Indie Wedding Guide

Designer View - Lara of Belfast Beach Jewelry

The Indie Wedding Guide would like to welcome Lara of Belfast Beach Jewelry for today's Designer View. Lara creates a beautiful line of sea glass tiaras and more.

Indie Wedding Guide - How did you get started creating with sea glass?

As a young girl spending summers on an island off the coast of Maine, I used to delight in exploring the shore at low tide in search of washed up treasure: small pieces of frosted, sea-smoothed glass and pottery shards with enticing bits of antique print rather than shells or stones.  I was fascinated by the romance of the story each piece held within, from its origin through the wave-washed journey to arrive years--even centuries--later at my feet.   

 

 

Today I am lucky enough to live where I can see the ocean out my windows, and frequent walks along the rocky beach allow me a chance for meditation and exercise out in the fresh sea air, as well as the opportunity to collect sea glass once again.  Realizing how precious these glass gems--once someone's trash!--have become due to more ecologically responsible methods of recycling and the popularity of plastic, I loved the idea of incorporating them into my jewelry creations, thereby carrying out a small form of recycling myself.  To me, these worn, faded bits of glass are diamonds, emeralds, amber and aquamarine--and red, the rarest color of all, rubies of course : ) and over the last few years I have shared my peaceful beach hunt with my faithful bichon frise dog Sammy, and then my son James as well, first in a frontpack, then a backpack, now finally running and playing around me.

 

 

 

I create bridal tiaras and headbands from carefully chosen sea glass, wrapped with gold or silver wire and embellished with seed pearls and crystals, which I sell both in local boutiques and in my online shop.  These unique, handcrafted headpieces would be equally appropriate at both a barefoot beach wedding and a fancy, formal church event.

Indie Wedding Guide - What does your company offer that the "big box" stores don't?

Unlike the more limited service a bride receives from a big-box wedding retail shop, I am happy to work together with her to create the perfect custom-designed tiara to crown her special day, and provide any color variations to complement her bridesmaids and wedding color scheme.  Every bride and every wedding is beautiful and unique, so why should you settle for a one-size-fits-all, mass-produced headpiece?  I derive much satisfaction from handcrafting one-of-a-kind, gallery-quality but affordable works of art which are both comfortable and elegant, and will be cherished both in the wedding photos and in the years to come.

Designer View - Reggieana

The Indie Wedding Guide would like to welcome Beth of Reggieana for today's Designer View. Beth creates a beautiful line of "Elegant & Affordable Ring Pillows"















What does it mean to you to be an independent designer?

I worked as a chemist for 8 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.  While the majority of the world may think chemists are dorky, secluded, high-tech nerds, the best chemists are the most creative.  After becoming a mom, not only did I miss "me time", but I also missed having a creative outlet.  That's when I bought a brand new sewing machine and started designing pillows.  Hundreds of pillows later, I still enjoy the excitement and challenge of creating a new design for a new customer.









What kinds of items and service do you offer that the larger companies don't?

I feel that the ring pillow often becomes an overlooked detail in the wedding planning process.  After spending so much time and money on the other more important wedding details, brides may be tempted to walk into a large retail shop and pick out a white frilly pillow and say "well, this one's good enough".  But it doesn't have to be!  I love creating custom pillows in both classic and modern styles.  I've made pillows in just about every color combination and size.  I've even had requests for ring pillows for dogs and teddy bears!  My personal attention to the unique desires of each customer can't be beat by large retailers.

Thanks again Beth for sharing why it's important to you for customers to shop outside "big box retailers" and choose independet designers like yourself.

Outdoor Wedding Series - All in a Nest

If you are planning an outdoor wedding, maybe it's time to think outside the box. That's what today's company does. They take you outdoors and create beautiful accessories that are truly unique. That's what I love most about independent companies, they dare to be different.

Mosey Handmade is a company formed around the ideas of reconstructed, recycled and re-loved.

If you are planning a garden wedding Mosey Handmade makes an adorable line of "nest accessories" These nesting birds in yellows would be a perfect adornment as a cake topper.

These Groom Boutonnières are so whimsical, I love that they are created with vintage millinery supplies, real acorns and acorn tops, wool roving and real moss.

Head over to Mosey for these delightful accessories "all in a nest".

- Gabreial Wyatt, Vintage Indie

Designer View - Kristin of Sweeter Than Me Bridal

Recently I spoke with indie  jewelry designer Kristin Friesen of Sweeter Than Me Bridal to discuss  what it means to her to be an  independent business and designer.

What does it mean to you to be an independent jewelry designer?

To me, being an indie designer of any kind means self sufficiency. Sharing my work with others is a secondary (and equally wonderful) perk of making jewelry. For me, I love the fact that I can make virtually anything I see. If I see a necklace on a girl on the street and I want it, I go home and make one. I love being able to look in my closet and design the perfect pair of earrings to go with any given outfit. Jewelry is a luxury that many people cannot usually afford, myself included, and I love the fact that I can make a little something special for myself at a fraction of the cost. Another thing that is really special for me is seeing my pieces in real life. For example, I was at my in-law's house a week or so ago and I saw my mother-in-law wearing a pair of earrings I gave her. It means so much to me seeing people really use and appreciate the things I design, it makes me so happy. This is why I create.
                                 

What kinds of jewelry and service do you offer that the larger companies don't?

Well, the real difference between buying handmade and buying commercially produced items is the level of personal service you receive. There is a lot of competition in the world of handmade jewelry and I do my best to set myself apart, but the thing that sets me apart the most is my consistent excellent customer service. I really pride myself on my level of customer service, I am always 100% committed to the satisfaction of my customers and I think customer relationships are extremely important. (And I haven't had a single unhappy customer so far!)
                                       
    Another big difference is this ability to customize. Large companies offer certain styles and if you don't like them, well then tough. If you don't like my styles, well then we work together to create something you do like. I am always up for doing custom work because I know how hard it can be to find that thing that's "just right". This is especially true for brides. You have that very specific necklace in your mind but you just can't seem to find it anywhere! It can be overwhelming trying to shop for jewelry and intimidating to ask a seller directly for help. Keep in mind that indie designers are real people just like you, who would love to help solve your problem. I am always so honored when women ask me to design their jewelry, and I truly enjoy helping them to create their perfect piece.

All of the pieces at Sweeter Than Me Bridal can be customized and tailored to fit the needs of any bride. Many pieces are shown in white/pearl/silver as an example but can be made in gold, ivory, or any other color to match chosen wedding colors for brides or bridesmaids.

- Gabreial Wyatt, Vintage Indie

Outdoor Wedding Series - Garden Themed Accessories

If your plan is to go with a garden style themed wedding consider these handmade accessories that will last for years to come rather than flowers that may dwindle within a few days.

Believe it or not but the gorgeous creation to your left is a small handmade botanical handbag with fabric leaves, & flower petals from The Other Sister.

The best part? These creations can be custom made to fit the color scheme of your wedding. You will be amazed at the flexibility that the designers give you for creating the perfect addition to your wedding.

Visit The Other Sister for their stunning line of botanical handbags, journals and more.

- Gabreial
Vintage Indie

A Toast to our Sponsor - Leaves of Glass

Vintage Indie & Eco-Chic Weddings would like to send a "toast" to our indie sponsor Leaves of Glass . We are thrilled to have a fabulous indie jewelery store with us!

Leaves of Glass is jewelry designed and handmade from sterling silver and vintage beads. Inspired by Chicago architecture, junk car lots, works of fiction, film noir, art deco design, and the magic that is vintage glass, Leaves of Glass designs marry delicate and industrial elements to create a look that's organic and urban.

I've simply fallen in love with the jewelry at leaves of glass. The magic of vintage is captured in each piece that Leaves of Glass creates, giving it a one of a kind feel.

Wedding accessories don't have to be all diamonds and pearls. Create something to remember by accenting your special day with a handmade treasure of gorgeous design and craftsmanship.

Visit Leaves of Glass today, for a full line of exquisite urban vintage jewelry.

 

Emily's Pick of the Day - Ashley Hilton

Ethical gold and sustainable jewelry are at the center of what's often referred to as "green washing." This is because the practice of mining gold and other precious metals and gemstones can rarely be done in a non-impactful fashion. Because of this, I most often recommend choosing vintage pieces. Ashley Hilton and his lovely work is an exception. Living in New Zealand, Ashley knows exactly where his materials come from--he can actually visit the mine near his home. And he is so serious about reducing his impact that he even learned how to fabricate his own metals. Not only are his designs ethical, they are also quite beautiful. And because each of his designs have not been mined or manufactured in a way that's destructive, his pieces have an intrinsic beauty that is truly rare.
- Emily
Eco-Chic Weddings

Gabreial's Vintage Alternatives - Making Choices

Accessories can sometimes play an important role in your wedding. Whether it's a piece of jewelry handed down from generation to generation or its a special handbag or clutch that holds wedding necessities and memories. You'll want to make sure it's a compliment to your dress and not just a last minute addition.

How about choosing something like this Vintage Beaded Rose Bridal Clutch.

 

There are so many already produced choices out there in vintage clutches. Like this Satin Opal Clutch, that you'll surely find something special and unique.

 

- Gabreial

Vintage Indie

 

A Toast to our Sponsor - Charming Sam

Vintage Indie & Eco-Chic Weddings would like to send a "toast" to our indie sponsor Charming Sam. We are thrilled to have a fabulous indie jewelery,art and ephemera store   with us to celebrate Indie Weddings Month!

Large numbers of brides have been making the leap from big box retailers to the unique offerings of independent designers. These socially conscious shoppers make purchases that do more than adorn their bodies. They choose jewelry and accessories that are extensions of their creative spirits, and they want designs that are unique and inspired.

Charming Sam Studio offers a full collection of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces for brides and bridal parties that match the vibrancy of the ladies who purchase them. From the whimsy of rare stones woven into earrings to the incorporation of antique watch findings and other unusual gems, Charming Sam's goal is to create designs that celebrate life’s travels.

Please visit the Charming Sam Studio Web site at www.charmingsam.com to view the entire collection of jewelry designs. And a special bonus for Vintage Indie readers, enter code VINTAGE during checkout for a 30% discount on your entire purchase.

A Toast to our Sponsor - Flying Needle Gallery

Vintage Indie & Eco-Chic Weddings would like to send a "toast" to our indie sponsor Flying Needle Gallery. We are thrilled to have a fabulous indie store with us to celebrate Indie Weddings Month!

From luxurious velvet wraps for bridesmaids or the bride, or even their mothers, customized to match their gowns – to an assortment of scarves as bridesmaids gifts, FlyingNeedleGallery creates limited edition and one-of-a-kind accessories.  A favorite is the burnout velvet “Mistral” scarf, finished with charms ( using heart charms, or charms bearing messages like ‘love’) – or cloisonné beads that create a bejeweled finish.









For the reception – or as a gift for the home – the Colorchiefs™ line caters to custom orders, offering unique selections of coordinated dinner and cocktail napkins, for a truly unique touch.  Whether a theme or a color scheme is chosen, this is a great way to pull your decorating motif together, and be green at the same time.  And if you’re looking for finishing home touches, we create pillows that will make you just dive onto that couch.


Coupon code for Indie Weddings: INDIEWED   for 20% off all orders valid though 6/30/08