. I found the feathers here. I'm thrilled with how it turned out and the bride, Michele, is just over the moon!

Are you feeling inspired yet?  Tell me about it in the comments. And if you aren't, maybe you should contact Jill for some cupcakes.

Tiny pillow tutorial: Waste not, want not

I like to think I make some pretty great garters. So great, that I cannot stand the idea of just cramming them in an envelope and sending them out into the world. Instead, I make each garter its own little pillow.

Custom garter "Girly Girl" by Never a Plain Jane

The pillow helps the garter keep its shape during mailing and whenever it is being stored, but I have an ulterior motive as well.

Scrap busting.

See, every sewing project results in hundreds of snippets, snaps, and scraps. I could figure I could fill a landfill all by myself with the amount of thread ends and tiny fabric bits I produce with each project.

photo via Craftaholics Anonymous

But I don't throw my scraps away. Instead, I stuff pillows. Think you might want to make your own little pillows? Well, let's go!

For every girl, a garter

Thanks to my addiction to Pinterest, I recently came across this fabulous flirty, girly dress:

Rendezvous Dress at ModCloth

The ruffles! That color! It instantly brought to mind a garter I designed based on the incredibly specific instructions, "she's pretty girly..."

A garter for a girly girl by Never a Plain Jane

I shouldn't brag, but I think I hit the mark. I also kind of wish that same girly girl would buy that dress to wear with her garter.

For every girl, a garter

This past weekend not one, but two lovely ladies bedecked their respective thighs in Never a Plain Jane. It feels incredible to say that!

Also incredible?  Being international! On Saturday, this classic number from the Amy line took a stroll down a wedding aisle in Denmark!

Pleats in Tulle, handmade garter

Denmark map via geology.com

And then Sunday...On Sunday my lovely friend, Jenny, changed her last name. You remember me going on and on about Jenny's garter here, here and here.

Custom garter

 Well, now that there is no longer a risk of her now-husband getting a pre-wedding peek, I get to show you her dress!

Doesn't she have amazing taste? I wish I could have been there this past weekend. Jenny is a super fun girl so I can't imagine her wedding wouldn't be!

I'm sending my very best wishes to Malou is Denmark and Jenny in Virginia for long, happy marriages.  Thanks, ladies, for letting me have a small part in your very big day!

For every girl, a garter

Earlier this week, Amy sent me a link to this adorable bride in her traveling suit.

photos via Bows and Arrows

Shorts suit + garter + fantastic send off. How genius is that!

In honor of this fashion forward-thinking bride, I put together a Never a Plain Jane version of the going away outfit for your viewing pleasure.

The sweet scalloped shorts are a ModCloth item aptly named Smooth Sailor. The garter is an NPJ original. It is actually one of a pair (the other sports an L) I made for a dear client using reproduction typewriter keys to denote which garter was for the right leg and which was for the left. The garters are also adjustable!

Think of the possibilities! I could make you a garter with your new initials.  Or, if you are feeling particularly nautical, we could use vintage buttons!

via recycledstylez

What type of accent would you add?