Bird's Nest Ring Bearer Pillow & Flower Girl Basket
By Andrea DeHart
My husband and I had a true DIY wedding in a log cabin, so naturally we wanted all of the decorations and props to reflect the rustic setting. I came up with the idea of a "nest" ring bearer pillow and matching flower girl basket. I was able to find all of the supplies at the local craft shop and assembling these pieces were so simple. You can easily edit the theme by adding butterflies or flowers instead.
Materials
Needle and invisible (clear) thread
Scissors
Craft glue or hot glue
Dritz Fray Check seam sealant (optional)
For Ring Bearer Nest:
Empty nest
Poly-fil fiber for stuffing
10"×10" swatch of silk fabric
½" satin or organza ribbon
Small artificial birds
For Flower Girl Basket:
Nest-like basket with handle
Moss
Fresh or artificial flower petals
Small artificial birds
Satin or organza ribbon (optional)
Directions
Ring Bearer Nest:
Step 1: Cut the silk fabric swatch into a circular shape and run a basting stitch, either by machine or hand, around the outside edge. Pull up on the seam to create a "pouch" and stuff with the Poly-fil stuffing. Next, set the "pillow" into the nest, seam side down, and tack loosely using invisible thread around the nest to secure in place.
Step 2: Cut a piece of ribbon approximately 16" in length and hand-sew it to the center of the pillow. Thread the rings through the ribbon and tie it into a neat bow. Trim the ends of the ribbon to the desired length and finish with a few drops of Fray Check to prevent fraying.
Tip: Be sure to test the bow to make sure it's easy to untie before you get to the altar!
Step 3: Add any additional bird or branch details to the outside of the nest. Secure with invisible thread or glue.
Flower Girl Basket:
Step 1: Line the bottom and interior sides of the basket with dried moss. Adhere with hot glue or craft glue.
Step 2: Attach the bird and branch details around the outside of the basket and handle. Be sure to use wire to attach securely (look for artificial birds that come with the wire already attached to their feet). You can also use invisible thread to secure smaller branches.
Step 3: Fill the basket with either fresh or artificial flower petals. Complete this step just before going down the aisle!
About the Author:
Andrea DeHart is a self-proclaimed Craft-o-holic. She looks for every opportunity to use her crafty skills and wastes no supplies. With a toddler in tow and another on the way, she keeps herself busy behind the sewing machine. You can follow her crafty creations at www.craftybitch.com.
