Sew, that was the week..........

Happy Friday,

So, my aim is to try and write in my blog once a week and do a sort of round up of what I've been up to. 

Well, this week it was exciting and boring all at the same time. Exciting because at last, I've loaded my brand new designs onto my Not On The High Street storefront. I've also re-opened my Folksy shop.

I initially opened my Folksy shop about two years ago but after joining Etsy and Not On The High Street, I somewhat neglected it. I still follow Folksy and there are some fabulous new designer/makers joining all the time and so I didn't want to miss out! So time to re-vamp it and add my new pieces.

The boring bit was having to do all the admin work of adding the new product listings on both sites. It can be quite a long laborious task, especially if you have quite a few to get on there.

However, it is all done now. And The Husband and I went out for a lovely dinner last night to celebrate meeting 10 years ago to the day! Time flies and all that.......

Here are the new pieces, photographed by the fabulous Blue Cloud Photography

If theres anyone out there listening, let me know what you think!
Gail
x

Away too long......

Well, I have to say I've neglected this blog for rather too long now - well over a year too long now. Life, tends to get in the way. Its very easy to do everything else (including the hoovering) rather than try and sit down and write a blog post.

So, as from today I'm going to (try) and write a post at least once a week. And if no-one but me reads it, well it doesn't matter. I want to have an online diary I can look back at, even if it is just for my own personal amusement (or shame).

This week, I've been trying out a new iPhone camera app to see if I could take better pictures with my camera phone. Instagram although lovely, just does not photograph my work particularly well. I needed more gizmos to make up for my poor photographic skills.

So, I have downloaded the TaDaa SLR app and below is my first try. Oh and the headdress is pretty damn lovely too (well I think so).

I think I need to practise a bit more as its definitely not perfect!
Gail
x

Glass Oyster's "Unique Treats" are here!

Good morning!

I'm excited to share some news with you today.  Glass Oyster is changing. No longer will I be offering a static yearly headdress collection but as from today, Glass Oyster is concentrating on unique, one off pieces or limited edition items, called "Unique Treats". This means that Glass Oyster designs will be constantly evolving and there will always be something new coming your way. 

Each piece has been hand crafted to include reworked trinkets such as vintage jewellery, lace remnants or is just a total design one off - never to be repeated! Therefore, Brides can be sure that they are wearing something completely special and lovingly made for their unqiue day.

I've been scouring antique markets, charity shops and the internet for beautiful finds & trinkets such as deco brooches, 50's diamante earrings, vintage bracelets and unusual & beautiful lace and fabric pieces. I re-work these finds into stunning, wearable bridal hair adornments. Many of the pieces feature my love of the floral and for hand beading. 

You may ask why the changes, especially when most other designers offer either a yearly or twice yearly collection?  Well, there are three specific reasons why things have changed. 

Firstly, I wanted to offer my Brides unique, individually crafted headdresses that included special trinkets or perhaps even a loved one's piece of jewellery; a headdress that would make my Brides feel they were wearing something really unique and special on their wedding day.

Secondly, I have a young family who were being somewhat neglected by their design obsessed mother!  It had come to a point where I realised my family were beginning to suffer for my passion. Because I design, make, market and administrate every aspect of this business myself, every spare minute I had was spent on Glass Oyster. Children were ushered promptly up to bed with a rushed bedtime story and warnings of "go to sleep right now" as Mummy needs to get on with some work! Not the kind of mother I wanted to be.

Finally, the biggest thrill I have in my work is designing and making something new. That is where my heart is and that's what I wanted to be doing ALL the time. I just love having a design idea, working it through, seeing it change and develop into the final piece. I love searching for trinkets to include in my designs - that's what gets the creative juices flowing!

So, there you have it. I am taking a risk changing my business model. I've had to stop stocking most of my boutiques and sell more direct and online. It's not the "normal" way to work but hey, who wants to be normal!!  And why do it that way just because most other people are???  

You will find me now mostly at www.glassoyster.com where you can buy through my Etsy shop - www.etsy.com/glassoysterbridal.  As of next year I am going to be very excited to be on "Not On The High Street" - the very fabulous online gift and accessories retailer. I may go back to selling to boutiques in the future but only if they buy into the "Unique Treats"!  

Anyway, keep an eye out for me on Facebook (Glass Oyster) and Twitter (@glassoyster) as I will be continually adding new pieces to Glass Oyster and will be previewing them there first.

Gail
xxx

Georgette Headdress - 1950's Reworked Brooches with Diamante Vines - Unique

Martha Hair Vine - Hand Beaded Organza Flowers on a flexible Hair Vine - Unique

Ophelia Headdress - Stunning Mother of Pearl Flower & Diamante Headdress - Limited Edition

Get Your Corsets on - Its Time for Some Burlesque Dancing!

Afternoon!

Just a little news that I shall be exhibiting at the Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fair this Sunday, the 25th November at the Portsmouth Maritime Club near The Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth.  

Forget (yawn) dull, uninspiring wedding fairs - this one rocks!  Well, not rocks but dances sultrily!  Not only will I be there showcasing my new "Unique Treats" one off and limited edition headdresses - but there will be lots of other fab, quirky and different suppliers there too. Along with a Christmas market, entertainment from "All In The Swing" and fabulous Burlesque dancing from those gorgeous ladies Ruby Revelle and Eris Evelier.

So get yourselves down there ladies to see some gorgeous goodies plus be entertained!

Gail
x

Finders Treaters - Lovely Lace Accessories.

Hello there.

Today, I have found a lovely treat for you and it's all about lace.

I've always loved lace. In fact even as a little girl, I dreamed of being married in a lace dress.  And I did.  Not a totally head to toe, covered in lace number, but a gorgeous Beverly Lister dress which was the first dress I tried on and fell in love with straight away.

So of course, I absolutely adore lace accessories.  From collars, to cuffs to rings. Anything beautiful with lace, I lust after.  Especially vintage lace pieces and the feelings of bygone eras that they evoke. But also there are some innovative and gorgeous new accessories out there by some very talented new designers. So as a style treat for you today, here is a selection of the best.

Enjoy. x

Decoramana via Etsy.com

Doris Chi Designs via Etsy.com

Doris Chi Designs via Etsy.com

www.ederajewelery.com

www.emmacassi.com

www.lilygardner.com

Judith Brown via www.ukhandmade.com

www.millymoore.co.uk

www.stelladot.co.uk

Whiteowl via Etsy.com

Paradise Found - A Love of the Victorian Era.

Hello,

Did anyone watch the new costume drama series on BBC1 - The Paradise?  Well I did and I think I am going to be hooked.  I am already a sucker for a good costume drama but I only get to watch them when H (a.k.a. Chris my husband) is out.  To be honest, I don't watch much telly, but I do look forward to my weekly instalment of Downton Abbey.  Not just to immerse myself in the many intertwining plots that are taking place, but also to covet the beautiful clothing and accessories that are on display.

So, the arrival of The Paradise which is based in an upmarket department store in Victorian Britain, has me kicking back on the sofa glass of wine in hand, chocolate at the ready and just revelling in not only the stories that are emerging but also the beautiful dresses, hats, and jewellery and the way the sets have been intricately dressed, down to the very last detail, definitely reflecting the current ongoing trend with vintage.

I love the whole corset and ruffle look of the Victorian era, along with the buttoned up gloves and hopelessly romantic jewellery.  If you are a bride with a love of Victoriana, then I've put together a few inspirational images for you to devour.
xxx

Photo: Chemistry Photography

Topsy Turvy Design

V Maiden Japan

Romantic Threads

www.frenchgardenhouse.com

I.Ingmur.com

Steam Punk Nation

Sweet Angel 1 @tumblr.com

Topsy Turvy Designs

Time for a fiddle? Mentalembellisher's gorgeous and creative jewellery.

Hello my friends.

Today I want to introduce you to something a little bit different on the blog.  The designer I am going to rave about has nothing to do with weddings - but has everything to do with creativity, fun, beautiful work and just something plain different. Well, I say "nothing to do with weddings" however, maybe nothing to do with "mainstream" weddings.  If you are a bride/groom who is up for a bit of originality, perhaps into the Steam Punk vibe, then this would be very, very relevant to you.  My blog is primarily about designers in the wedding industry but it is also about small independent, makers, artists and creatives who produce something extraordinary.  

Let me introduce you to Mentalembellisher's World of Fiddlebittery™ . 

Mentalembellisher is a jewellery designer who creates stunning pieces of jewellery from vintage finds and adds a fun, original twist.  Mentalembellisher explains: "we make unique jewellry using rare vintage typewriter keys and found objects. Many are Victorian Industrial and French Napoleonic inspired, using elements sourced in Europe. We sell one of a kind wearable art, rings earrings cufflinks handmade men's accessories. We specialize in custom type tags made from antique typewriter keys, using your choice of word. Everything is handmade in France and we are happy to personalize gifts".

I love the insect pieces, particularly the bees but to be honest, I could buy all of it!  

The other thing I love about Mentalembellisher is the way they portray the pieces in photography and social media such as FB.  Everything about this designer screams originality and passion.  

Mentalembellisher explains the design process "All pieces are handmade in the studio which overlooks an acre of lush gardens here on the beautiful west coast of France. Typewriter key jewelry is our focus, making something extraordinary to bring a smile to people's faces. Mentalembellisher finds inspiration in the unlikeliest of places, there is always something new and surprising to be found. Colour, humor and creativity are the three little words that spring to mind when browsing Mentalembellisher's shop". 

Aren't these pieces just stunning and so original?  I leave you with the gorgeous owl pendant.  

Gail

xxx