Wedding Bands: What a Palaver

WARNING: Crazy bride lady!!!!!

Phone camera photo of my engagement ring
As sent to my family, as I was on holiday in Scotland

If there is one thing I know that drives BH crazy it's my inability to make a decision quickly, we have spent hours in restaurants with me trying to decided what I want to eat and when it comes to clothes shopping, well! tbh, he's given up.

I thought I was doing ok with the wedding; I seemed to have gone the other way - I knew exactly what I wanted and was prepared to put in the work to get it, that was until it came to the rings...

When we were in Scotland a few months ago we popped into the Edinburgh branch of the Jewellers BH had purchased my engagement ring from; this visit was a change for my man to have a look and try on some rings to figure out if it was something he wanted, at the time I also had a look at rings and quite liked the way a 2mm band looked. 

LimeBlue store Farnham

Then 6 weeks ago we went to the store local to us and had a look again, this time the lady went through a few more options, but I stuck with 2mm, even though I was unable to try it on my ring finger as the sample was too small. 

Last Saturday we went and collected the rings, and for the first time I was looking at MY ring! and it was small, so small it looked like a washer. On Sunday we gave the rings to my parents to keep safe. Sunday night I got myself into a tizz and decided it was definitely too small, rang my Mum Monday and had the ring posted back.

Today I went back to the shop, they were very understanding, let me go through the options again and sorted everything out so I could order a different width. I selected a 3mm band this time and left the shop. 

About 30 minutes later I returned, still not 100% certain, did I actually want a 2.5mm (I know I am totally crazy). Out came the boxes once again, the lovely staff suggested different ways to look and compare the rings to get a really good idea. After some discussion and encouragement and reassurance I was happy with the decision I had made early, I stuck with my new order and for the first time new I was happy with my choice of ring, that I will (hopefulyl) be wearing for decades to come.

I cannot recommend LimeBlue enough, the staff have been so friendly and helpful on every occasion  If they can put up with me, they will give anyone the best service available and their diamonds are stunning!

If you live locally to one of their stores (or are passing near by) definitely take a few moments to pop in and have a look.

Accessories: hair, jewellery and shoes (oh my!)

In a post for Dotty Vintage Wedding I have discussed the dress and I thought I would also do something here about my accessories.

Jewellery

My original idea had been to make all my jewellery. However, once I started trying on dresses and really imagining what I would look like, I realised that I already owned my wedding jewellery.

For my 21^st Birthday I was given a pearl necklace from my parents and the matching bracelet by my sister. They are simple stings of beautiful creamy pearls. Since deciding that I would wear these I have been told ‘not to worry about earrings’, which I take to mean someone has already said they would like to get me something to match.

A beautiful and simple pearl jewellery set, similar to mine.
by Highland Angel Weddings on Not On The High Street

Hair

I have long curly hair, something that I thought I could loose after it started falling out during a period of very ill health. So once it started growing back in, I knew I wanted to wear my hair down and in some sort of curls.

Stunning hair  accessory ideas (clockwise from top left)
Antique Gold Side Tiara, Feather Art Deco Birdcage veil, Crystal decorated Hair ribbon,
Pearl headband with side flowers and pearl nature inspired headband

After looking at the options on Bridal shops and browsing many beautiful options online, I decided I wanted to make my hair pieces myself. I purchased some pearls and Swarovski crystals, as well as the relevant findings. After a couple of practices I soon found that both items I wanted to make were easy.

The tiara/hair band I made, a single line of alternating pearls (natural potato) and Swarovski crystals (clear and pale lilac), is identical to what the local Bridal shop stocks (£50) and I made it for a fraction of the price (approx £10) in less than an hour.

Paradise Jewellery UK have this elegant Swarovski pearl
and crystal  hairband/tiara

I am also considering wearing a veil and my thoughts on this can be found in my previous post Veiled in confusion.

Shoes

I love shoes, if I had more money I would have a wardrobe full of them! So when it cam to choosing me shoes I got carried away. At first I fell in love with a pair of Diane Hassell shoes from Elegant Steps called Buttercup, but the price tag was a big issue, and while they were still available I hadn’t yet chosen my dress.

Buttercup

Then a few weeks before I went dress shopping I was looking at Irregular Choice shoes, and saw a pair that were stunning. After choosing the dress and talking through the final look with my Mum and sister, I went ahead and purchase the White and Gold Courtesan shoes which were limited edition to Schuh. I also managed to find a matching Irregular Choice bag on Amazon.

I have also got a pair of flat shoes, ready for dancing!

My shoes and handbag

Getting married in winter has led to lots of other accessory choices including wellies, brollies and how to keep warm. My thoughts on these can be found here.

TTFN ~ Kate xxx

4 Somethings

Most English/British Brides know the rhyme:
'Something Old, Something New,
Something Borrow, Something Blue
And a sixpence in my shoe'

Being a traditionalist at heart, I really wanted to make sure I met the 'somethings' criteria, and I wanted to do it so I had an item (or items) to cover each point. The Knot suggests these are tokens given at the last minute by close female relatives, however most Brides I know have pre-planned the items.

Something Borrowed
I know the logical thing would be to cover this in order, but my something borrowed is my most important item and I want to explain why it is borrowed and not old.

My parents on their wedding day

Meaning: by carrying/wearing something borrowed from a happily married woman you are hoping that their good fortune and long lasting, happy marriage will be carried into your future.

I cannot find the link, but I read somewhere that a good item to borrow is a veil, as this was the item to keep evil spirits from the bride.
 I really liked this idea so set about asking the women i am close to about their veils. Getting married within 4 years of each other my Mum, future MiL and Auntie all had some sort of late 70s/80s Juliet cap - while this look is going through a revival, it does not fit with the simple, classic feel I'm aiming for.
I am still considering a veil and to read more thoughts on this,                                                        please see my previous post.

Silver coin purse

Instead I have selected to carry a silver coin purse. I have no idea how old this coin purse is, but I do know it has been carried by my Great Grandma, my Grandma, Mum, Auntie and sister at their weddings. All have happy marriages that are an example to me of what it takes to make a relationship work and all are important women to me. My Ma & Pops have been together 58 years, some of that good fortune would be welcome in our future!



Something Old

Meaning: By Carrying something old a Bride is carrying continuity to the past and the family she is 'leaving'

I have a sting of Baby Pearls, they are a short necklace of small beads that I was given on my 1st Birthday from my Mum & Dad, they had previously been my Mum's and were given to her on her 1st Birthday also.
They date from the late 50s/early 60s and are the oldest piece of jewellery I own.
I can't wear them as they are too short for a necklace and too long for a bracelet, but I am looking at options for how I can incorporate them into my day.

Something New

Meaning: Looking forward with optimism for the future

Brides today will wear many new things on their wedding day and I have been mulling over what i should count as this item. My shoes will have been broken in. My dress will only be worn on the day, and I want my 'something' to be something I wear/use during our marriage. My Jellewery was a 21st present (see up-coming post on Dotty Vintage Weddings).
However I have been told that someone will be getting me earring to match my pearls, I don't know when I will get these (there's still Christmas and my Birthday before the wedding), but if I don't wear them until the day, they will be brand new and something I will use for years to come

Blue bead as
part of hair piece

Something Blue

Meaning: Blue in British tradition represents love, fidelity and purity. Other colours carry the same meaning around the world, tho I do wonder if this was put in place so it rhymed.

I have chosen to make some items for my hair and incorporated into one of these are 2 blue Swarovski crystals.

TTFN ~ Kate xx

Disney, Displays and Damp

I love half term holidays!
It gives me a chance to catch my breath and catchup with friends, particularly my lovely Goddaughter who was able to visit with her mum & 3 siblings. This week also brought my first opportunity to sell some of my things at an Autumn Fair hosted by one of the churches I work for.

I love seeing Terri, T and the family, although fitting all 4 children into our small flat is always amusing, especially when they empty the Playmobil and Lego across the lounge floor. 4 days after their visit and I'm still standing on tiny plastic animals.

Thankfully we were able to get out for an hour and take a walk around the pond to feed the ducks.

But the best thing I can do to keep them entertained and quiet, so Terri & I can talk weddings, is to put on one of my Disney DVDs. I LOVE Disney.

Having recently been asked what I would like for Christmas and it being suggested that my friend adds to my Disney collection, I ended up listing the DVDs that I own and there were about 35 in total!
From the classics like Aladdin and Cinderella to some of Pixar's best like Up and Nemo and their fab live action, especially Narnia.
I did, however, discover that the disc for Hunchback of Notre Dame was missing and that I do not own The Lion King (shocking, I know!!!)

From my love of all things Disney I have recently been pondering how I could be inspired by their stories in what I make. So far I have made a couple of pieces based on Alice in Wonderland, and thinking about the charms I would  need for Cinderella. Would love to do something for Aladdin, but that would mean lots of lovely new charms (oh no, WHAT a shame!!!...)

Alice and Wonderland inspired Bag charm

'Red Queen' charm bracelet - SOLD!!!
Inspired by the court of the Queen from Alice in Wonderland

Yesterday (Saturday) I went to a small market at one of the churches I work for. Only 5 stands (bric-a-brac, hand made bags, franchise home business stationary bits, books, cakes and me), a tombola and a raffle. I only took earrings, bracelets, cards and boxes,as I only have 3 finished painted letters.

On Thursday I started to panic,  realising that I had nothing to display my jewellery on. My sister had given me her jewellery doll, but when I tried to hang something, the wire arms sadly drooped to one side and no amount of super glue could help.
I started to raid the flat, I went through the recycling, all my craft supplies and even my kitchen for ideas. With craft knife and glue I put all my childrens worker skills to the test and then went on a spree in 'Tiger' a shop I love in Basingstoke, and by Friday evening I had a wonderful display.

Bracelets in a small case w/
sticky hooks to hang examples

A whisky tube, covered in fabric

A card box w/ ribbon loops
& covered in pretty paper
mounted on another covered box

Seating plan from my sisters wedding.
frame made & hearts attached by Dad,
I tied the bows & bride printed lists.

I wanted something with different heights and colour. For my cards I had the frame my Dad made for my sisters wedding, this sat on a chair to give a back drop to the display.

The simplicity of glass bowls showed off
my cheapest items and allowed beautiful
display at a low level.

I dug out my jewllery doll (which didn't break) and placed the whisky tube on a pretty gift box to give it extra height.
A heart shaped jewellery display and the spotty case filled the middle space. And my impulse-buy Sainsbury's glass bowls created the lowest level.



I forgot what it was like to go to one of those insular community fairs/markets, everyone goes to the church or is related/lives near someone who goes to the church. Most people just came in, had a coffee & cake and purchased a strip of raffle tickets. Lots of people looked at my stand, many commented that I was 'such a clever girl' (in a patronising voice, as if shocked that someone in their twenties could master a pair of pliers), one commented that everything was out of her price range - meaning they were more than £1.

BUT I made 4 sales!!!! which I'm taking as a success as there were 50 people (and that's being optimistic) who visited in the 2 hours.

Also this week we have discovered that there is a leak in the flat (probably a pipe from upstairs) that runs from the corridor, around the door, both inside and out, through the bathroom and into the en-suite... (it sounds like a chase from an Enid Blyton book) All quiet dramatic really.

Our en-suite ceiling. eek... Does anyone have the number for the TARDIS?

A bit of a long post but a busy and fun week.
Back to work tomorrow but the next holiday is CHRISTMAS.... time to start making my Christmas bits. YAY!!!

p.s. I have almost finished my Christmas shopping, yes I am, one of THOSE annoying people, but what can I say I love Christmas just as much as I love Disney...x

103 days

Only 103 days until Christmas -eek!

I am planning to make most of the gifts this year, not only will it be good practice but it will also (hopefully) work out to a little less expensive.

I am also trying to sign up to 3 craft fairs during November & Christmas fairs connected with the church I work for in December - I therefore need to get a shake on and build up my supplies, and what i have available to to sell.

As well as my jewellery I would like to make & sell some seasonal bits, and when I saw these cute bead & ribbon trees on another blog I had to give them ago, along side my beaded angels  I hope people will be tempted to buy one.

 

I have also developed a new style of bracelet that I am calling 'Aurora' they feature two strands if wire; between the larger beads two smaller beads sit on their own strand adding dimension and interest. 

Here are 3 of my new bracelets

'Aurora - bright'

'Aurora - earth'

'Aurora - strawberries & cream'

In my previous post I told you about the bookmarks I ordered - here is my first attempt. Let me know what you think

Getting snappy

I have finally found a space in the flat that I can use to get clear photos - one problem: its the balcony so finding time when it's not raining means that it will take a while to get the photos of most of my creations.

I did manage to get a couple today; here's a selection

Hand painted/decorated gift boxes

Small key charms
*Please note keys & ring nit included

Love themed double keys charms
*please note keys & ring not included

To see more images of my items please see my facebook page.

Until net time xx