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.

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