Fifi O’Neill, author of Prarie-Style Weddings, a recently released bridal book that’s equal parts rustic inspiration from real weddings and comprehensive DIY how-to guides, knows a thing or two when it comes to upcycling forgotten items into unexpectedly quaint bridal décor. So it came as no surprise that, when we were struck by inspiration after a glimpse at her new book and asked her to show us her ways, she delivered. Keep scrolling to see more of this DIY maven’s words and a full DIY tutorial.
From Fifi:
"The idea of a prairie-style wedding is that of a perfect marriage of romance and pragmatism—of simplicity and embellishment. In a prairie-style wedding, personal touches in the decor and details act as guideposts to an organic setting. Invention, resourcefulness, and beauty in imperfection are intrinsic elements of prairie-style weddings. The handmade, sustainable, and accessible elements of a prairie-style wedding set a casual, welcoming, and celebratory tone that will be memorable and meaningful for all guests—especially for the marrying couple.
When it comes down to the fine details, prairie-style festivities are defined by the incorporation of all sorts of humble materials in ways that elevate their status from ordinary to fabulous. The goal is not to achieve the kind of flawlessness one expects at a traditional affair but to revel in the perfection of quirky exuberance and endearing details that let you make your mark on a memorable celebration. This prairie-style wall vase illustrates one of the many endearing yet easy DIY possibilities for adding charm and beauty to a barn setting."
PRAIRIE STYLE VASE
A salvaged plank, an old canning jar and a leather belt are reborn in a handsome prairie style décor element. Delicate sweet peas make a romantic contrast to the rustic vessel.
Level of skill: Moderate
Yield: 1 vase
Materials
- Old brown leather belt, 2-inch wide
- White craft glue
- 5 ½ by 14-inch of 1-inch thick reclaimed wood
- 1-pint canning jar
- Two 1 ½-inch box nails
- Two 1 ½-inch finishing nails
- 28-gauge galvanized picture-hanging wire
- 2-inch nail
- Flowers of choice
Tools
- Sharp craft knife
- 1/2-inch binder clip
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Wire cutter
HOW TO
1. With the craft knife, cut off the belt buckle, then cut the belt to fit around the widest part of the jar. The ends of the belt should not overlap. Apply white craft glue to both cut edges and join them, using the binder clip to hold the ends in place. Let the glue dry overnight.
2. Lay the wood on a work surface. Holding the jar on its side and using the ruler, place the jar on the wood so it is centered and is 2 inches from what will be the bottom. Use the pencil to mark the wood on both sides of the widest part of the jar closest to the top of the jar. This mark is where you will attach the leather strap.
3. Place the ruler on the board so that the top edge lines up with the two pencil marks. Determine the center of the wood, and make a light line marking the center.
4. Position the leather ring on the wood with the glued seam lining up with the pencil line marking the center of the wood. The top edge of the leather should line up with the pencil marks noting the width of the jar. Make sure the leather ring is level, and hammer the 1 1/2-inch box nails—one on each side of the seam—through the leather and into the wood.
5. Note which end of the wood panel is the top and turn the panel. You will see the ends of the nails sticking out. Hammer the ends so they are flush with the wood.
6. Use the ruler and the pencil to make two marks on the back of the wood near the top center for the nails used to hang the vase. Space the marks 4 inches apart. Hammer the 1/2 inch finish nails into the wood at these marks. Wrap the picture-hanging wire securely around one nail. Pull the wire taut to the second nail taut to the second nail, twist several times around the nail and secure. Cut off any excess wire with the wire cutter.
7. Insert the jar through the leather loop. It should fit very snugly.
8. Hammer the 2 inch nail into the wall, choosing a spot with a wall beam or stud. Fill the jar with water, add the flowers, and hang the vase.
*Options: Paint the board to match any color scheme. Just use a water-base paint and let dry before securing the jar to the belt. Flowers can range from sizes, shapes and types. For a unified look chose blooms that compliment the paint of choice.
Purchase Prarie-Style Weddings here, and visit Fifi's site for more prarie-style prettiness!
