Monday Spotlight with: Originals by Lynnette

Todays Monday spotlight features Lynnette from Originals by Lynnette

A few tidbits about Lynnette:

Lynnette is located in the San Francisco Bay area, and her favorite colors are champagne and black.  She usually has three irons in the fire at any given time. "I'll wake in the middle of the night with a start because I was struck with some artistic inspiration or idea."  She is drawn to shops on Etsy with a nostalgic theme or feel. JujuToo has spectacular vintage, as does JensCloset. 

Lynnette is running the following sales this week:

Mention this etsyweddingteam promo during checkout, and I'll give you a 10% discount on the entire order and Free Shipping.

You can learn more about Originals by Lynnette by following the links below:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/originalsbylynnette
http://ohtwovintage.etsy.com/
http://sublimehousewarming.etsy.com/
http://twitter.com/OBLJewelry

Custom Bridal Jewelry: An interview with Something Jeweled

This weeks interview features Sarah from Something Jeweled.  Sarah is located in Ottawa, Canada.

Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm the sole designer behind Something Jeweled. I'm 23, from Ottawa, Canada, and I have a passion for all things beautiful and artistic! In conjunction with my etsy shop, I also work as one of the city's top bridal makeup artists (sarahwalshmakeup.com). I started my two businesses while in university. Now that I'm finished school, this is what I do full-time, and I absolutely LOVE it!

What special things do you create for weddings?
I create custom wedding jewelry for the bride and bridesmaids. My pieces are designed with freshwater pearls, Austrian crystal, and precious metals. I work exclusively with CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements.

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

From a young age, I've always designed jewelry as a hobby. I ALWAYS wear my own creations (usually my favorite coin pearl earrings and pendant). While working as a bridal makeup artist, my clients would always ask me where I got my jewelry! To their surprise, after hearing that I made it myself, they would always ask me to design something for them. A few years later, here I am with a full collection of designs, selling on Etsy!

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

I guess what makes my work unique is that every piece in my collection reflects my personal style. My rule of thumb is, "...if I wouldn't wear this on my wedding day, than it's not good enough to sell". I have very high standards in terms of design, wear-ability, and quality.

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

Not married yet! Still looking for prince charming!

What is your favorite wedding song?

I don't even know if this is a real song, but it's from the old tv show 'Full House' (haha!). The song Uncle Jesse sings to Becky at their wedding. It's called 'Forever'. LOVE it!

What trends do you see happening in your specialty at the moment?
Long, glamorous earrings, and a matching bracelet! A lot of brides prefer a bare neck.

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
Getting excited with brides about their wedding! I'm such a romantic girlie girl at heart! I like hearing about all the wedding details!

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

Don't over-plan. Things never run on schedule, there are always little bumps along the way. Relax, enjoy, and go with the flow!

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
Niagara Falls

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they
be?
Hmmm, well I don't really have any aspirations to design for anyone famous. I love designing symbolic and meaningful pieces for everyday women. It's the same when I do makeup, I would much rather work with a real woman over a model. I don't need to put a celebrity's face on my work to make it worth something.

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

"I think every bride should be dripping in crystal!

These earrings are my absolute favorite:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy, wedding or otherwise?
I admire these shops SO much: www.etsy.com/shop/sarahseven  www.etsy.com/shop/LoBoheme

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

Out of the Box Wedding Ideas

For couples looking for something a little different, handmade designs offer lots of choices. Some of the most interesting can be repurposed objects used in new, unexpected ways. Looking to show your originality? Here are 5 handmade wedding items from the Etsy Wedding Team that break out of the norm.


Flowers that aren’t. Button bouquets can be a sweet permanent floral arrangement that works well for vintage and glamorous weddings alike. Other interesting permanent floral ideas include clay flowers and fabric flowers. {handmade by www.letters4lilly.etsy.com}


Ring Pillows that aren’t. There’s great variety in ring pillows for your wedding. And increasingly there’s lots of choice in non-pillow options as well. Ceramic, baskets and even carved wood are some unique ideas for handmade weddings. {handmade by www.dawndalto.etsy.com}


Save the dates that do. Who says your stationery has to be actual stationery. With bookmarks, magnets, calendars and even floppy disks, couples tend to have a little more fun with their save the dates. But you can also carry that into your later wedding stationery, especially if you have a strong theme. {handmade by www.KembaCelebrations.etsy.com}


Guest books that aren’t. How about a guest box instead where guest write notes for the couple on cards? Other ideas for unique guest books: postcards, fabric and stones that guests can leave personal messages on. {handmade by www.cutthecakedesigns.etsy.com}



Necklaces without jewelry. Fabric necklaces can be even more stunning than jeweled ones. In addition to fabric flowers, lace, beading and clay appliqués can add beauty and interest to your bridal necklace. {handmade by www.hairbowswonderworld.etsy.com}

For more unique handmade wedding ideas, 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 Wedding Theme: Birds

Birds can be a perfect theme for weddings. Weddings do center around love birds after all. From the Etsy Wedding Team, here are five ways to incorporate birds into your wedding style.

Iconic Birds. With a bird theme you can use birds as a large graphic element, or as part of a larger design as seen in this wedding invitation. {handmade by www.DesignCircus.etsy.com}

Nests. Play off the idea of birds by incorporating nests. From alternative ring pillows to jewelry there are many ways to use nest designs during your ceremony and reception. {handmade by www.bobbijordan.etsy.com}

Feathers. Both whimsical and elegant, feathers add texture and dimension to wedding designs. {handmade by www.Mikiye.etsy.com}

Bird Seed. For the send off or as wedding favors, bird seed can carry a bird theme to the very end of your wedding. {handmade by www.2birdsinlove.etsy.com}

Peacocks. Great for vintage and elegant weddings, peacocks can be used to add high style to your wedding. {handmade by www.cutthecakedesigns.etsy.com}

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

Item of the day: One of a kind vintage hair comb from Romancing The Bling

Today's item of the day is a OOAK (one of a kind) Vintage Rhinestone Hair Comb from Romancing The Bling. The seller describes this piece as "A One of a Kind Heirloom piece of hair jewelry to be enjoyed and handed down through your family."

This piece is both beautiful and multifunctional as it serves as a hair piece, and as your something blue for your big day.



For more info on this piece please visit http://RomancingTheBling.etsy.com

Some RedSpiration!

Featured from Left to Right: mikiye, beadz2pleaz, artisticedition, hairbowswonderworld, yandebridal, arippke, originalsbylynnette, parsi, and invitesbyjen.

These items were found searching etsyweddingteam + red on etsy.

The Gift of Wedding Style

Wedding designs are often beautiful and stunning. You can actually bring that style into the everyday with gifts for your loved ones. Certain wedding items can easily make wonderful holiday and birthday presents. Here are 5 ideas for handmade wedding designs that would make special gifts.

Jewelry. Wedding necklaces, bracelets and earrings range from simple and elegant to dramatic. So in addition to evening wear, some items will be wonderful everyday jewelry. {handmade by www.handmadebydiana.etsy.com}



For the Home. Many reception items, such as servers and table accessories, can actually be unique pieces for special occasion and everyday use. {handmade by www.Beadz2Pleaz.etsy.com}



Personal Stationery. Add the names of family and friends for beautiful and cherished notes and cards. {handmade by www.GlitzyEvents.etsy.com}


Clothing. Bridal and bridesmaid accessories, such as purses and shawls, are classic gifts with added style. {handmade by www.TickledPinkKnits.etsy.com}


Hair Accessories. Beautiful handcrafted designs for hair make unexpected and special gifts. {handmade by www.TessaKim.etsy.com}

Browse the Etsy Wedding Team artists on the left for more unique handmade wedding designs.

Bridesmaid Handmade Gift Guide 2: Jewelry

Jewelry. It’s the classic bridesmaid gift. And for good reason. Years after your wedding day, your bridesmaids will be wearing your gifts and thinking of you.

It may be traditional. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still surprise your bridesmaids with jewelry. Here are five ways to spice up that classic gift with handmade designs that they’ll treasure for years to come. {Handmade jewelry by www.blithebride.etsy.com}




Glam it up. Added sparkle can go a long way. Two or more gems and stones that usually shine on their own really make a statement when put together. {Handmade jewelry by www.belcanto.etsy.com}



Round it off. Contemporary shapes add a sleek, modern look to jewelry that easily goes from day to evening. {Handmade jewelry by www.bmjnyc.etsy.com}



Wear art. One-of-a-kind designs for one-of-a-kind bridesmaids. Unusual and distinctive jewelry can make your bridesmaids feel like one in a million. {Handmade jewelry by www.RomancingTheBling.etsy.com}




Modernize the materials. You aren’t limited to gems and pearls. Metal, blown glass and other materials can also be intricate and beautiful as jewelry pieces. {Handmade jewelry by www.ValerieTyler.etsy.com}




Mix old with new. Vintage jewelry can be a personal way to thank your bridesmaids. And when paired with newer jewelry or jewelry pieces, the result can be quite unique. {Handmade jewelry by www.OriginalsByLynnette.etsy.com}

For more originality with bridal jewelry, browse the handmade jewelry by Etsy Wedding Team artisans (listed on the left).

Next week in The Bridesmaid Handmade Gift Guide 3: Alternative Ideas

5 Planning Tips for a Memorable Handmade Wedding

{This sign is by www.SignsByDiane.etsy.com}

The best weddings are felt in the details.

They capture the mood of the day that we remember most. And handmade details show the care and thought behind your special day. Use these 5 tips to make your wedding more memorable with handmade details:

1. Make the Moments Special
What are the most important wedding and reception moments to you? Opening the invitation? The walk down the aisle? When guests enter the reception? The guest book signing? The cake cutting?

Look for handmade touches to make your favorite moments shine.

{This necklace is by www.jurgitahandmade.etsy.com}





2. Add Surprise
From modern to traditional weddings, an unexpected touch delights your guests and makes your wedding unlike any other. Find something that makes you smile and it will brighten your wedding as well.

Want quick inspiration? Break out of the box by browsing through handmade items made by the Etsy Wedding Team.

{These cake toppers are by www.dandelionland.etsy.com}


3. Share the Love
No matter the size of your guest list, sharing something you love will make the gathering feel more intimate. Whether it’s your culture, sense of style or some of your favorite things, you become more connected to guests when they see you in your design choices.

Find handmade items that speak to you and can speak for you. {These cake servers are by www.Beadz2Pleaz.etsy.com}



4. Define Your Style
When you are looking for pieces from a variety of artists and vendors, it’s important to unify them. An easy way to do that is to choose a style or define a mood for your wedding. That way as you are shopping, you can easily see what works.

And because handmade items can fit almost any style, you’ll still have lots of choices. {This invitation is by www.maidavale.etsy.com}

5. Be Free with Color
Think beyond 2 colors and choose a color palette for your wedding of 3 to 5 colors. This will give you more choices as you are seeking out unique pieces. And what you create will be more visually interesting and result in a more creative design. {This bouquet is by www.AmoreBride.etsy.com}

Do you have more ideas or tips for how to use handmade details to make weddings special? Share them here. Get more inspiration on Etsy by searching “etsyweddingteam”.

A Etsy Wedding Treasury!

This gorgeous treasury was curated by Elena of TickledPinkKnits.

Crystaline Clarification- An Interview with Xabia Jewels

Our featured artist today is Sheri of Xabia Jewels. She handcrafts beautiful and unique jewelry, and offers custom design services for brides to be. Read on for the scintillating details!

1. Where are you located?
Richmond, Virginia

2. Tell us a little about yourself.
My passion is jewelry. I love to envision, design, and create beautiful pieces. I have always worked full-time within Corporate America but since going part-time have been able to pursue some of the interests that I could only imagine I would ever be able to do on my own time, such as jewelry creation.

3. What special things do you create for weddings?
My expertise would be the creation of bridal sets to include: necklace, earrings, and bracelets for the entire wedding party.

4. Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?
I would say I was turned on to creating wedding jewelry as I was doing so for friends and family. Also, my desire to make each bride’s BIG DAY special to her as it should be.

5. What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting? One of my pieces was recently highlighted in the swag bags that were presented to celebrity guests attending the Grand Gala event of the Kentucky Derby this year. (Link to article)

6. If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?
My day was perfect…I couldn’t have asked for more.

7. What is your favorite wedding song?
“If this world were mine” – Luther Vandross

8. What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
I would say that the time of a couple’s courtship prior to the BIG DAY is my favorite, most important and special because it’s the beginning of creating beautiful memories that will last forever and continue after the wedding day.

9. What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
Jamaica, mon!

10. If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
Wow! Good question…hmmm.

11. If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?
My crystal cluster necklace. It is absolutely stunning!

12. Links where we can find out more about your work: www.xabiajewel.com and http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjewels/

Etsy Wedding Team is Official!

Yes, it's true. The Etsy Wedding team, has "officially" been declared a bonafide team by Etsy. What does that mean? It means that this team has the official go ahead to bring brides and grooms the best wedding products, and to market collectively as a team. (That means one stop, no fuss shopping!) I thought to celebrate, I'd showcase just a few of the unique wedding items that have been created by team members. You can find more unique items by visiting team members links to the right or by visiting our TeamPage on Etsy.

Golden Spring Faerie Queen Mini Crown

$110 from UpFromtheAshes

Something Blue Brides Bracelet from Kgarnerdesigns, $34.00

French Beaded Forget-Me-Not Boutonniere

$13.00 from BeadsinBloom
Love Birds in the Garden
$77.00 from Middleburg