How to make Large Tulle Pom Poms or Tutu Pom Poms

 As I was working on baby girl's nursery I had the hardest time finding a tutorial for an idea I had in mind. So since it was hard for me I thought I would help all of you by giving the instructions of how I made the Large Tulle Pom Poms aka Tutu Pom Poms. I fell in love with this idea for my darling daughters room. I swear I tried every technique out there to create the pom poms for above her crib. I tried fabric, tissue, crepe paper and finally found that I liked tulle fabric the best. However, everything I found online for creating the Tulle Tutu Pom Poms was very small (fit in the size of my hand). I wanted the pieces to vary in size and be large enough to make a statement above her crib. I found a few techniques for making the large Pom Poms and my own tips/tricks that made it easier.

You can purchase Tulle on a roll or by the yard from the fabric store. I wanted my Tulle Pom Poms to be large so the yardage was the best way to go. If you are making yours this way I recommend using a cutting mat and rotary cutter to cut the strips. I bought floral wire and threaded the tulle onto the wire to create the Tulle Pom Pom.

 Items needed:
Tulle- either on the roll or by the yard
Floral Wire
Ruler- makes it easier to wrap Tulle onto wire
Scissors or Rotary cutter and mat
Fishing wire- for hanging completed Tulle Pom Poms
Tacks or Push Pins- to attach the Pom Poms to the ceiling

This is a very easy project you will love the results!
Cut your Tulle into strips. I made my Pom Poms in various sizes, 8 inches, 12 inches and 16 inches wide. You need to make the length at least 3x as long as your width. Example 8 inches wide x 24 inches long, you can add a little more length beyond that with the Tulle since it is a light weight fabric the more length the better. Most of my Tutu Pom Poms ended up being whatever math would allow me to use the most of my material. If I had a little extra I made the Pom Pom fuller.

 Wrap the Tulle around a ruler. This isn't necessary if you are creating it using the roll, but where I was using large strips of fabric it was so much easier. Holding the floral wire thread through the center of your fabric weaving back and forth like an accordion. Fasten the starting end of the wire by bending it back into the Tulle. I liked the look of twisting and fluffing the fabric to make the poof more full.

 Trim any excess wire and create a loop to attach the fishing wire for hanging.  Your pom pom is complete!

 I tried to find tacks (flat headed push pins) but finally gave in and used small push pins. They are very secure, but I feel safe knowing that should one fall it is a very light weight item (some of the other Pom Poms were very heavy). When they need dusting just pull them down and shake them out outside.  I love how the project turned out and it looks adorable above her crib! Good luck with your Tulle Pom Poms I hope you have as much fun as I did!

Baby Girl Newborn

I love how this hammock looks and how sweet little Melia was sleeping in it for her newborn portraits.

Sibling pictures can be hard to get sometimes it is better to get the kids interacting together and worry less about the perfect pose to keep everyone happy. This was a sweet moment from the newborn pictures.

It is important to get Mother and baby together. This little sweetie was happy to be held  in Mom's arms for this baby picture.

If Dad can be there even better. I love the moments with Dad and Daughter during this newborn photography session.

Born on Fat Tuesday this little party baby was dressed for the occasion!

Zooming close to get the soft faces and details of the fresh from heaven look in newborn photography is important. This darling baby girl was so sweet to photograph!

I like to show the belly button in a few new born portraits too. They only look like that when they are very new born babies!

Don't you just love the ruffle bum! Congratulations family, she is a beautiful baby girl!

Rory 6 months

This little boy could be a model! He has the perfect smile in his baby pictures and is oh so sweet to photograph!

I think a great way to capture a child is with every inch including feet! Get it feet...inches...anyway I love kid feet and think it is fun at any age!

How to make an Old Window into a Mirror

 

 I have a passion for old farms and vintage style photography. My inspiration for many years was Dorthea Lange and her documentary photography of rural America. From this passion has stemmed my love of a bit country/rustic in my home decorating. When I found this old window from a torn down barn I claimed it for my own loving the wood and flaking paint. The hubs wasn't so sure about what I saw in it, but was willing to support my desire to make it a functional piece again (well as functional as art can be ;)

Start by cleaning the window. Any residue or dirt or dust etc... affects the look of the final project. I could have cleaned my window 3 more times, but I didn't so don't look too close because there are some streaks from my wiping the dust away. I just laugh and say it adds to the character of my distressed window...right?

 Cover every inch you do not wan sprayed. I also HIGHLY recommend you do this project outside. I attempted this in my studio with all the windows open, but the spray was VERY strong. Using Krylon Looking Glass Spray (bought at Michael's Craft Store) I sprayed even strokes and did 4 layers of paint.

 It looked good after being finished, but EVEN better on the wall!

 It isn't a perfect reflection like a store bought mirror, but it is exactly what I wanted and matches the vintage feel of the window. I added a piece of wood painted and distressed below to make a shelf. I spray painted rod iron brackets from Ikea that we already had to match the decor of the room. I love the Aqua color!

Tips for Great Maternity| Pregnancy | Belly Shots

 A great time to do pictures is when the big moments are happening in your life, like expecting a baby! I recommend doing maternity pictures between 7-8 months. You have popped out about 6 months, then by 8 months you have rounded out, but aren't feeling like you are going to burst (which can sometimes be the case as you settle into your 9th month of pregnancy).

 Some poses that are great to consider are moments between you and your spouse showing your excitement for the little baby about to join your family.

 I love to have the Dad caress your belly and capture that anticipation in your maternity portraits.

 A good belly comparison shot is always funny. Obviously pushing out his best to make a belly, no contest Mommy wins!

 Bring sentimental items with you, like baby booties, special jewelry, some basic props that add that perfect touch of personal to your pregnancy pictures.

 Watch your hips, hands and angles. You maybe round, but you still have angles and getting the position right makes you look great and shows your beautiful belly bump.

 Let Dad enjoy the attention that this is his baby too! Every baby shower and praise is geared toward the Mom (she is doing the bulk of the work after all), but don't forget to praise Dad and capture his excitement1

 I love to use what is at the location and seasonal items. When you look back you will remember easier...." oh yeah I was pregnant during Valentine's day" or "that was our last Valentine's Day before we became parents".

 Oh how sweet!

 Careful posing and positioning for sitting poses help to make Mommy feel comfortable and still beautiful as the bump is more exposed for her pregnancy portraits.

 I fell in love with the cool shadow that her little bump made on the wall. It is one subtle detail about the picture that makes it a neat shot. Look for ways to make each maternity picture a piece of art

 It is always more comfortable to be in a semi recline when you are pregnant. Make Dad support his family and help make Mom more comfortable.

 A little tip is always fun for a shot here or there, but don't get carried away with too many angles and artistic tips. Think about the composition and if a tip would make it more interesting.

 Zooming into a moment creates a blurred background (or depth of field) it also limits the distractions around the scene.

No photoshop necessary here! She had a perfect belly with out any stretch marks! I know be jealous...I AM! This was a sweet pregnancy portrait session with lots of expression of maternity, motherhood and excitement for the bundle of joy on the way. Congratulations to you both! I can't wait to meet him and photograph your little boy!