Ronald+Joy

When I look at my four sisters,

I really don’t know how I ever survived childhood.

Ha ha.

So much has changed, but we’re still a big hot mess. 

And I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. 

There’s no way I can explain or describe the dynamics of each relationship I have with each sister, but I’ll tell you this:

They’re individually so different in their own right.

And I love each one so much.

Today, it’s all about my our baby sister, Joy.

This girl. 

We used to “hate” one another … like big sisters versus little sisters do.

Just ask our group of girlfriends growing up.

She’s exactly 1 year and 11 days younger than me.

Room, clothes, friends, and the list goes on…

We were forced to share everything with much resentment. 

Everything.

This only added to our annoyance for the other.

And now thinking back on it, I never ever ever thought in a million years that I would be sad to share her. 

Like what? How did that happen?

Y’all, my baby sister is a married woman now.

Witnessing her during this whole marriage process was more emotional than I ever thought possible.

Listening to her talk about her soon-to-be husband with so much love, care, and utmost consideration was a prideful experience for me.

For me, the best thing about being a big sister is watching your little sister grow up in all ways possible.

Joy likes to say “Sisters by birth, but best friends by choice” and I couldn’t agree with her more.

I’m so proud to be her big sister.

My family likes to joke that she got lucky with Ronald, but I know the truth.

And it’s the truth that Ronald married a sweet and caring soul who puts those she loves at the top of her priority list.

I know Ronald is at the very top and just know they’re in for a lifetime of happiness.

So Joy asked me to handletter a few signs for the reception.

They turned out a lot better than expected.

Their florists from The Petaler Co did such a beautiful job executing Joy’s vision by incorporating natural arrangements of florals and greenery at the reception hall. 

Look at that gorgeous flower wall!

*A little hint for later on*

So when you have two crafty sisters,

Y’all remember Jill right?

Ms. CEO of OMAC?!

…it can be confusing for the two of them on certain responsibilities they each have.

Example Numero Uno: Bridal hangers.

Jill and I both thought the other would take it upon herself to make Joy a bridal hanger.

She looked at me and I looked at her when the photographers asked if there were nicer hangers…

Um no.

We both forgot.

But I was not going to just call it an “honest mistake” and continue putting on my makeup.

I quickly rushed around the cottage rental in search for prettier hangers or pretty ribbon.

Nothing.

I remember holding a plain metal hanger we happened to find laying around.

And then looking at Joy’s beautiful bouquet…also remembering the gorgeous flower wall  being set up from the day before.

Freakin’ lightbulb went off.

I hastily told the photographers to give me 15 minutes and bolted out the door.

Yep, that’s me collecting leaves to embellish the metal hanger.

I was determined to give my baby sister a one-of-a-kind bridal hanger.

She loved it!

I saw some palm leaves and remembered my paint pens I packed in my makeup bag for “just in case”.

I live for opportunities like this.

WithJules made me confident enough that day to pull off these lovely details (on short notice).

Thank you both Joy and Ronald for letting me be part of your beautiful day!

I’ll end this post with my sweet family.

Thank you for reading and following along,

with me

Jules.

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DIYwithjules: Sweater Weather

A few Christmases ago, I tried to convince my four sisters to do this awesome DIY elbow patch tutorial together. Cute right?! Well not everyone was feeling it (surprise surprise) so it didn’t happen. I was pretty bummed out, but kept telling myself I would do it anyways.

I finally did it. 

And I can’t wait to wear it to one of my many holiday events this winter-ish season! Now, I just have to control myself from placing elbow patches on all my (and Khang’s) sweaters. 

Step One: Picking out a sweater (hardest part) and gathering rest of supplies (Hobby Lobby FTW)

1. Sweater (mine contained rayon+polyester)

2. Felting needle or similar 

3. Dense foam pad  (cut to size)

4. Wool roving (a little goes a long way)

5. Any cookie cutter shape to your liking or stencil or draw out your own!

6. Iron

Step two: Mark elbow with tape

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It’s important to try on your sweater and not just guessing it. Trust me. Remove tape after you place foam pad underneath marked spot. 

Step three: Position your “shape guide” and evenly place wool roving.

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Step four: (Slowly) Stab away m’dears. Stay VERTICAL or the needle will break. Trust me again.

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I agree with Erica about starting at the outer edges and working your way in. Don’t worry about the “holes”-that’s what the iron is for. Feel free to add more roving where needed. I like to remove the “shape guide” after getting an even surface to really refine the edges. 

Step five: Slowly remove patch from pad. Spritz water and iron on wool setting to smooth surface.

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Confession: I do not iron. Honestly, the iron pictured is brand-spanking new. I bought it for this tutorial. Judge my wrinkly clothes all you want.

Slowly pull patch from pad. You may need to use felting needle again to secure loose roving. 

Step six: Admire your lovely elbow patches. Always admire, y’all.

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Step seven: Ask a sweet friend to take photos of you…you cute little thing you… because it’ll be hard to do by yourself. Again, trust me. Plus, I really want to see too!

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Depending on the fabric, if you mess up then you might be able to pull off the roving and start over. I practiced on old sweaters just in case I messed up, which I did a lot. So please feel free to ask questions if you run into a problem. 

This also inspired me for my dental office’s “Ugly sweater contest” in a few weeks. Here’s a sneak peak. Did I mention that I’m a dental hygienist? Shout-out to all my UMMC girls!

Thanks for following and reading along,

with me

Jules.

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