Bellenza Materials Guide - Glossary A

Bellenza offers an exquisite array of uniquely handmade wedding favors and accessories chosen for both their unique design and distinctive materials. We have compiled a dictionary of terms to assist you in understanding the various materials and techniques used in creating the Bellenza line of wedding favors, bridal accessories, and attendant gifts. Enjoy viewing our exciting pictures - that offer ideas for packaging favors and presenting table decorations.

Abaca

- A valuable fiber that is derived from an indigenous plant called the Manila hemp plant (Musa Textilis) and belonging to the banana family (Musaceae). Abaca is cultivated once the Manila hemp plant reaches maturity. Also known for its versatility, these fibers are used by skilled craftsman for a variety of practical purposes. For instance, stronger and coarser fibers are used in creating binder twine, matting, and rope, while finer fibers are woven into beautiful native fabrics like sinamay. Moreover, these fine natural fibers are used in producing sinamay hats, placemats, bags, and decorative boxes. Among other applications, abaca together with cotton and other organic materials are used in making handmade paper. To see an example, please refer to our Charisse Heart Box.

Abalone

- Mollusk belonging to the Haliotis asinina and other types of species, which is commonly found in the warm waters of the Pacific. Also referred to as Donkey's Ear Abalone, the inner layer of the abalone shells produce a beautiful blue and green iridescent finish, making it ideal for use in a variety of shell-made decorative objects such as picture frames, jewelry boxes, serving trays, placemats, and coasters. A unique example of a picture frame using inlaid abalone shell is our Irrezia Abalone Frame - makes a decorative element for a nautical or beach themed wedding reception. Read more about nautical wedding favors.

Arabesque

- It is believed that the term 'arabesque' was coined during the 15th century, at a time when artists during the Renaissance popularized the use of this design in various decorative art forms. Arabesque is considered to be a style or motif where combinations of flowing lines are interwoven, often with flowers, foliage, fruits, and animals, to produce a scrolling or interlacing pattern. The most distinct aspect of a scrolling motif is the appearance of a continuous pattern, having neither a definitive beginning nor end. The scrolling motif can also be traced in early Chinese and Hellenistic art forms, and later in the art of the Moslem world where the motif can be found prominently in architecture, manuscripts, decorative objects, and tapestries. Refer to the Bianna Pearlescent Frame for an example of how an arabesque design has been applied to the silver-plated borders of this frame.

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Bomboniere

- Italian word commonly refered to wedding favors and are also called bomboniera. These are often handmade and constructed out of tulle fabric, carton, or paper, which traditionally is said to hold five Jordan Almonds or sugared almonds (a.k.a., confetti, koufetta, dragees). The underlying message of giving these five almonds is to bestow wealth, health, happiness, longevity, and fertility. It is believed that giving an odd number of these almonds signifies that marriage cannot be divided. High quality Jordan almonds are known to come from Málaga, Spain. Considered by many confectioners as the best cultivated almonds, these types of almonds (i.e., sweet almonds) are characterized by their narrow and elongated shape. Please refer to our Bella Tulle Bomboniere as an example of a tulle-made wrap.

Brocade

- In the early days, this luxurious fabric was originally known for having a raised design or pattern with gold or silver threads. As the fabric became popular, it became known as any fabric, such as knits, characterized by a raised design or pattern. Typically, the base of this heavy cloth is made of cotton material, while the design or pattern is often made of silk or rayon. Brocade fabric is made on a Jacquard loom and commonly used for tablecloths, wall curtains, placemats, and a variety of other objects for the home. The richness of this fabric made it a typical fabric for Chinese Imperial costumes and dresses. Brocade, specifically silk brocade, is also a popular fabric for the cheongsam dress worn by the bride during a traditional Chinese wedding. The cheogsam comes in an array of beautiful colors such as red, gold, apple green, and royal blue. Chinese silk brocade is commonly used as a material for creating jewelry boxes and pouches made to hold a variety of precious jewelry such as jade and pearls. Please refer to the lovely Lélancia Oval Box and the box of the Solilei Porcelain Slipper as examples of how brocade fabric has been used in favor boxes. Fabric-covered containers last longer than plain carton favor boxes without any lining - inside and outside.

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Capiz

-The scientific name for the marine bivalve where capiz is obtained is called Placuna Placenta. The most distinctive aspect of capiz is its beautiful translucent surface, making it ideal for creating a variety of decorative objects such as glass coasters, gift boxes, curtains, placemats, and picture frames. Please refer to the dainty Soëbelle Mini Basket whereby the siding of this petite wedding favor basket is uniquely crafted with delicate capiz shells. Ideal for a nautical, tropical, or summer garden wedding reception. Read more about seashell wedding favors and garden wedding favors.

Crystal

- Also known as quartz, it is often characterized as translucent, transparent, or tinged quartz with color. In the 17th century, Englishman George Ravenscroft made the discovery that mixing lead oxide with molten quartz produces a brilliant sparkle, but more importantly rendering crystal as a durable material. Crystals are now used in numerous objects ranging from crystal candy vases to jewelry. Please see an example of the use of fine Swarovski® crystals components used to decorate the borders of the Birgitta Crystal Frame - ideal table decorations for a fall wedding reception. Also, please refer to the Soséya Placecard Holder or Niña Kirei Jewel Votive as examples of how synthetic crystals are used in producing equally elegant jewel designs - perfect for accentuating any romantic jeweled wedding reception or bridal shower. Synthetic crystal is also commonly referred to as rhinestones.

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Delft

- The term Delft was originally referred to as Delftware. It also refers to tin-glazed earthenware with a cobalt blue and white motif that was named after the Dutch town of Delft during the 16th Century. By the 17th Century, East Asian pottery further influenced the designs of Dutch Delftware. The defining aspect of Delft is a beautiful blue and white motif coated with Kwaart. Delftware now encompasses a broad range of products from fine chinaware to flower vases. The beautiful Delft motif has inspired the use of its design on not only dinnerware, but also on table linens. To see an example of some Delft-inspired work, please see our Solilei Porcelain Slipper and Azuevo Porcelain Keepsake which are practical for bridal showers. Read more about fairytale wedding favors .