Gorgeous Bridal Accessories: An interview with One Little Dove

Today's interview features Melanie from One Little Dove.  Melanie is located in New York, NY.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a freshly-married lady from NYC, where i live with my dreamboat husband, David. by day, I'm a senior producer of websites for luxury brands, and by night, i get my craft on, making veils and fascinators. (you can blame my day job for my love of fancy things and obsession with getting the details right.)

What special things do you create for weddings?
i create veils & fascinators with clean lines and a vintage touch. i love that coco channel quote about taking one thing off before you leave the house; i think about that a lot when I'm creating new pieces.

Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?

i taught myself to make veils as a joke for my best friend's bachelorette party--i made her an insane veil with rhinestones & feather crown. i thought it was ridiculous, but a few people at the party insisted that i should explore selling them. once i had some practice playing with different birdcage veil styles in preparation for my own wedding, i decided that those folks were on to something, and i opened up shop on etsy in 2009.

What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?

i feel strongly about maxing luxury-quality pieces, and am crazy about proper finishing. i always think about whether or not i would be happy wearing the piece for my own wedding, so if it takes an extra hour to finish an edging just so or get the positioning just right, to me, it's worth the time.

If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?

i wish i hadn't waited to make my veil until the last minute! it was a bit of a "the cobbler's children have no shoes" situation--i spent so long trying to decide what i wanted to make for myself, that i ended up whipping up my veil an hour before the wedding. it came out well enough, but i would have liked to develop the idea a little better.

What is your favorite wedding song?
i love Ingrid Michelson's "the way i am." i am a sap.

What trends do you see happening in your specialty at the moment?

i see a lot of double-layer tulle & Russian net veils happening now, but it's a difficult look to pull off. I'm also seeing more traditional-style veils cropping up, like the mantilla. I've begun to play around with some nontraditional variations on it, like my feather trim mantilla veil, which has been a whole lot of fun:

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?

i really value the experience of wedding planning (i think it's excellent practice for marriage), but my very favorite part was the vows. seeing my strong-guy husband well up while we read them was like no other moment.

What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?

when things get stressful, breathe and remember the light at the end of the tunnel. the day will be transcendental if you let it be.

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?

we went to greece… santorini is gorgeous!

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they

be?

hands-down, Dita Von Teese. she's got the perfect vintage luxury vibe.

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?

that would be my modern classic birdcage veil. it's a classic design, and the magic of it is that it can be positioned in different ways, so it works with every face shape:

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy, wedding or

otherwise?

I'm obsessed with afavorite (http://www.etsy.com/shop/afavorite). they make the funniest thank-you cards… i will never stop buying the "you're f@!%ing amazing" pack, it's always gets a laugh.

Do you have a website, blog, where we can read more about you and your work?

blog: http://onelittledove.wordpress.com/

twitter: http://twitter.com/onelittledove
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onelittledove







photos by kellan studios: http://kellanstudios.com/

Monday Spotlight with: Tiarasandfascinators

This weeks spotlight features Nicola from TiarasAndFascinators.

A few tidbits about Nicola:

She is located in Birmingham, UK, and her favorite color is green; "calming olive green, not neon headache green!"  A quirky fact about Nicola "I once slept in the same room as Arnold Swarzenegger... not at the same time though!"

Nicola's favorite shop on etsy is WhichGoose  "I love her romantic, whimsical pieces, and they always make me want to run around a cornfield in a floaty dress!  I'm more of a window shopper these days, due to money being tight, but I have lots of favourites I love on Etsy."
"I've just completed my first eBook which I am super proud of.   It's brand new in my shop and is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own crystal snowflakes. Perfect for winter!http://www.etsy.com/listing/60352159/how-to-make-crystal-snowflakes-ebook"

You can learn more about TiarasAndFascinators by following the links below:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiarasAndFascinators
http://tiarasandfascinators.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/pages/tiarasandfascinators
http://twitter.com/lovefascinators

Monday Spotlight with: Tessa Kim

Todays Monday spotlight features Tessa Kim, from you guessed it TessaKim!

A few tidbits about Tessa Kim:

Tessa Kim's favorite color is green. She has holiday candles and scents in my home all year round :D  Her favorite shop on etsy is sweetpetula, "I have purchased through her twice now but I plan to buy many more things, esp for the holidays!"

You can learn more about TessaKim by following the links below:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tessakim
http://tessakim.com/

http://tessakim.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/tessakim
http://twitter.com/tessakim

Monday Spotlight With: heknowsmyname

Today's Monday Spotlight features Kay Kwon from @heknowsmynamesh.

A few tidbits about Kay Kwon:

Kay Kwon's favorite color White.  "There are thousands kinds of beautiful white's that exist." : Kay got married in Dec 2008.  After that she became involved in bridal headpiece design and got thousands of ideas for one of a kind weddings. Now she wants to have 3-4 different theme wedding ceremonies for herself, but with same guy! :P

Her favorite shop on etsy is haveitconfections. "I have ordered Marshmellows and Caramels(already!) three times. It's pretty pricey but others cannot go against them!

You can learn more about Kay and He Knows My Name by following the links below.

http://heknowsmynameshop.com/

http://twitter.com/heknowsmynamesh

Luxury Handmade Garters: An Interview with Natalie Briggs

This week's interview features Natalie Briggs. Natalie is from Perth, Western Australia.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live on the west coast of Australia with my husband. I recently got married in March 2010 and love looking and bridal magazines (still). I love arts and crafts and makeing as much of the things around my home my self.

What special things do you create for weddings?

I specialise in making handmade bridal garter sets that are modern, sexy with a vintage twist. I want to revive the 'bridal garter' with more fun and modern designs using the best materials in the most interesting way.

Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?

During planning my own wedding, i was disappointed in the lack of variety of bridal garters in the bridal stores. Many were very expensive, looked very out dated and cheaply made. So i thought i can do this better!

What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?
I like to use items nad materials in an interesting way, either layed differently, a bow slightly on its side. Little differnces from the 'norm' make for very interesting pieces.

If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?
Most of my wedding was pretty much perfect, i wish i did have a more interesting bouquet. I made my own out of silk flowers but im no florist, they looked great but a bit 'normal' to what i have now seen on other out there after my wedding.

What is your favorite wedding song?
I dont really have a favourite wedding song as my music choices a little differnt from most. But i think the wedding march is a timeless classic which will be used for years to come.

What trends do you see happening in your specialty at the moment?
Trends in garters i see happening at the moment is moving away from too much lace and garters looking more like pieces of jewellery rather than lingerie, which is lovely!

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
I love the planning of a wedding, the very first stages- choosing a colour theme, style to base the whole event on. This is normally the hardest bit, theres so many options out there.

What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?
Make sure you get references for your hair and make up ladies. I had trials before and they were great, but on the wedding day they lost the phots they took from the trial, and even though i explained to them how my hair and make up was done, they did it completely differently and didnt really care.

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
We went to hawaii for our honeymoon, its such a peaceful layed back part of the world to relax after the stress of a wedding.

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?

Anyone really, a classy celebraty thougth!

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?

Anyone really, a classy celebraty thougth!

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?

It would be my Sexy Ivory Pearl Black Lace Garter Set, its my most popular line and all of my brides love it.

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy, wedding or otherwise?
Bellina Bridal has the most beautiful wedding dresses.

Do you have a website, blog, where we can read more about you and your work?
I have a blog which im currently working on http://www.nataliebriggs.blogspot.com/ where i talking about ideas for brides and updates on new garters and competitions.

Vintage French beading with a modern touch: An interview with Bead Flora Jewels

This week's interview features Fen Li of Bead Flora Jewels.  Fen is located in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I discovered the art of French Beaded flowers about 8 years ago and have been in love ever since.... Hi, My name is Fen and I'm a bead-a-holic.  I have an OCD personality. If I like something, I go all out! I don't mess around ;) I do have a degree in graphic communications but obviously it wasn't my calling. While I was supposed to be doing my homework in college, I beaded roses instead.

What special things do you create for weddings?
My beaded flower bouquets are the stars of my etsy shop. Like any good marketer, I also create beaded hair accessories, clutches, rings, etc at lower points.

Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?
Me, myself, and I! :) For my wedding, I designed my bridal bouquet and it has gone off from there. My parents saw how I was beading night and day and working full time and nagged me endlessly to just buy fresh flowers instead. I was tempted at times because I was just running ragged from planning my wedding, working full time, and beading my bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, 10 beaded centerpieces... oh my, just writing all of that is bringing back all the stress. But I told them, no. I'm known for my beaded flowers so how can I abandon who I am when it comes to the most important day of my life.

What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?
Some of my work aren't really "French." I've adapted some of the techniques so it's not entirely French in its purest form.

If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?
I wish I made beaded hair accessories when I had my wedding.

What is your favorite wedding song?
Teresa Teng - The Moon Represent my Heart. I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version.

What trends do you see happening in your specialty at the moment?
Tiffany blue is hot right now.

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
My favorite part is the end. Yeah, seriously. I was so stressed out planning, I couldn't wait until it was over. The day was beautiful and I have many happy momentos.

What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?

My advice to brides...take it easy and enjoy the moment. It's just one day and all you have will be memories. It doesn't help to get stressed out...or fight with your parents about whose wedding it is. It's your day. period.

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
I didn't go on a honeymoon. I went to work the next day... long story. :)

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
I think Angelina Jolie will look fabulous with my Crimson Passion bouquet...she's already married, right? Maybe the next wedding... ;) just kidding.

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?

Any bride would need to dress up their tootsies with some fabulous beaded shoe clips like these blooooming amber silver shoe clips:

 
 
 
 
 
What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy, wedding or otherwise?
There are so many. Wedding related shops

http://norakaren.etsy.com/ - Nora creates the most beautiful painted peacock shoes. I have a pair and wear it to the office sometimes and makes the day feel more festive.
http://chloeandmaddie.com/ - Kim makes the most beautiful hair pieces..wedding and otherwise.

Do you have a website, blog, where we can read more about you and your work?
Website: http://www.beadflora.com/

Blog: http://beadflorajewels.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/beadflroa

Handmade Bridal Butterfly

It’s the little touches here and there that pull a theme together and the same is true for a butterfly theme. Here from the Etsy Wedding Team are some ideas for using beautiful butterflies in your wedding.

Stationery. Your butterfly motif can be used as an icon, an overall pattern or in a monogram repeated throughout your stationery. For a more varied look, use butterflies in new ways. These butterflies fluttering in flight offer a different view. {handmade by www.anaderoux.etsy.com}


Jewelry. Wear your theme in jewelry with earrings, bracelets and necklaces that feature butterflies. With many options you can find designs to match your style, from classic to bold. {handmade by www.MGMart.etsy.com}


Hair. With color and stylish accessories, such as crystals and feathers, a butterfly hair accessory can become a statement piece in your bridal look. {handmade by www.Mikiye.etsy.com}


Flower Girls and Bridesmaids. Distribute your theme to your wedding party. Shoe clips, cufflinks and headbands are wonderful places to add butterflies. {handmade by www.luly612.etsy.com}


Ceremony. You don’t have to wait until the reception to use your design motif. Ceremony program, ring pillow and petal cones can all include your butterfly theme. {handmade by www.YANDEBRIDAL.etsy.com}


For more beautiful handmade wedding accessories browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Beautiful Bridal Headbands

Handmade headbands can be a simply elegant way to complete your bridal hair look. And with so many lovely choices headbands can be at home in weddings of all types, from vintage to glamorous and from day to evening.

From the Etsy Wedding Team, here’s a collection of beautiful handmade bridal headbands. Which do you love?


{handmade by www.BeSomethingNew.etsy.com}

{handmade by www.TiarasAndFascinators.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.MGMart.etsy.com}



{handmade by www.TessaKim.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.bobbijordan.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.heknowsmyname.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.ShellScapes.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.hairbowswonderworld.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.OriginalsByLynnette.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.FeathersandFrills.etsy.com}


{handmade by www.BeadFloraJewels.etsy.com}


For more handmade bridal fashion, please browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Beautiful Bridal Clutches

Clutches are a stylish finishing touch to your bridal look. From classic to whimsical, your bridal purse can say a lot about your personal style. From the Etsy Wedding Team here are 4 looks for handmade bridal clutches.

Feminine Whimsy. Purses with lovely fabric folds and dangles can work well with similar elements in your dress or just the opposite, such as a whimsical clutch with a sleek dress. {handmade by www.bellesandcrystals.etsy.com}



Pattern and Color. For something a little different try colorful patterns. These are also great for bridesmaid purses and gifts. {handmade by www.DavieandChiyo.etsy.com}


Classic Elegance. For classic grace that never goes out of style, you can't go wrong with black and white with lace. {handmade by www.percyhandmade.etsy.com}



Sleek and Stylish. For modern and evening weddings, consider sleek clutches with a touch of drama. {handmade by www.thesocialseam.etsy.com}

For more handmade bridal style, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Beautiful Birdcage Veils

So fashionable and modern, birdcage veils are popular choices for many brides today. Handmade birdcage veils are classic on their own. But add accessories and you can make your veil more personal. From the Etsy Wedding Team, here are some ways to beautify your birdcage.


Add Floral. Floral fascinators pair nicely with birdcage veils. Change the overall look with different sizes, designs and colors. The larger, more colorful or more sparkled the floral you choose the bigger the drama. {handmade by www.annemichelleheirloom.etsy.com}


Add Glamour. Vintage or vintage-style hair combs can really give you that golden age Hollywood glamour that birdcages often evoke. Rhinestones and feathers especially reveal that vintage charm. {handmade by www.TessaKim.etsy.com}


Add Bling. It’s possible to incorporate design on the netting itself, such as jewels, beading, dots, for a unique look. These wonderful details are treats when seen up close. {handmade by www.heknowsmyname.etsy.com}


Add Height. Birdcage veils may be smaller than many traditional veils, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Add drama and fun to your veil by adding height, through feathers, flowers, jewels or other stunning accessories. {handmade by www.hairbowswonderworld.etsy.com}

Add Color. Beyond white and ivory, you can often request handmade veils in other colors, like black and red. This is a great option if you have a non-white dress or will be adding coordinating colors on a sash, shrug or other accessories. {handmade by www.JadeRoseDesigns.etsy.com}


Add a Headband. Headbands, in addition to clips, pins and combs, give you another way to secure your veil. In some designs they are intended to disappear into your hair. But with some options you gain more surface area for lush accessories. {handmade by www.BeSomethingNew.etsy.com}

For more veils, birdcages and other bridal accessories, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Unique Wedding Jewelry

In addition to being beautiful, your wedding jewels can be statement pieces that shows your personal style. From the Etsy Wedding Team, here are 5 ways to add more personal style to your bridal jewelry.


Look Global. Get inspired by traditional designs and motifs from around the world. This design uses gold beads from Bali. {handmade by www.bobbijordan.etsy.com}


Go Organic. Irregular shapes and designs influenced by nature can complement an outdoor, eco-friendly or intimate gathering. A twig inspires this design. {handmade by www.bmjnyc.etsy.com}


Try Different Jems. Look for unusual jems for bridal jewelry. For example, this design uses an opal. {handmade by www.handmadebydiana.etsy.com}


Inject Color. A little color when expected can go a long way. These earrings feature red and black which may match your bridesmaid dresses or a sash on your gown. {handmade by www.JoiedeVieJewelry.etsy.com}



Shape Up. Even before color, the eye notices shape first. Play with non-circular or square shapes for an eye-catching design. {handmade by www.belcanto.etsy.com}

Looking for more handmade wedding style? Browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Handmade Weddings: Make a Statement

Sometimes you just want your guests to say, wow. (It’s okay to admit it!) For those wow moments handmade wedding designs and accessories can be at the center.

Here are some design ideas from the Etsy Wedding Team to add more star power to your wedding.
Go Bigger. Yes, sometimes bigger is better when you want to make a statement. You can do this by adding more of an item to a tablescape, for example, or actually making your accessory bigger, longer, etc. {handmade by www.heknowsmyname.etsy.com}


Go Shinny. Especially when the accessory is not typically metallic, shinny or sleek, adding that texture will really make it stand out from others. {handmade by www.ruffhouseart.etsy.com}


Go Unexpected. Do you need really to wear gloves in spring? No, but don’t they look awesome? Adding unusual accessories or unusual style will definitely spark conversations at your reception. {handmade by www.Countessa.etsy.com}

Go What? Surprise your guests, literally. One-of-a-kind handmade pieces can be show stoppers, and make your wedding style more memorable. {handmade by www.hairbowswonderworld.etsy.com}


Go Detailed. Adding that extra detail where not expected (like your feet!) can really underscore how much thought you’ve put into your wedding design. {handmade by www.FeathersandFrills.etsy.com}

For more “wow” wedding designs, browse the Etsy Wedding Team at the left.