DIY Vintage Hanky Vases

Here's a quick and easy DIY project that can add some colorful vintage vibe to a tablescape. If you don't happen to have any vintage hankies on hand, you can find them available for purchase online or at a local antique shop. I collected mine over the years at estate sales and garage sales.

To make your own vintage handkerchief vases, you'll need the following items:

1. Vintage hankies in matching, contrasting, or coordinating colors.

 

2. Small empty bottles. Bottles from supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications work well. The bottles I used ranged in height from 3 1/2 inches to 4 1/2 inches. It adds more interest to your tablescape if the bottles are different heights.

  3. Rubber bands, one for each bottle.

 

4. Ribbons in matching, coordinating, or contrasting colors. I used double-faced silk satin ribbons that are one-quarter inch wide, but any type of narrow ribbon will work just fine.

The first step is to remove the lids. I usually save them because they come in handy when I draw circle templates for the centers of fabric flowers.

Next place the bottle in the center of the hanky, hold the four corners up above the center of the bottle, and put a rubber band around the neck of the bottle. Double the rubber band if necessary to obtain a tight fit. 

You can arrange the gathers or pleats, if you like. 

 

Now, finish the vase by tying two ribbons around the rubber band and making a bow. 

This is a nice, decorative touch, which has the added advantage of hiding the rubber band.

Now your first bottle is complete. Make as many as you like for your tablescape. It's usually a good idea to use an odd number of items in a tablescape.

Fill your hanky vases carefully with a small amount of water if you're going to display fresh flowers. Otherwise, display dried or silk flowers. I used the only flowers that were in bloom in my backyard for this tablescape--orange lilies and a small purple flower.

 

Enjoy your tablescape! 

DIY Suede Wrap Necklace

Here's an easy DIY suede wraparound choker that can double as a lariat necklace.

There are lots of ways to wear this choker. Pictured below is the same choker with a bow tied in the center.

You can also wear it as a lariat necklace. Just fold it in half, drape around your neck, and drop both ends through the loop that forms from the fold.

Here's how to make the necklace. The only materials you will need are suede lacing and two large-hole 8 mm brass beads. The only tool necessary is a pair of scissors. The first step is to cut a 64-inch length of suede. Cut both ends diagonally. I used genuine leather suede for this particular necklace, but you can use faux suede instead, if you prefer.

Next, make a simple overhand knot about two or two and a half inches from one end. Straighten the knot, if necessary and tighten it. Slide a brass bead on the cord from the other end, and position it next to the knot.

 

 Make another overhand knot on the other side of the brass bead, snug it next to the bead, and tighten the knot

String a brass bead on the other end of the cord, and repeat the process.

 

And that's it! Your suede wrap necklace is all ready to wear.