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
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| Georgette Headdress - 1950's Reworked Brooches with Diamante Vines - Unique |
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| Martha Hair Vine - Hand Beaded Organza Flowers on a flexible Hair Vine - Unique |
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| Ophelia Headdress - Stunning Mother of Pearl Flower & Diamante Headdress - Limited Edition |
