DIY Network

Heirloom Bridal Embellishments From "How To I Do" episode DHTI-103

Lace from an heirloom dress can add a special touch to a new veil.

Renowned accessory designer Jane Hennessy offers techniques for personalizing bridal accessories with heirloom accents.

Heirloom Lace Bridal Veil

For this project, Hennessy cuts vintage lace from an heirloom family gown to create a custom bridal veil.

Materials:

Metal hair comb
Scissors
Pins
1 spool of white all-purpose thread
1 standard sewing needle
Bridal Illusion, 72" X 36"
1 yard of vintage lace, removed from second-hand gown (elbow length veil)

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1. Remove lace from the heirloom gown, carefully cutting around the lace border.

2. Trim around scalloped edge of the lace trim, removing any fabric from the back of the lace.

3. Round the short edges of the bridal illusion, then place lace over illusion edge, pinning the two together. Hand-baste the lace to the illusion on the inside edge of the trim using small, straight stitches

4. Once the illusion has been basted, use a sewing machine to reinforce the lace on the illusion edge.

5. Gather the top edge of the illusion by using a gathering stitch on a sewing machine.

6. Sew the gathered illusion by hand onto a metal hair comb.Once the illusion is secure on the comb, slide the comb into position so that the comb conforms to the shape of your head.

	The same heirloom lace used for the veil can also be used to embellish simple bridal shoes.
	Heirloom jewelry and feather embellishments are used to create a designer look.

Custom Appliqued Bridal Shoes

Turn basic high heels into something spectacular with customized embellishments taken from the same heirloom gown.

Materials:

Materials:

Hot glue gun
1 standard glue stick
Scissors
1 pair of basic, white high heels
8 lace appliqués (4 right side pieces, 4 left side pieces)

1. Remove lace appliqués from the gown by cutting away all of the fabric on the back of the lace pieces. Trim all of the extra material from the edges of the lace so that the design is clean.

2. Choose a right and a left piece of lace (all lace has a mirror image). Position lace on shoe before applying glue to ensure the pieces fit.

3. Apply several small dots of glue directly to the left side of the shoe. Gently press the left piece of lace on top of the glue.

4. Repeat this process on the right side of the shoe until it is covered with the lace. Allow the glue to set and follow the same process on the other shoe.